YOUNG AND TALENTED AFRICANS MAKING WAVES IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY.

It has become obvious that screen acting has become a passion in Ghana. Many African acts are discovered almost all the time. It would therefore not be wrong to say that Africa, going forward would be a force to reckon with when it comes to the national and international movie industries

After Abraham Attah of "Beast of no Nation" fame put Ghana and Ghanaian acting on the map, it appears other actors were making waves way before the "Beast of no Nation" actor came into the limelight. Many of these actors are also worthy of adulation and recognition.

One of such great and young acts is Elkanah Seddoh. This young talent affectionately called "BUJU", for his role in the hit TV series, 'XOXO' is one actor many producers should definitely put a close eye on. The young actor has a very promising acting career judging by his age and the stereotype character he seems to be attracting to himself as one of Ghana's few plus size male actors. He stars in the TV series which airs on a private Ghanaian television station along with other young and talented actors and actresses. The interesting thing about this young man is that he plays his role in the TV series so flawlessly that many people are of the view that the young actor is the exact copy of his role in real life. What many people would find hard to believe is that even though BUJU exudes a lot of confidence on set due to his massive acting prowess, he is very down to earth and takes in criticism whenever they come his way. He is also a fun-loving person and sometimes deemed a lady's man due to his plus size and role in XOXO. Elikanah is definitely one young act to watch and with the changing trends in the movie industry, it would not be long before producers and directors start falling over each other just to cast the young actor in their movies.

If you are a fan of XOXO and BUJU, this would be the right time to warm up your way to the actor and get his autograph before it is too late- That is just on a lighter note. Watch out for more from the camp of BUJU.

EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE...EPISODE TWENTY-3 (23).

"What is going on with you and Alberta?", Raphael interrogated.
"Raphael, I think I have messed up again", Maxwell started without any hesitation.

"What have you done?", Raphael asked dreading what Maxwell was going to say next.

"Alberta is pregnant, Raphael", Maxwell announced.

“Again?”, Raphael questioned

"Alberta is what?", Raphael asked in a disappointing tone. "Maxwell, how could you get her pregnant again?", Raphael asked. "What were you thinking?", Raphael asked. "Does Linda know about this?", Raphael asked.

"No", Maxwell answered.

"How can I tell her this?", Maxwell queried. "I am so confused right now",  Maxwell started. "Alberta has threatened to inform my parents about her current state if I don't tell them myself", Maxwell revealed. ""This is messed up", Raphael replied. "So what do you intend doing?", Raphael asked. "I just don't know what I am going to do now", Maxwell confessed. "As it stands now, my relationship with Linda is nearing its end should she hear this news", Maxwell started. "What is even worse is that she asked me if I had slept with Alberta after the birth of our son and I said no", Maxwell  added. "How can I now go back and tell her that I lied?", Maxwell queried. "She would stop trusting me and that would be brutal to our relationship", Maxwell stated. "Alberta just wants to mess me up", Maxwell complained.

"I don't see it that way if you asked me", Raphael stated.

"You could have avoided all of this with a little more self-control", Raphael started. "Honestly, I think you brought this upon yourself with your own actions and inactions", Raphael reprimanded. "You know Alberta is nothing but trouble yet you make her wreck your life not only once but as it stands now, she is on her way to wreck your life the second time with the same issue", Raphael said. "What was going on in your head?", Raphael asked, sounding more disappointed. "I am sorry", Maxwell whispered. "Sorry?", Raphael asked. "You would be more than sorry when all Alberta's plans finally come into fruition", Raphael started. "First of all, your parents would be disappointed, Linda would be disappointed and that would be the least of the things she might do, Alberta would frustrate you and you would be frustrated throughout this pregnancy period", Raphael explained. "Being sorry would be the least of your woes", Raphael added. "What do you advice I do?", a now vulnerable-looking Maxwell asked. "I would have to be in this kind of situation to offer you any form of concrete advice", Raphael joked. "Come on Raphael, stop messing around because this is a serious matter", Maxwell said. "I need you to be a friend right now and advice me", Maxwell begged.

"Okay, this is what I think you should do", Raphael started. "First off, I think it would be an affront for Alberta to get through to your parents with the news of her pregnancy before you do", Raphael started. "Try and reach them and inform them about it as soon as possible", Raphael said  as Maxwell nodded simultaneously. "That way, they would know that you are ready to take responsibility for your actions", Raphael added. "Then, you need to talk to Linda about this", Raphael continued.

"I don't think I can do that", Maxwell responded promptly.

"Sadly Max, I don't think you have a choice", Raphael rebutted. "Right now, our best bet would be to tell Linda and hope that she comes to understand", Raphael continued. "Let me give you this brotherly advice", Raphael stated. "If you are able to talk to Linda and she decides to walk out on you, please don't push it by trying to make her understand", Raphael said. "Just give her time and space to take it all in; if she loves you, she would help you to find a way around this", Raphael added. "You know you have our support already so that is already in the bag", Raphael said referring to himself and the other boys and squeezed Maxwell's shoulders with his arms as if to give him a massage. "Let us stay positive and hope that everything is going to fall in their rightful place", Raphael said with a firm sense of assurance and solidarity.

"Okay sir, let's get back to work" Raphael added and both of them joined  the other guys  in their plush office to continue with the day's activities.


Apparently, after Maxwell's family's long-awaited reunion, Maxwell's parents had moved back into their family house and had been there a couple of weeks already. When Maxwell got home that night, he called his parents, sat them down and decided to open up to them; something he never saw himself doing.
"Mum and Dad, I need to tell you guys something very important", Maxwell started. Maxwell's mother was particularly intrigued by the fact that her son was learning to confide in them. "I have messed up again", Maxwell said. As usual, Maxwell's mother was the first to react. She sat at the edge of her seat and placed her hands over her lips. "Are they saying you have done something wrong at work?", Maxwell's alarmed mother asked. "You know I would not do anything like that", Maxwell responded and gave his father a look. Maxwell's father had slouched in his seat and just waited for Maxwell to tell them what the issue was about. He cared less about the prelude or Maxwell's build up. "Has it got anything to do with that girl you impregnated?", Maxwell's father asked.

"Yes please", Maxwell responded.

"What about her?", Maxwell's mother asked when she realized what the topic of discussion they were going to have was going to be about. "Is she giving you pressure to come and marry her or something?", Maxwell's mother asked.

"No", Maxwell added.

"Better, because that would be over my dead body", Maxwell's mother fired out. "Young man, just get on with it and stop stalling!" Maxwell's father yelled. "I think I have impregnated her again", Maxwell finally managed to let out after his father's warning. Maxwell's parents froze when Maxwell's last words reached their ears. Maxwell's mother looked at Maxwell like a strange creature with awe. Maxwell's words did not appear real to her because they were too strange to be true. Maxwell's father sat upright in the chair and as the man of the house, he had to do the interrogation. He appeared calm and collected all the time and ever since Maxwell knew him as his father. He knew his father to be someone who talked less and often left their upbringing to their mother; his wife.

"You think you have impregnated her again?", Maxwell's father asked as Maxwell's mother sat in the exact position she was in when Maxwell broke the news; still speechless and looking on in disappointment. In times like this, Maxwell searched the face of his mother for her to give him some solace but this night was not his night. His mother had the most apt expression of pain, anger and disappointment written all over her face and Maxwell knew that he had done the unthinkable again.

"Answer my question young man!", Maxwell's father exclaimed with a firmer tone of voice than he spoke with earlier. "Is she pregnant and if she is, are you responsible for that pregnancy?", Maxwell's father queried. Maxwell looked  up at his dad and nodded his head sheepishly. "Speak!", Maxwell's father yelled. "She told me she was pregnant and that I was responsible", Maxwell fumbled in his response. "I just can't believe that you would do the very thing I least expected you to do again", Maxwell's father started. "I knew you to have grown wiser after her first pregnancy so what business do you have getting her pregnant again?", Maxwell's father quizzed. "You should have known better", Maxwell's father added. "You see the look on your mother's face?", Maxwell's father asked, prompting Maxwell to look in his mother's direction. "There is no telling how disappointed and embarrassed she is right now", Maxwell's father said.
"Maxwell how could you?", were Maxwell's mother's first words after she was starting to recover from her self-imposed state of shock and disappointment. Maxwell's only consolation lay in the fact that this time round, she did not throw a fit and she was not crying too when he broke the news to them.

"Maxwell, the last time I spoke to you on this matter, you made it quite clear that you did not intend marrying this young lady in question", Maxwell's father started. "So between the period we spoke and now, what happened?", Maxwell's father asked. "Did she seduce you to sleep with her or you got drunk and as a matter of fact got carried away?", Maxwell's father queried. Maxwell's mother just sat down in her seat, now also slouching and had cupped her lips with her hand. "You have made it clear to us that you want to settle with this particular young lady so your mother and I would make plans to go and see her parents so that we see the way forward", Maxwell's father announced. "I believe they would definitely not buy our idea of not marrying their daughter when she is having not only one but two of your children", Maxwell's father continued. "I am very disappointed in you and I don't think even you little sister would act so naively", Maxwell's mother said. "I would not speak lowly of her but I can vouch with my life that she would act more wisely in this matter and this is not to say that she doesn't know any better", Maxwell's mother added. "I think your father is right, we would go and visit Alberta's parents and fix a date to clear this whole thing up", Maxwell's mother added.

"Mum and dad, there is something else I'd like to say", Maxwell said as he trembled in his seat looking for pity.

"What more do you have to say?", Maxwell's mother barked.

"I am involved with someone else and honestly, I don't want to marry Alberta", Maxwell revealed. "You should have thought about the repercussions of your actions when you went about flaunting your manhood", Maxwell's father said. "This is not how we brought you up", Maxwell's father said. "I wonder where you picked up all this strange behaviour", Maxwell's father added. "As it stands now, you'd have to call off that relationship because it cannot stand the test of time with all this excess baggage of yours", Maxwell's father said. "Dad, I love this other girl so much and she knows that I already have a child with Alberta", Maxwell said in his defense. "But does she know Alberta is carrying your second child", Maxwell's father asked.


There was a long silence.


