Then, I had the most shocking moment of my life. Idris and Lewa were curled up in bed, kissing. They were so engrossed in their act, that they did not notice I had entered the room. Lewa looked up first and immediately covered her face with the sheets. Idris turned to my direction, but did not look surprised at all. He said, “Tiwa, were you deaf when I said I would call you when I am done? Why are you here?” My legs were shaking, and I couldn’t move. I had no reply, I just stood there in shock and tears started rolling down my face. I thought, “How could Lewa do this to me? I thought Idris loved me?” So many thoughts flowing through my mind, I couldn’t think.

When I could finally pull myself together, I turned around and hurried out of the room. On my way out, I saw the Michael Kors bag on the table in the living room, and I thought, “the mystery of the bag is solved”. I raced out the house and saw the gate man. He was shocked to see me and asked, “Aunty Tiwa, when did you enter?” I dashed passed him to my car without a response and sat in the car until I could catch my breath enough to drive.

As I drove, I couldn’t get their picture off my mind. I felt drained and sick again, I could not go home with my state of mind. So, I called Nancy but couldn’t get through to her. Feeling so confused, I tried Atinuke’s number and she picked. I told her I was on my way to her place. Atinuke is the girlfriend to one of Idris’ friends. She is a tall light skinned lady, with a dragon tattoo on her neck. We met at the club during one of our numerous outings with Idris. Since then, she became one of my pals.

On getting to her place, she was outside waiting. I guess she heard the panic in my voice when I called and knew something was wrong. She was putting on a grey sleeveless top, a black bum shorts and black slippers. She looked worried and hurried towards me. I parked my car and got out of the car. Immediately, she gave me a hug as tears continued to roll down my face. We stood there for a moment, then she ushered me into the house. The building was a bungalow painted orange and brown. Atinuke lives in a well-furnished two-bedroom flat.  We sat down on a brown sofa, she was still holding my hands and turned to me. She raised my face up and asked, “What happened my dear? I didn’t have the words yet, so I burst out crying again.

Once I was calm, I explained all that happened at Idris’ house and poured out my heart to her. As I spoke, she listened without interruption and just stared at me with dismay. When I was done, she asked, “Is that why you are crying?” I was shocked by her response and she could see the sadness on my face turn to confusion. She proceeded, “How can you be crying because your boyfriend cheated on you with your sister? There is nothing new under the sun o! Shine your eyes. You must fight for your man. E no easy to find a fine and rich bobo in Abuja o. Are you ready to let your sister have him?” Immediately, I realized this isn’t about Idris cheating on me. It is about Lewa having my man and me, giving up. I responded with a shake of my head. Then she continued, “Idris is your man, and he loves you. All men cheat o! So, you cannot let your twin sister steal him. I am sure she has always been jealous of you. You have to fight for your man.” At this point, my head was literally spinning. I thought, Atinuke is right! Lewa has always wanted everything I had growing up. My voice was finally coming back, and I responded, “You are right!”

Atinuke stood up and walked to the kitchen. She returned with a bottle of Vodka and two shot glasses. As she poured the drinks, she continued saying, “Just drink this, it will make you feel so much better” and handed the glass to me. I took a quick gulp of the content in the glass and put the glass on the table. She smiled at me and poured more vodka in the glass again, this time filled up the glass. Again, I picked up the glass and emptied the content. I started to feel at ease and relaxed. I was at Atinuke’s place till very late. I got home around 10 pm, tired, drunk and went straight to bed.

I woke up with a hangover and tired. I dragged myself up from bed and took a pain reliever because the headache was unbearable. I took a shower and as I began to dress, I noticed things were missing in my room. Immediately, I realized Lewa had packed some of her things that she left in my room. I thought to myself, “So, this is war”.

I figured she already left for work, so I wore my yellow poker-dot dress with Louboutin red shoes. As I drove to work that morning, I checked my phone multiple times, hoping to see a message or call from Idris. I was nervous and didn’t know what I would do or say if I saw him at work. When I got to work, I noticed his car was not there and I felt relieved for a moment.

Throughout the day, I kept checking to see if he would text, call or even come to work but he didn’t. As I left the office, I thought about going to get dinner because I haven’t had any food all day. So, as I decided which restaurant to stop at, my phone’s ringtone startled me out of my thoughts. I picked up my phone and it was Idris calling. I suddenly felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to expect. I picked up and said, “Hello Idris”. He responded, “Hello Tiwa, a new contract just came up and I need you to go back to the office. I discussed the new project with Lekan (general manager) and he should be on his way to the office too. Thank you”. And he hung up. I felt anger, but I remembered Lewa and I realized, I would have to be the one to beg Idris if I need to win my man back.

Each day, I looked for an opportunity to see Idris or even hear from him, but the opportunity never came. He didn’t come to the office the whole week and there were no calls from him. I saw Lewa each day, but we didn’t speak to each other and we avoided each other.

