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Cold Stone Seventeen
The next day, Cassidy had called to give me info on the new buildings she could get ahold of. I requested that she sent it to my mail. After the day's work and a meal of sadza, I sat in the porch of the hostel building, smoking and watching the dark sky dotted with bright stars. The moon shone at a distance, illuminating the courtyard. "I have never seen a woman who enjoy smoking this much," Jide invaded my thoughts. I butted the end of my cigarette stick and replaced it between my lips. Jide shoved it out of my mouth and crumbled it in his palms. I watched him in wonder. How could he do that when it was still lighted?"Can you let me enjoy my stick? This helps me relax," I told him. He bent his head at an odd angle and questioned me. "I thought painting helped you relax?""I stopped doing that three years ago. Grandma thought it was a waste of time. But she did not have issues with my smoking," I shrugged. "Who does that? Complain about painting but not smoking," he boomed. "Ca
Cold Stone Eighteen
Why were my palms sweating? Why were my limbs weaker? Why was I so nervous? I was not meeting up with her; Detective Michelle was. I could not bring myself to sleep after that call. I kept turning on the thin bed, yet no position seemed comfortable for me. I quickly lit a cigar to relax. Had she changed in any way? Was she more prettier now or had age dealt mercilessly with her? Would she remember who I was if she saw me? I had a feeling she would; I was her replica, I only had Father's blonde hair. I let my hand trail down my hair and brought its end to my nose. The apple scented shampoo I used tingled my nose. I breathed out and took a drag from my cigar. I had nothing to worry about, I would not meet her ever. Hours passed by and I could not sleep a wink. When the morning bell went, I had finished one and a half pack of cigar. If I was home, I would have had a bottle of whiskey. I trudged out of bed and did my morning duties before going for breakfast. "What happened to you?
Cold Stone Nineteen
JIDEI awoke to the ringing of my cellphone. I jolted awake when I tapped on the answer button and heard Mama's voice. "Nwa m(my child)," she said in Igbo. "Mama, how...why...? You should have waited till I called you. How much do you have to waste on call cards to reach me in the United Kingdom?" I reprimanded her. I heard her sniffle. Had she been crying?"Oh. So you knew all those and you have refused to call me, Jidechukwu," she sniffled again. My heart clenched at the break in her voice. She had been crying. "Mama, I never forgot you. I think about you all the time and pray for you too. You know it is not easy to make money over here," I tried to placate."If making money is going to stop me from hearing your voice, then do not make it. Kwụsị (stop). I miss you dearly, Jidechukwu," she cried. I sat up from my bed, the foam and woods groaning from the impact. "Mama, kwụsị biko(stop please). You are breaking my heart," I pleaded. "When are you coming home? It has been seven
Cold Stone Twenty
Jide had sat me out of today's farm duties and I spent my time painting away. I had painted the best memory I had since I got here- last night. I highlighted the bonfire and the logs around, the people sitted and the dancers whose waist beads danced to the rhythm of the music. And me in the middle of it all, dancing goofily. I smiled at the painting when I had finished and let it dry. I was admiring my work when I heard the door creak open."Stunning," I heard Jide breath out behind me. I blushed and covered my warm cheeks with my cold palms. "Thank you," I choked out. He was standing beside me now and looked down at me smiling. "You know what else could go with our restaurant and make some bucks?"I gave an uncertain smile and shook my head. "Your painting. I am sure people would love to buy it and you could make money from it," he said. "I am a billionaire, Jide. I do not need extra cash." I chuckled heartily and bounced on my feet. "But you have given a wonderful solution. Ev
Cold Stone Twenty One
I swayed my head and shoulders slowly to Smile by Simi playing softly through my ear pods while I worked the paintbrush against the white canvas. I had finished my day's work much more earlier than usual and hurried away into the painting room. My paintbrush splayed across the canvass, my creation taking its form. I had no idea what I was painting, but there was this image that constantly nagged my mind. My apron was a splash of different colours; some had managed to get to my shorts and sneakers. Focusing my attention on the art taking form before me, I let the music sooth my nerves, making everything smooth. I found Simi's voice captivating and refreshing. The music was interrupted by my phone's ringtone and I picked up when I saw Aunt Joan on the caller ID. "Aunt Joan," I called excitedly, dropping my palette with the paintbrush on a high stool.I imagined her surprised face, "Well, someone is glad to hear from me."I giggled, "How have you been?" "I have been alright. I mis
Cold Stone Twenty Two
"I will not see her," I responded stubbornly, after gathering my calm. "But she is not saying anything," Detective Michelle reminded me. "And if she does not say anything, there is no way we can continue with the case. There are hardly any leads and we must take on anyone we get.""I doubt she will be of any help either. Can you ask around the hospital my father was admitted in before he died? They should be of help," I evaded. She was silent a while, "Yes, ma'am. But I would advice you see that woman. She could hold information that will be helpful to the case."My palms formed fists and I growled lowly. "Just do as I say.""Yes ma'am," she hung up.I seethed in anger, puffing out white hot anger in breaths through my mouth. How dare she? What effontery did she have to request to see me? After she had abandoned me for years? I felt my head banging and I needed to go out to inhale some fresh air. I staggered to my vanity, knocking down my personal effects in the process. My visio
Cold Stone Twenty Three
IVORYI backed up away from her. "What...how did you...what are you doing here?" I sputtered, my voice breaking in tirade of emotions. I watched her discard the hat and sunglasses, holding them firmly. "Ivory. It is Aunt Purity," she introduced. Purity not Rebecca, Mother's twin sister. They were so identical that you could confuse one for the other. But what was she doing here? Does Mother not visit here at all? I stood up defiantly, dusting my gown and hands. "What are you doing here?" I asked coldly. "Umm...I will be waiting in the car. Come meet me when you are ready," Jide interjected and excused us. I nodded and gulped, rubbing my sweating palm on my gown. I was very nervous and I did not understand why. I should be furious instead of nervous."I visit Rowland often in the place of Rebecca," she informed me, dropping the bouquet of flowers on the grave stone. It was then I realized the numerous flowers on the grave stone, most were withered but the rest were still fresh
Cold Stone Twenty Four
Jide carefully put me down after he noticed my shocked expression. I blinked severally to try to clear the confusion I felt. How was she a HIV patient and I had no idea about it? What other secrets are there that I did not know about? A splitting headache was forming and I cradled my head in my palms to balance my heavy head. I felt Jide's strong arms circle around my shoulder and lead me into the entrance to the reception. "Good afternoon. How may we be of help to you?" A pretty petite red hair nurse asked, flashing us her white pearls. "We would like to see Mrs...?" Jide zoned out, looking at me to provide the rest of the information. I gulped and wheezed out, "Rebecca. Rebecca Stone."The girl's dark eyes filled in recognition and she gasped in astonishment. "You looked too familiar. I knew you had to be the famous Ivory Stone. It is so nice to meet you personally. Can I get your autograph? Can I get a selfie?"I was gobsmacked. "How did you end up in a hospital? You are not
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