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PBMH 2 ; EPISOPDE 8

PBMH 2; EPISODE 8

EPISODE 8

                Dora was sitting with Toni and Gideon when I returned. “Hi sis, having a good evening?” I asked, taking a seat.

                                “It couldn’t be better. Jake did a great job.” She said. She paused and swallowed. “Where is Jake?”

                I sighed. “He’s gone home.”

                                “Why? He didn’t even say he was leaving.”

                I rolled my eyes. “It was an emergency; he had to take KP home.”

                                “KP came?”

                Gideon and Toni gasped. “Isn’t KP your man?” they chorused.

                                “Ya…but he told me that he couldn’t make it, and it turns out he showed up without even letting me know.” She replied dumbly.

                I yanked Dora by the arm away from the table out of the crowd. “KP is your boyfriend and you are having a breach in your relationship, what effort are you doing to salvage it?”

                She threw her hand away furiously and pulled her hair back from her mouth. “KP and I are fine. I don’t know where he is getting his silly ideas from but we are fine. I’ll talk to him. I chose him because I love him.”

                                “I hope so.” I replied and started to walk away.

                She hissed. “Why are you concerned with our relationship? Or is it because of Jake?”

                I paused momentarily and rubbed my forehead. I had to think intelligently, I didn’t want Dora to think that Jake didn’t matter so much, when he did. “What does Jake have to do with this?”

                                “Kolapo thinks I am seeing Jake and I feel you are on KP’s side on this matter, or aren’t you?”

                I smiled and shrugged. “Jake is an adult, you are also an adult, you know what is best for you. I just think Kolapo is a good guy, and he doesn’t deserve to be pushed aside.”

                                “Is that all what concerns you? Are you not scared of losing Jake?”

                A fake smile lurked around my lips. “Why should I be? Jake is not my possession.” I smiled. “Let’s get party.”

                                “Darlene, are you jealous?” she asked seriously.

                I didn’t turn to face her. “I’ll be with Gideon and Toni.” I said and walked away.

                                “You guys were taking forever.” Gideon said, pouring himself a drink.

                Toni made the hand to the ear gesture. “Gideon says a lot of blabber….blabber”

                                “Honey, why do you love to humiliate me?” he asked with a smile.

                She smiled. “You are so adorable when you speak like that.”

                They kissed and I admired the passion in it. They were young and so in love. Dora’s return to the table interrupted the kiss. Gideon cleared his throat.

                                “Hi Dora, Hope you are having a good evening.” He said, cleaning his collar. Toni’s lip-stick had stained it.

                Toni laughed. “Gideon, you are so silly honey. You think I love to humiliate you, but here you are smearing lip stick all over your shirt in a bid to clean it.”

                We all laughed.

                                “Can I share in the joke?”

                We turned to see Dare standing behind us. ‘Just what I needed to ruin my evening’

                                “Hi Dare” Toni said.        

                He smiled and took his seat. “Toni, good to see you tonight” He said. He turned towards Gideon. “Hey Man, how are you doing?” he said, offering his hand.

                                “Good. Good food, Good music, Good beer and a Good wife. Of course, I am doing good.” He replied taking the handshake.

                Dare smiled at Dora. “Congratulations, you are looking beautiful tonight.”

                She smiled courteously. “Thank you Dare, you look smart.”

                He nodded in appreciation and took a deep breath. “Darlene, good evening”

                                “I am no monster.” I replied with a smile. “Good evening, Dare.” I said and left the table for the house.

                Dare caught up with me on my way to the house. “Darlene…erm…ah….” He sighed and tried to compose himself. “Darlene, you look beautiful tonight.”

                                “Is that what you chased me down here for?”

                He frowned slightly. “A ‘thank you’ won’t hurt.” He replied.

                                “Thank you.” I said hastily. In my heart, I was in no hurry.

                He sighed. “I am done here.” He said and walked away.

                I refrained from almost calling his name. I left for my room and started to read some journals for the case against Chidi Obi. It was late into midnight before I retired to bed. I punched my pillows hard as I struggled to find some sleep, still I couldn’t. I tried to play some Enya music on my deck but it wasn’t working tonight. So I decided to take a walk to the kitchen. Maybe I could resume my eating disorder like when I was still a lonely teenager. I had battled with my emotions as a teenager. I did a lot of thinking on my own and it made me mature so early.

