ENTANGLED FEELINGS

Is a Feeling of Entanglement

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miss Anyadike Elizabeth Chinaza is the fifth child of Mr and Mrs Anyadike out of seven.

She is currently a 300l student of mass communication in Madonna university Nigeria, okija campus.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this to God almighty and my parents for leading me through

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My acknowledgement goes to God almighty who helped me to scale through, my parents and siblings without forgetting the publisher Mr Nnamdi….. Who helped me simultaneously

BASED ON A TRUE STORY…..

ENTANGLED FEELINGS

Most people don’t look like what they are going through. People hide their pain behind their smiles. Pay attention so you don’t add more pain to what they are already going through. What you are about to read is based on real life experiences of Alexandra.

HER STORY BELOW:

My name Alexandra, most people know me as Alex. I’m the only child of my parents, but…. it hasn’t always been that way. I lost 2 of my siblings quite recently.
My mum is a business tycoon, she owns chains of clothing outlets in Lagos, she is the owner of a well known Boarding secondary school in Lagos, she has various toilet roll and exercise book production factories all across Nigeria and she is also into oil and gas.
My dad on the other hand is just an ordinary retired civil servant who spends most of his time playing chess with himself.

I earlier said I lost my 2 siblings…. *sigh* it’s a very tragic memory I would always love to forget but keeps coming back to haunt me.
I had a brother and a sister. My brother, Aaron was older than me with 2 years while my Sister, Aima was 2 years younger (I’m currently 23years).

April 11th, 2014 is a day I will never forget. The day my whole life changed. The day a happy family turned into a disaster, the day I wished I was never born…. the day I lost My Aaron and Aima forever. If you have lost a sibling before, you would know just how heartbreaking it is. Loosing 2 siblings in one day is just disastrous. It still feels like yesterday…


20th March 2014:
This was Aima’s 18th birthday and to my family, turning 18 is a very big deal. This is when you officially become an adult in Nigeria. ( you can open a bank account, own a car, start a registered business and well… you can officially buy n drink alcohol).

My mum was ready to go all out to make sure Aima had a very memorable passage into adulthood. She planned a massive birthday (planning has been going on for 3months), she invited celebrities, politicians and majorly top people in the society. One would think it was a grand wedding she was planning.
Being the last child, it’s expected for her to go all out for Aima right?.. well, I guess so too.

Got up from bed feeling thirsty. As I turned the light on to grab a bottled water from my little desk fridge, I can hear movements, foot steps, people laughing here and there. I checked the clock on the wall… it’s just 2:00am.
Guests started arriving since yesterday so it’s no surprise that the house is so crowded. They must have been up all night making preparations for the big day today.

I put on a robe and went to Aima’s room to wish her a Happy Birthday. With a sleepy eye, she opened the door for me… after I had knocked almost 10times.
“Happy Birthday to my sweeeetie” I said as I gave a very tight hug. “Who’s turning 18 today? Any other 18 turner is a counterfeit” I teased, just to brighten up her mood as she didn’t seem too excited for someone who just turned 18. She left me standing by the door and went back to bed. I was stunned. This is obviously not the Aima I know. What could have happened?

In my family, we are all very outspoken with bubbling or ginger spirits… Aima was more free spirited than anyone I know. She was always over excited about everything ( even something as minor as getting a new pen). She hardly gets angry or sad… since she was born, I don’t think I remember any day she had mood swings. No matter what you do to her, she responds with a smile and a hug.
So, seeing her this way, I knew something could have gone terribly wrong… or am I just over thinking this? Is she just having those “Adulthood fever”?

I walked to her bed, leaning towards where she laid I whispered, “ Aima darling, what’s wrong… you just left me hanging by the door, is it fair”…. I was hoping she turns towards my direction and start laughing but what I saw was a shocker. I went to the other side of the bed where her head was faced and I saw the strangest thing ever. “What!!!!????” I screamed in fear…

Chapter

Aima!!! I called out. She had her eyes rolled up and a whitish foam coming out of her mouth. At this point I quickly remembered by first aid skills from girls scout.
I dragged her off the bed, placed her flat on the floor with her legs raised on a pillow and did a quick CPR.

Thinking of what to do next, I couldn’t go out screaming for help in the hallway… there were too many visitors in the house and i was worried my mum won’t like a story flying around that her daughter fainted on her birthday. (it will sure be a juicy story for the media).

