STOLEN SOUL

Cast

Narrator: Tomi

Bimpe: A friend and colleague 

Femi: Tomi's brother

Lanre: A close family friend Victor & shade: college friends

Chapter 1

Back at my apartment

I walked through the door and headed for the kitchen dropping my bags on the floor in the lobby, poured myself a cup of cold juice and sat at the table.....

(thinking)

who was that guy at the airport? Why does he look and feel so familiar?

Drank what's left of the juice and went to prepare a bath for myself, I deserved it after a long flight and successful meeting.

Took my clothes off and stepped into the bathtub.

Eyes closed as I reminisce the whole event of the day and smiled to myself....

Heard my phone ring twice but didn't want to get out of the tub just yet.

After 30 min of soaking myself and having a clean bath,I returned to my room and turned my laptop on deciding to do some work before retiring for the night.

My phone rang again....it was Bimpe....

Hi Bimpe, I said as I picked up

Hey girl, been trying to reach you since morning....are you ok?

Yea I'm good, just settled in.

So how was it? She asked expectedly

It was alright

Just alright?? Details please...

So I went through the presentation and told her the investors were ready to do business with us.

Really? She asked excitedly and screamed with joy.

The deal isn't finished yet so calm down, I'm meeting with them soon to finalise everything.

I don't care...this is huge, I knew you'd be perfect for it,this is the biggest deal we've made in the company, we sure hell can bank on the upcoming promotion.

Yea that's true I said agreeing, it's a relief to make it this far . Thanks B, I really appreciate it....she said.

You know I got you darling

I do, we should celebrate....

Let's just wait till it's finalized and all the necessary papers are signed. Alright then.

Ok good, get off my phone I said playfully

Like you want me to...bye.

Sighed heavily, switched off the laptop and placed it on the table then retired to bed. [Dream]

Woke up suddenly, sweating profusely.....I had the dream again,I was so scared....headed straight to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water.

Felt the cold water flow down my throat, finished the whole bottle... Sat down on the couch staring right outside the window.

Even if I could see nothing but darkness I still sense a presence out there, like someone was watching me.....it scared me to death.

I can't ask my mom to move in because she'll drive me nuts and be all up in my business, Femi is out of town on business and James even won't talk to me after ditching our dinner plans three times in a roll.

I felt helpless.

I had to call the only person I could count on right now.

Rushed to the room and picked my phone to dail his number.

The phone rang for long and I was about to cut when he picked.

Hello?

Hey ....

You do realise it's way past midnight he said

Am so sorry to wake you, I wouldn't be doing this if I had a choice.

So wassup?

I had the nightmare again

The same one ?he asked sounding more awake this time.

Yes I replied sadly.

Sorry about that, you know I'm here for you Tomi, just name it.

Is your guest room still available?

Yea sure

Can I come over for just two weeks till Femi gets back to town?

Ofcourse, you can stay as long as you want.

Thanks Lanre, I really appreciate it.

You are always welcome, so should I send the key to you in the morning?

Actually I'll come pick it up on my way to work, am guessing your schedule still remains the same?

Yeah sure, I'll be home till 10

Alright then.

See you soon.....and hey, be strong.

I will.

My mind kept drifting till I finally fell asleep .

Chapter 2

The buzzing alarm woke me at exactly 5am in the morning, I had to be in the office by 8 and it'll take approximately 50 min to get there on a good day.

Stood up sluggishly and walked into the bathroom to get ready......30 min later I was in the kitchen trying to make breakfast.

Made toast and coffee, rushed it down my throat in a bid to save time,took another 30 min. Rushed back into the bedroom to get dressed.

Haven't really decided on what to wear exactly so I flipped through series of clothes in the

wardrobe and later settled for a black sleek sleeveless bodysuit gown and a wine jacket.

Did a little something on my face called makeup and went ahead to arrange my things in my handbag, approached the dressing mirror again to wear earing, spray perfume and comb out my weave.... stared at myself in the mirror and said "today's going to be great" went to the shoe rack and chose a 5inch black heel and slipped them on.