                Grandma had said to me one day, “Ya growing too fast. You need to slow down kiddo, and live with your mates.”

                I had resulted into eating so much after bedtime, it had helped my loneliness. I opened the fridge and fetched a loaf of bread and a jar of Jam. I had almost gotten to half of the loaf when I stated to doze in the kitchen.

                                “Do you miss your Mom?”

                I raised my head almost immediately. “What did you say?” I asked, staring at Dora’s mother.

                                “I meant, when you saw me taking Dora up the podium, did you miss your mother?”

                I sighed and put the bread back into the fridge. “I don’t have to discuss this with you.”

                She scoffed. “Who else could you talk to?”

                                “I didn’t have a mother for 24 years, why would I need one now?”

                She smiled cautiously. “You are just like Danielle.” She said, and turned away.

                                “Excuse me? How did you know my mother’s name?” I asked, abruptly.

                She smirked. “My bad! I almost forgot you are a lawyer, how dare I put your detective skills to test?”

                                “Woman, how do you know my mother?” I asked aggressively.

                She smiled. “I like this position where you are. Danielle always got aggressive; it won’t help you against Subomi.”

                                “Are you now stalking my life?”

                She took her seat. “The case against Subomi is public, everyone knows. I am not one to stalk lives; you already had ‘Daniel the psycho’ around you for long.”

                                “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?” I yelled.

                She shook her head in disagreement. “Take it easy young lady; you would soon start swearing when you take on Bankole. You need to persevere, Profession up against Passion.”

                                “Get out of here.”

                She smiled. “Am I in your head, Darlene?”

                I had few drops of perspiration gathering on my forehead. I could feel hot sweat trickle down my back. “I don’t want to see you again. How do you know my mother?”

                                “I don’t have to lie to you. I have always liked your Dad, Dora was the emergence of a one night stand to him, but to me, it was something I had all planned in my head. I had envisioned my life with him for a very long time.” She replied, fetching an apple from the fruit bowl.

                I snarled. “You wanted my mom’s life! I always knew something about Dora was wrong, now it’s all clear, and to think I love that girl. I will make you both pay for coming into our lives.”

                                “Forget about Dora. The tiny idiot is innocent, she was so excited to know that you were her step-sister, she has so much respect for you, don’t lose it on my account.” She hurried and paused. “Darlene, I always wanted your mom’s life and I won’t lie about that. I got a child, that was fair, but I never got Williams’s love, that was bad.”

                I broke down in tears.

                                “Cry harder, that’s the only way to get it all out. Fight for justice, you really want to hit me, what is restraining you?”

                I yelled louder.

                                “Composure Darlene, Composure. That’s all you need against Subomi.”

                I screamed out in fear and crawled up near the sink. I was trembling now. “Leave me alone….” I yelled out in fear.

                                “Subomi won’t leave you alone, he is gonna fight till he tears you apart, you are a rookie and he’ll prove it before the whole world. A rookie can’t beat a pro, you will be a testimony to that fact.”

                I cried harder. “I’ll beat Subomi.” I said weakly.

                                “I didn’t hear you. Is the fire of determination burning right in you?”

                I cried out. “I’ll beat Subomi.”

                                “I see fear, frail and anger. Give me the passion that beat Jumoke Bankole, show me the Darlene Williams who breezed through almighty Professor Dean’s class at Harvard University. Show me the Darlene who puts aside her emotions and fights like a real winner. Give me the attitude of a winner!!!” she yelled furiously.

                                “I WILL BEAT SUBOMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII” I screamed out in tears.

                She hugged me tightly. “You’ll be fine by God’s grace.” 

                I woke up in my bed with Dad by my side. As soon as I saw Dora’s mother, I jumped up in fear. “She’s dangerous. She hypnotized me.” I shouted out.

                                “For all the right reasons.” She said, raising the curtains.

                Dad stared at me. “Will she be fine?” he asked.

                                “She will.” She replied.

                I stared at them. “What is going on here?”

                                “She is a psychologist. I want you to be in the right frame of mind before you take on Subomi.”