Seeing her room’s intercom.. I quickly rushed to dail my mum’s room number… in literally less than 5seconds, she arrived at the room. My mum was torn in between ruining her reputation and saving her daughter’s life as she couldn’t rush Aima to the hospital without everyone in the house knowing.
I quickly suggested she calls any doctor she knows to come with all needed tools ( drips, injections, drugs).

My mum hugged me as that was the best possible option. Immediately, she dailed doctor Lanre’s number. Luckily, he was not on duty and he was home (he lives in the same estate, just 4houses away).
Meanwhile, I kept on with the CPR on Aima to make sure she’s still breathing.

In less than 20mins, doctor Lanre was here… luckily no one got suspicious as they thought he was also a guest.

As he was examining Aima, I walked over to her bed to sit… I really needed to rest, it’s been a long night. Sitting on her bed, I noticed a note under Aima’s pillow… I was care free looking at the note at first till I saw the words… “I’m sorry” boldly written at the top of the note. What??? I started to read the note..

“Alex!!!” My mum called out, beckoning on me to help her move Aima to the bed so she can be placed on drip and rest properly.

“Thank you ver much Lanre, you have removed shame from my family”, my mum said to the doctor.
“It’s my job ma, I’ll have to be here for another 24hours to observe her to avoid complications. I’m off for a week, so it’s perfect”, said doctor Lanre.
“Come let me show you your room for tonight. God bless you. Alex!! Pls watch over your sister till she wakes. Let me know if there’s any problem” said mum.

I watched them chit chat for a while till they left the room. Walking over to lock the door, I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank God mum didn’t see the note before I did.
I looked at Aima, she was looking well rested. Thank God I can now read this note in peace.

The Note read:
“I’M SORRY
I’m sorry I had to go this way but life left me no other option. Sorry Mum, sorry Dad, sorry Alex my bestie, sorry Aaron. I’m sorry to everyone that would be heartbroken by my death.
This is the only option for me right now. I don’t want to bring embarrassment to my family. Sooner or later you will know I did the right thing.
Please don’t miss me.
Aima”

What? did I just read? Was this a suicide attempt? Aima of all people? Aima that was an envy of all her friends, I mean… shes from a wealthy home, everyone loved her life! she’s always happy and looks so bright. She goes to one of the best Universities in U.K. and just came home for her birthday. What could possibly be wrong?

Immediately I shredded the note. I really don’t want anyone reading that.

I have to get to the bottom of this. I picked up her phone to get clues but no luck as her phone was locked. I started searching her closet for anything at all…. then I found an empty container of painkillers. Did she overdoes on this to take her own life?

I really need to pay close attention to her before she wakes up and try to take back her life.

“Aimaaaa!! Birthday girl…. open up”!!! That was my brother’s voice probably coming in to wish her a happy birthday.
He was shocked to see me open the door instead of Aima. I quickly explained all that happened so far including the note and the pain killer container. He was stunned.
“Aima? no, not true… I won’t believe until I hear from her myself”. That’s what he said.
I advised him to keep it a secret for now till we get to the bottom of this.

It’s 6:00am already and I haven’t even really slept. My eyes are all hurting but I cant sleep.
“Where am I”, Aima wishpered.
Aaron and I quickly rushed to her bed. “How do you feel now, are you alright, today is your birthday… you need to be strong” were the words Aaron could say.
“I’m fine, I just need a shower…. I’m totally fine” Aima said.

“Good to know sweetie. Do you remember anything from last night? We are here to help you”… those were the words I could mutter.
Then I remembered that with her phone, I could get all the clue I want.
“Errr pls can you unlock your phone, need to get a number real quick”…. I said to a very sober looking Aima.

She innocently took the phone from me to unlock it.
With the unlocked phone in my hands, it was like I won a trophy at that moment.
“Pls Aaron I’ll be back” I said as I quickly rushed to my room with her phone.

Opening her whatsapp, I several nude pictures sent to her by a name she saved as “Tee mark”… Tee mark? Who the heck is Tee mark and why does he have Aima’s nude pictures.???
There were no prior messages on the chat, just the nude picture with no response.


I decided to call this Tee mark guy to get to the bottom of this. This guy must know what’s going on, at least he should know something we all don’t know.
I shouldn’t dail with Aima’s phone… let me just dail with my own phone so I can claim anonymous.

Dialing the number on my phone, a name pops up…. huh??? This number is saved on my phone as “Bae” … my boyfriend. Wait…. what???? What’s going on here????

I quickly cut the call. I was scared to death. What’s going on? I crossed checked the two numbers to see if they match, probably it’s the network trying to confuse me. The numbers actually match. Immediately, I started feeling feverish, my stomach started to ache… I just wasn’t myself anymore.