Reached for my bag on my way out and was almost at the door before I realised I didn't carry my laptop....where's my head today I muttered to myself as I returned to pick it up and hailed a cab outside my house....

It was already 645 am

I reached for my phone and dialled Lanre's number... Hello

Hey sleepy head, am on my way already

Oh the key right, I'll meet you outside in like 10-20min? Cool....then I hanged up.

Gave the cab man his address and we arrived in 15mins.

Thankfully I didn't need to call again, he was sitted outside on his porch.

Got out of the cab and called out "Lanre"

Hey he said walking towards me smiling, we hugged and for a second I felt safe.

You good? He asked when our eyes met....we haven't seen since.....

Yes just didn't get enough sleep I replied.

He nodded knowingly and placed the keys in my palms.

I smiled and said thanks, I got to go

I turned to leave then turned back again and said, Femi doesn't need to know about this, giving him a look to make him understand.

Yea totally,I agree he said.

Alright then see you tonight.

Have a great day he said as I rushed back into the cab,you too I replied as I settled in.

God he looked so good,too bad he can't be mine I thought and sighed heavily.

I caught the cab man's gaze in the review mirror and I wondered what he must be thinking......

I settled in my office at exactly 8 am,I have alot of proposal to draft today.

I heard a soft tap on my door and looked up from my system and smiled. It was Bimpe, I didnt even realise I left the door open..

Hey sister girl she said smiling from cheek to cheek, Bimpe was such a fresh breath, she made everything look simple and fun.

Hey Bimpe I replied as I walked up to her with outstretched arms for hug.

Can see you are really busy she said looking over my shoulder at the piled up paper on my desk.

Yea I said then sighed.

She smiled and then said don't work too hard ok?

I looked at her surprisingly then rolled my eyes saying if only you mean that.

She laughed as she walked back out.

It's almost seven and am still at the office, I didnt even realise time has gone this far, wasn't even able to grab lunch due to the meeting I had in the afternoon with the expact-traits.

It was time to go home I decided as I stood up and started packing.

I still have to get to my place to pack things I'll need before going back to Lanre's place and it's going to be dark soon.

Got a cab immediately and was home in 50 min.

Told the cab man to wait while I rushed in to grab a few things I'll need and rushed back outside.

Chapter 3

Back at Lanre's

I let myself in and headed straight to the guest room to get settled.

The rumble in my tummy reminded me of hunger and I reached for my phone to call Lanre to know what he'd like for dinner, he said anything would be fine so I cooked spaghetti.

I was just about to serve myself a plate when I heard the doorbell ring, I went to the door and a tall blonde lady was staring right at me surprised, sorry to disturb you ma'am I think have got the wrong house she said as she moved back to confirm from the wall.

Probably not ....Are you looking for Lanre ? I asked

Yea, Lanre Balogun she confirmed.

He's not back from work yet, can I give him a message from you?

Oh! She sounded disappointed, sorry for the intrusion mrs Balogun she said assuming am his wife...

No no am not mrs Balogun, just a family friend.

Ok, am the new attorney appointment at his firm, sharon okoye.

she said with an outstretched hand.... Tomi I replied as i shook hers

I tried reaching him on his cell but he wasn't answering so I decided to drop by she said forcing a smile.

I'll let him know you stopped by I replied also forcing a smile.....she said thanks and left. I closed the door as soon as she drove away.

Back in the kitchen with my delicious spaghetti, its tastes so good that I enjoyed every bit of it,I washed up after dinner.

I was just about to settle for bed an hour later when I heard someone come in,I checked the time and it was almost 11, Lanre called out to me few minutes later and I went to his room.

He was backing the door undressing when I said hey from the doorway, he turned, smiled and said how are you?

I'm alright....you ok? I asked noticing the pale look on his face afterwards. Yea, just tired that's all he replied.

I made spaghetti, yours is in the microwave.

Alright thanks dear.

I was about to leave when I turned back and said, someone came by the evening to see you, she said she's the new attorney appointed to your firm.....sharon I think....

I immediately saw the disapproval in his look when he turned, really? She said you weren't picking your calls so she decided to stop by.