"I thought as much", Maxwell's father said. "You know full well that this revelation would surely end whatever thing you have going on with her so why not spare that innocent lady this whole mess and misery by calling your relationship with her off?", Maxwell's father debated. "I have said what I think needs to be said and that is final", Maxwell's father added. "But come to think of it, why did you decide to tell us about Alberta's pregnancy this time round?", Maxwell's father enquired. Maxwell sat in the chair with his palms sweating profusely and tried to give his father an answer to his question. "She threatened to come by the house tomorrow to tell you about it if I didn't tell you myself so I thought it wise to inform you guys as a way of showing you some respect before you heard it from anyone else", Maxwell answered. "You think a marriage with someone like this can last?" "Someone who can threaten and coerce you to do stuff like this", Maxwell's father asked and shook his head in disbelief. "You have brought this upon yourself and it is my prayer that we don't also regret the actions we are about to take", Maxwell's father said....


Nancy had been looking for Linda all over the place. She speculated that she might not be living far off from Maxwell's house. She knew the news of Alberta's pregnancy was going to shatter Linda's love for Maxwell and give her the chance to meander her way through to Maxwell's loving arms one more time even though she knew he was saddled with so many problems. Nancy had called Maxwell earlier to inform him that she wanted them to shift their date to an earlier time but Maxwell did not answer his phone. Nancy had combed the entire neighborhood the whole of the afternoon and when she realized she was not going to have any luck at finding Linda, she decided to use the opportunity to pay Maxwell another visit. She asked the taxi driver to take her to Maxwell's house after she had given him directions to the house

Before the driver could park in front of Maxwell's house, Nancy saw Linda making her way to Maxwell's house. Nancy quickly prompted the driver to stop and she jumped out of the taxi.

"Hello", Nancy saluted

Linda turned at the greeting to look at who was talking.

"Oh hi", Linda responded when she recognized Nancy.

"You are Nancy right?", Linda queried.

"Yes I am", Nancy responded.

"We met in a somewhat embarrassing moment and I can't seem to forget about it", Linda said in a coy manner. "Oh never mind, I have experienced those moments myself one too many times", Nancy assured Linda. "So there is nothing to be embarrassed about", Nancy continued trying to warm her way up Linda's social circle.

"What brings you here anyways?", Linda asked. "I was actually on my way to see you to discuss something with you", Nancy started.

"Really?", Linda asked.

"Yes", Nancy replied

"No offence though, but I wonder what the two of us can talk about since we barely know each other", Linda started. "That is what you'd think but after you hear what I am about to say, you would wish you knew me earlier", Nancy said in her defence. "What is it about?", Linda asked curiously. "I think Maxwell and Alberta want to take you for a fool", Nancy said bluntly. "I beg your pardon", Linda who appeared taken aback by Nancy's revelation said. "You heard me right!", Nancy reiterated. "I said I suspect that Maxwell and Alberta are up to something", Nancy restated. "So why are you telling me this?", Linda asked. Before Nancy could answer the question, Linda rained more questions on her. "What is your basis for making this assumption?" "Do you have any proof?" "Why are you so interested in Maxwell's past if you don't have any ulterior motive for his future?", Linda asked all at once. Nancy dug her hand into her purse to show Linda the proof she was talking about but before she could unlock the phone, Linda fired off like a machine gun. "Honestly, the first time I saw you, you appeared to be a very likeable person and I thought we could get along despite our unfortunate first meeting but my inkling is giving me the impression that you would be bad company if I allow you any more audience", Linda said. "Thank you for watching out for me or whatever thing you think you aim to achieve by running to me to tell me about Maxwell and Alberta", Linda continued. "We are way past that episode so thank you for the heads up but I think I have to take my leave now and so should you", Linda added.

Nancy was dumbfounded by Linda's reaction. "At least here me out, do your own investigations before you draw your conclusions", Nancy fought back looking somewhat embarrassed. "For your information, Alberta is carrying Maxwell's second child", Nancy blurted out.

Linda's mind cast back to some months ago when she met Alberta coming out of Maxwell's room.

There was a long uneasy silence.

"And for your information, I don't care whether she is carrying his fourth, fifth or even eighth baby", Linda said. "Both of you can go to hell and rot there for all I care!", Linda said and asked Nancy to leave. Nancy, who was very surprised and at the same time disappointed left in the taxi that brought her.

When Nancy left, Linda changed her mind and also went straight home but she couldn't help but ponder on the day she saw Alberta and Maxwell together...


Three days after Linda's encounter with Nancy, she decided to finally pay Maxwell a visit. The two of them had been chatting over the phone but Maxwell could still not find the courage to confront Linda with his situation.

Linda visited Maxwell when he had closed from work.

"Hi sweetheart, I missed you very much these past few days", Maxwell said when Linda entered his room. Linda walked up to Maxwell and planted a kiss on his cheek even though Maxwell would have loved one on the lip. "Can I have your phone?", Linda asked politely. "Excuse me?", Maxwell asked. "I said can I have a look at your mobile phone?", Linda rephrased her request. Maxwell was taken unaware by Linda's demand but he gave in and handed over his phone to her. She unlocked the phone after Maxwell had given her his unlock code and she placed the phone in 'silent' mode and placed the phone on her lap.

"Maxwell, we need to talk", Linda said.

"What do you want to talk about?", Maxwell said as he simultaneously swallowed some saliva to wet his instantly dried up throat.

"Is Alberta carrying your baby?", Linda asked

"Baby, you know I love you so much and I would not hide anything from you", Maxwell started.

"Max, answer the question!", Linda exclaimed.

"I don't know how this happened but yes, Alberta claims she is carrying my baby", Maxwell answered promptly.

"Again", Linda conveniently added

"It is not what you think, Linda, Maxwell started.

"Don't even start!", Linda screamed. "So when were you going to tell me that you were making a fool out of me?", Linda asked, with tears starting to roll down her cheeks.
"Linda please don't cry", Maxwell begged. "Just hear me  out first", Maxwell pleaded.

"It's enough!", I have heard you loud and clear and I just cannot hear you out again", Linda started. "All this while I gave you the benefit of the doubt because I knew you would never do anything to hurt my feelings but I was wrong", Linda said. "Three days ago, when Nancy told me this, I stood and defended you as if my life depended on it", Linda revealed. "I made her look like a fool and rubbished her claims all in the name of the love I had for you", Linda continued. "If we had made a wager, I would be at the losing end", Linda said. "I thought I could do this and I thought you could trust me enough to confide in me but you didn't and the thought of it kills me inside", Linda continued.

"It is not like that", Maxwell said.

"Maxwell, I remember I asked you if you had been with Alberta after the birth of your son and you said no", Linda recollected and recounted. "So how come you are now proudly accepting responsibility for her pregnancy if you guys have not made love?", Linda questioned.

"You are such a bloody liar!", Linda screamed. "I feel so stupid right now", Linda added


"Don't worry about it because I have already made up my mind and this time, I am not going to change my mind", Linda started. "I think we should call this thing we have for each other off and go our separate ways", Linda announced. I want you to have all the time to concentrate on your new family", Linda added. "Just forget about me and thank you for the lesson you have taught me these past few months that I have known you", Linda added and got up to leave. "Your parents are in the hall and I don't want to create a scene so don't try to stop me", Linda warned as she made her way to the door. When she got to the door, she turned and said, "I think you and Alberta deserve each other; a bunch of liars and schemers". "I wish you luck in life and good-bye", Linda added and shut the door gently behind her.

Weeks had passed after Maxwell's new exposé and Linda was still not answering Maxwell's calls. Maxwell called Alberta to find out why she told Nancy she was pregnant and she recounted how she had engaged in a banter of words with Nancy over the picture of her son. Maxwell got a clear picture and also confronted Nancy for being a snitch. Maxwell blocked Nancy's calls and messages after he had warned her to stay clear off him. Maxwell called Alberta and asked her to also stay away from him till she had finally put to bed.

He was going to supply all she needed.

Maxwell was at work one morning when he received a phone call from a strange number.

"Hello", a feminine voice said.

“Hello, my name is Maxwell may I know whom I am speaking with?”, Maxwell asked politely.

“Hello Maxwell, my name is Bernice,  a friend of Alberta”, the voice at the other end revealed her identity.
“Okay, how may I help you?”, Maxwell queried.
“What has Alberta put you up to?”, Maxwell added. “Alberta is pregnant”, Bernice revealed.
“Ha-ha”, Maxwell laughed.  “Please tell me something I don't know”, Maxwell said sarcastically.

“It may sound funny to you but even though Alberta has told you that she is pregnant,  the baby she is carrying is not yours”, Bernice revealed.

THINGS HAVE ALREADY FALLEN APART. HEADS MUST ROLL. CAN MAXWELL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF ALL THIS STORM? LET US HOPE AND SEE. MY NAME IS EDWIN OKO LAMPTEY AND THIS IS ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM THE STABLES OF RANDOM AFRICAN THOUGHTS.
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EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE...EPISODE TWENTY-2 (22).

"Maxwell we need to talk, I think I am two months pregnant", Alberta's words resonated in the innermost parts of Maxwell's entire being. He could not believe his ears; his heart missed several beats in that split second when Alberta revealed her current state to him.

"How come?", a confused Maxwell asked Alberta over the phone. "How did you get pregnant?". Alberta laughed out loud and responded. "The same way I got pregnant with your son the first time is the same way I got pregnant with this particular one too", Alberta said. "Didn't you know that there was a possibility of me getting pregnant when we made love without any form of caution or protection in your house?"

Maxwell's mind automatically cast itself back in time to reflect on that fateful day.

"You call that lovemaking?", Maxwell asked, when his mind revealed to him the events of that particular day. "I remember how brief I was", Maxwell said in his defense. "I also remember asking you if you were in a safe period and you told me there was no way you could get pregnant", Maxwell continued. "Even when you said that, I still wasn't convinced so I took a traditional cautionary measure to ensure that I didn't get any semen inside of you", Maxwell explained. "And what is more, I wanted to be double sure so I asked you to get a 'morning after pill' just to be safe", Maxwell said. "Alberta, I also remember asking you some time last month or somewhere around the month if you had menstruated and you told me you had, so how come you are claiming to be pregnant all of a sudden?", Maxwell queried.

"I remember telling you all that but what is the underlying fact here?", Alberta fought back. "You and I made love!", Alberta said over the phone. "You should have thought about all these precautions before we made love in the first place". "I guess we were not lucky in the employment of that traditional cautionary measure as well", Alberta said.

"I really need to see you and it has to be sooner than later", Alberta ordered.

"When would you be free?", Maxwell asked. "I would be free anytime you are willing to come and see me", Alberta responded.