My boyfriend isn’t really familiar with my sister. I met him at a party last year and we just started dating six months ago. Aima has been in the UK schooling for 2years now. It doesn’t just add up.

At this time, my phone rings….
Checking the phone to see who’s calling… “Bae” pops up as the caller.
“Should I pick? What do I say? Should I ask him how he knows Aima?”…
The phone rings again….
I picked up “Hello dear, good morning”… I muttered.
“Hi my love. Are you missing me that much? Saw your missed call” He said…
I was speechless. Didn’t want to say anything that would make him suspicious.
“Yes i’m missing you, are you still coming for the party?” I said
“Ohh yes, the party? Don’t think I can make it. My dad asked me to represent him for a board meeting and it’s really important” He said….
“I promise to make it up to you” he added.
“Okay, no problem. I understand dear… I need to go now. Very busy right now” was my response.
“ great love. I’ll check on you later. Take care of you… Love you” He said with an excited voice.
“Love you too” I muttered and cut the call.

I need to know what’s going on. I’ll need Aaron’s help.
I ran back to Aima’s room. Aima was already up on her feet, mum and the doctor were in the room with her.
Wow, I must have spent so long in my room… I checked the time it was already 8am.
Aaron must have gone to his room when mum came in.
“Hi mum, Hi Aima… good morning sir” I said as I walked over to Aima to brighten her up.
“Where is my phone” she said defensively.
“Chill, it’s here” I said as I gave the phone back to her.
“Hope you’re ready for your big day?” I added.
“I have assigned a nurse from the hospital to come here as I have other duties to attend to. Aima needs to be left alone to rest. The nurse will be here shortly to attend to her” doctor Lanre said to my mum as they both walked out.

Im alone with Aima in the room… this is my best chance to confront her.
She is not so strong yet, will she have the strength to handle confrontation?
“Err you almost lost your life this morning, thank God I came at the right time” I said.
Aima was quiet.
“You don’t look too happy for a birthday girl. You know we all love you. Mum left all her responsibilities to plan your big day, don’t you think she loves you? Dad is flying in today from his work trip just to celebrate with you, I’m here, Aaron is here… all for you and you want to throw all that away? What do you think would happen if we had lost you this morning…. I know what you did Aima, it was no accident!” I said with tears in my eyes.

Aima, feeling sorry for what she had probably done ran over to me. She hugged me and started crying.
“I feel so terrible, Alex… I’m sorry” Aima said.
“Good… you have realized your mistake, that’s all that matters” I said as I hugged her back.
“Come and rest, the doctor said you need to rest after the injection you took” I said as I followed her to her bed.

Her phone rings….
I peeped to see who was calling, it was “Tee Mark”.
“Who’s that? Your boyfriend”? I said trying to tease her.
She smiled…. she ignored the call and switched off her phone.

At this point I knew I had to get the truth out by all means possible… by hook or by crook.

There was a knock on the door…. it’s the Nurse. She is here on the doctor’s instructions.
She checked Aima’s temperature and gave her another injection.
By this time, she was already sleepy…. probably an effect of the injections.
“Rest now… When you get better, we have a lot to talk about” I said as I left the room.


Aaron!!! I called out as I knocked his door.
“what is it again, has someone else fainted?”… he said as he opened the door with sleepy eyes.
“Very urgent! There’s something going on!!!” I said as I found my way inside his room.
I told him all that happened. The phone, nude pictures, Tee mark and my boyfriend cancelling on coming for the party.
He was stunned.
We need to find out more on this guy.

From the little I know about my boyfriend. His name is Wale Johnson. His parents are very rich. I have been to his house severally but never met his parents because he claims they travel a lot.
I met him at my best friends birthday party. He is very good looking guy so I couldn’t front when he said “hello”… I was blushing so obviously that he even asked “why you blushing?”…
We have been friends since that day till he officially asked me out and I said “of course”.

We go out a lot to parties, vacations, clubs… and I invite him to my house a lot just to hang out.
He is really a nice guy and very fun to be with too..
Though, he hasn’t met my parents too. He knows Aaron, they have met each other a couple of times when he comes over.

Usually, I would have gisted Aima about him but she has been in UK and communication isn’t as easy as if she was here in Nigeria.


Alex!!! Aaron called out… “let’s tell mum and dad what’s going on… this whole thing is bigger than us”.
“No, let’s keep it between us for now, don’t tell them without Aima’s permission” I said as I walked out of his room to go take a shower.