He was quite for a while and I walked towards him, took his hands in mine looked up at him and asked, what's really going on with you?

He smelled of alcohol and I knew he'd been drinking.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, he dashed into the bathroom and I could hear him vomiting.

I rushed to the kitchen to get cold water and returned, this time he was sitted on the bed with his head in his palms.

Here I said stretching the water towards him, he took few gulps and dropped it. I went to the bathroom to get a face towel, poured the water on it and placed the towel on his forehead, he

flinched at first then later settled, closed his eyes and rested his back on the bed.... this time making me come closer spreading my legs apart in a kneeling position with him between them.

Few minutes went by and I started to get up when he grabbed me by the waist abruptly and pulled me down towards him, face to face and i wondered "what was he thinking" you really need to rest I said then he smiled and wrapped his hands around me tighter this time around.

I started to protest but it felt so good that I found my body also relaxing.....

The buzzing sound of his phone brought us back to reality and I quickly got up,grabbed the towel and bottle off the floor and walked away, it's going to be a long night I muttered to myself as I left.

I checked on Lanre on my way out to work but he was still asleep so I left a note saying I made breakfast and he should take the aspirin pills on the note because am so sure he's going to have migraine.

I closed the deal officially, the investors signed all necessary papers later in the day, didn't even know they'd reply so soon....you should have seen Bimpe's face, she was so excited.

Now is the right time to celebrate she said as we walked out the conference room, my boss "Mr Williams" was so excited and said he has his eyes on us for the next promotion.

I felt so good about myself, it wasn't easy but I still made it work.

So what do you have in mind? About the celebration I asked Bimpe

Oh yes...let's go clubbing tonight she said doing a funny dance.

I can't be out all night Bimpe

Why? Its Friday and there's no work tomorrow.

I have to check on Lanre

Oh Lanre she said with a seductive look

Don't give me that look, he's just coming down with a flu I guess and vomited last night.

You were at his place last night? she asked with one of her brows raised.

We are kinda like staying together for a while, just temporarily I replied.

Hmmm, I didn't know you guys are already back together.

No no no we are not together besides we never really dated.

Yeah keep telling yourself that she replied with the disbelief in her voice....I didn't want to stress it.

Like I said, it's temporary till Femi gets back. Alright, we'd probably get drinks at "Dukes". I smiled and said it was fine by me.

See you there by 730 ?

Yea that's fine, don't be late .....

I won't dear she replied as she walked into her car and drove off. I called a cab home.

Chapter 4

Two hours later am at a table with Bimpe, we've made our order but was yet to be served. So how's Lanre doing? She asked

Am not sure, didn't meet him at home and he's not answering his cell.

He's probably busy

Yea....

We discussed about business, family and things generally....Bimpe really made my night, she knows how to make anyone laugh.

You would've made it in comedy you know I said to her.

Yea she said like she gave it a taught I guess I'll try that never she said in funny way and I couldn't just hold back the laugh.

My phone rang and I reached for it, it was Lanre.... I quickly picked. Hello

Hi, how are you? He asked

I'm good, how are you feeling ?

Much better thanks to you

Have you had dinner?

Yea I grabbed a later lunch at work

Alright then, see you in a few.

Ok.

I checked the time and it was almost 1030

I got to go Bimpe, yea she said agreeing

Is everything ok with the call? She asked

Yea everything is fine.

We grabbed our coats, said our goodbyes and parted ways .

[Dream]

"No no no !! Stay back, please please don't come any closer, stop please stop.....Gunshot sound followed by a scream!!!"

Hey hey Tomi, wake up, its just a dream baby, Lanre's voice brought me back to reality.

He came into the bed and pulled me closer, I shot him, I shot him I said crying in his arms.

It wasn't your fault and you know it, you had to protect yourself, you've got to let it go, for crying out loud you have a great job and life ahead of you.

I'm trying I said tearfully, I'm really trying but I just can't let it go, he keeps tormenting me and sometimes I feel his presence when I'm alone, his face flashes in the mirror with a wicked smile when I look at it.

I'm so scared Lanre.

