Made for me

Trouble In Paradise

The divine moment was around the corner, and a fragrance of intimacy clouded the atmosphere. The two families had thrown an engagement party. The Olumides are now in the Adelekes master's living room. With wine and cool Fugi music for the groove. Rose's Mum was the most delighted of them all. She goes around greeting everyone and mingling with them like she had known them for years. Well, we all know the motivation behind her actions. Mr. Solomon Adeleke and Dayo Olumide are sitting together in the dining room and talking about politics. The men of both homes have found a few things they have in common and their chat has become concrete as both men look at each other with values while they deliberate on their achievements. It had an essence of respect between them. They looked at themselves with pride, as the cheers which were followed by echoing laughter. The two love birds are now greeting and welcoming their guest. It was a full house, and the smell of royalty was in the air. A gathering of kings and queens. Kings and queens without thrones, but if royalty could be bought, they sure could afford it. The engagement party had drawn a few VIPs to the scene. Baba Tunde was also there. Mr. Tunde, Timi, and Mrs. Chima was not left out. They all come to have a piece of a good life as well and also celebrate with their boss, who will soon not be having time to put them under that ridiculous pressure at work again. "Let her just go far away for her honeymoons. Maybe in Paris or somewhere in Europe, where her surveillance will be limited", said Mrs. Chima. "You and I know that our boss can not leave her job and everything she worked for, so better wake up from your dream" replied Mr Tunde. Rose went quickly to welcome Baba Tunde. He gave Alex a firm handshake and said "Take care of my daughter young man", "I will, Baba" he replied. His hands were shaky because he was old and in his late 70s. Rose then directed him to the dining room to meet the men in the house. Alex's mum was the only one not doing much at the party, she was in a corner of the sitting room pressing her phone. From the first day she met Rose, she was rude to her, based on the fact she felt her son deserved better. The reason for her attitude was clear. This is because she had introduced Alex to Sharon, who was the senator's daughter, and the girl had also declared her interest in Alex. Alex had hidden this from Rose and wasn't ready to let anything come between them. The party was now at its peak and the platform to cheer and give an appreciation speech was now open and Mrs. Olumide went first. "It gives me goose bumps seeing my daughter and my future son-inlaw together. This moment has always been written in the stars. So let's make a toast to a prosperous marriage that will be full of blessings, good health and beautiful children". The toast was made, followed by laughter and uniform clapping because everybody understood the message the toast was passing. It was simple and clear and it said "Give me children, period". Rose's father went next. "Life is short and sweet. I am so glad to see my little girl, who is now a grown damsel, is finally settling down. So I want to make a toast to a successful and prosperous marriage and my prayer for both is that you continue to grow up in good health and understanding". His toast was followed by a corresponding response of "Amen". Then went Babatunde. "I want to make a toast to fulfill married life, and I pray that the sweetness of marriage never ceases from your union and may God bless this union Amen". "It is a dream come through for us, and seeing this big smile on my bestie's face gives means a lot to me. She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for in the whole wide world. I remembered when we would talk about this moment. When all we had was 50k and a million dollar dream. I pray that this smile stays for ever on you in Jesus' name". At this point, tears had begun to run down Ruth's eyes. Her love for her was deep as the ocean and from every word she spoke, proof of it was coated in it. She is now an expecting mother. After her toast, everyone in the house was touched as they beheld the beautiful moment. After the Olumides toast, Alex's dad from the Adelekes went next. "I would like to make a toast to good and prosperity. It is obvious that it's a gathering of kings and queens. So I pray for victory in all your endeavors and fruitfulness in all you do. Cheers". Then follow by clapping all around. After all the toasting was done, the party now progressed to the grooving section. The Fugi music was on and the participants were now dancing all moves related to the music, with a bottle of wine in their hands. The engagement party was elite, and after 4 hours of grooving, it was time for everybody to go home, because it was a must that traffic was going to be tight today. After all the greetings, The Olumides went their way.