I woke up on Saturday and started planning my day. I was determined to make this a great day. I felt great because I was able to distract myself from all the thoughts and just focus on cleaning and doing all my other chores.

In the evening, I was still in my room reading a book when I heard footsteps in the living room. I was going to ignore but Lewa’s phone started ringing. So, I decided to eavesdrop, and I heard Lewa saying, “I will catch up with you soon”. I immediately tried to open the door and saw Lewa was dressed in a long, tight figured ball dress. She looked beautiful and I realized she was going on a date. I closed the door and started walking around my room. I felt so much anger and betrayal. Lewa was not remorseful, neither did she even bother to apologize to me. I concluded she was going on a date with Idris and I was going to make her regret it. I couldn’t sleep that night, I could imagine them having sex after their date and that angered me the more. After a few tossing and turning around on my bed, I was finally able to sleep around 2 am.

I woke up with a loud ringing. I thought I was still sleeping, but the ringing got louder, and I reluctantly turned around to find my phone. It was Idris calling. I jumped up from my sleep and picked up the phone. I gently said, “Hello Idris”. He replied, “How are you my princess?” I was confused but managed to blurt out “I am fine”. He replied, “Tiwa, please can you come over? I need to talk to you. I know you are upset and you have every right to be. Can you come over? Please?” I responded inaudibly, “Ok, I will come”. He thanked me and hung up. I held the phone in my hands after he had dropped and went into deep thoughts. After 20 minutes, I managed to get out of bed and took a shower. I wore a tight purple jumpsuit with red sandals and headed out to his house.

I arrived at Idris’ residence at around 10 am. The gateman greeted me “Aunty Tiwa, long time o!” I smiled back at him and proceeded into the house. I opened the door and I couldn’t resist the nice aroma coming from the house. Idris came out of the kitchen, dressed in jeans and t-shirt with an apron. He smiled and came to hug me. I stayed in his arms a minute longer and wished he wouldn’t let go. He is such a handsome man and has the most infectious smile. I forgot all about any anger I had, and he took my hand and led me to the dining table. He pulled out the chair, ushered me in and told me to wait. He then ran into the kitchen. He had prepared food and had sweet music playing in the background. It was very romantic, and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. He came back carrying bowls of rice and chicken he had cooked. He placed the food on the table and brought a bottle of red wine with two glasses. He served the food and sat beside me. We ate mostly in silence, stealing a few glances at each other.

After the meal, he turned to me and said, “Tiwa, I am really sorry for what happened. You know I love you. Your sister has been disturbing me for weeks, and I was avoiding her. That day was the first time, and she trapped me. I am so sorry I fell for her silly games. I am sorry, that day was the last time I saw her too. Can you forgive me? Can we start over? I really love you Tiwa”. I was touched by his words. I was thinking I would have to be the one to beg him, but he won my heart by not just apologizing, he gave me his word that he was done with my sister. I told him, he is forgiven, and he took me into his arms immediately. I could smell his sweet perfume and held him tighter. He pulled away and took my face in his hands. He planted some kisses on my lips, waiting to see if I would respond. So, I leaned onto his arms again and kissed him passionately. It felt just like the first time all over again. As we kissed passionately, we hurriedly took off each other’s clothes. It was a race. Once all the clothes were off, he carried me in his arms and continued kissing me passionately. My head was about to explode. I pushed him to the floor and traced my hands down his torso. He couldn’t resist the touch and he moaned out loud. He thrusted into me and I lost my breath, it was amazing. As we laid on the living room floor, both trying to regain our breath, he said, “Tiwa, we couldn’t even make it to the bedroom”. We both laughed, and he held me tighter. After more rounds of sex, it was getting late and I decided to go take a shower. As I was in the bathroom, I noticed Lewa’s earrings by the bath tub. It was the same set of earrings she was wearing yesterday when I saw her going for a date.

I was suddenly filled with various emotions. I felt betrayed and deceived. I came out of the bathroom and confronted him. He was still in bed. I asked him why he lied to me, when Lewa was in his house yesterday. He looked at me, and said, “So, what is the big deal? I don’t like people shouting at me in my own house”. He could see the shock on my face and continued, “See, I don’t want you to feel anyhow, there is money in the draw over there, just take some and go home. I am tired of both of you anyway”. I dressed up in so much hurry and ran out of his house. As I drove home, I felt so much anger and hate towards Lewa. She had turned Idris against me finally. I realized I couldn’t live with her anymore.

I got home, packed some of my things and headed to Atinuke’s place. As far as I was concerned, Lewa is an enemy, not my sister. I continued to stay at Atinuke’s place for a week until I got a call from my mother. She was planning a visit and Lewa told her I was not home. She insisted I should be home by Saturday and expect her.

I went to the house on Saturday. As I approached the door, Lewa came to me and hugged me. I was confused and pushed her away. She started apologizing and begging me, insisting Idris turned her against me. She continued to apologize to me as we entered the house. She went on her knees and continued to plead. So, I told her she was forgiven. Then, she insisted if I had forgiven her, I would have a drink with her. I agreed. She gave me a hug and ran into the kitchen to get the drinks. She handed me the drink and we toasted to “new beginnings”.