Linda started walking towards Maxwell's direction in the most gorgeous way possible. She wanted to find out what was keeping Maxwell from joining in their celebratory dinner. "Let us talk about this when I see you", Maxwell told Alberta when he saw Linda approaching and hang up the phone on Alberta.

"Man of the hour", Linda saluted when she was now standing inches away from Maxwell and stretched to place a kiss on his lips. "What is keeping you from joining all of us?", Linda queried. "You know I get uncomfortable whenever I am not around you during gatherings like this", Linda revealed.

"You are my handbag and I love you so much and I am happy for you and I am proud of you and I know you are capable of greater things and I know you have such a kind and gentle heart and..."

"Those are so many 'ands'", Maxwell teased. "What about my 'buts'?", Maxwell asked in a confused manner and almost thought of telling Linda the reason he had been on the phone all that while. "Your 'buts' are in the past and even if there were more 'buts', I would still love you the same, regardless of the situation", Linda said and  locked her two arms around Maxwell's  neck. Maxwell placed his hand around Linda's waist and said, "I am glad to have you and I would do anything to keep you because you give me a certain feeling of peace that nobody can take away".

"You are such a darling", Linda blushed.

The two of them then started making for the restaurant where the rest of them were all gathered. Before Maxwell could open the door, Raphael rushed out and said, "I was just about to fetch you two lovebirds for our toast". "We thought you had flown away to your love nest to do...." Maxwell instantly cleared his throat to signal for Raphael to stop talking. Maxwell held the door for Linda to walk in and followed her closely; Raphael also followed Maxwell in that order.

In some hours, the celebrations were over and all of them had to go home to prepare for work the next day. Linda went with Maxwell and the others went home separately.


"Maxwell are you alright?", Linda asked Maxwell when they arrived at his house. "You looked so disoriented at the party and I thought it was strange", Linda said. "That is the more reason why I wanted us to come home so we could have some alone time together", Linda revealed. She knelt down in front of Maxwell who was seated on the bed and took his hands inside of hers. "Maxwell, I know you are going through tough times with Alberta, your child, this new and demanding job, managing all the boys and me", Linda started. "I just want you to keep your head straight and make us all proud", Linda added.

"I sure will!", Maxwell assured Linda and helped her up unto her feet and unto the bed. The two of them chatted for a while after Linda had ironed Maxwell's clothes for the next morning and eventually, Maxwell saw Linda off and came back inside his room to prepare for bed.

"Oh God!" Maxwell exclaimed when he finally lay in his bed. "What have I done again?", he queried himself. "How could I be so stupid and careless to get Alberta pregnant again?", Maxwell thought out loud. All of a sudden, he remembered the question Linda asked earlier if he had ever made love to Alberta after the birth of their child and he responded in the negative. "Was Linda unto something when she asked me that question?", Maxwell asked himself. "How am I going to possibly explain myself to her after I have told her that I have not had sex with Alberta?", Maxwell continued. He threw many punches into the air and could not believe that if Alberta's pregnancy was truly his, it was going to mean that he was going to lose Linda and her love forever. "She trusts me but I don't think any woman in her right senses would want to be with me if all this is true", Maxwell said and went to bed a dejected young man.

Maxwell was the last person to get to the office the following morning which was very unusual.

"Good morning", Maxwell greeted and quickly made for his desk to start the day's activities. The rest of the guys looked on in awe as Maxwell tossed papers about and appeared very disorganized. "This is so unusual of you; first of all, you come in late and now, you are making a mess of your desk", Rudolph said. "Is anything the matter?", Rudolph asked.

"I am fine", Maxwell responded

"Well, if you say so", Rudolph said. "One of us needs to be at the stakeholder's meeting", Raphael cut in looking in Maxwell's direction to suggest the obvious. "I think I would pass on this one", Maxwell revealed. "Any one of you can take my place", Maxwell revealed.

Frank agreed to replaced Maxwell at the stakeholder's meeting.


At lunch time, Maxwell decided to call Alberta and meet up with her. In exactly forty-five minutes, Alberta and Maxwell were at the agreed location. Maxwell gave Alberta money for her son but added some more money. "Seems you are feeling generous today", Alberta said with a smirk on her face after she realized that Maxwell had given her way more money than he usually gave her. "The extra cash is for you", Maxwell revealed. "I want you to use it to take care of that baby", Maxwell said pointing towards Alberta's tummy. "You know what I mean", Maxwell stated emphatically.

"I would do no such thing!", Alberta revealed. “I have had enough!”, Alberta added.

"Alberta, we are in no position right now to take care of two children", Maxwell said. "Moreover, our families are in a deadlock concerning our future so I don't want us to make the situation any murkier than it already is", Maxwell explained. "Let us keep this just between the two of us and solve it together for the sake of our son, please", Maxwell pleaded. "I know you are doing all these things because of that new girl I met in your house but I am not worried because her time will surely come", Alberta revealed. "I would give what you are saying some thought and you would hear from me shortly", Alberta said and took her leave.

Maxwell returned to the office a bit satisfied and relieved because he knew Alberta's acceptance of the money without putting up any serious fight meant that his situation was half way solved. He returned to the office and all of a sudden, he had sprung back to life. He marched giddily over to Frank's table and requested that he handed over to him notes from the stakeholder's meeting. Maxwell was now more lively throwing jokes about in the room. He managed to get all of the boys laughing by telling them tales of some of the funny moments he encountered while he was a student in the university. The boys had never seen Maxwell so alive and happy after he had revealed the secret about his son to them. For whatever it was worth, the boys were happy for him and they all reveled in the moment because they knew it was going to take a long time before they would experience another moment like that again.

Maxwell had still not heard from Alberta after their meeting but he was sure that his suggestion was going to see the light of day. The next month was Maxwell's son's birthday so the whole crew were excited about the big day when Maxwell informed them of it. They all made personal preparations towards the day.

On the said date, Maxwell received many calls and appointments to receive gifts on behalf of his son. Most of the gifts were coming from his childhood friends who were in a bid to outdo each other for the coveted honor of 'Best Uncle'. Among the callers was Nancy.

"Hello, Nancy", Maxwell said when he answered Nancy's call.

"I just saw your profile picture and status on WhatsApp and I believe today is your son's birthday", Nancy revealed. "He looks very much like you and I am now convinced that he is really your son because honestly I had my own doubts prior to seeing this picture", Nancy added. "Anyway, tell him I said happy birthday and I wish him the very best", Nancy added. "Thank you so much, Nancy", Maxwell started. "I hope you are doing well because it has been a while since I heard from you", Maxwell said. "We should hang out sometime", Maxwell added. "I am doing well and I believe a hang out won't be bad judging by how much I miss you", Nancy confessed. "Just pick the time and venue and I would honor the invitation", Nancy added. "By the way, I hope I am allowed to honor your son by using the picture you have used as my profile picture on WhatsApp too", Nancy enquired.

"Sure!", Maxwell responded.

Alberta and Nancy were very good friends until the two of them got emotionally attached to one man; Maxwell. The two ladies had not communicated kindly or in any uncertain friendly terms with each other after their self-styled rivalry because of Maxwell. They had literally become sworn enemies. Even though Alberta and Nancy had each others phone number, they never chatted in an way after their entanglement with the same man. As fate would have it, Alberta was going through the profiles on WhatsApp and chanced upon a familiar face on an unusual profile. Alberta saw her son's picture being used by Nancy as her profile picture with the caption 'Happy birthday to our little one, I WISH YOU LONG LIFE AND PROSPERITY'.

All hell was about to break loose.

 "What does Maxwell take me for?", Alberta screamed. "Why would he send my son's picture to this lady to use as her profile picture?", she queried. "Does he want to mock me?", Alberta asked herself and hit her chest. "I hope he knows what he is doing because he should be ready to face my wrath", Alberta added. She instantly called Maxwell's number but there was no response.

Alberta called Maxwell number the second time; still, there was no response.

"I am going to take up this matter before it gets out of hand", Alberta revealed.

"Nonsense!", Alberta exclaimed.

Alberta dialed Raphael's number and he answered immediately. "Hello, Alberta", Raphael said politely when he answered the phone. "Hello Raphael", Alberta responded. "Do you happen to know where Maxwell is?", Alberta enquired. "I have been trying to reach him on countless occasions but I am not getting through to him", Alberta added. "Maxwell is in a meeting; in fact, we are all in a meeting", Raphael revealed. "I just came out to pick some files from our office and that was when your call came in", Raphael added. "I would be glad to pass on any form of message you have for him and I would be sure to remind him to call you back immediately the meeting is over", Raphael suggested. "Raphael, please tell your friend that I don't like what he is doing one bit but if he decides to go down the path he is going, tell him to be ready for what is about to happen", Alberta stated. "Alberta, is everything alright?", Raphael asked after receiving that strong-worded message to be delivered to Maxwell.
"Everything was alright until your friend decided to mess it up", Alberta revealed. "What exactly could be the matter on a day your son is celebrating his birthday; a day we are all supposed to be making merry?", Raphael asked.

"Ask your friend", Alberta said.

"Okay, I will”, Raphael said. “I have to go now", Raphael added politely  and asked to take his leave to return to the meeting.

When Raphael got back into the conference room, he whispered something into Maxwell's ear and sat down.

Alberta decided to face off one more time with Nancy. This time , she decided to send Nancy a text message.

'You are so shameless', the message Alberta sent to Nancy read.

Immediately Nancy received the message from Alberta, she also decided to respond in kind.

'Thank you sweetheart but your words don't move me anymore', Nancy's reply read.

A war of words ensued.

'Why cant you just stay away from Maxwell for good even when you know I have his son?', Alberta sent back

'Stop deceiving yourself to think that Maxwell would marry you', Nancy's reply read.

'I care less', Alberta sent back

'I just can't believe that you still hold on all this hatred inside of you after all these years, I wonder the kind of upbringing Maxwell's supposed son is getting from you', Nancy harshly replied.

Alberta's reply read, 'It is because the two of us can never be friends anymore'.

'I am not moved one bit because having you as a friend would be a dent on my reputation', Nancy replied.

