In my final year at the university, something critical happened. One of those days, Maryann had to travel all the way from Lagos State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State as something came up.
A few days later, she phoned me and told me that her father was admitted into an emergency ward. According to her, her father had developed a chronic heart disease which cost some millions of naira. Maryann, in tears, pleaded with me to help her out in any way I could, as she did not want to lose her only surviving parent.
I once failed a very good friend of mine when she needed me most, and I wouldn't want to do that again to another friend. But then also, I was in my final year, and that was when I needed money the most. That notwithstanding, I resolved to help Maryann.
First and foremost, I decided to talk to Frank about it, but I needed to see him face-to-face so that it wouldn't look like I was somewhat a leech. On the day I planned to visit him at his house, he said he was at work but would soon return home.
Frank lived in an estate on the outskirts of Surulere. That was the first time I was coming to see Frank at his house, and he never mentioned to me that his friend was living with him.
I met Frank's friend watching a football match in the living room when I arrived.
"Hi," I said.
"Are you here to see Frank?" he asked.
"Yes. I've called him actually, and he said he would be coming back anytime soon," I replied.
"Anyway, I'm Nelson, Frank's friend. You must be his girlfriend, right?"
"Yes, I am."
"He talks so much about you. Please, do sit and make yourself comfortable," Nelson said.
"Thank you," I said before sitting on the cushion.
"So, what can I offer you?"
"A glass of water will be okay."
Nelson left at once and reappeared with a chilled bottled water and a tumbler on a tray. I appreciated his nice gesture, oblivious of his ulterior motive.
While I was patiently waiting, my phone beeped. It was Frank calling. He told me that he was stuck in a traffic jam and would be delayed in coming home.
"What did he say?" Nelson quizzed.
"He won't be coming home early as he is caught up in traffic," I said.
"And are you going to wait for that long?" he asked again.
"That shouldn't be a problem," I replied.
Silence ensued for a while between us, after which he broke it.
"You know, Frank does not really deserve an epitome of beauty like you," Nelson said, staring amorously at me.
"Excuse you! What is that supposed to mean?" I asked, slightly offended.
Nelson rose up and came to sit closer to me as I adjusted a bit. His presence created an irresistible air around me.
"You are such a pretty lady who needs to be handled with care and love. And that is what I am willing to give you," Nelson said, attempting to kiss me.
But I slapped him hard across the face.
"If you think I am that cheap, then you must be mistaken. What do you even take me for? Look, Nelson, or whatever your name is, if you dare try this nonsense with me again, you will leave me with no option than to tell Frank. Silly!" I yelled at him.
All of a sudden, Nelson pounced on me in a bid to rape me, but I kicked him hard on his manhood and then took to my heels, leaving him in excruciating pain.
I took a motorcycle back to my lodge. I checked my phone and saw three missed calls from Frank. He called again but I ignored it. I was too angry to pick his call, because if he had been around, I would not have encountered such sexual harassment from his so-called friend. He persisted, and I remained adamant.
Maryann's father's life was at stake, and I needed to do something at once. The money in my account was not even up to what was required. I decided to take the bull by the horn. So, I returned to my old lifestyle.
That night, I went to a brothel in a skimpy dress. I met this man, probably in his late sixties, who looked extremely rich from every angle. We went to a confined room for proper business. At first, I made him send fifty million naira into my account as I caressed his shoulder.
When I received the alert, I excused myself to use the restroom. While in there, I brought out my sanitary pad and smeared red lipstick all over it. When I came out, I began to walk clumsily and shed crocodile tears.
The man asked what the matter was, and I told him that I just saw my period and I was undergoing menstrual pain. I showed him the red-stained sanitary pad as proof. He pitied me and offered to take me home, but I declined. I gave him a fake contact number and home address, promising to return the next night after the pain might have subsided. With that, I left for my lodge.
Still that same night, I transferred ten million naira into Maryann's account, which she forwarded a long time to me. I called her to confirm the transaction, and when she did, she appreciated me so much.
And as for the man I met at the brothel, that was the last time we saw each other.