                I gasped. “So you knew she was hurting me? Dad, she always wanted my mom’s life. She made you sleep with her.”

                He nodded in agreement. “She told me all that too. Let’s put it aside and get you together.”

                                “Why are you interested in the case now?”

                He shrugged. “My fiancée made me understand how badly I have treated you. She has been talking to me and now I understand that I have been a bad father to you, so I just felt that this is the least I can do.”

                I stared at Dora’s mother and she smiled. Was she expecting a thank-you for giving me my father’s attention? “So do you think I am stable to take on Subomi?” I asked.

                                “Not yet, but I feel fire in you. You have a burning desire that can’t be quenched. If you attack Subomi without respect, you will do fine.”

                I nodded and grabbed my bathing suit. “I have to finalize my driving lessons today. I will see you all later.” I said, and stepped into the bathroom.

               

PBMH 2 ; EPISODE 7

PBMH 2; EPISODE 7

EPISODE 7

                                “I would like to welcome you all to the coming out event of my second daughter.” Dad started. “For 24 year, Darlene Williams has been the only recognized daughter I have to the spotlight, but now, I would love to introduce my younger daughter, Dora Williams.”

                The crowd cheered as Dora stepped out. She was accompanied to the mini podium by her mother. Dora wore a black velvet evening gown, she had her hair beautifully styled and she was looking more radiant than ever. I cheered as she stepped forward. She smiled at me. The paparazzi did what they were known for; they started taking her pictures with Dad. I maintained a heavy smile as I feared that if a frown was spotted, I would be tagged as the ‘unhappy step sister’ in the morning tabloids. Especially now that Millaroca was at the event, you don’t to be dubbed twice by those guys. I had my first wash when I appeared like a clown at fifteen.

                                “Before we go further, I would love to acknowledge the presence of Dora’s mother, Dami Oluwole.” Dad introduced. She received applauds from some people and I could hear some indistinct chatters from the crowd. ‘I hear she was a prostitute’ ‘yeah, I heard that story too.’ ‘It only means that he was unfaithful to Danielle.’ ‘I think it was after her death.’ Okay! I had heard enough from the crowd about my sister’s mother and probably my step mother, if my guess about Dad was right. I stepped away from the pool side where the party was being held to get a glass of champagne.

                                “You look beautiful tonight.”

                I turned swiftly to see Wole Shodipo standing behind me. “Thank you. Wole Shodipo, right?”

                                “Yes, I am.” He replied, adjusting his tie. “So how does it feel not to be an only child anymore?” he asked, smiling.

                I smiled, trying to hide my anger. Anything that would pull the press had to be avoided including Wole Shodipo. “Where’s Wura?”

                                “She’s somewhere around the corner with her husband.”

                                “Wura is married?”

                He nodded in agreement. “Yes, and to a loser for that matter. I hate the guy; I guess you know him,” he said rubbing his beards. “Dotun Davis from high school?”

                I almost dropped my glass. “Dotun?” Dotun Davis never told me he was married, well I never asked. “Why do you hate him?”

                                “Nothing in particular, the guy has always been a fool. First, he drooled over you in silence at high school and later, he was kicking it with my sister after she left Jacob.” He said and paused. I could guess he was about to mention Jake. “Where’s Jacob? I guess you guys are still fooling yourselves about being best friends. Better get real.” He said and gulped his drink.

                I swallowed hard. “Wole, Jake and I are friends like we have always been.”

                                “And I bet you fools are still single.”

                I frowned. “Wole, we are not fools. We are friends and that is it.”

                                “Don’t get worked up beautiful, your being single is good news for me.” He sighed and continued. “Where is Jake? I haven’t seen that loser around.”

                I clenched my teeth. “Jacob isn’t a loser!”           

                                “Did somebody mention my name?” Jake asked as he joined us smiling.

                Wole smiled and stretched out his hand. “Hey man. You are still alive.”

                                “I’ll survive.” Jake replied and shook his hand firmly.

                Wole was the first to withdraw from the handshake. “There was a lot of tension in your hand man. How is Jane?”

                                “She is doing fine.”