FOUR HOURS LATER:

It’s 12pm. The Events planner was already in the house as preparation is on going. The party is stated for 3pm.

I walked into Aima’s room… some of her friends were there to wish her a happy birthday. The nurse was also there. My mum said no one should mention what happened so the nurse posed as her friend who came from far away.

I sighted her best friend, Sharon. “Sharon” I called out.
“Yes big sis” she said as she came running.

If I don’t get the truth from Aima, at least her best friend should know.
“Hi dearie…. hope you people didn’t come empty handed ooo… 18years is no joke” I said jokingly.
“Haaaa big sis, we have a surprise for Aima… it’s a very big gift, we spent so much to buy it” she said jokingly too
“I trust you people… correct babe” I said laughing as I hugged her.

“Err Sharon, have you seen Tee Mark? Is he coming for the party” I said… hoping to get the truth out (hope I get lucky).
“Ooh yes, Tee Mark… I don’t think he will be coming. Him and Aima are fighting” she said
“ yes that’s true” I said… acting along, pretending to know what’s going on.
“But today is Aima’s 18th, the least he can do is show up” I added.
“No, Aima doesn’t even want him here… after their breakup he has just been stalking her” Sharon said
“Huh? Breakup? How do you mean” I said in shock
“Yeah, Aima broke up with him since last week before she came to Nigeria” she said
“Break up????” I said, loosing my balance.

“Alex, what’s wrong, are you okay?”, Sharon said as she rushed to grab me from falling down.
“No I’m fine, it’s just my cramps… I’m used to it already” I said smiling…
she didn’t look convinced so I added, “ wow look, it’s almost party time!!! Yippee”. We both jumped in excitement as we rushed to Aima’s room to get her ready for her party.

My mum was already there trying to make sure Aima could still attend the party… “ hope you’re totally fine my love” she said to Aima. “Yes mum I’m great. Can’t wait for the party” Aima said with excitement.

The make up artist and designer were also in the room to get her ready. I hurriedly ran to my room to get ready too… can’t come and carry last.

It’s 2pm already. The house is already full. Though the party is outside at the garden area, but guests were being welcomed in as the event planner puts finishing touches to the tents and arrangements.

“For she’s a jolly good fellow, for she’s a jolly good fellow” a baritone loud voice sang out, heading towards Aima’s room.
“Daddy!” Aima screamed as she ran towards him with a tight hug.


Yes, Aima was daddy’s little girl… they had so many things in common and she was the last child. I’ll say she was his favorite child.

“ wow dad, you made it here on time, thanks dad” she added
“They grow up so fast”… dad said with tears in his eyes
“I have a surprise for you, hurry… don’t be late for your party”, he said as he rushed back downstairs.

“Pls ma’m everyone should be downstairs in 5mins”, the event planner said rushing towards my mum.
“Alex, Aaron…. we’re all headed downstairs, meet us in 5minutes” my mum said as she led Aima and her friends downstairs.


It’s a star studded event. Famous music stars, comedians and actors from Nigeria and over Africa are all present.
Wow, my mum out did herself this time.
She went all out for Aima…. or perhaps, she had a felling this would be Aima’s last birthday on earth?

The party is in full swing and I’m really having fun… for a moment I totally forgot all that happened earlier…
My friends are here, there’s enough food and drinks plus the MC made sure there was no dull moment. I didn’t want this day to end.
Aima was gifted 4 luxury cars. 1 from my Dad, 1 from my mum, 1 from her friends and 1 from my mum’s business associate”
Wow, even Aaron and I didn’t get this luxury treatment from our parents on our own 18th.

It was fun, fun, fun in the air. I looked over to Aima to see if she was having as much fun as I was. Aima had removed her shoes and was jumping and dancing with her friends. Glad she’s having fun.


It’s 9pm already and most guests have left. By this time I was intoxicated ( I didn’t drink any alcohol so it’s probably intoxication from too much excitement ).
I just needed to sleep right now. It’s a great day…. Aima’s friends will be here for a week so there’s still time to discuss.

I checked my phone to see if there were missed call from wale…. none. This is strange…. he doesn’t go a day without calling me at least 10times. We last spoke by 6am or thereabout, and for a whole day he didn’t call me… he didn’t even check on me as promised.
“Anyway, I’m too excited to get angry or worried”, I said to my self as I laid down to sleep.


I had a very terrible dream that night. I saw Aima being strangled by my brother Aaron. She was fighting for her life and he kept strangling her. Telling her she talks too much.

I woke up in fear, what kind of dream is this?
Ohh I have been watching scary movies lately… I hissed and went back to bed. Totally ignoring the dream.