I know I know he said softly as he continues to rub my back.....he held me till I slept off.

The smell of brewing coffee woke me, washed up, traced the smell to the kitchen and found Lanre already making breakfast.

Good morning he said smiling as he came closer to hug. Morning I replied I'm making pancakes, want some?

Yes please as I poured myself a cup of coffee

What's your plan for today he asked?

Nothing much, just meeting up with shade and victor by 1pm I replied looking up at him as I took a sip of my coffee.

I was thinking we should eat out tonight he said casually.

Is he asking me out or what? I thought

Where do you have in mind? I asked

There's this place they just opened at brown's street, let's go there. Alright cool.

Shade looks so good I thought smiling at her.

I didn't think you'd show up, thought you'd cancel again like you did the last two times, we haven't hung in years girl....what happened to us she asked sadly.

I smiled and replied, first off you got married and moved far away, and I didn't cancel for no reason babe something came up.

Mmm hmmmn she replied sounding not convinced.

Well I miss you so much she said again standing up to give me a hug for the 5th time in 30min.

Where's Victor I asked?

Running late as usual she replied as she brought her phone out to call him.

He picked almost instantly and she told him if he didn't get here in the next 20min he shouldn't bother or else she'd kill him....

I laughed at what she said.

Victor came in less than 20 and we were almost done with the bottle of wine on our table.

He took the bottle, looked at us both shaking his head saying drunkards.

I thought ya'll would have given up this alcoholic attitude he added.

And I thought you'd have become more sensible, committed and punctual Bimpe retorted.

Then they started arguing playfully and I realised what I miss most about them.

We chatted for three more hours before Shade said it was time for her to leave.

So we decided to call it a day.

We should do this another time soon she said to me questionly as we made our way out.

Ofcourse dear,I didn't realise how much I missed until now I replied.

We hugged this time around longer than usual and Victor made a funny sound at the back making us realise we left him out of the hug so we invited him in.

There was this satisfaction I get whenever they are around, it feels like nothing else matters.

I love you guys I said suddenly getting emotional, they looked at me, smiled and chorused....we love you too.

Chapter 5

It was almost 7 when I got back and went straight to shower.

Suddenly I heard a song playing.... I know that song, who's playing that song I thought?

Got out of the shower,reaching for my towel and walking slowly tracing the sound, feeling scared...different things were running through my mind this time....then I saw him, outside the living room window, smiling sheepishly at me.....I froze.

It can't be true, he's dead,I shot him I said to myself, I ran towards the door bursting into Lanre as he was also entering at the same time.... he is here I said pointing at the living room, he found me, I have to go I said trying to get pass him.

Calm down he said stopping me from going outside half naked when I didn't even realise it.

Look at me he said reaching for my chin and pushing it up to face him, you are fine now... he held my hand and we went to the living room...

See no one's here, I looked at the window, he was gone then I realised the song has stopped playing.... I was shocked.

It's all in your head babe, just an imagination. He's dead Tomi, Lanre said.

Are you sure we should still go? Lanre asked again ...it's ok if you just want to rest. No no am fine, I'd prefer we go out besides I can use a drink right now I replied.

I'll go get ready I said as I walked to my room.

This is so amazing I said as we sat across eachother, the scenery and ambience was on another level, candles were lit on the table, he reserved a table in the VIP section for privacy I guess, live band were playing soulful music and it felt so good.

You are amazing he replied staring at me in a more intense way.

I wore a black short dress with an opening in front showing enough cleavage and both sides transparent, silver studded earrings, long silver chain that slide down between my breast, silver clutch purse and heels.

He wore a white shirt with the first two buttons undone revealing his broad shoulder and black trousers with wine tuxedo, complimenting the dressing with a black shoe.

The waiter brought our food and drinks and it looked so delicious, we ate in silence sharing only looks and smiles.

So how's work ?he suddenly asked when we were done eating.

It's good, going on so well, just closed this amazing deal that has secured my next promotion.

Cheers to that he said raising his glass smiling

How about yours ?I asked

Its alright...he sounded far from alright.

You don't sound like it is, does it have anything to do with that woman?