                Wole and Jake seemed to be engaging themselves in some cheap discussion so I set out to find Wura and Dotun. Well as they say, a bundle of joy is a bundle is joy. Things change a lot after high school, especially when you don’t see some friends until later. I didn’t meet Wura and Dotun alone, they were with a baby. That makes the bundle of joy!

                                “Hi Dotun.” I said with a sly grin

                He smiled. “Hi Darlene, erm…meet my wife, Wura.”

                                “Hi Wura Shodipo, oh, Wura Davis.” I said, almost mockingly.

                She smiled. “I know you are not happy to see me here. But it’s okay; your dad said its fine. Meet my daughter, Temi Davis.” I bent over and touched the baby’s cheek. It brought back a lot of memories. I thought of my childhood and being without a mother for the larger part of it and about Dare losing his child due to his irresponsibility.

                                “Be a good mother, oh, I mean be good parents.” I said and walked away.

                Dotun chased behind. He pulled my hand. “Darlene, I should have told you about Wura and I. I am sorry.”

                                “Why are you sorry? I never asked. And it doesn’t matter, does it?” I asked. Dotun wore a tensed look. “Never mind, Have yourself a good evening. I have to meet up with my family.”

                I joined the rest of the audience at the pool. “Special recognition to my daughter and pride, Darlene Williams.” I raised my glass in acknowledgement and joined them for a group photograph. I didn’t join in the photo session for long as I went over to Toni and Gideon.

                                “So Dare managed to man up to you, I think he has finally done what a man should do.” Toni started.

                Gideon nodded in agreement. “I think it’s time you ‘woman up’ to him and both of you should end this suspense. Or isn’t it getting too boring for you both?” he asked.

                I laughed. “I have no idea of what you are saying Gideon”

                                “Sure you do baby. You are just trying to hide it.” He added, as he sipped his drink. “Been long since I experienced a normal gathering apart from being with the boys, so glad to be here.”

                I could understand Gideon’s joy. It took me back to when I was done with law school and Dad had a party thrown in my honor. I had been watched by Dad’s protocol to ensure I worked hard and got s first class honors. I had to maintain the family’s standards.

“It’s always been a first class honors for the Williams” Dad had said. “Thanks for keeping the lineage intact.” He added patting me on the back at my convocation ceremony.

                Jake was the only friend I had at Harvard. People were too scared to come around. Dad made me untouchable. My thoughts were interrupted as Gideon continued.

                                “You should search your heart more honey, I really don’t know if Dare is the perfect guy for you, as there’s no such thing as perfect for me, but I believe you guys will do fine.”

                I nodded, not in agreement, but because I was tired of the ‘Dare sermon’. I needed a break from myself. I looked round and saw Kolapo drinking alone so I went over to him.

                                “Hi KP, are you having a good evening?”

                He smiled faintly. “Not really. Can you believe that Dora hasn’t said a word to me all night?”

                                “Why is that? Are you guys having problems?”

                He shrugged. “I don’t know, she’s been distant of late. I guess her job has her attention. It’s been a while since we had a decent conversation.”

                                “Have you guys tried talking?”

                He shook his head. “She won’t talk. She’s always too busy to talk. I am frustrated.” He said, drinking his whisky.

                Dora was committing a crime. She was neglecting KP for Jake, and things were going to get worse if I didn’t step in. Jake joined us almost immediately.

                                “KP, are you acting the lonely boy script tonight?” he asked, patting KP’s back.

                KP smiled faintly. “What can a man do? His woman is busy with the spotlight and when she isn’t busy with the spotlight, she’s busy with her job.”

                                “Man, she just changed jobs; you just have to grab her fast.” Jake replied, reaching for a glass of champagne from the waiter.

                KP laughed. “You are doing that well, aren’t you?”

                                “What are you saying, KP?” Jake asked, sipping his drink.

                KP hissed. “Don’t pretend with me man, Dora is all drawn to you of late, have you guys started sleeping together?”

                                “You are drunk, you need to go home.” Jake said, dropping the glass.

                Honestly, I wanted to hear the truth but I wouldn’t have Dora’s party ruined by two guys, so I did what a big sister would do, STEP IN! “Cool it guys, KP, let’s get some air.”

                                “You are not going anywhere with him.” Jake said, pulling my hand.