Alberta decided to put the matter to bed and knew the best way to do so. In her next text message which she sent to Nancy, the message read, 'I don't expect you to be moved because in all of this I am carrying Maxwell's second child and I believe it clearly means that Maxwell knew who he wanted to settle with all this while because he just used you and dumped you like the piece of trash you are'

Nancy was taken aback by the revelation as she read Alberta's text and she knew that Alberta was a lot of things but all she normally said were far from being a lie. Nancy decided to find a way to brush aside Alberta's claims and re-establish her position so she captured what she wanted to say in her next text and it read, 'I am going to get Maxwell's ring so you can keep on carrying the babies because all you would ever be to Maxwell is a baby-carrier. One more thing, this time, I would be at the naming ceremony'

Before Alberta could think of another reply to send to Nancy, her phone rang, it was Maxwell.

"How dare you give my son's picture to that harlot to use as her profile picture on WhatsApp?", Alberta queried immediately she answered the phone. "Alberta, your son is my son too and I have a right to celebrate him in any way I deem fit", Maxwell said. "Moreover, Nancy asked to use our son's picture and I granted her permission", Maxwell added. "Should anything happen to my son, I would hold you and your harlot responsible", Alberta sounded her word of caution. "Do your worst, Alberta, I am sick and tired of all this nagging and acts of this uncalled for jealousy", Maxwell barked. "This is a day we are supposed to be celebrating our son and not engaging in unnecessary fights", Maxwell added.

"Is that what you are telling me?", Alberta asked.

"Fine!", Alberta said

"Start telling your parents to prepare to welcome their second grandchild because I have changed my mind on terminating this pregnancy", Alberta started. "Whether you tell them or not is up to you because I would be in your house first thing tomorrow morning to tell your mother that I am carrying your second child".

"You would do no such thing!", Maxwell fired back

"Watch me", Alberta responded and hang up the phone.

Maxwell knew that Alberta did not mince words and also knew that she always  carried out whatever thing she set out to do. He was confused and did not know what to do. He knew he had to confide in someone but that person could not be Linda because he did not want to risk losing her. Maxwell suddenly appeared disoriented when he entered his office. Raphael was the first to notice Maxwell's fall in countenance. Raphael knew that something was terribly wrong judging by Alberta's harsh message and Maxwell's current state but to avoid panicking and drawing the attention of their other friends, he signaled for Maxwell to meet him in the hallway. "Maxwell, what is going on with you?", Raphael asked...


Back at Nancy's house, Nancy was going over the war of words that had just ensued between herself and Alberta. "I just cant believe that Maxwell would be so stupid as to get this witch pregnant again", Nancy thought out loud. "If Alberta is really pregnant, it could mean a lot of things", Nancy thought to herself. "I can use it as a way of blackmailing Maxwell to get whatever I want from him, after all, no harm, no foul", Nancy said to herself and laughed out loudly. "No, on second thought, I think I would rather pay Maxwell's new girlfriend a visit", Nancy said. "She can come in handy as an ally", Nancy added. "After all, it is true about what they say about the fact that, 'The enemy of your enemy is your friend'", Nancy said and hurriedly started looking for a pair of shoes to wear....


MAXWELL'S ROSY DAYS ARE ABOUT TO GET STORMIER BY HIS OWN ACTIONS AND INACTIONS. THE HEAT IS ON. WATCH OUT FOR THE NEXT EXCITING EPISODE OF THIS MIND-GRIPPING PIECE ENTITLED "EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE".

MY NAME IS EDWIN OKO LAMPTEY AND ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE #RAT STAFF, I SAY HAPPY NEW MONTH AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

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EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE...EPISODE TWENTY-1 (21).

EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE...EPISODE TWENTY-1 (21).

Thirty minutes later, Linda was standing right in front of Maxwell's door when she heard voices coming out of the room. She gently turned the door knob but it was locked. She stood there and listened in for a while before she decided to crank the handle of the knob to  forcefully try to open the door leading to Maxwell's room. Before she could get a firm grip of the handle, the door knob was turned from the inside, the door was opened and Linda stood facing Maxwell and Alberta with their son firmly strapped on Alberta's back.

"Hello", Linda greeted with a smile on her face and started to wave at the baby.

"Hi", Alberta responded. With her usual stern and suspicious look before she finally turned to look at Maxwell for an explanation.

"Hi Sweetheart", Maxwell said

"Please wait for me while I see Alberta off", Maxwell added.


"Let me say hi at least", Linda interjected. Linda stretched out her hand and forcefully grabbed Alberta's hand. "My name is Linda", she started. "I have heard a lot about you and I am thrilled to finally get the chance to meet you in person", Linda added, still holding on to Alberta's hand.


"Who are you?", Alberta asked with disgust and firmly placed the strap of her hand bag on her shoulder. "I am Maxwell's friend and I normally come here to help his grandmother out when she needs assistance with housekeeping", Linda answered.


"Oh I see", Alberta replied. "I wish I stay and chat but I have a lot of important things to do and as you can see, I am saddled with junior here", Alberta replied, pointing to her son. "You are very pretty", Alberta said, touching Linda's petty coat. "And I like your make-up too", Alberta added. "Who makes you up?", Alberta asked.


"I make up by myself", Linda added with blushes on her face. "And thank you so much for the compliment", Linda added. "You are equally very pretty and I would kill to have your type of hair, Linda said, trying to touch Alberta's hair.


"Maybe one day we can meet and give each other beauty tips to enhance our beauty", Alberta suggested. "That would be awesome!", Linda responded.


"Ladies!", Maxwell cut in


"This line of conversation is unhealthy for me so let us cut through it for now but the two of you can talk all the girly you want when you hook up later”, Maxwell suggested.


"Don't mind Maxwell he is just being jealous", Alberta said and gave Linda a very genuine smile. "You can take my number from Maxwell and give me a call when you are free so we can link up and share ideas", Alberta said and signaled for Linda to step aside so could exit the door. "One more thing before you go", Linda started. "You have a very amazing young man there", Linda said pointing to Alberta's son. "He is so gentle and graceful just like his father but I know you are doing an amazing job at raising him", Linda complimented. "Oh, thank you so much sweetheart", Alberta responded. "It has been nice talking to you and meeting you", Alberta added. "No, the pleasure is all mine!", Linda insisted and saw Alberta and Maxwell off to the door before returning to Maxwell's room to wait for him...

************
************
************

"What was that all about?", Maxwell asked looking shocked by the way Alberta reacted when she met Linda.


"What was all what about?", Alberta asked, pretending not to know what Maxwell was talking about.


"You being and acting all nice as if it is your natural character, that's what", Maxwell said.


"Seriously?", Alberta replied. "Please don't get me worked up to the point you don't want to see", Alberta added. "Maxwell, what is it you want?", Alberta asked.


"What is that supposed to mean?", Maxwell queried.


"Okay, okay, okay, I get it now", Alberta started as the two of them walked down the walkway to the main gate. "You have always wanted to marry a girl of your class and from what I just witnessed, you think I am not good enough to fit into that class of yours right?", Alberta suggested. "To the extent that she even comes her to help your grandmother for your family members to see that she is the wife material...wow!", Alberta added. "This was not how I was before you met me", Alberta said. "Upon all my naughtiness; which is as a result of the undying love I have for you, I have a good woman inside of me too and you know it", Alberta said.


"And who said this has got anything to do with class or any of those your unwarranted distinction attributes?", Maxwell asked.


"It has a lot to do with it!", Alberta barked back.


"Alberta, please don't let us engage in these conspiracy theories of who or what type of woman I want to marry", Maxwell started. "Just try and get home and take care of our little man", Maxwell said. "I would send you some money when the month ends", Maxwell added. "The absent father as always", Alberta started. "I wonder what this little boy is going to think of you when he starts growing up", Alberta added. "Leave that for me to worry about", Maxwell said and inched closer to the baby. "Hey little man, always remember that I love you more than anything in this world regardless of what mummy or anyone else says", Maxwell said to the baby while holding his litte hand. "Don't listen to him!", Alberta said immediately. "Mummy loves you more than anyone that is why you are living with me and not with him", Alberta said while she stood aside for Maxwell to open the gate for her.


"Ignore what mummy just said because you would always be daddy's little man anytime, anywhere and any day.", Maxwell said as Alberta made her way onto the landing leading to the street. "Please take good care of each other", Maxwell added before shutting the gate firmly behind him and started to make his way into the house and into his room to meet Linda

***********
***********


Linda was sitting in the swivel chair in Maxwell's room when Maxwell opened the door.


"What was that all about?", Maxwell asked immediately he entered the room and had Linda's attention. Just like in Alberta's situation, he was looking surprised by the way Linda reacted when she met Alberta.


"What was all what about?", Linda asked, pretending not to know what Maxwell was talking about.


"You being and acting all nice toward Alberta after swearing heaven and earth that she was a monster after I had told you about her, that's what", Maxwell said.  "You barely know her but on meeting her for the very first time, you appeared all chatty and touchy", Maxwell added.

Linda appeared shocked by Maxwell's queries.


"I am sorry if you didn't like the way I spoke to her", Linda started. "I didn't know she was here and I didn't know what to say when I saw her coming out of your room; the room in which we just made love in less than 24 hours ago", Linda remarked.

"What is that supposed to mean?", Maxwell interjected.


"I am sorry if I appear to be nagging right now but I have my concerns too", Linda revealed.


"Which are?" Maxwell asked


"First off, this is a lady who has your child and there is no telling the kind of emotional attachment you still have going on for each other", Linda started. "Secondly...Secondly...Secondly..."


"What is it, Linda?", Maxwell asked trying to sound reassuring. "Maxwell I am scared", Linda said appearing very vulnerable. "What are you scared of?", Maxwell asked


"Judging from all the things I have heard her do when you are involved, it makes me scared that now that she has seen my face and it would be little wonder that she would also probably know that something is likely going on between the two of us, she can make me a target of hate or even worse", Linda revealed. "That makes me really scared”, Linda added. "Is that why you were trying to be extra nice towards her?", Maxwell queried. "Was it that obvious?", Linda asked. "I was taken aback by your reaction, honestly", Maxwell remarked.


"She would send her thugs after you and they would disfigure your face with their hefty punches", Maxwell teased. "Maxwell stop it!", Linda yelled. "You are scaring me", Linda added. "Weren't you the same person who was offering to give Alberta free beauty tips?", Maxwell enquired after he had laughed out loudly for a while.