It’s morning and the house is still crowded. Most guests slept over.
I went to Aaron’s room so we could discuss the whole wale/Aima drama… I kept knocking. “He is not in, he went out early this morning” said one of our maids as she swept the corridor.
“Oh thanks ma’m. good morning” I said, rushing to check on Aima.

She was up already. She and her friends were unwrapping gifts and she was giving out her gifts to her friends. There was excitement in the air. I can’t talk to Aima right now. Don’t want to spoil her mood.

I took my car keys and drove off to my best friends place. I tell her everything… we have been best friends since high school, we also went to the same University. I consider her a sister than a friend.
I first met Wale in her party, she needs to know what’s going on.

“Yesterday was aaaaaa blast!!!” Uche said with excitement, giving me a big hug. “I know right?” I said as I made myself comfortable in her garden chair.
“Uche… we need to talk”…. I told her all that happened yesterday
“ it’s 10am and can you believe Wale hasn’t called me since?” I said
“Hmmm i don’t really know wale that much, the things I know about him are the things you have said so far. To get the truth, you need to confront Aima as soon as possible. She’s too young to carry this burden alone…. Even her best friend wasn’t aware she attempted suicide” were Uche’s words.


Uche was right, I should have confronted Aima “ as soon as possible “ but no… i waited one whole week after her friends had left the house.
I was thinking the confrontation would spoil her mood. I wanted her to have fun with her friends. This is someone who almost took her life. I wanted her to enjoy life again to the fullest so she can have reasons to live again….. was I wrong? Was I wrong to want the best for my sister?

One week had passed by, I didn’t call Wale and he didn’t call me too.. yes, I was worried, I was confused…. I didn’t know what to make of everything…
***

Aima was picking out her clothes for dry cleaning as I walked in.
“Aima we need to talk”… I said with a firm voice.
“I know all that’s happened. I saw the pictures on your phone. Tee mark?? Was that why you decided too…”
“No, No, Alex, you don’t know it all… don’t judge me. It’s more than what you think” she interrupted.

At this point she started to cry… “our lives are in danger Alex, and it’s all because of me”
“Tee mark is very dangerous. I should have spoken out earlier” she said, crying even more.
I walked over to calm her down. I’m even more confused right now. How does she mean Tee mark is dangerous?

“Calm down Aima, I’m here… you can tell me everything”…. with those words, Aima felt relaxed and started to spill the beans.

“Alex, I’m scared…. I have known Tee since I got to U.K. His name is Tokunbo Makinde so we just call him Tee Mark or Tee. He was in his final year then ( that was 2years ago). I met him on my way to library. He was speaking Yoruba on the phone so I stoped to ask if he was Nigerian. Alex, you know there are few blacks in my school so seeing a black who was Nigerian really excited me. We both exchanged numbers and that’s how it all started.
Things had been going good, he buys me gifts, takes me out and shows me off to everyone. I felt like a queen at the time.
Shortly after his graduation, he moved permanently to his parents house in Manchester. I’d go there most weekends to spend time in him.

During last summer, his parents came to the Manchester house… they were really nice people, they treated me as their own daughter but I noticed the way Tee was so uncomfortable around them. I asked him about it, he said it was nothing.
Tee kept getting repeated calls… I was worried because I know Tee hasn’t started working yet, his friends would call my number if they can’t reach him so who could be calling Tee? He kept disconnecting the calls coming through. My thought at that time was Tee was probably cheating on me but I don’t have any proof so I won’t confront him yet.

The next day which was Sunday, Tee sabi he would be traveling to USA for an urgent assignment so I’ll have to go back to Campus that day as it would be awkward to leave me alone with his parents.
He dropped me off on campus and headed to the airport.

While in my hostel room, I kept thinking that probably he had gone to meet that girl that was calling him. I was very sure he didn’t leave for USA but I didnt have proof…
confronting Tee about cheating accusations in the past has been very frustrating as he would ask for proof and if there was none, the argument ended. So, this time I thought I need proof.

It was 12pm already, over 3 hours since Tee dropped me off but I couldn’t think of anything else than Tee cheating on me. I have to go to his house, I thought I would find an evidence or voice note on his house phone, something I can use as an evidence so he can agree this time that he was cheating.
I still had an extra key which Tee gave me a long time to prove his commitment to me. His parents must have gone to church so I’ll be needing the key.

I headed to his house with excitement and joy… excited that this time he will know he should try to be faithful cos he has an FBI as a girlfriend.