After the drink, I went into my room and started to think about all that happened. The anger came rushing back again and I hated Lewa even more. I went back to the living room and asked her why she still slept with Idris after I caught them. She stood up and started walking towards her room, mumbling. Before I realized what was going on, I picked up a flower vase and threw it at her head. I saw Lewa fall to floor so hard, hitting her head. She laid lifeless on the floor with blood gushing from her head. I stood there in shock. I still couldn’t understand what just happened. I tried to find my voice to scream for help, but then I couldn’t speak. As I approached Lewa, I started to panic. I realized Lewa could be dead and I would be going to jail. I decided it is best to get out of the house before the neighbors see me. As I walked towards door, I suddenly started to feel pain in my stomach. The pain was so severe, I fell holding my stomach and I screamed. Then I realized Lewa might have poisoned my drink earlier. I started to call for help but no one could hear me. Then I passed out.

I woke up in the hospital, feeling drowsy and confused. I tried to speak but I couldn’t. Then, a nurse walked in. She told me to calm down and immediately called for the doctor. When the doctor came in, he gave me a reassuring smile that everything was ok. He checked my vitals and asked how I was feeling. I told him I felt drowsy and he said the drowsiness will wear out soon. I asked how long I have been at the hospital and they responded 3 months. I started to panic again but they calm me down and put me to sleep again.

After what seem like an eternity at the hospital, I started getting better, I was eating and taking my medications. One day, the doctor called me to his office. He said, “Tiwa, I am glad you are feeling much better now. It is a miracle you are alive. Someone must have poisoned you because when they brought you here, your situation was critical, and the poison had affected all your organs. You have been in a coma for 3 months and we have tried contacting your family through your phone. Your sister had died by the time they brought you both here. The only person that picked up our calls from your phone was a young man called Rikky. He has been here to see you a couple of times and paid all your bills. He should be coming again tomorrow because we have told him we would be discharging you tomorrow”. He looked down and hesitated a bit, then continued with sorrow in his eyes. He said “Ms. Tiwa, I am sorry to inform you, you also tested positive for HIV. There are various medications we can put you on to help you”. I sat there, dazed and confused. All the emotions were coming back. I couldn’t believe I killed my sister because of a man. And now, I was very sure I got the disease from Idris. I thought about my aged mother and I started to cry.

The next day, as I was getting ready to leave the hospital, Rikky and Nancy entered my room. I was in so much shock. Rikky looked good and was dressed in an expensive dark blue fitted suit with a red tie. It looked like he was coming from work and Nancy was beside him heavily pregnant, dressed in a long flowing dress. They seemed happy and in love. I felt so embarrassed. Nancy ran to my side, giving me a hug. She appeared genuinely worried about me and I could see Rikky was worried too. I couldn’t look at any of their faces. I thanked them both for all their help and they stayed with me for about 30 minutes. Nancy informed me that she and Rikky were married, and they were expecting their first child. I just nodded and smiled as she told me.

After they left the room, I laid in the bed and cried some more. After the nurses discharged me, they called a taxi for me. Rikky had given me 100,000 naira in cash earlier. So, I took a cab to Atinuke’s house. As I arrived, she came out to meet me. She insisted I can’t stay at her place because she can’t be caring for an extra person. I begged her, but she turned me away. So, I went to the apartment I shared with Lewa, but it had been rented to another tenant. All our properties could not be accounted for. I had nowhere to go. I went to get a motel room for the night.

I woke up the next day feeling tired and helpless. I called my mother’s cell phone, and no one picked up. I called my mother’s neighbor and I was informed that my mum died of a stroke 3 months ago. I cried again, I felt so lonely. I don’t have a family anymore.

After some hours, I decided to go find Idris to get my job back. When I got to the company, the gateman called the general manager on the phone. I wasn’t allowed to go in. Lekan approached me, with a letter in his hands. He told me Idris had fired me and instructed them not to allow me into the company. I asked if I could speak with Idris, and I was told he traveled to Germany to meet his family. Lekan could see the shock on my face and said, “You didn’t know he was married with kids?”. I responded “No”. Then, he proceeded to tell me that Idris’ wife and three kids live in Germany. And, Idris shuttles regularly between Germany and Nigeria to oversee the company’s operations. Still in shock, I thanked him and went back to the motel.

At the motel, I noticed my room had been robbed and the 80,000 naira I had left in my room was gone. I had no money to pay for the motel room. So, I went to talk to the manager. I was offered a cleaning job, and was told I could stay at the motel as long as I cleaned all the rooms. They also paid me 5,000 naira per month.

This is my story. I don’t know what tomorrow holds. I don’t even know if I deserve a second chance at life.

 SHIIIT HAPPENS GUYS!