The friendly snake

Episode 1 "He said it again this morning that if I continue like this, we will have a big problem in this marriage. He said if I'm not careful I will go back being single again like my friends because it seems I'm not ready to remain married..." Didi narrated to her two friends., Amy and Diva. "He actually said that...? Amy asked wide eyed Didi nodded in disappoinment. "..that man really thinks that marriage is an achievement..."Amy said shaking her head "But it is. Marriage is a big achievement" Diva replied Amy "Not to me though.." Amy said unconcerned. "What was your reply when he said this..? Diva asked her "When he was shouting at me initially, I didn't reply back but when he repeated this same thing about the marriage which he had said about three times now, I told him that I don't care and he should go ahead and do his worst.." "Correct, that's good. You need to put him in his place. What is he even feeling like..? "...Listen to me Didi, if you don't have enough savings, then start gathering up money because of the future. Men are unbelievably tricky and wicked, once they see another woman and pick interest in her, they will start mistreating their wives, trying to frustrate her so that when she can no longer takes the whole ill treatment and leaves, the man will have ground to say that the woman left by herself, he never pursued her so he has the right to bring in another woman. He will start telling anyone that cares to listen how much he was doing for the wife but she still choose to go meet another man, how much he cares and spent and yet she still left. He may even chirp in that the woman has a rich sugar daddy. Men will want to act like saint while victimizing you and making you look like the bad one. That's why I'm saying that you need to have your own money so that if anything happens, you will have somewhere to fall back to with your child. Fear men..they will stain your white.." Amy said, demonstrating with her hand angrily. "If you have problem with any man, why not go and sort it out with the person instead of generalizing all the men. So, you mean that Didi should start stealing from Desmond huh." "Diva, sometimes the way you think baffles me. Desmond is Didi's husband and it can't be called stealing because the Bible said, the two becomes one once they're married. She's just taking money from her better half. I see nothing wrong with that.." Diva looked over at Amy, sighed and said to Didi "Please ignore Amy. Maybe it was your reply that got Desmond more upset. You shouldn't have said that to him. You shouldn't even reply him when he's angry or ranting.. you know how some men behave. They always want to be right and when you try to oppose that it becomes a big problem, they don't want their ego to be bruised..." ", Exactly, I agree with the last part. Too much pride is that man's problem. He's lucky that I'm not his wife, I would have given him the seat he deserves, a sweet dose of his own medicine will definitely do..." "Get married first, maybe you will come to understand Didi's predicaments more.." Diva said to Amy "Give yourself same advice Diva. We're both not married but in my case, I'm not even searching. I'm contented being single. Men are too problemâtic..."Amy fired back at Diva. Didi sighed "I no longer care Diva, I don't care about anything. I'm tired of him threatening me in this marriage, he acts like he picked me from the streets and i will return back to nothing if the marriage doesn't work... that's must be what he thinks that made him use same line of words to threaten me each time..." "...He has forgotten so soon that I was doing well for myself when he met me. I didn't even want to marry him initially but he portray this nice man character that made me decided to settle with him. I have bigger men coming for me then. You and Amy remembers back then, you know I was very industrious and hard-working. I was making my own money. Why will he now be treating me like I don't know my worth anymore or maybe without the marriage I'm nothing..." "Is because he has seen you all, you don't have to show him too much of your weakness. He will ride you and treat you as he please. I don't like when men mistreating ladies. Amy said "Desmond is a nice guy Didi, I told you back then that you're a lucky girl to have such a man. From my understanding, marriage is not always rosy, whatever is the reason for his constant rant, please avoid those things. I know I'm not married but if I happen to get a kind and loving man like Desmond, babe I will really thank my God. You've forgotten that there are lots of crazy men who are looking for somebody's daughter to put in bondage. Go back and beg your husband..." "Beg for what? Didi, listen to me don't pay attention to Diva, her desperation for a man stinks badly. you did nothing bad so Desmond should be the one going on his knees to apologisze not you.." "I'm not begging anyone. How long will I continue to apologise? if I continue doing that, he will be using it as an advantage to hurt my feelings with his words and actions..." "You're lucky that is only words that he use to hurt your feeling. You've forgotten that some men are beast. I read lots of domestic violence on social media that left many women vulnerable. Yours isn't like that Didi, so you should be thanking God.." Diva said. Just then Didi's phone began to ring "Hold on, he's the one calling.." "Good! He probably wants to apologise for his unruly behavior.." Amy said. "Yes, you are right Amy. Desmond does that sometimes after a fight but not all the time. But he's definitely calling to pet me and apologies. I know my husband more than he knows himself.." Amy curved a smile at the corner of her lips. Diva clapped her hands excitedly " see you, you're already blushing like a new bride. You were busy running your mouth earlier that Desmond isn't doing well. I'm so happy he called to apologise, that's the way it supposed to be. When you get home also beg him, prepare correct food for him and another in the bedroom.." Didi burst out laughing "you're silly girl. I can't wait for you to get married so that you will be giving your hubby double food after every misunderstanding.." "We won't have misunderstanding, I will make sure of that. My husband will cherish me and I will be his loyal subject.." "Just wait and get married first before you start subjecting yourself as servant... don't be an embarrassment to women by reducing your self worth.." Amy said. She turned to Didi "... listen Didi, don't pick up yet. Let him call like three or four times. If you pick up immediately, he will see you as a desperate woman with no self esteem.." "Amy! That's a wrong advise.." Diva said out loud. The call ended without Didi answering. "Why aren't you picking up his call? Is it because of what Amy said.." Diva asked "Yes, Amy is right. I have to do small acting so that he won't feel like I have been expecting his call all this while. If he calls again I will answer.." Just then Desmond called again Didi answered the call "...Hello.." Amy moved closer to her and whispered "Don't sound excited while on the phone with him. Make him understand that you're still vexing. Put the call on speaker..." Didi ignored Amy and didn't put the call on speaker "Hello darling! I'm home over 30 minutes and you're not back yet. Where are you..? Desmond asked calmly. "I'm coming, I'm close to the house.." "Where exactly are you..? It sounds more like he was concerned. "I'm with my friends Amy and Diva." "But you just lied now that you're close to the house, instead of you to tell me that you're chilling with your friends, you decided to lie. this is exactly why I keep having issue with you every time. Anyway, if you're coming back, buy vegetables and fruits, that's what i want to eat tonight and start coming home. Enough of the chic chat with your friends, especially that your friend, Diva, She like giving you wrong advise. I wonder how you will be taking advice from somebody that's not under any man. Diva is not married but she thinks she knows better than married couple and dishes unsolicited stupid advise. That's why I prefer Amy, she maybe single but mainly looking at her, you will see she's a wise, intelligent lady, she's the kind of friend to keep and take advise from not Diva..." The call ended. "I have to go, Desmond is home.." Didi said getting up. "Did he apologies for all his nonsense attitude towards you? You would have put it on loud speaker so that we can hear him begging. Make sure he goes on his knees when you get home. He supposed to come here to get you not you rushing over. Who do he even think he is..? Amy said "He's still my husband Amy. I know Desmond can be very annoying but I'm still married to him. I'm his wife and mother to his child.." "Look at you, just because of the small apology he probably rendered that's why you are defending him now. Few days later, you will still run back crying fowl. We will still be here waiting..." Amy said "Quit already with all this hateful words Amy. Is very normal for couples to have disagreement. At the end they will still come together to agree. Please stop all this wrong advise that you're dishing out..." Diva said "Truth is a bitter pill to swallow. All I said is the truth. Men are scum and Desmond does not worth this whole stress..." Amy said as she picked up her phone and focused on it. Didi said goodbye to her friends and left. She was boiling angrily that Desmond told her to buy things without asking if she have money with her. She thought he actually called to apologise, maybe she don't really know the man she married and is also time to take Amy's advice and not show him too much of her own self. OUT OF THE BOX Episode 2 She made sure he was in the bathroom, before rushing to the wardrobe. She checked his first trousers and a few shirts but found nothing. She searched for a few more clothes but didn't see anything reasonable. She checked the bed cabinet for his wallet and, as usual, it was there. She searched to see if there was enough money inside but nothing much. She knew where he usually keeps money, but the box was up on top of the wardrobe. She could hear her two-year-old daughter calling She needed to hurry before Desmond came out of the bathroom. She carried a chair to get the clothes box down but it would take lots of time. She was so determined in her quest that she didn't notice when the shower stopped running. Which means Desmond was done with the bathroom. "What are you doing..? He startled her from behind. She almost fell off the chair that she climbed on. Her heart skipped and began to race on seeing Desmond standing behind her. "Oh...I..,I was looking for my small purse.." "Is that why you can't hear Jasmine crying? "Uhmm