Time flies, as they say, and the wedding was 3 weeks away. Friday was Alex's bachelor's party and his guys were around the man of the hour like body guards and this was because of their stature. Alex was the shortest in the group. He was surrounded by men of caliber and physics. His friends from the United States Of America, France and other European countries had flown into the country for the wedding and these guys did not come for a lowkey party. They had come to turn up and you sense it from their arrogant laughter and playful gestures. "You are finally settling for one flavor now bro. Does that bother you? Or have you found one that combines all the flavors?" asked Jackson. One of his friends from America. "Is it not too early for your raw questions?" replied Sogi. Sogi is the preferred best man and this because they go way back. They were all gathered in the hotel they logged in. "Rose has it all man, so I am cashing all in bro". The statement was followed by corresponding laughter. "When I was told there was a bus stop for every man in life, I didn't believe it at first, but now there is no doubt in my heart. The fisherman has been caught by a big fish". The statement had disorganized them as everyone in place ran around dew to the bubbling laughter in their stomach. Alex was not taking it anymore as he tried to work out of the mockery but was held back by Jare, a member of the group. "Calm down Omo oloro (son of a rich man), this is all love. we are all happy for you", he said. Then his smile was back on his face. "So where are we going to party hard tonight?" asked Jackson. "Well, I think if we could make some good memories at the Apex gaming center, we could play tennis or go bowling and talk while playing card games". "Who would want to play cards few weeks to his wedding? i was thinking we would go to a strip club. If we must leave the park, then you have to give you some wild thought to remember. Who is with me on this?". Everybody's hands were up except Alex's hand, but when he saw the majority, he nodded in agreement. "Guys, we are going to Blixxmate," said Jackson, the architect of the operations and who also had become the frontman and bachelors party planner. These people did not in any way see marriage as a holy and matrimonial thing. To them, it's just a necessity. Necessary because, if not for any other reasons, but for the reason of reproduction. After a few minutes' drive, they arrived at Blixxmate bar and club. From the window of their car they saw some ladies standing in front of the gate, greeting guests coming in a seductive way and, of course, some of the guests praised them. Like groceries in a*****e, they pick them up after negotiation is done, they get into their luxurious cars, like groceries into a cart. After a few minutes of observation, they went in. While sitting in a corner at the club, they relaxed with some drinks, while they fed their eyes with the athletic display that was performed by the strippers. These girls were skilled. They danced in the pool like monkeys on trees and they were all caught up by the energy of seduction that came from what their eyes beheld. Jackson went to buy Alex a dance without Alex's consent. "This is for you and I know you will like it". He said while he held her hand. Alex didn't respond to the statement. He was just still like he was on a spell or something as he watched her spin around to show him what she was presenting. "Come. Sit here," said Jackson, and she did. After hours of drinking and clubbing, the alcohol effect had taken grip of everyone, and the parting was now intense. Everyone was now dancing and grooving, including Alex and his dancer. They were all having a good time. The club was now scanty and it was now 2am in the morning. It seemed they were not aware of how late it was. It was only Soji that was conscious and active. He then led them to the vehicle and drove them back to the hotel as they all crashed wrecklessly on the master's bed in their five-star hotel.

The morning spirit had driven away the siege of alcohol on Alex's face. His consciousness was now active, as he woke up examining himself. His head and jaw felt a little heavy with an unfamiliar taste on his tongue. He then reached for his phone. He had 5 missed calls from Rose. She was probably calling to ask how the bachelors party was going. Some of his fading memories were restored and he felt guilty about how he had neglected his wife to be. "These guys are bad influences" he said in his heart. "I will be going now guys. I will be back. I just need to get something at my place". He then drove to his place only to find out that he had a guest. It was Sharon lying on the couch in her underwear. "What's the meaning of this? And by the way, how did you get in here?". "Too many questions from a man with all this power. Since you don't want to marry me, at least you have a slice of this cake". "You should leave now". Harry exploded in a thundering voice. "Shh" she said as she used her hand to seal his lips. She then took his hand and put his hands on her waist, while she was looking into his eyes with a look that indicated how much she craved for him. Alex couldn't resist her and it was primarily because his friends had opened his drum of lost. He then grabbed hold of her as they kissed. Their moment of pleasure was interrupted by a bang at the door. It was Rose who was frozen because she could not believe what she was seeing. Without saying a word, she ran straight to Sharon and pushed her and she crashed into the center table. "Sweetheart, I can explain" said Alex as he tried to hold her back from leaving, but his grip was broken by a thunderous slap from Rose. Rose ran away in tears, while Sharon was groaning in pain on the floor. After Rose had left, Alex took Sharon to the nearest hospital possible. Good things don't last for ever, some would say, but in Rose's case, it didn't even stay for a moment. Alex tried everything in his power not to make the news escalate because it would be a big business for the internet trolls, and the talk of the town. Imagine the headliners it would tend. For a place like Lagos where a reasonable number of citizens are comedians, it might really trigger some hurtful comments like, Mr Right took the left turn or you could hear comments like trouble in paradise and it's the truth there is really trouble in paradise. It's been 4 hours now and Rose has not been picking up her calls. Alex was bothered and he was left with no option to share with his parents. The situation had begun to get out of hand when they couldn't reach her till the next morning. The Adelekes now decided to tell the Olumides the situation at hand. When Rose's mum found out, she was confused and had the feeling that Alex might have hurt the apple of her eyes. When it was three days, without anyone knowing where she was, words got out. Rose's Mum went straight to accuse Alex of kidnapping her daughter and using her for money ritual. Mrs Adeleke and Mrs Olumide had a fight over this issue and Mrs Adeleke is at the hospital due to the fight. She had bruises on her head and ear. Mrs Olumide had bitten her ear during the fight. All this didn't quench the fire, but it only made things worse. The media was also on fire. You would wonder how this information spreads quickly, like wildfire. It's been four days now, and the queen is nowhere to be found. Mr Olumide had made plans to arrest Alex but Mr Adeleke was not going to allow it. The people that started the fire are now nowhere to be found. All Alex's friends had gone back to their lives and only Soji stood by Alex because he was his only true friend. Rose's father's heart was broken because his only child might have been taken by the unforgiving streets. Now the media are active, and over a10 thousand posters have been distributed around, and all the necessary calls were made but to no avail. Ruth, her friend, was also heart broken. Her best friend was not where to be found and she had no idea where she was or where she could be. Sharon is now back from hospital after she has fully recovered and on the fifth day, everyone was now seriously concerned and they all started crying in their heart.