"It was all part of being nice so she shouldn't flatter herself", Linda said. "Moreover, I was jealous too and I felt intimidated by her presence around you", Linda added. "You should have told her you were my girlfriend", Maxwell suggested. "Are you serious?", Linda asked. "She would have torn me up like the way a lioness tears up her prey", Linda added. "Did you see the look on her face when I introduced myself?", Linda asked. "I was also so scared that the two of you were going to brawl it out here so I didn't even take notice", Maxwell teased. "I can give you her phone number if you want so you can continue your beauty therapy chats on phone", Maxwell continued to tease as he started mentioning Alberta's phone number out loud.


"I can see that you are really enjoying yourself", Linda said. "Wait till you are in my shoes and you would understand", Linda added.


"Enough of this line of conversation", Linda said


"What shirt are you going to wear to Passione Global?", Linda asked. "I want to iron it for you while you take your bath in preparation for your big day", Linda said. Maxwell went into his wardrobe and pulled out a new shirt and handed it over to Linda. Maxwell grabbed his phone and called Raphael to get the team ready so they could meet up at the bus station.

**********
**********


After three and a half hours of deliberations and negotiations, the contract was finally fine-tuned and both parties; Maxwell and his team on one side and Passione Global on the other side had come to an agreement. The deal was signed and the terms and conditions were read out to all the people gathered in the room. Both parties signed a nondisclosure agreement and salaries were structured in a way that suited all the parties involved. Edwina, the beautiful receptionist was tasked to take the new team to their office and she was asked to get them to acclimatize themselves with the other teams that had already been contracted by Passione Global. As the team followed Edwina through the plush offices of their new company, they sized her up from behind and passed silent comments among each other.


"Maxwell, per the fact that you already have a son, it automatically means that you already have a wife which disqualifies you from having a go at this beautiful lady here", Raphael whispered into Maxwell's left ear. Rudolph and Frank were also slugging it out over who deserved a shot at getting to date Edwina. Edwina knew that she was pretty and she equally knew that men naturally fell over each other just to get her number but she took a particular liking for Maxwell; unknown to him and unknown to her that Maxwell's life was riddled with many issues.


Edwina took them round the offices of the other teams; six in number with Maxwell's group making the seventh, before ushering the boys into an already furnished office on the second floor.


"All the new teams start from this office and manage to work their way up, literally speaking", Edwina started. "That is how come Kaprisky, better known as team two is on the seventh floor", Edwina revealed. "Your movement would be solely based on your input so you have to hit the ground running", Edwina added. "You have all you need on the laptops on your desks which are not password protected for now", Edwina said. "I suggest you get to know how work is done around here and strategically plan on how you intend to complete the tasks that ate going to be assigned to you", Edwina explained. "It is a competition out here so don't think that any other team is your friend, you can be friends after work", Edwina reiterated.


"I would be rooting for your team and I hope to see what you have to bring to this company sooner rather than later", Edwina said. "Call any of the departments responsible if you need any form of assistance", Edwina said and pointed to a directory on the table. "And you have to come up with a group name", Edwina said. "Be sure to make it catchy", Edwina added before she asked to be excused.


Maxwell got all the boys to huddle up.


"This is the chance for us to prove what we have to offer as a team", Maxwell started. "We can do this because we have bright minds and brilliant ideas", Maxwell said.

"Let us work hard so we can play hard", Rudolph added.


"Let us not mix business with pleasure and by pleasure I mean the beautiful Edwina", Raphael added. "She is a beautiful distraction", Rudolph added. "Who knows, she might even be a mole", Raphael added and they all broke out in laughter.

"We are forgetting one very important thing", Frank cut in.


"Let us bow down our heads in prayer and commit all of this before our heavenly father because it is his doing", Frank added. All heads were bowed and there was a chorus of the popular 'Lord's prayer' before they sat down to begin their new venture.

**********
**********

That night when Maxwell left the office on his way home, he chanced upon Linda heading towards his house. "I was just going by your place to check if your grandmother needed any form of assistance", Linda said when Maxwell walked up to her. "That is a lie", Maxwell replied. "Okay, no need to argue over this, you got me", Linda said. "I have missed you and wanted to know if you were back and how your first day at work went", Linda revealed. "I knew it!", Maxwell said. "My day was splendid and we are looking to make headway soon", Maxwell said.



Linda was quiet all the way to Maxwell's gate. "What is the problem?", Maxwell asked when he finally noticed that Linda was acting unusually. "There is this thing that has been on my mind for some time now", Linda started.

"What is it this time?", Maxwell asked.


"Did you and Alberta officially break up before you went out with Nancy?", Linda asked. "Again, have you told Alberta that the two of you are not going to get married even though you have a child together?" "If you have, is Alberta cool with the idea and since you plan on taking your son away from her, do you think she will be willing to go down without a fight?", Linda enquired.


"I honestly might not have answers to all these questions but eventually, I believe everything will fall in its rightful place", Maxwell started. "I hope you know what you are doing because from the look of things, I don't think this is going to be an easy battle", Linda continued. "One more question", Linda said. "Ask", Maxwell confidently responded. "Ever since the birth of your son, have you been intimate with Alberta; I mean have the two of you made love afterwards?", Linda asked.

There was a long silence.


"No", Maxwell replied. "Not even once?", Linda pushed. "Even if we did, it would have been a long time ago and I was careful not to repeat any irresponsible act", Maxwell said. "I hope you are not offended by my curiosity", Linda said. "I am not", Maxwell said looking suspiciously at Linda before opening the gate to usher her into the house.

**********
**********


Three months had gone by while Maxwell and his team were at Passione Global. They named their team "The Dream Team". Through hard work and innovation, they had managed to move to the third floor, a step higher than where they began. The team on the third floor had been relegated to the second floor for consistent poor output. Edwina was delighted to break the news of the relocation to the dream team. Maxwell was so delighted. He had a lot to be thankful for. His family were on the road to recovery, he had resigned from a poorly-paid job and was now working at a place where he felt his salary was enough to cater for all he needed to do, he had managed to enroll his son in a good nursery school, he had won the heart of Linda and now his team had just been promoted. That night he proposed that the boys all go out to have fun after work which was unanimously agreed upon. That night, he called Linda to meet them up in town and she did dressed beautifully in a red gown bought for her by Maxwell. "I wanted to make tonight memorable so I wore this dress", Linda whispered into Maxwell's ear when he ushered her to her seat. Immediately Linda was seated, Maxwell's phone rang. It was a call from Alberta. Maxwell then  remembered that he had forgotten to send Alberta some money like he promised a day before. "Hello, Alberta", Maxwell said  after he had excused himself to answer the call. "I would send you the money first thing tomorrow morning when I get to town", Maxwell added to cut the conversation short because he knew Alberta was going to rant over the phone. He also broke the news of their promotion to her. "Congratulations", Alberta said. After a few exchange of words, Alberta cut in.


"Maxwell we need to talk, I think I am two months pregnant", Alberta revealed.


IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR MAXWELL?
MORE SOON AND I MEAN LITERALLY. MY NAME HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE EDWIN OKO LAMPTEY. THIS HAS BEEN  ANOTHER EPISODE OF "EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE. STAY TUNED.

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EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE....EPISODE TWENTY (20).

Maxwell’s heart missed several beats after he had heard Alberta’s voice over the phone. He was hit by punches of fear, excitement and uncertainty all at once. He feared that Alberta; as usual, had something ‘special’ up her sleeve and he could not fathom why she wanted to drop off the baby with him when she had vehemently turned down earlier requests from Maxwell. He paced between the entrance to the living room and the walkway leading to the gate not knowing which call to answer. As he was engaged in this mental battle, a thought came to mind; Nancy’s assignment. The thought sent shivers down his spine but at the same time, he had a funny tingle which whispered to him that Nancy was within reach once his baby was out of the way and it gave him a sense of joy. He did not know whether to go inside to meet his family members or go out to meet Alberta and her son. “What am I going to do now?”, Maxwell thought to himself. As he stood there in his state of confusion, Alberta called his phone again. “What is causing the hold up, Maxwell ?”, Alberta asked. “I am running late and I don’t have all day”, Alberta added. “If you know you are not coming out, let me know so I can start looking for an alternative babysitter for my son”, Alberta said. “I…I…I am coming”, Maxwell said in a stuttering voice. “You have suddenly turned into a stammerer?”, Alberta asked. “Just give me a minute and I would be with you”, Maxwell responded not giving any audience to her question. “This is my only chance to rid myself of Alberta and all her stress and have the love of my life all to myself”, Maxwell said as he walked to the gate. “I am going to do it; I am going to kill my son!”, Maxwell said and reached for the handle of the gate and pulled it back. Alberta was looking very beautiful when Maxwell saw her. Maxwell made sure he kept his distance to avoid any surprises from Alberta.  “You are looking good”, Maxwell announced as he finally stood face to face with Alberta. “I already know so you don’t need to tell me”, Alberta responded in the most hostile way imaginable. “I am only trying to be nice”, Maxwell responded. “Trying you say?”, Alberta asked. “I would only take a compliment from you when you grow up and do what you are expected to do as a man”, Alberta said. “Because as it stands now, you are still a little boy”, Alberta added. “Why do you talk to me this way?”, Maxwell asked. “I would talk to you anyhow I want until you do what is right by first walking me down the aisle and taking full responsibility of my son because as it stands, the chicken-change you send to me is not even enough to buy diapers”, Alberta revealed. “I am shocked to hear you speak this way”, Maxwell rebutted. “You call the money that I give you chicken-change?”, Maxwell asked looking very surprised. “For want of a better word, chicken change would best describe the money you give to me”, Alberta answered. “I wonder how you expect the two of us to work towards having a future together when you can just come to my house and speak to me anyhow you want”, Maxwell said. “Your attitude towards my son and I really merits every word I am saying now and for your information, I am not going to take any of them back”, Alberta said. “My son needs you around him so you better find some time to come and be with him”, Alberta said. “I am giving you the privilege of coming close to my son because if after some time, I don’t hear anything from you and your family members, I am going to take this boy so far away and you would never see him again”, Alberta continued. “You know me and you know what I am capable of so don’t even try me”, Alberta added. “I have been listening to you for a while and it seems that you are referring to our son as your son”, Maxwell started. “You are making it appear is if you got pregnant by yourself and gave birth to this child”, Maxwell said, pointing to the child who was strapped firmly to Alberta’s back. “You don’t scare me with your empty threats”, Maxwell stressed. “This boy is my son too and you don’t have any right whatsoever to prevent me from seeing him whenever I want to”, Maxwell said. “You are here ranting but when the time comes, we would see who would eventually have the last laugh”, Alberta said in rebuttal. “You said you wanted me to babysit for you so please let me have my son so you can go about your business or whatever you have to do”, Maxwell said. “Okay, but we have to make it seem as though I am still here, I don’t want him to cry before I leave”, Alberta said and handed her son over to Maxwell. Both Maxwell and Alberta walked a few blocks from Maxwell’s house before Alberta disappeared quietly without allowing her son to see that she was leaving. Maxwell then turned to go back home.