                I yanked my hand from him. “Jacob, let me handle this.”

                                “KP is just drunk, let him clear his head, but not with you.”

                KP threw his whisky can to the floor. “Then let’s settle it Jake.”

                                “Okay Jacob, I don’t want a scene. KP, please let’s go.” I said, pulling KP out of the party. Jake followed us. We stepped out of the house and walked down the estate.

                KP stopped abruptly and tried to hit Jake but stuttered to the floor. He was dead drunk. “Darlene, just go in. I will handle this.” Jake said.

                                “What are you going to fix, Jacob?” I flashed angrily at him.

                Jake sighed. “You can’t fix everything Darlene, your life is a mess too. This is a guy who thinks I am going out with his girlfriend.”

                                “Are you not?” I asked dumbly.

                                “DARLENE??? Even if you don’t trust me, what about Dora?” he said with a tone of anger in his voice. “Dora and I are just friends, just like you and I.”

                KP sprawled out on the floor. I turned round to see some pressmen gathering. “Pressmen! Jake, do something.”

                Jake joined KP on the floor and I brought out my digital camera from my purse and started a joke.

                                “You guys look so cute, don’t you?”I said.  Jake laughed and tickled KP a bit.

                The pressmen around joined in the foolish joke. “Is this a surprise for Dora?” one of them asked me.

                                “Of course, we are trying to make a fun video so she can remember today.” I replied, laughing.

                He sighed. “If this video gets on YouTube, you guys are gonna go rated, because these are top socialites sprawling on the floor in the estate.”

                                “We would do anything for love, won’t we?” I asked Jake and KP.

                                “Yeah, we would.” They both replied.

                We dismissed the pressmen almost immediately and Jake helped KP into his car. “I will take him home, if Dora asks, he’s at my place.”

                                “Don’t beat him Jake.” I said smiling.

                Jake smiled faintly. “We are good. I am not sleeping with Dora, Darlene.”

                I sighed and nodded. “It’s okay; you don’t have to explain this to me. You are an adult.”

                                “Darlene…erm…even I was, are you jealous?” he asked.

                I coughed slightly and said. “Why should I be? It’s not like we are more than friends.”

                                “I understand.” He replied, and drove off.

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PBMH 2, EPISODE 6

PBMH 2; EPISODE 6

EPISODE 06

                                JUST BEFORE YOU SAY NO

                        I really don’t know how to start this. If I am gonna write it like a poem, it will be a mess.

                        So, I crave your indulgence to let me write in the way I can.

                        Darlene, I apologize for how aggressive I have been in approaching you. This is because

                        I have never really learnt the proper way to love like Romeo or Shakespeare.

                        I have been more like Othello

                        Darlene, I have never met anyone so forthright with me, so honest, so true.

                        All those attributes in you turned me on and it has made me see everything I need in a woman in you.

                        Forgive me if these tenses are not the way you would appreciate, but I would love you to see the sincerity in my words.

                        I am a man who has loved and lost. Or maybe, I loved wrongly. But now, I am ready to do it right, if you will let me.

                        I can’t find the words to express how much I was trapped by your simple beauty the first day you stepped into my office.

                        The way you retorted at me when I dished out orders made me feel wrong for the first time.

                        I never had anyone talk to me so ‘rude’ but with honesty in it. The first day we went to the park together was memorable for me.

                        It brought back loving memories into my heart. I felt loved. The first time I raced in the park was with my mom.

                        Darlene, I love being perfect, but with you, I don’t fear being wrong. You are all the gold I have got.

                        Even if you will refuse me, don’t leave Ade-Cole, I don’t mind living with you and another man. I’ll be a wreck if you leave.

                        I know you’ll say, ‘you were existing before I walked by’, but what am I to do when I have built everything around you?

                        Darlene, I can’t live with my feelings heavy in my heart. This has been the hardest thing to do for me because I have tried to hide this part of me.

                        I love you Darlene. I know you are disappointed with me, but if you can give me this opportunity, I am willing to make the best out of it.

                        I want to love you Darlene. Please give me a chance.