I thought it was normal giggling and nothing serious. She's watching a cartoon and Cynthia is in the kitchen and can easily check up if something is wrong with her..." "Cynthia is in the kitchen cooking the food you are supposed to cook. Instead of you being out there helping and learning, you're in here ransacking my bag..." ", Your sister said she didn't need help and you said I should allow her to make you Jellof rice because mine is not good enough..." She went down from the chair and returned it to where she had carried it from. "What kind of purse is that and what will it be doing on top of the wardrobe..? "I have searched everywhere and since I didn't see it, I decided to check in an unexpected place. You can never tell if I or someone mistakenly put it there." She started leaving "Is it the same purse that you were checking in my trousers? Desmond pointed at one of his trousers that suddenly fell from his wardrobe. Didi didn't hang it properly, neither did she put it back after searching. It was obvious she checked the pocket. "Uhmm! That must be a mistake, because I was checking everywhere and can't remember even touching your trousers..." "Are you sure you were actually searching for your purse or something else? "What kind of question is that? Are you trying to accuse me?" "Accuse you? No... I'm just wondering if one of your friends put you up to this..! "Up to what? If this is another way of starting your usual problem today, I don't have an appetite for it..." "Apart from Amy, whom I believe gives better advice, all of your other friends are only trying to deceive you and you had better stop listening to them if you value your marriage..." Didi chuckled a bit because Desmond is obviously approving of Amy, who obviously hates him and men in general. "Can't you just say something without prioritizing our marriage... ? "... besides, you really don't know my friends and you shouldn't be fast in concluding.." "I know them well enough. I don't need any further investigation. By their faces and appearance, I can tell who is who. Amy has this smiley, cheerful, homely and caring face, unlike Diva. It seems like Diva put you up to this? She is jealous, a bitter and unkind friend who only wants to be in your place as a married woman where you are taking everything you got for granted while your friends are ready to do anything to be in your position right now..." "...do me a favor by inviting Amy over one of these days. I personally want to thank her for all she does. She will make a good wife..a better and submissive wife.." Didi stared at him, not knowing how to reply. "... make sure you deliver my message to Amy. Every good deed deserves rewards and it is the time to say thank you to Amy for not misleading you. As for Diva, who put you up to this... "You think that Diva put me up to what exactly? Didi asked, interrupting him. She was getting upset with his every word. "You don't know that I'm far smarter than you can imagine. I know exactly what you're searching for, my dear. Your friend said i must be seeing another woman and any opportunity you have got, you should search for my clothes and all of my stuff and you will definitely see a condom. And that's exactly what you're doing, you want to get proof that I'm having an affair.." "Ohh.." Didi was a bit relieved that Desmond didn't know that she was searching for a large lot of money that she could hide for herself. She wanted to save up as Amy suggested, but instead of starting small, she wanted a huge amount to hide. She was not even thinking in the way of Desmond cheating. "I got you.. right? Next time, think first before acting." "So, are you seeing another woman," Didi asked, trying to dwell on the topic that Desmond raised. "What rubbish question is that? One woman is enough trouble please. Next time, don't go scattering my stuff and cooking up a story about a missing purse or pants..." Didi walked out angrily. After checking up on her daughter who was still watching the television, she went to the kitchen to check what Cynthia was cooking for almost two hours. Cynthia, Desmond's younger sister who recently came to stay with them, was dishing out food on a plate. The kitchen was messed up and a lot of dirty dishes in the sink. "I heard you and Desmond's voices again today. You were searching his pockets for condom, to prove that he was cheating? "I was actually searching for something else, Cynthia. Sorry to ask, were you eavesdropping on us..? "Eavesdropping? Why would I do that? Is it not like your voices were down or is your room sound proof? Didi, who was obviously angry with the way the kitchen was looking, ignored her. "...You really need to work on yourself and learn to trust your husband. You're lucky he's a good man. I learnt that many of your friends are yet to be married.. you won a big jackpot when my brother married you. If you can calm down and be an obedient wife, then you will definitely enjoy this marriage, if you still miss being single and want to go back to it..." "I have had enough of Desmond's trouble for today, please, Cynthia, don't add to it. The last time, you said I don't respect you after you ganged up with your brother to ridicule me. Ever since I have tried to give you the respect you deserve as my husband's sister, but try not to blow off your luck. You're adding up to my injury. Let me be, I beg of you... let