The kitchen was a war zone, and Riyah stood in the middle of it, Nolana had left her to do all the cleaning, the faint smell of smashed porcelain still lingering in the air. She ran a finger over the counter, brushing away the fine dust that had settled where Nolana’s anger had exploded. The place was a mess—just like her life before she’d come back here. But unlike the chaos of her past, this mess was something she could control, something she could clean up. Riyah picked up a shattered piece of ceramic, feeling the sharp edges dig into her palm. It was a familiar sensation, the sting of something broken—just like the life she’d left behind in the city. But this time, the pain was manageable, almost satisfying. She had provoked Nolana and pushed her over the edge, and the results were exactly what she had expected. Kolade had sent her away, out of the house, leaving Riyah in charge of the space that had once been Nolana’s domain. She allowed herself a small smile. This was just the beginning.
She leans against the counter, closing her eyes for a moment, letting the memories of her life in the city wash over her. The glittering lights of the city, the endless parties, the whispered secrets that floated through the air like smoke. She had been somebody there, but it had come at a cost—a cost she was still paying. The face of a man she once feared but now despised loomed in her mind, and she pushed it away with a forceful shake of her head. No, she was done with that life.
Here, in this quiet, suffocating community, she had a new role to play, and she was determined to play it well. Nolana thought this was about kitchenware, about control over a house that was never truly hers. No, this was about her survival, about securing a future that had once slipped through her fingers since the day she ran from Kizolo. The door creaked open behind her, and Riyah turned, her smile widening. It was time to put the next part of her plan into motion.
Kolade steps into the kitchen, his expression flat, almost indifferent. His eyes sweep over the mess, but they don’t linger long; he’s seen enough. Riyah watches him carefully, sensing the wall between them, a wall that’s been growing ever since she forced her way back into his life.“Kolade,” she begins, her voice soft, trying to find a way through his cold exterior.
“I didn’t mean for things to escalate like this.”Kolade doesn’t respond right away. Instead, he walks to the sink, turning the faucet on and off as if the task could distract him from the tension in the room. Finally, he speaks, his tone detached.
“Why are you doing this, Riyah? What’s the point?” Riyah feels a stab of frustration at his indifference, but she pushes it down, keeping her voice steady.
“I’m just trying to make this house feel like a home. Like it’s ours.”
Kolade turns to face her, his expression unreadable. “It’ll never be ours, Riyah. Not really. You and I both know that.”His words cut through her, but she forces a smile, refusing to let him see how deeply they affected her.
“It can be, Kolade. We can make it work, if we just try.”He shakes his head, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“We’re not trying anything. Nolana’s not here right now, so let’s drop the act. You’re here because you forced me into this, and I’m only going along with it because I have no choice. But don’t mistake that for anything more.” Riyah’s smile falters, and for a moment, she drops the facade, letting her frustration show.
“I’m trying to make the best of this situation, Kolade. We’re in this together, whether you like it or not. And as long as I’m here, I’m going to make sure I get what I want.” It’s too early to give up. He’s just angry he’ll come around sooner or later.
Kolade sighs, turning away from her. “And what is it that you want, Riyah? Because I’m not going to give you more than I already have.”
She clenches her fists, struggling to keep her composure. “I want a life here, Kolade. I want what I gave up when I left this place. And I’m not going to let Nolana or anyone else take that from me.”
Kolade glances back at her, his expression hardened, not even an ounce of pity. “You’re not going to find what you’re looking for here. Not with me.”He starts to leave the kitchen, but Riyah steps forward, desperate to maintain some control.
“Kolade, wait. Just—please, give this a chance. You don’t have to like me, but at least respect the fact that I’m trying to make this work.”Kolade stops in the doorway, not turning back to face her.
“I’ll keep up the act for Nolana’s sake. But that’s it. Don’t expect anything more from me.”And with that, he walks out, leaving her alone again in the shattered remnants of her latest attempt to reclaim what she’s lost.
Her jaw tightens as she reaches for her phone, dialing a number with a sense of urgency. She never thought she would call so soon but desperate times call for desperate measures. When the call connects, her voice is hard and determined.
“Meet me in an hour, and make sure you’re not seen.”She hangs up, her mind racing.
Kolade might not love her anymore, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from getting what she wanted. Nolana was out of the house, and that gave her the perfect opportunity to put her next plan into motion.
°°°°
Nolana ✨
As I walk through the narrow, dusty streets of Nkani, the memories of my childhood flood back, but they feel like someone else’s life now. The place hadn’t changed much—same old rusted roofs, the scent of fried akara in the air, and the rowdy boys playing football with a makeshift ball. I hardly visited this place every time I did I never took a walk around, the only stop was Aunty Abigail’s house and that was it.
But I wasn’t here to reminisce. I was here for answers. I knew there was more to whatever Grace had told me and I was going to find out for myself.
My feet led me to a familiar spot near the corner shop where I used to buy sweets as a child. I stopped, scanning the area until I saw him. He was older now, rougher around the edges, but there was no mistaking those sharp eyes and that intimidating stance. Dimeji—once a friend of my brother’s, now a man who has earned a reputation on these streets so I’ve heard. It’s funny how I find myself asking for help from the same bad company I had warned him to stay away from. The same company that cost him his life.
I was told I’ll find him here, taking a deep breath I approach him. He is leaning against the wall, a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. His eyes flicked up to mine, recognition sparking immediately.“Nolana? Wetin carry you come this side?” He asks, his voice rough, hardened by years of street life and laced with a bit of sarcasm.
“Good evening Dimeji.” I greet, trying to keep my tone steady, even though my heart is s racing.
“I hear say you dey find me.” He says puffing out a cloud of smoke. “Wetin you want?”
Does he really have to do that though?
“I need your help, Dimeji. Something is going on, and I don’t know who else to turn to.”
He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Help? How can I help you?”
” I need you to find information about someone for me. I heard you have connections in Dana City.” I say.
“Ah! Mama you, know my kind of help isn’t cheap.” He says and I nod, pulling out a small bundle of cash from my purse.
“I’m not asking for charity.”
He smirks taking the money without hesitation, but his gaze never leaves mine. “So, what’s the job?”
“It’s a woman,” I start, trying to steady my voice. “Her name is Riyah. She’s been gone for five years now and then suddenly she returned. There’s something off about her. She’s hiding something, and I need to know what.”
Dimeji takes a drag from his cigarette, considering my words. “No be that your friend wey you dey waka up and down with that year?” He asks. “Wetin she do you?”
“She’s married to my husband—long story—but she’s up to something. I can feel it. And it’s not just about me anymore. I need to protect what’s left of my family.”
“Ah, she no try oo.”He says, studying me for a moment, and I can see the wheels turning in his head. Dimeji was no fool; he was probably weighing his options. This was not going to be an easy job besides her father was the head of the community.
“Alright,” he says finally, flicking the cigarette to the ground and crushing it under his heel. “I’ll see what I can find. But you go need add something, Nolana. This money wey you give too small for the work wey you want make I do.” He says with a small smile.
Hau! This man. Does he think I plug money from trees?
“I go add something when you finish,” I reply in pidgin.
It seems like all the fancy English I’ve been speaking gave him the wrong idea.
He nods, his expression serious again “Give me a couple of days. I’ve got some contacts in Dana—the city you mentioned she’s from. If there’s anything to find, I’ll find it.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “Thank you, Dimeji. I appreciate this more than you know.”He gives me a curt nod before walking away.
Whatever Riyah was hiding, I was going to find it—and when I did, she’d wish she’d never come back into our lives.