Harry had heard about it and he felt bad. The only woman he ever truly loved is nowhere to be found. He began to search his heart to see if there was any information that could link him to where she was and something clicked and he had an idea came to his heart. He then called Ruth and she invited him over. When he got there, he sat in the living room with her. "I think I know where Rose could be" he said. "You do?". She asked dramatically. "OK, let's go", she said as she quickly dressed up to follow him. "I don't think you should follow me. Considering your condition. Ruth was pregnant and she didn't care, but after thinking about what Harry said, she sat back and asked him to promise to stay in touch with her. When Harry was on the wheel, he started playing back all the memories they had and all their conversations. He was then sure that she could be at Babatunde's house. After an hour's drive, he was there and he could see Babatunde sitting at his regular spot, in the cool of the evening. He then welcomed him and he introduced himself. Babatunde welcomed him well, like they had met before. "Baba, have we met before?", he asked out of curiosity. "No my son, but Rose has told me a lot about you". "Rose has been missing for 5 days now?". "Yes my son. She has been here for five days now". "You could have told someone at least". "She made me promise and I couldn't go back on my word. She is supposed to be back by now. I wonder what's keeping her". When Harry left, he texted Ruth that he knew where she had been for the last five days but not sure where she was currently. Ruth extended the information to her parents and Relief went round. Even at her office, there was also relief. Mr Tunde had stood boldly in the gap of her absence just as Rose predicted. Harry then embarks on the final mission, which was to find Rose no matter what. All his antennas were up, and he drove to the beach. After searching for about 20 minutes, he could see someone like Rose sitting in the corner, looking rough, as her dress was dirty and her hair was scattered. As he got closer, behold it was her, sitting like a wounded Tigeress. Harry quickly hurried to meet her and when he touched her she collapsed on his hand. He then quickly carried her to the car. All thanks to his strength and wisdom. He then drove straight to the general hospital and they saw the emergency and quickly received her. After everything went down, he called Ruth to give her the news. When Ruth's parents heard the news they quickly found their way to the hospital. Her mum was already crying at this reception. She was indeed a very emotional person. The doctors had prevented them from seeing her and all they could do, was to wait and pray. When the morning c**k crowed they were all awake now and their waiting and hoping was also awake. Ruth and her husband were also there with them. The nurse then came to tell them that she was awake and ready to see them as they hurried into the ward. Her mum entered first as she began to sing and worship God. When all the family was now together, and had reunited, her Dad made her promise not to ever do it again. There was now room to thank Harry. He was her Hero for the second time. When Rose was finally discharged, she was taken to her family's house and her mum took good care of her and returned her back to the Rose we remembered. Her parents had called off the marriage and they agreed among themselves that the union was not made to be. Things had begun to return to normal, but it would take a little time for wounds to heal and for the media to rest. What should have been Rose's best moment was just another scar that she would never forget. The sad tale of a Queen in west Africa, Nigeria.