                                                                                                Dare

I sighed and read the letter over again for the second time. I relaxed against the giant mirror and let some air down my stream. “Don’t make this any harder for me, Dare.” I murmured and left for the living room

                                                “Welcome Ms. Williams.” One of the maids greeted as she met me on the stairs.

                I flashed at her angrily. “You already did that when I came in! How many times do you want to say ‘welcome’?”

                She bowed apologetically. “I am sorry ma’am, but I can’t remember seeing you today.”

                                                “I reckon. I am sorry.” I replied and walked away.

                Dora dropped the phone as soon as I walked into the living room. “What a temper sis, what did the poor girl do to you?” she asked.

                I folded Dare’s letter carefully and joined her on the sofa. “Dad wants two guests added to your invite. They are mates from high school”

                                                “You already told me that when we had dinner.” She replied with a grin. “Anyways, aren’t you guys close?”

                I shrugged. “We weren’t close. They were mean chaps.”

                                                “So why does Dad want them around us?” she asked as she jotted something into a paper and folded it carefully.

                I maintained a firm look. “I really have no idea but all I know is that I expect a better behavior from them. I saw them last at high school.” I noticed Dora wasn’t really paying attention to what I was saying; she was more interested in tucking the paper into her purse. I sat down and said, “One of them used to date Jake; I think old flames would spark. He really liked her.” Dora jolted. Exactly what I wanted and where I wanted her, Dora seemed to like Jacob.

                She managed a light smile. “I have to run now. There’s this place I should be taking photos now.” She said, clutching her Nikon Digital Camera to her neck. She looked smart in her black polo shirt and denim jeans. She had an All Star snickers to match.

                                                “Is there something you are hiding from me?” I asked, trying not to look at her.

                I stole a quick glance as she rolled her eyes and held the door handle. “I am fine Darlene.” She smiled faintly and walked out.

                                                “Damn it!” I yelled as she walked out. Dora is falling for Jake. Who wouldn’t? The idiot is single, hot and idle! I was tempted to dial Jake and ask him about Dora but I restrained myself from it as I didn’t want to appear like the ‘jealous housewife’.

                In the end, I didn’t have to call Jake because as soon as I finished ruminating over Jake and Dora, he appeared at my doorstep with Jane. So I didn’t have to worry about him and Dora being together.

                                                “Halo Jane.” I said as we air kissed.

                Jake hissed as he stepped inside. “Why do ladies always deceive themselves with this ‘air kissing’ thing? You guys are really not close.”

                                                “We used to be before Jane became business oriented and started travelling around the world, unlike you.”

                He nodded, not convinced. “Where’s Dora?” he asked, slumping into the sofa.

                                                “She had some photo sessions to do this evening. I guess she was targeting the sunset.”

                He frowned slightly. “She didn’t tell me. I told her I was coming over.”

                                                “Why? Does she have to tell you anything?” I asked, staring at Jane worryingly.

                He shrugged. “I just thought she would tell Me.” he said and left for the kitchen.

                                                “What’s with Jacob?” I asked her as we sat down.

                                                “Frankly, I don’t know. All I know is that he is busy with Dora’s event like it’s his, which I think is a good attitude, maybe he should take up a job as an event planner.”

                I laughed. “Jake is a graduate of Architecture.”

                                                “Yes, but he hasn’t even sketched a kennel in years.” She adjusted on the sofa. “I think he has lost touch of his passion.”    

                I nodded in agreement. “Jake has some catching up on life to do. Do you want anything from the fridge?” I asked, standing up.

                                                “Fayrouz please, I have slowly begun to like that drink.”

                I nodded with all smiles. “You are in the right house. That’s my best drink.” I said and left for the kitchen.

                Jake was in the kitchen making himself some noodles. “You could have asked me to do it.” I said, getting two bottles of Fayrouz from the fridge.

                                                “I didn’t want to disturb you.” He said and grinned wickedly. “Besides, it’s not like you can cook it the way I want.” He said, flashing his teeth. “And Dora isn’t also here to cook it.”

                Much-a-do about a noodle. Now it turns out that my sister would cook noodles better. “What else can she do better?” I asked and walked out.

                                                “Here you go.” I said, handing Jane the bottle of Fayrouz.

                She gulped heavily. “Forgive my manners; I prefer going direct on the bottle.”