***********
***********
***********


 Immediately Maxwell turned, his son started to cry. “Don’t cry, don’t cry”, Maxwell started. “Daddy will take care of you even better than mummy can and ever will”, Maxwell added. “Daddy has got a better job now and he would do everything in his power to ensure that you are well taken care of”, Maxwell said to his son who could not understand a word his father was saying but kept crying uncontrollably. “Do you want ice cream?”, Maxwell asked the little baby. “Or you’d prefer biscuits instead?”, Maxwell asked. “Or is your tummy hurting?”, Maxwell asked again. The baby just kept crying as Maxwell walked down the street. The shouts of the baby attracted many passers-by who looked at Maxwell suspiciously as if he was a baby thief. “Why is the baby crying?”, one inquisitive woman asked. “Where is its mother?”, the woman asked again. “That is my son and his mother is gone to get something from the market”, Maxwell responded and quickly doubled his steps. Before he could get to the gate, he heard someone call out his name, “Maxwell…Maxwell…Maxwell!”. Maxwell turned to see Linda quickly walking towards his direction. “Whose child is this?”, Linda asked immediately she got close to Maxwell. “Hello Linda, meet my son; Alberta’s son”, Maxwell said. “His mother just dropped him off so she could run an errand in town and I can’t seem to figure out how I am going to get him to stop crying”, Maxwell added. Linda stretched out her arms, “Give him to me; you are not even holding him right”, Linda said and laughed. Within seconds, Linda had managed to make the baby to stop crying and had begun to smile. “He looks so much like you and he is so adorable”, Linda said to Maxwell as they both walked towards Maxwell’s house. “And the three of us look good together”, Maxwell said. “Give me a break young man; I don't want any trouble with Alberta or Nancy”, Linda said and the two of them laughed off the comment. “Alberta actually came here and left her son with you without putting up a fight?”, Linda asked. “That would have been so unlike Alberta”, Maxwell started. “She spewed her venom all over me before leaving”, Maxwell said. “I thought as much”, Linda responded and laughed. “That is the kind of woman who is carrying your child”, Linda said. “You look so much like daddy but the only difference is that you are more handsome”, Linda said to the baby playfully as they walked back. The baby appeared comfortable and happy with Linda and was very excited. As they got to Maxwell’s gate, Linda handed over the baby to Maxwell. “When he begins to cry, just hold him firmly in your arms like this and pat him on the back like this”, Linda said and demonstrated to Maxwell while she held the baby in her hand. “I am going to prepare supper for my family but I would come back to check up on the two of you when I am done”, Linda said and asked to take her leave. “The two of you should take care of each other”, Linda added. Before Linda turned to leave, Maxwell held her by the arm and looked intently at her, “You are such a darling and…”, Maxwell started. “Before I forget, I have great news to share with you”, Maxwell said. “What is it?”, Linda asked as she excitedly drew closer to Maxwell. “Our proposal was accepted by the board!”, Maxwell announced. Instantly, Linda jumped and hugged Maxwell who was still holding the baby. She took the baby from him again and tossed him slightly into the air, when she had finally grabbed him, she said, “Your father is a genius and I pray you grow up to become like him!” “I can’t believe this; I just can’t believe this!”, Linda exclaimed with excitement . “I was planning on breaking the news to all of you tonight but it seems you are the first to know”, Maxwell said. “I am so delighted and I could even kiss you right now!”, Linda exclaimed. “But I won’t do that because I still remember what Nancy said and I cannot kiss you while your son is here”, Linda said and placed a kiss on Maxwell’s son’s cheek. “You can pass that on to daddy for me”, Linda said to the baby who was beaming with smiles. “I know and I understand”, Maxwell responded. “Just take it easy”, Maxwell added. “So what time are you going to break the news to the rest of the crew?”, Linda asked. “I would call them all to meet up here around 8 P.M so you can pass by”, Maxwell answered. Maxwell stepped into the house after Linda had turned to leave and he closed the gate firmly behind him. He walked straight into the hall with the baby firmly clinging to his chest and as he walked in, all eyes were turned towards his direction. “Good evening”, Maxwell greeted politely. There came an asymmetric chorus response of “Good evening” from the people who were gathered in the room. “I should have done this long ago but I don’t know what was holding me back”, Maxwell started. “I guess I was having a hard time letting my doubts and fears go”, Maxwell added. “I am sorry if I kept this secret away from some of you till today”, Maxwell added. “I want to introduce to all of you, the new member of this family; my son”, Maxwell said. “I believe this is the first time that you are seeing him”, Maxwell said and handed the baby over to his father to be passed around the room like some trophy. “His mother just dropped him off saying she was going to pick up something from town so she wanted me to babysit him for a while”, Maxwell explained. The last person to hold the little baby was Maxwell’s grandmother. “He looks so much like your grandfather”, she said. “He has the exact shape of his nose”, she added. This description led to a serious debate for a few minutes and it ended up in laughter with the side that believed that the baby looked like Maxwell’s grandfather carrying the day. “I don’t remember the last time I saw this family come together and laugh happily like this”, Maxwell’s grandmother quickly chipped in. “I guess it is about time we sorted out our differences and forget whatever happened in the past and start to be a loving family like we once were”, Maxwell’s grandmother added. “All of us are here so what stops us from voicing our concerns and having them addressed right now?”, Maxwell’s father suggested. Maxwell asked to be excused so that the grown-ups could trash out their differences. As Maxwell walked out of the hall, he was filled with a sense of fulfilment and contentment that at least what he had set out to do had almost been achieved. He looked at his son and said, “You are a lucky charm, my little one and I love you so much”. Maxwell walked quietly into his room and turned on the fan. He held the baby like Linda had instructed and stood directly under the fan. Soon, he looked at his reflection in the mirror and realized that the baby had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Almost immediately, his head was filled with the sinister thought; Nancy’s assignment. “This is my chance!”, Maxwell said. “I can get rid of this baby while he sleeps”, Maxwell thought to himself. “Let me just put him on the bed and suffocate him with a pillow”, Maxwell thought to himself”. Maxwell quickly locked his door and drew the curtains to cover any openings. He then quietly placed the baby unto his bed and quietly lifted a pillow over the baby’s head….

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As Maxwell lowered the pillow, a thought dropped into his head. “How can love make anyone want to do such a thing to another person?”, Maxwell asked himself. “Can I live with the fact that I had to kill my own son to be with the woman I love just because she could not stand the fact that I had a child out of wedlock?”, Maxwell thought to himself. “Is that love at all?”, Maxwell asked himself. “But I also cannot lose Nancy to any other person and equally, I cannot kill my child just to please her”, Maxwell said. “What if after all this, the police are contacted and I end up behind bars?”, Maxwell thought out loud. “It would be a total waste of effort and I would lose on two fronts; I would lose my son and the supposed love of my life and all this for what!”, Maxwell thought to himself. As he stood there contemplating, his son sneezed and opened his eyes. He stared at him and Maxwell stared back. The baby sneezed again. Maxwell looked intently into the innocent eyes of his son and couldn’t help but regret ever allowing Nancy to talk him into even trying to take a life of an innocent human being; a baby for that matter. Maxwell dropped the pillow and picked his son into his arms, “I am so sorry, my little one for thinking of such evil thoughts towards you”, Maxwell started. “I am going to damn the consequences and keep you, I don’t care what Nancy or anyone thinks”, Maxwell said as he bent over to pick up the baby. “I would do my best to ensure that you are well taken care of”, Maxwell said to the baby who had clung firmly to Maxwell’s neck with his tinny arms. Soon there was a knock on Maxwell’s door. “Maxwell, are you in there?”, Maxwell’s father asked. “Yes, I am here”, Maxwell responded and unlocked the door. “Your uncles want to have a word with you”, Maxwell’s father said. “What is it about?”, Maxwell asked. “Come and sit here with me”, Maxwell’s father said and led Maxwell to the bed. “My son, I believe that with all that you are going through, you are taking valuable lessons from it”, Maxwell’s father started. “Yes I am”, Maxwell responded. “I want you to look deep into yourself and into your heart and tell me if you want to settle down with the mother of this little boy”, Maxwell’s father said. “I am saying this because your uncles want to know the step you intend taking so we can all assist you accordingly”, Maxwell’s father revealed. “I don’t think I can live with Alberta because she disrespects me always”, Maxwell started. “She has threatened me several times to take the baby away from me and telling her that we cannot get married would force her to take action and I don’t know what would happen afterwards”, Maxwell confessed. “Don’t worry about that because there are a lot of things we can do to get the child away from her if we have to”, Maxwell’s father assured. “All I want right now is for you to give me a definite answer”, Maxwell's father said. “I cannot marry her!”, Maxwell answered. “Okay, don’t worry, I am going to speak to your uncles”, Maxwell's father said and walked out of the room.