As I opened the door and tried to make my way into the house, I heard noise coming from upstairs. At first, i thought it was a burglar then I heard Tee’s voice saying… hurry, quick… we need to leave this place immediately. Ahhh! He brought he girl home, that’s what I first thought. Climbing the stairs I saw blood all over the floor, I didn’t know what to make of it so kept going towards where the noise was coming from quietly…. what!! Tee! What have you done? I said in shock as I saw Tee Mark holding knives and his mum and dad breathing their last. We can still save them, let’s rush them to the hospital. Tee held me from running to get help, he pushed me to the floor and threatened to kill me too. There was someone in the other room, he shouted to the person, “hey, don’t come out…. there’s an intruder here” . I didn’t get to see this person who helped him in his gruesome act. He locked me in a room, tied my hands and covered my mouth with a cloth from shouting for help.

I was very scared, I thought he would kill me too… after about an hour, he opened the door for me. He tried to hug me to console me. “Aima, I love you… you just saw what you’re not meant to see today” I pushed him away. I went to the room where I saw his parents… there were no traces of them, no blood stain, everything was clean. I asked where he kept them and he said it’s none of my business.
“Why Tee, why did you do this? They loved you so much” I said crying uncontrollably
“Yes I know, but I was paid to carry out the act. I was paid 1million Pounds… with that money I won’t have to work the rest of my life… plus I get to own their businesses” he said proudly like he had achieved a great feet
“Paid? Why will someone pay you to kill your own parent?why couldn’t they at least tell someone else
“ I was the perfect man for the job” , “why am I en telling you all this, it’s because you’re the love of my life, I can’t kill you… I totally can’t harm you so you need to know the truth”

Immediately he dropped me off in school, I ran over to the police to report all I saw… I saw Mark there and I was surprised. What is he doing here, he should be running from the police and not going to them…

He jacked my hand and pulled me gently towards the car… He threatened me that if I should ever speak with the police, that is the day every member of my family would die. He wasn’t bluffing as he mentioned this house address.
I had never told him my exact house address and for him to go that far, he must be serious.

Apparently, he had gone to to speak to the police that his parents were missing.

Investigations were carried out in his house and I was shocked that the didn’t find any clue in Tee’s Manchester home.
I got scared immediately…. Tee must be a professional hit man, for him to out smart the U.K. Police.
I can’t run away or break up with a professional hit man, I’ll only be risking my life.


Days turned into weeks, weeks into moths and everything went back to normal.
I only had a feeling of guilt, being the key witness to a murder.

****

Alex, remember when I told Dad I wanted to change my school and move to USA?”… Aima asked
“Yes I remembered, we all begged you to stay in UK as you just have a year more to go” …I replied Aima still trying to add up her story… I’m really confused right now

*****

“ yes, I was trying to run away from everything… the thoughts came haunting me.
Tee found out I was threatening to run away so he came to my school, showing me a picture of you and him Kissing, he said he is now close to my family so if I try to run, they will all die, he would kill everyone. I was in shock…
He said he had to get to Nigeria to get closer to my family so I won’t rat him out later in the future.

I had to play along for 6 good months till I told mum I wanted to come home to celebrate my birthday… mum was glad so she wrote a latter to my school that I needed to come home for something urgent.
I told Tee about it so he won’t feel I was running away. I invited him too.

Tee and I came to Nigeria in the same flight and he even entered the same car the driver brought to the airport to pick me. He was dropped off at his house before I came home.

I have been keeping all these inside, didn’t want to tell anyone because I feared for their life.

As soon as I got home, I told Tee I was breaking up with him… I promised to keep his secret but said I didn’t want to date him anymore… I just had the courage to break up with him because I was around my family.

That’s when he started calling me and calling all my friends, he sent over a thousand “I’m sorry messages”… I ignored all his calls and messages. He started breaking into my friends houses, telling them to beg me ( you know he can’t break in here cos mum doesn’t joke with our security).

Then he started sending naked pictures of myself…. very explicit pictures… I used to send him pictures those days when the going was still good.


That night when you saw me unconscious, he had sent me a message, threatening me that if I don’t call him in 2days, he would release my pictures to media outlets and my family would be disgraced.

I couldn’t take the threats anymore… I just needed to end everything”.

*******

Aima kept crying and I tried to console her… “ don’t worry dear, you’re safe now” your family is here”.

“Hmmm so my Wale was all a lie?” I said in disbelief

I need to tell mum and dad, Tee should be arrested immediately, we need to up our security, were the thoughts in my head.