                                                “It’s alright. It makes two people.” I joked as I drank.

                She sighed. “Are you ever going to date Jake?” she asked looking serious.

                Gladly, the kitchen was not too close to the living room. I took a quick check at the hallway to be sure that Jake wasn’t in sight. “What are you saying, Jane?”

                                                “Come on Darlene, at least you can be real with me about your feelings for Jacob. Ever since you guys have been friends since we were little, I know you had a special place for him in your heart, even Granma says so.”

                Granma! Jane just reminded me of my grandmother. When Jake and Jane used to come over for Tea and Cookies on Sunday evenings, Granma would tell us all stories and then she always said, she knew I would end up with Jake. One day she had said: “You guys are gonna make a great couple. You like each other genuinely.”

                                                “Jane, things have changed.” I started. “We were kids then and besides, Jake has never said anything about this.”

                She rolled her eyes. “What about you, Darlene?” she asked with a questioning look waiting for an answer that I was in no mood to give. “Look Darlene, in a matter of weeks I will be off to Germany or New York and who knows where, and I will want to know that my brother is fine. Jake is a man who seems to solve a lot of problems but he is a case of an unanswered question with you.” She started.

                                                “You know Jane; let’s not push this discussion any further. Jake is a grown man and he knows want he wants.”

                She nodded. “Of course Darlene, but the question is, “Are you good for him?” Darlene, you are the most simple girl that has made herself complicated and I fear that it might just rub off on Jake’s emotions.” Now I was silent. Jane’s words seem to be sending an arrow into my body and I wasn’t even trying to dodge any. “You and Jake would be a match made in heaven, how much I would love to see that day if you let it happen, but I don’t want you to break my brother’s heart.” She said, standing up.

                Jane’s last statement was one arrow I just dodged. “Jane, Jake and I are adults and if anything would happen between us, it would be mature, not based on impulse. All you have for now about Jake and I are just impulses and assumptions. Just forget about it and finish your Fayrouz.” I said, smiling.

                She nodded in agreement. “You are still the same old Darlene, always finding ways to avoid the inevitable. It will catch up with you someday, you know.”

                                                “Till then, allow me enjoy the free ride.” I replied, with a grin.

                Jake joined us in the living room with his bowl of noodles. “Anyone wants some?” he asked dipping his fork into the bowl. “It’s better than drinking on Fayrouz ladies.”

                                                “Bon appetite!” Jane said and strolled out. I followed her.

                I tried catching up with Jane who walked hastily. “Wait up Jane, what’s with the speed?”

                                                “Forgive me Darlene, there’s this place I have got to be now.” She said, adjusting her top.

                I sighed. “Aren’t you leaving with Jake?”

                                                “Nah, he’ll find his way; besides you guys have to talk about Dora’s event.” She said and we hugged.

                I returned into the house. Jake was finishing up his noodles and watching highlights from the English Premiership. “Chelsea is doing good this season, I missed out on last week’s game and with Hazard and Oscar in that team, they are running everyone ragged.” I rolled my eyes as he chattered. I am a Chelsea fan, but at this moment, I was in no mood to discuss sports. I saw the last EPL game, he didn’t have to remind me.

                                                “Jake, I saw the game. If you mind, we can talk about you getting a job.”

                He laughed. “What do I need a job for? I am not broke.”

                                                “Jacob, you don’t have to be broke before you need a job. I know you have tones of investment in the stock market, but the market isn’t faring well these days and you know it.”

                He nodded. “Dad will loan me.”

                                                “JAKE!!! Can you hear yourself? You are lazy! Jane is doing all the work and what do you do? You wake up, drive around town, go to the club, get drunk, and hook up with some call girl downtown so you don’t get daddy’s name soiled and all. That’s no way to live Jake.”

                Jake stared at me hard and wiped a tear from his face. He swallowed hard and sighed. “I don’t hook up with call girls.” He said firmly.

                There was so much tear welling in his eyes. “Jake, you don’t have to do this, I am sorry.”

                                                “Where is this coming from, Darlene?” he asked and walked out.

                Where is this coming from, Darlene? Isn’t it obvious? It is from a girl who just said what she has been meaning to say in years just because she’s jealous!