me be.." "I'm sorry Didi, but you really have to calm down and trust my brother.." "The kitchen is really a mess.." Didi, who didn't want to voice out. "Is that the thank you I get for making dinner? Cynthia asked, fuming. "Thank you Cynthia for cooking tonight. I could still have done my normal cooking without turning the kitchen upside down but you asked me not to worry, you wanted to cook. I still appreciate the fact you cooked but my kitchen is in a mess..." "I will tidy it up, Didi. Don't be problematic all the time. Cooking and cleaning is no big deal for me..." "Okay Cynthia. Please try and clean up. Let me bring food for Desmond and I.." "I have already dished out my brother's food. You can take yours.." Didi, who was trying to avoid a quarrel by all means, went over to the pot and tasted the food. "Jeezz! Spices...Pepper.. is too much. How can.." "That's how my brother likes his meals. It is obvious you don't even know your husband or what he likes..." Cynthia interrupted her. "...Desmond likes enough pepper in his Jellof rice. I have him in mind while making this meal, not you. If you don't like it, please this is the kitchen. Cook anything that's up to your taste, but try not to condemn my food. It took me over two hours to make..I will appreciate it if you don't talk bad about it..." Didi was not ready for another round of quarrel She decided to make another thing to eat. Desmond was served the dinner and he complained that the pepper was too much. Didi laughed out on hearing that. Desmond asked her to go to the kitchen and cook something else for him but Didi refused. Cynthia who was angry that her brother rejected her food accused Didi who didn't pay her any attention. Maybe Diva was right after all Because ignoring Desmond and his sister was working out perfectly but she wondered how long she will be able to accommodate all of this. Maybe she needs to grant Desmond wish by inviting Amy. Amy will definitely put him in his place. So she thought before texting Amy that night) Episode 3 She was grinning from ear to ear "Is this supposed to be a good news for me or bad because I'm confused.." "Supposedly good.. I presume" Didi replied. "Wait a sec, you mean your own husband, Desmond want me to come over to the house because he approves of my friendship with you than that of "a good girl" Diva? "I'm sure that's not the reason why he asked Didi to invite you over. You can't jump into conclusion yet..." Diva said "What other reason will that be huh? Don't you see "good girl" doesn't pay. I'm surprised though, but I'm going to honor this unexpected invitation anyway.." "Didi, are you sure you heard Desmond right? And hope you didn't do any of those things Amy was suggesting? "I was searching for money, I know with the way Desmond was going I needed to start saving..." "But you're working Didi and Desmond gives you money for upkeep, what do you mean you needed to start saving.. Diva queried while interrupting her. "Allow her to finish talking first before you interrupt. Even if I'm working, I will still be taking my husband's money far more than my salary. The good thing is that I don't need a husband, I'm the husband of myself. A stingy man like Desmond is a no no for me. Is Didi that's giving him the hand to do as he pleases. I have said it before, if I was to be his wife, I would have giving him the seat he deserves for long.." "Like I was saying.." Didi continued ignoring both Diva's question or Amy's rant. "...I didn't want to just take the few change I saw in his wallet and trouser pocket. I wanted something tangible and I know he usually put big sum in the box on top of the wardrobe. ...why? I said it, that man is very stingy. I'm already having double mind of accepting the request to see him.." Amy said throwing off her face. "Well, like you know, I'm a teacher and this teaching job doesn't pay well enough for extra saving. I still use it to support the home because I never consider it as anything until Amy opened my eyes to It. The issue is that when Desmond caught me trying to get his box which was on top of the wardrobe, he assumed that I was searching for condom and evidence that he was having an affair.." Amy and Diva seem shocked. Amy began to laugh while Diva sat quietly listening "That man is an actor. So, apart from being stingy, bully and annoying he was also cheating..?Amy asked "Not exactly, he said he wasn't seeing another woman, that one woman's trouble is enough. It was while arguing over it that he mentioned that Amy needed to come over because with Amy innocent looking face, he feels she's the one that gives a better advise.." "indeed, look can be decisive. Amy gives a better advice my foot.."Diva snapped "Diva, jealousy doesn't pay. I'm finer and better, there's no debate about that in anyway. I gives the best advise and I don't beat around the bush..." Didi continued, ignoring Amy and Diva. "Desmond sister, Cynthia that came to spend a week with us want to prove she's better woman than me and can make a better wife too but Desmond once told me that Cynthia left her baby Daddy who wanted to marry her because he didn't measure up to her standard. She wanted somebody that's well to do and turned down the wedding proposal. Her daughter is with the ex and she's at my place trying to frustrate me. After she made one Jelof rice for Desmond and he didn't like it because it