He looked at me lost.

The attorney that stopped by your house that day I moved in?

Oh sharon...

Sounds like you guys are close I said taking a sip of my wine.

We kinda dated a year back.

Oh... I said sounding a little jealous, that must be awkward for you, working with your ex?

He laughed bitterly, you have no idea, she's currently engaged to the son of my boss.

Really? Am sorry to hear that.

No its fine, am way over it but looks like she isn't tho.

How do you mean?

The text, calls, looks I get from her....she wants something, I can sense it.

So what are you going to do about it?

Anything I do can cause me my job and I don't want that, have to be very careful.....

Enough about work, how was lunch with your friends? He asked

I smiled remembering how it went, it was nice, we had fun.

I can tell by the smile on your face.

Never knew I missed them that much until now

Yea, its very possible to not know how much you miss someone until they are around he said looking at me in a way and I knew he wasn't just referring to my friends.

We kept drinking and chatted about our childhood experiences together.

Even tho i knew I'd reached my limit, I couldn't just bring myself to stop....it feels so good.

I felt the urge to use the restroom and got up, I staggered and he came besides me to help but I insisted I was fine.

I asked a waitress for direction, it took so much strength and concentration to and return without making a fool out of myself, few minutes later he signalled the waiter for his bill, paid and we got up to leave.

He opened his car for me and helped me get in, he pulled out the seat belt and reached inward to hook it....his movement back was slowly and he stop just when his face was just few inches away from mine, I can smell the perfume he is wearing and feel his breath on my face,damn he looks so good.....I swallowed hard and was about to say thanks when he kiss me, softly talking each lips in his as his hands caress my thigh, I can taste the wine from his lips, got to stop this I thought and carried my hands up to push his chest only to find myself pulling him closer..... All I could think of was the kiss as we drove home in silence, it was electrifying.... it's been so long have been kissed that way, even kissed at all.

I went straight to my room when we got back while he went ahead to park the car in his garage.

Standing in front of a mirror trying to unzip my dress then I heard him say....let me as he approached and helped unzip me.

He turned me around facing him, his look was intense and hungry.....he pulled me closer in an instant and devoured my mouth this time hungrier with tongue, I felt his hand go to my hair as he pulled the band out allowing the hair to fall down, I like it better this way he said huskily against my lips....

I think we should stop I blurted out when we paused to catch our breath.

You don't mean that do you? Your body says otherwise, and the way you kissed me back I know you want me as much as I do you Tomi.

It's not that I just....shhhhh he said placing a finger on my lip as I started to protest. Don't think....just feel.

Then took my mouth again in his fully, carrying me up and I felt the soft mattress on my back as we went down.... I did just as he said "FEEL"

Days went by and I tried as much as I could to avoid a re-occurrence of what happened the other night....it was very hard, went out earlier than usual and came back very late....sometimes I got caught other times I was lucky.

Who am I fooling....he obviously knows I'm avoiding him, we should be able to have a conversation like adults.....but I wasn't ready.

Femi is finally coming back this Saturday, I was so excited, have missed him so much, there's so much we need to talk about...I woke up on Saturday morning and cleaned Lanre's guest room and house dropped his key under the flower pot on his porch and also a note in the kitchen saying have moved back home.

Back at home I have alot to do,the house looks so dusty as expected and I also have to make Femi something to eat.

I hummed a song as I went about my chores and was done in no time.

I looked up at the clock just as I heard the doorbell ring....that's quite early,he wasn't supposed to be back until 6 I thought as I went to open the door.

The smile on my face froze as I came face to face with the intruder... There he was,the shadow of my past....looking clearer than ever.

I couldn't believe it....I was petrified, I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out, even the screams were all in my head.

Next thing I knew, my legs gave way and everything else became a blur to me.

Note:

Sometimes we fight battles we can't see, we struggle to turn our dreams into reality and sometimes not to.

Don't make your past affect your current situation or future, you can't run away from it but can only find a way to deal with it without it affecting your future/life.

Dreams can be seen as fragments of our reality. Sometimes it's all in our head...

Last modified: 4 Aug 2020