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Maxwell called Alberta at 7 P.M and she said she was still in town so Maxwell had to hold on till she got there. Maxwell needed to call his friends and inform them about the good news from Passione Global. “There is no need keeping this child and this secret away from my friends anymore”, Maxwell said to himself. “They have been like brothers to me and it would be unfair on my part not to tell them about him”, Maxwell added. So Maxwell called up his friends and asked them to meet him within an hour. When they got to the house, Maxwell's father and uncles had already left. All the boys sat in the hall with the exception of Frank. Frank joined later and was followed by Linda. Maxwell broke the news to them by first telling them the story about his life after they separated and then informing them about the contract being offered by Passione Global. Maxwell's friends had many questions to ask and Maxwell took his time to answer them. “I must say that we are proud of you for keeping this boy”, Raphael started. “At one point or the other, we are all going to take up this same responsibility but it appears that you have gone on ahead of us and that is not a crime”, Raphael added. Maxwell, with Linda's help made all his friends hold his son in their arms for a while with each of them wishing him well and saying a prayer for him. They then discussed how the contract was going to pan out and also looked at the alternative preparations they needed to make. After the meeting, the boys asked to take their leave because it was getting late. Linda stayed behind and took care of Maxwell's baby awaiting Alberta's return. It was almost 10 P.M when Maxwell called Alberta again after he had not heard anything from her. “Alberta, where are you?”, Maxwell queried. “I am running a bit late so if care is not taken, I would have to come very late to pick him up or better still I would let him pass the night at your end so that I can come for him in the morning”, Alberta said. “But we didn't plan all this”, Maxwell objected. “I know but it has happened so you better improvise”, Alberta continued. “Okay, I would let him pass the night so that you don't have to come here late and all looking at the security threats we are having these days”, Maxwell said. Maxwell hang up the phone and informed Linda that Alberta was not coming back therefore the baby had to pass the night with him. Maxwell pleaded with Linda to pass the night in his house because he did not have the slightest idea as to what to do when the baby started crying in the middle of the night. Linda turned down the offer but after several pleas from Maxwell,  she agreed and called her parents to inform them that she was spending the night at Maxwell's grandmother's because she was not too well and needed someone to look after her. Maxwell also informed her grandmother and she agreed. “Okay, I would sleep on the floor so the two of you can have the bed”, Linda suggested. Maxwell disagreed and managed to convince Linda that there was enough space on the bed for all three of them. The three of them squeezed themselves on the bed with the baby in the middle. Linda gently stroke the baby's tummy till he finally fell asleep. She then quietly informed Maxwell to be still. “Thank you for doing this for me”, Maxwell said to Linda. “Don’t flatter yourself young man, I am not doing anything for you”, Linda said. Maxwell instantly grabbed Linda by the neck and started kissing her. Linda responded in kind. Before long, Maxwell and Linda found themselves all over the floor making love to each other but were careful not to wake the baby up. They made love the whole night. At a point, the baby woke up Linda had to fix something for him to eat from the bag Alberta brought with her. When the baby fell asleep again, she quickly went and lay in Maxwell's arms and the lovemaking continued.
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The following day, Maxwell quickly woke up and met up with the boys at the bus terminal to go to Passione Global. When they arrived,  they were warmly welcome by Edwina and were served the best breakfast.  Soon the terms of the contract were discussed; it was going to be a three-year contract which was going to be renewed based on performance. Both parties appeared happy with their side of the deal and an agreement was quickly reached. The boys were given the time to discuss their roles and report to work in two days. They were given temporary access cards into the building of Passione Global and were taken on a tour in and around the magnificent building by Edwina. Soon, the boys returned home to prepare for a meeting that was to be scheduled the following day. When Maxwell got home, his son was with his grandmother. When he asked of Linda's whereabouts,  he was informed that she had gone to town on an errand. Soon, Alberta showed up to pick her son up. She had to change his diaper for him before leaving so Maxwell took both of them to his room. When Alberta finished changing the diaper, she looked at Maxwell and said, “I miss us”. Immediately she said that, she leaned in and gave Maxwell a light kiss on his lips. “We cannot do this”, Maxwell said. “Maxwell, I am going to change if you marry me”, Alberta said. “I am willing to be a good wife and a good mother if you marry me”, Alberta continued. Alberta looked Maxwell in the eye and knew he was mesmerized. She put the baby on the bed and started to undress him. Meanwhile, Linda was just thirty minutes away from Maxwell's house….

IS MAXWELL THE CREATOR OF HIS OWN DOOM? …THIS IS NOT THE END. MORE TWISTS ARE YET TO FOLLOW. WHO WILL MAXWELL FINALLY SETTLE WITH? MY NAME IS EDWIN OKO LAMPTEY AND THIS IS ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM THE STABLES OF RANDOM AFRICAN THOUGHTS® STAY TUNED….
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EVEN IF I DON'T FIND PEACE....EPISODE NINETEEN (19).

Maxwell stood there motionless not knowing what to say to Nancy. After a few seconds, he managed to fake a smile and composed himself and said, “Wow, what a pleasant surprise, Nancy”. “You are the last person I actually thought and never dreamt you of all people would show up at my door”, Maxwell added, before he turned and stared at Linda who was anxious to see who was at the door.  "What is that supposed to mean?", Nancy asked angrily. Linda, who was wondering who could be at the door was already stretching her body toward the direction of the little opening of the door in an effort to catch a glimpse of the person Maxwell was talking to but Maxwell kept using his body as a shield to prevent Linda from getting the view she wanted. “You’ve put on a considerable amount of weight”, Nancy started. “When was the last time I saw you?”, she asked. “I can’t quite remember the last time we met”, Maxwell answered. “Anyway, I came to pay you a visit and check up on you since you decided not to call me anymore”, Nancy said. “Look at who is talking?”, Maxwell asked Nancy sarcastically. “You bailed out on me the moment you knew about my mess”, Maxwell complained. “You should have told me earlier and I would have thought of a way to get this sorted”, Nancy said. "Moreover, the news came as a surprise to me and I believe anyone in my shoes would have done the same thing I did", Nancy added in her defence. “Won’t you invite me in?”, Nancy asked and began to push Maxwell out of the way to let herself into the room. As there appeared to be what seemed like a struggle between the two of them, Linda could no more take the suspense so she asked, “Max, who is at the door?”. Nancy’s movement froze and with one big push, she shoved Maxwell out of the way and angrily barged into the room thinking she was going to sight her arch rival; Alberta. When she finally barged into the room and realized that the person in the room was not the one she expected, she pinned herself to the wall, clothed in embarrassment. Linda, who appeared startled by Nancy’s action and being the first time she actually saw her in person, also looked on in surprise as Nancy stood there, now also motionless. The whole room was engulfed in perfect silence as the two ladies stared each other in the face. “Hello”, Linda said and waved at Nancy to reduce the awkward tension in the room. “Hi”, Nancy replied. "Sorry about my entrance", Nancy added with a blush on her face. Maxwell walked into the room after he had shut the door behind him, still clad in the towel which was firmly placed around his waist and said, “I believe you ladies have met so there would be really no need for further introductions”, Maxwell said as he managed to stand between Linda, who was sitting on the bed and Nancy, who was still pinned to the wall. “My name is Linda”, Linda said as she extended her hand to exchange pleasantries with Nancy and made her way to where Nancy was standing. “Hello, my name is Nancy, Maxwell’s girlfriend”, Nancy answered and stretched out her hand to receive Linda’s. Linda quickly pulled her hand back and stared at Maxwell in a stern way. Maxwell caught a glimpse of Linda’s stare and shook his head to disapprove of Nancy’s allegation. “What is going on here?”, Nancy asked when she noticed what had just ensued between Maxwell and Linda. "You didn't tell her?", Nancy queried. Before Linda could say anything in reply to what Nancy had just said, Maxwell cut in, “Nancy, take a seat on that chair and wait for me while I go out to put on my clothes”. Linda swallowed her speech and also took a seat on the bed now clouded in serious doubt and suspicion. Maxwell went into his wardrobe and grabbed a pair of Denim Jeans and a crumpled T-shirt and went out to iron them on the ironing board that was in the hallway leading to his room….


 Immediately he stepped out, Linda acted in a manner that seemed as though she wanted to call Nancy out because of her remarks. She looked at Nancy sternly and wanted to say something to her. Nancy also returned the stares and it appeared that Nancy’s stares were more deadly than Linda’s. The stage was set for the two ladies to trade in a war of words but the problem was who was going to initiate the banter? “Did Maxwell tell you about me?”, Nancy started adjusting herself loosely into the chair. “Yeah he did”, Linda answered. “He also told you that you left him the moment you found out that another woman was carrying his baby”, Linda started and sat upright at the edge of the bed. “I wonder what kind of love you had for him back then”, Linda blurted out looking at Nancy in the most disgusted way ever. “Oh! Max told you that?”, Nancy started. “Then I bet he told you also that I was his girlfriend then when he lied to me and slept with that Alberta right?”, Nancy continued. “And hold on young lady”, Nancy said and dropped her bag. “I hope you don’t believe everything he tells you because Maxwell is a psychopathic liar”, Nancy said. “He led me on a roller-coaster ride till his lies blew up in his face”, Nancy added. “I don’t expect you to challenge what I am saying because sweetheart, whether you like it or not, I know him more than you do”, Nancy added. “I don’t expect you to involve yourself in matters that you have only a one-sided idea about because you might end up attacking the innocent person”, Nancy revealed. “Leave that for me to worry about!”, Linda said. “Young lady, don’t be deceived because I can see that you have fallen for his dirty lies and tricks”, Nancy started. "Like any other man, Maxwell is just a patient wolf waiting to pounce on you when all factors are in his favour", Nancy said. “He would only use you, dump you and come crawling back to me because whether you like it or not, Maxwell belongs to me!”, Nancy added. Linda began to get convinced and it suddenly dawned on her that it was possible that Maxwell could be lying to her to get her to fall in love with him because judging from the way things were going, she was the one who fell for Maxwell in the first place. “Why would Maxwell lie to me and why would he come so close to having me and stop if not for the respect he has for me?”, Linda asked absentmindedly. “My dear, he is a man and he would do anything to get what he wants even if it includes stalling when it comes to making love to you”, "Have you not come across the saying that every gentleman is a patient wolf?", Nancy asked. Nancy explained, “You are like a little sister to me and I would not want any man to treat you badly so just listen to my advice and avoid this web that you are about to entangle yourself in”. Linda sat on the bed and began to ponder over what Nancy had just said. After sitting down with her head bowed, Linda suddenly lifted up her head to take a look at Nancy and said, “You have a point; I think I was getting ahead of myself too quickly and being carried away by lust”. “But one thing I don’t understand is that if you claim he is not good for me, how sure are you that he would be good for you judging by the fact that you left him and are now crawling back to him?”, Linda asked in rebuttal. “Max and I have a history and I believe that history speaks volumes than the uncertain journey you intend to embark on with him”, Nancy said. “I hope he told you about Alberta, his first girlfriend”, Nancy asked Linda.  "Yeah, he did", Linda answered and nodded simultaneously. “She is such a terrible character I doubt you would ever want to have an encounter with because looking at your soft and fine skin, she would just tear you into shreds and feed your flesh to her son; Maxwell’s son”, Nancy added. “You better take cover before it is too late”, Nancy added. "I could have been the one carrying his baby but he made me kill mine but allowed Alberta to keep hers", Nancy recounted. "Isn't that proof enough that he knows where his heart is and where his future lies?", Nancy asked. "When push comes to shove, where do you think you are going to end?", Nancy asked Linda. "My dear sister, don't start what you can't end". "As for me, I rest my case", Nancy concluded. Linda had finally become convinced that Maxwell could not be trusted judging by the things she had heard from Nancy. She immediately grabbed her handbag from Maxwell’s bed and made for the door. As she reached the entrance, she stopped and turned, “You know what, I would have willingly slept with him tonight and probably spent the night here with him if you had not showed up tonight”, Linda confessed with tears in her eyes…