“Mum where are you?” I said through the phone.
“Alex, what’s wrong? Hope Aima hasn’t gone unconscious again… where’s your brother?” Mum replied.
“I’m heading to Ikoyi for a meeting, hope it’s not urgent” she added
“ mum, it’s very urgent. Our lives are in danger…. pls come quick”
“Call your Dad, he’s close by, I’ll be there immediately after the meeting”….

I called my dad and he came home almost immediately… Aaron’s phone was unreachable so we couldn’t reach him.

“What’s going on?” My dad said as he rushed to the room
I narrated Aima’s ordeal to him… from her escapade with Tee Mark, to the gruesome murder to wale threatening to kill us all.

My dad immediately went towards Aima… “oh my dear, you had to go through all this alone”, hugging her.

“We need to inform the police immediately, that boy of barely 25years can’t be threatening my family”, my dad said with a firm voice as he failed the IPO’s number.
He narrated everything and they invited us to the station to write a petition.

Mum came to join us at the station so we also told her everything.
My dad requested that 5 of their strongest men stay in our house as security agents.
He signed all the documents and the men were released to follow us home.

We got back home by 6pm and Aaron was still no where in sight, his number still not reachable.
“Aaron is a man, I’m very sure he can take care of himself wherever he is” my dad said as he tried to calm my mum who was already worried.
At this point, Aaron walks in… “sorry guys my phone was dead all day”
Mum eagerly narrated all that happened and he was shocked.
“Everyone must have at least one security agent in the car when leaving the house from now on” my dad said as he walked away to his room.

4 days later, My Dad got a call from the station that her petition has been approved so she needed to write a statement. We all went with her. My mum left all she was doing and came to the station.
They informed us that they would be applying for search warrant and an arrest warrant from the court and will also contact the Manchester city Police department to reopen the parents’ case file.

“It will take about 7working days (9th April) for the warrants to be approved. You will be contacted” the inspector said in a deep Yoruba intonation.
“For now, be vigilant, no one should know you have reported the case”, he added.

Unknowingly to us, the police had hacked into Tee Mark’s phone and were tracking his every move… just in case he decides to run away.

I moved some of my belongings to Aima’s room… I needed to be with her after all she went through. Aima refused to leave the room to eat or do anything so we needed to be there for her.
I noticed Aaron’s strange behavior… he hasn’t come to check on Aima or speak to her personally after finding out everything. I wanted to ask him why he’s been behaving strangely but he was hardly at home.
He goes out very early in the morning and comes back late. His phone was always not reachable after he had leaves the house. No one knows wherever he goes… my dad just keeps saying he’s a man and he’s trying to explore.

Aaron and I graduated from the University over 2years ago but we didn’t bother looking for jobs because we have all we need, thanks to mum. My mum even bought huge properties in our names, so every month we receive rent payments straight to our bank accounts.

I also noticed something else which was very strange… after Aima narrated her ordeal and we reported to the police, Tee Mark stopped calling and sending messages.
“ Aima, did you block Tee’s number? I asked
“No I didn’t, but I’m surprised…. he calls me everyday before but now I haven’t heard from him since we went to the police” she said
“ what if he found out that you reported? Same thing happened when I found out he was your boyfriend, he stopped calling me” “ is there a spy among us?”… “can we trust all our maids and cooks?…. I’m suspecting them” I said .

We informed mum and dad about our observation. Immediately, she restricted all maids and cooks from entering our rooms and ordered all the security agents to search them thoroughly daily.


****
After 7working days, my dad got a call that Tee’s house in Lagos had been thoroughly searched and they found nothing but police were trailing him to a hotel in Lekki where he was lodging.

Very early on Thursday 10th April, 2014 by 5:30am…. Tee Mark was arrested in the hotel room and taken to the police station.
We were notified immediately and we all rushed down to the station even before Tee mark got there with the police.

Reps from Manchester city police were there for questioning. They couldn’t officially arrest him because they had no solid evidence against him. They were also being careful not to go past their jurisdiction.
“ Mr Tokunbo, we know you murdered Mr and Mrs Makinde with a knife at your Manchester apartment…. but where is the knife and where did you put the corpse?” Said a lady from the Reps with a calm soothing voice.
Tee mark looked disgruntled as he never knew you would be caught up in his own game so easily…. Tee mark was silent
“If you opt for a guilty plea, you will be given a light sentence in the U.K. But if you keep acting dumb the Nigerian police will take this up and thoroughly deal with you for threatening an influential family. What’s your call?” Another Manchester city police rep said.