was filled with pepper, Desmond asked me to go to the kitchen and fix him something else to eat. I refused... Desmond initially insulted me that I can't cook and his sister was a better cook and after she cooked rubbish, he wanted me to go and cook but I refused to go back to that Kitchen, he began to call me names that not submissive while the sister was busy laughing..." "You should have made something else for him. Your sister in-law maybe trying hard to impress her brother but you're his wife and needs to take your place at all time as Desmond wife.." Diva scolded "I silently hope that this your over niceness will not rot your teeth one day..."Amy said to Diva before turning to Didi "Girl, you did well by not entering that kitchen to cook after the whole insult. Cynthia or whatever her name is should return back to wherever she came from, She can't be competing or forming boss in your own house..." "Is Cynthia his elder sister or younger? Diva asked. "Desmond is older than her. Cynthia is his cousin. Desmond said they used be very close while growing up. Cynthia was closer to him than his direct sisters. Desmond has one elder sister who is married and another younger sister who is also married. Cynthia would have been married too but she choose to be single because her man isn't good enough. Ever since she came, which was few days ago, she has been trying to annoy me by all means.." "I agree with Cynthia on that. She choose not to suffer with any man and decided to wait untill she settle with a man who is worth the stress, that's not a crime. she will rather remain single than being a wife to a broke Man. She's my kind of woman in a way but I won't go to my married brother's house and start making trouble. She should learn to respect boundaries and if Desmond refused to caution her, then you need to make her do that. She will have to live under your with your terms.." Amy said "Well, are you coming over next weekend, which is mostly the time Desmond stays home..? "I don't know Didi..let me think first.." "You're having double mind already? You thought Desmond is going to congratulate you for all your negativity on his wife? Even if he's blind, at least his sense of smell will help him figure you out. You're a man hater and Desmond is not exceptional, probably he heard your conversation on the phone with Didi or saw your chats, and he decided to warn you off.." Diva concluded "He dares not do that because I will so much embarrass him. I was keeping my distance and respecting him all this while because of Didi but if he push me too hard, I will released fire and brimstone on him. I'm not one to mess with. He can say and do anything to Didi, his wife but he can't try that with me. Infact, Didi tell your husband that I will be there, if he has the liver then he should try saying anything bad to me or even to you, his wife, while I'm there. I won't leave that house without asking him to give some credit to Didi..." ".…Didi, you made a huge mistake while trying to take the money, that's why Desmond caught you. You should've started with little then gradually you will progress to a larger sum. Anyway, let's leave it all aside until after meeting Desmond. Is Diva coming too..? ",Yes, I want her to come. Even though my husband doesn't appreciate Diva enough for always supporting him and his rigorous ways, Diva also deserve to be appreciated. You're my friend too, so Diva, I want you around since Amy will be there..." ",If that won't bring any problem between you and your husband then is fine by me.." As Didi was leaving, Diva decided to walk with her to the gate my advice to u is...do not allow anyone insult your husband.." "Diva, she's an adult. I can't beat her for expressing herself and beside, Desmond is indeed annoying and I have just been accomodating a lot which you won't understand..." "But Desmond is still your husband and if anyone belittles him they're equally belittling you.Ar'nt you aware that an insult to your husband is insult to you? , even if you're not happy with him. Even if Amy has no respect for men, you need to make her bridle her tongue over yours because I won't take it lightly if she insults my man..." "Relax Diva, is not that deep. You take things too serious especially when it comes to men. I appreciate the fact you're always defending Desmond but maybe if you're married to him, you will get to loosen up your tight grip.. I pray you get married to a man who will appreciate you the way you honor and defend men.." "Amen.." Diva said before turning back as Didi walks away. The following weekend was the meeting day Desmond personally went shopping for food. He stock up everywhere happily. Didi was surprised as she silently watch Desmond displaying. She was tempted to ask him if he was expecting another guest apart from Amy but she kept quiet instead. Cynthia also wasn't looking happy after learning that it was because one of Didi's friend was coming around that's why her brother, Desmond was so cheerful. She looked forward to seeing this special human that made Desmond to go buying all kinds of exotic food. He had asked them not to cook anything because he was going to make all types of food available. When the door bell rang, Desmond said he was going to answer it. He rushed to the door excitedly but his smiling face changed into a frown immediately he saw the first person at the door.