 As she opened the door, she met Maxwell standing in front of the door. “Where are you going?”, Maxwell enquired. “I am going home and I don’t expect you to ever call me again, you liar!”, Linda exclaimed. “What is that supposed to mean?”, a confused Maxwell asked. “You just wanted to use and dump me so you made your side of the story so believable and as stupid as I was, I fell for your trick but I thank God that Nancy showed up today because if she hadn’t, I would have lived to regret my actions tonight”, Linda said. “What has come over you?”, Maxwell asked and held Linda’s wrist tightly. “Nothing has come over me, I was just made to realize what I was getting myself involved in and I would take my dignity along with me while I still have the chance because I would not want to be deceived by you or anyone”, Linda explained. “What are you talking about, Linda?”, Maxwell asked. At this point he was very confused but he kept his composure because he knew where all the confusion was coming from. “Do you think I would lie to you?”, Maxwell asked Linda. “Do you believe Nancy who you met just a few minutes ago more than you believe me?”, Maxwell queried. “Seriously?”, Maxwell added. I don’t know what or who to believe right now but I think to be on a safer side, I would have to stay away from you till you deal with your issues”, Linda answered and wriggled her wrist free from Maxwell’s hold and started for the main door. Linda, Linda, Linda!”, Maxwell called out after Linda but she did not even turn to look at Maxwell. Maxwell then angrily barged into his room to question Nancy….



Immediately Maxwell entered the room, he had the shock of his life. Nancy had changed her clothes and was now dressed in a see-through kinky lingerie nightwear and was lying on Maxwell’s bed. Her breasts were half-covered by the breast cup of the night wear. “What do you think you are doing?”, Maxwell barked angrily. “Why are you dressed this way?”, Maxwell added. “Isn’t it obvious?”, Nancy asked. “You are going to make love to me like you made love to Alberta”, Nancy added. “What has come over you?”, Maxwell asked still shell-shocked by what he was seeing. "What just happened  between  you and Linda?", Maxwell asked, taking a full view of Nancy's seductive body and moves. “I am going to do to your new girlfriend what you and Alberta did to me”, Nancy replied and laughed hysterically. “What did you tell Linda?”, Maxwell asked angrily and ignored Nancy's comment. “I told her the same thing that Alberta told me when I was in her shoes; when I was madly in love with you”, Nancy replied. “I trusted you so much so that I could jump in front of a train for you but what did you do?”, Nancy started. “Nancy don’t let us do this”, Maxwell cut in. “I want us to do this!”, Nancy barked back. “You lied to me and slept with my friend while I was at home thinking you were in school studying to get a better life for the two of us and the family we intended to raise; the two of us, Max!”, Nancy yelled. “I bet you could not resist her touches when she came to see you”, Nancy said. "I bet you moaned and begged for more because she cast a spell on you", Nancy said. “I have always known that you have loved her more than you did me”, Nancy added. "I thought you could resist her so I gave you all of my love and attention just to get you to forget about Alberta but I guess all my love was still not enough", Nancy accused. “Maxwell, I swear to God, if you don’t make love to me this minute, I would know that you were taking me for a fool all this while”, Nancy started. “And not just but I would also be fully convinced that you set me up to use me and just dump me”, Nancy added. “Don’t say that, Nancy”, Maxwell started. “Both of us know full well that you are the one I love”. “I have loved you genuinely with all my body, soul, heart and mind and if you asked me, I would say that my heart still yearns for you in the midst of this mess”, Maxwell explained. “Like seriously?”, Nancy rebutted. “Was your heart yearning for me when you impregnated Alberta?”, Nancy asked. “Was your heart yearning for me when you kept this secret away from me all this while?”. “Where you thinking about our future and that of our children while Alberta was putting to bed?” “Did you consider the adverse effect another woman’s child was going to have on our family?”, Nancy asked with tears in her eyes. “Did you think of me for once in that moment of pleasure that you had with Alberta?”, “Maxwell did you think that you could get away with this?”. “Did you think…did you sit down to even consider…did you even know what you were doing and the fact that if we are to get married our finances are going to be messed up?”, Nancy lamented. “Your money would have to be shared between us and I would not take it lightly”, Nancy added. Maxwell drew closer to Nancy and hugged her tightly as she lamented and cried uncontrollably. “I hate you, Maxwell!”. “I hate you so much for doing this to me!”, Nancy added while hitting his chest with her small fists. “Nancy, you know I would do anything in my power to make things right”, Maxwell started. “You know I would not prefer losing you to anyone because in actual sense, I have loved you from the beginning and the more I try to let go of you, the more my heart yearns to be with you”, Maxwell continued. “Kiss me, Maxwell!”, Nancy ordered. Maxwell grabbed Nancy firmly by the neck and placed a long and passionate kiss on her lips. “I love you so much, Nancy and I would do anything to have you by my side forever”, Maxwell confessed. “Anything?”, Nancy repeated. “Yes my love, I would do anything to redeem myself”, Maxwell replied. “Maxwell, I want you to kill your child!”, Nancy said. "I can't tolerate it in our matrimonial home should we get married", Nancy said “WHAT?”, Maxwell exclaimed. “You heard me, Max”, Nancy started. “If you really claim to love me and want to have a future with me, then you must kill your child”, Nancy repeated. "Please tell me you are kidding", Maxwell said. "I am dead serious!, Nancy exclaimed. “You know that is impossible right?”, Maxwell pleaded. “How do you expect me to take the life of an innocent baby?”. “How do you expect me to even have access to the baby to think of doing such harm to it?”, Maxwell asked. “How do you also expect me to live with the fact that you have a child elsewhere and that child happens to be the child of Alberta; my friend”, Nancy started. “I would have been okay if that child was for any other person but Alberta”, Nancy complained. “Nancy please don’t be heartless”, Maxwell pleaded. “The only way we can ever get to be together is when I know that this baby is out of the way and out of your life!”, Nancy added. “We can work something out, can’t we?”, Maxwell suggested. “No!”, Nancy exclaimed. “If you are not willing to compromise, why do you expect me to compromise?”, Nancy asked. Maxwell held Nancy tightly and kissed her again. “Baby please listen to me”, Maxwell started. We are going to make this work and I promise you that you would be happy”, Maxwell tried to convince Nancy. Nancy suddenly dropped the strap of her nightwear to reveal the top of her breasts and indirectly invite Maxwell to have a feel of her body; the body he adored. Immediately Maxwell’s eyes caught the action, he reached for the right breast of Nancy with his left hand and aggressively suckled at them. While he was still at it, he simultaneously pushed Nancy unto his bed and jumped on top of her. Before he could start undressing, Nancy pushed him off her and started to put on her clothes. “What are you doing?”, a startled Maxwell asked. “What does it look like I am doing?”, Nancy asked angrily. “I am putting on my clothes and it is also obvious that I am leaving your house”, Nancy added. “If you want more of this, consider what I have told you and act upon it”, Nancy added and began to put on her shoes. Maxwell could not believe that Nancy had done that to him. “Why would you come all the way from your house to my house to tease me if you knew you didn’t want us to make love?”, Maxwell asked. "Do something about that bulge in your trousers because it looks hungry", Nancy said jokingly and left Maxwell all alone...



Three days later, Maxwell's grandmother was discharged from the hospital and was placed on strict medication at home. Maxwell had still not heard from Linda in all the three days. She refused to answer his calls and visits to her house proved futile because she was always not at home; as he was told anytime he visited. On the fifth day after Maxwell's grandmother was discharged, Maxwell had closed from work when he saw Linda getting out of his house. Maxwell quickly rushed to her side, "Linda, why are you refusing to speak to me or see me?”, Maxwell asked. "Linda refused to talk and kept walking. "Linda please stop this", Maxwell said. "Maxwell, leave me alone!", Linda exclaimed. "I know I am in a mess but truly, I need a friend right now and you have been more than a friend to me these past weeks”, Maxwell confessed. "Don't allow anyone destroy the trust we have built", Maxwell begged. "Maxwell, I can't seem to get you out of my mind but I would also be out of my mind to think that we can have a future together", Linda confessed. "I think the best thing for both of us would be to stay away from each other", Linda added. "Please don't say that", Maxwell pleaded. "Just give me the chance to prove to you that I am worth it", Maxwell suggested. "Let me think about it", Linda said and moved on toward the direction of her house. "By the way, your Dad and uncles are in the house with your grandmother", Linda said. "I came to pay her a visit but it seems they are in some sort of a meeting so I would come back another time", Linda said and moved away. Maxwell was delighted that for once, his father and brothers had come back into the house and he could not hear shouts and insults. As he approached the door, his phone rang. "Hello", Maxwell said as he answered the phone. "Hello, my name is Edwina from Passione Global, am I speaking with Maxwell?", the voice on the other side asked. "Yes you are, this is Maxwell", Maxwell said. "Okay, I am glad to inform you that, your proposal has been accepted and you are expected to be at the company's premises by 9 A.M tomorrow morning to sign a contract", Edwina said. "What?!", Maxwell exclaimed. "Oh my God, thank you very much, Edwina, I would be there at exactly 8:30 A.M", Maxwell replied with excitement in his voice. "Looking forward to seeing you and congratulations once again", Edwina said and hang up the phone. Maxwell could not hold in his joy. He was vibrating with excitement. He sat outside and was going through his contacts to call his friends and tell them the good news. He was about to call Raphael when a call came in; it was from Alberta. "Hello", Maxwell said as he answered the call. "Maxwell, I am standing in front of your gate with your child", Alberta started. "You better come out and get him and take care of him while I go to town to get some stuff done because this child is also your child!", Alberta barked...

BITTERSWEET IS THE ONLY EXPRESSION THAT CAN BEST DESCRIBE THESE TURN OF EVENTS...MORE TO COME SOON. MY NAME IS EDWIN OKO LAMPTEY AND THIS IS ANOTHER CRACKING STORY!

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