Hearing this, Tee mark fell on this kneels and started crying… “I’m guilty, I murdered them and threw their corpse in the ocean. I was paid to do it… I swear, it wasn’t intentional” he said, crying out louder.

“Thank you for your corporation Mr Tokunbo”… the female rep said she she turned to the Inspector to sort out paper works.
“He needs to be extradited to U.K. and handed over to prosecutors as soon as possible. This case has been on going for over a year so we need to conclude as soon as possible” she said
“Will it be possible in 24hours?” She added
“Yes it will… he is all yours, just sing the necessary documents, I will also need to inform my bosses” said the IPO as he gave them all required documents to sign.

“Our work here is done sir, we will leave our men in your house for another 1month” he said to my dad.

“Wow we all need to celebrate, Aima, where do you want to go… let’s celebrate”…. said my dad as he jacked Aima up and swung her in the air like a baby.
We all laughed as we got to the car.
“Thank God, everything is back to normal… we can all breath again” he added.


We got home by 7pm… dad had taken us to the palms to celebrate, relax and hanged out as a normal family.
We all wanted to sleep immediately… it was a long day. Waiting at the station all day was no joke at all.
“Aaron isn’t back yet, I can’t wait to give him the good news”, Aima said as she jumped for joy.
“Wow same here… our nightmare is finally over. I haven’t slept for days”


********
“Aima! Aima! Open up” a voice called out from the door…
It was Aaron.
I checked the time. It was 3:00am… What is Aaron doing here by this time. I woke Aima up that Aaron is calling her.
“Alex pls help me open, I’m tired” Aima groaned
I stood up to open the door and immediately Aaron pushed me in and locked the door.
I couldn’t believe what I saw…. Aaron was with a gun.
“Aaron, are you okay, why are you with a gun? How did you get that”
He ignored my question and walked towards Aima
“Hey, get up” he said to Aima in a firm voice…
Aima got up in fear…. “what has gotten to you Aaron, why do you have a gun pointed at me?”
“You are a fool” Aaron said
I was so shocked, this is not the same Aaron I have known…
I was also scared…. didn’t know what to do.
Immediately I slowly moved towards the intercom… dialed my parents room number and left… hopefully mum or dad gets to pick at the first ring.


“You are very ungrateful Aima, after all Tee did for you” Aaron said with tears in his eyes also pointing the gun an Aima
“ He asked you not to tell, you just had to open your big mouth. He should have killed you when he had the chance. I told him to kill you…. he said he loved you and spared your life. Is this the way to pay him back” Aaron said in anger
“Aaron, what’s going up, why will you ask Tee to kill your own sister” I said, trying to calm the whole situation.
“ shut up Alex!!! No one asked you to speak! Stay out of this” he snapped
“ I was the one who helped Tee with his dirty job, I was in the house when Aima came in…. Tee warned me not to come out, he knew Aima would quickly recognize me. Aima keeps pocking her nose everywhere so if her reward is death, so shall it be” he added as a cocked the gun.

My mum heard all the conversation through the intercom and silently alerted the security agents in the house… they rushed up stairs and started knocking the door.

“Open up this door or we break it down right now” voices called behind the door
We could also hear my mum and dad shouting Aaron’s voice from the door.

“ who called mum?” Aaron said as he looked over to the connected intercom reading 26minutes already.
“Alex what have you done?” I never planned to shoot but you just made me very angry…
Immediately I heard a very loud noise. Aaron shot towards Aima’s direction… Aima fell to the floor screaming.

Hearing this, the security agents broke down the door and tried to collect the gun from Aaron.
As they approached Aaron, he cocked the gun and blasted his own head.
Everyone was in shock..
Aima and Aaron were rushed to the hospital where they were both confirmed dead on arrival.
My mum fainted…. she couldn’t bear the news.
I also couldn’t put my self together… I was crying out Aima’s name continuously.

Things were not the same after that. Few weeks after their burial my dad took an early retirement.
He just couldn’t focus on work anymore.
My mum is a strong woman, she stayed at home for few weeks but continued with her businesses after that.

A month had passed and Tee Mark was convicted for murder in U.K.
He also released the names of the people who payed him to kill his parents. Apparently, his parents had strong business rivals and with them out of the way, the incoming contract from the government would be given to their company instead of the Makinde group.


****
It’s been 3years since it all happened and life hasn’t really been easy since then. There’s this sad feeling all over the house. Dad always keeps to himself even when I try to cheer him up, it’s just him and his chess game.
I keep blaming myself. Maybe Aaron truly didn’t plan to shoot Aima, maybe it was just to scare her and run away.
What could I have done differently?