some part of this story almost made m cry

Waiting for update

11.



© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

EFFE'S RESIDENCE
As soon as Junior gets down from Steve's car he runs straight into the building.
Steve stares after him, and then he looks over at Effe who is unstrapping her seat-belt.
STEVE
Seems your son is really fighting for his father, sweetheart.
Effe glances at him as she opens her door.
EFFE
(gently)
Don't take it to heart, Steve. They were close, and he has missed his father. End of story. It doesn't affect us in any way.
STEVE
(raising his eyebrows)
It doesn't? You sure about that, honey? I saw you running after Chris when he left the church. I saw you following him as far as the entrance.
Effe gives a shaky nervous laugh.
EFFE
I wanted to remind him he has to sign the divorce papers, Steve. Was that a sin too?
He hears the slight hint of exasperation in her voice, and he is quick to make the reconciliatory overture.
He reaches over and squeezes her hand.
STEVE
Sorry, honey. Guess I'm feeling a little bit insecure, you know. That little drama in the church really got to me, you know. I'm the jealous possessive kind, as you well know.
EFFE
(scoffing)
Well, there's no need for that. There's just no way Chris and I are ever getting back again. You should know that.
STEVE
I know, I know. Sorry about that. Were you able to talk to him about the divorce?
Effe drops her eyes.
She is not used to lying, and it makes her feel extremely uncomfortable.
In truth she had just wanted to ask Chris where he would be staying when she run after him.
She had felt very sorry for him, for losing the house and everything he owned, but she knows she can never say that to Steve.
It will begin a fight that will last for many days.
EFFE
No, I couldn't. He got a lift and left. I'll make the necessary arrangements with Uncle Darkwa.
STEVE
Do that, honey.
Effe nods and gets out of the car. She walks round his car and stops.
EFFE
You coming in?
STEVE
Nah, honey. Gonna take a pass. Would see you this evening. Jon wants us to catch a few swings at the golf club, so I'm meeting him.
EFFE
Alright, dear. Would expect you this evening then.
She watches as he drives out and the security detail closes the gates.
She turns away miserably and walks into the house. She pauses in the living-room and sits down gently.
She had not told Steve that Chris signed the divorce papers finally.
She knows it will make him very happy. It is something they have waited for, prayed for, hoped and expected for a long time.
She had expected Chris to fight it, like he had been fighting it for five years now.
But he had just gone ahead and signed it, just like that! What has changed?
Is it because of that prison officer who drove off with him at the church?
Effe knows Baaba as a member of the church. They are civil to each other, but she has not known Baaba had been detailed at the Grand Castle prison.
Is that where she has grown close to Chris? Is there something going on between them?
Effe knows that shouldn't be any concern of hers. After all she has asked for and received a divorce.
After all she is going to marry Steve, and shouldn't really care about what Chris is doing!
The man has hurt her and trampled on her feelings.
He didn't deserve a second chance, and she knows she should keep her head high and dwell on the future.
So why is there a disquieting turmoil in her soul? Why had she felt that familiar twinge in her heart when Baaba had gone into his arms and embraced him with a total lack of decorum?
Why is she wondering if Baaba is also another victim of Chris' charms?
He has not been in her plans. She has not expected to see him so soon.
She had projected another five years for him.
She had not visited him in prison, and neither had she responded to the numerous telephone calls he had made to her during the first two years of his incarceration.
She had not even listened to the advice of the Reverend Fii Jon to visit Chris.
She had totally cut him off, out of her life completely.
So why is she now feeling a trifle guilty that she had abandoned him? Chris deserves everything that he is getting, and more! He had acted like a bastard!
She tells herself to move on with her life. It is going to be difficult, but she knows she must.
She looks up suddenly as Junior descends the steps to the living-room holding his little blue piggy bank.
He has been saving his money in that piggy bank almost a year and a half now.
He keeps every coin and every cedi he receives in there, whether from his mother or from other adults.
There must be a small fortune in there, Effe muses, considering the fact that sometimes people gave the boy huge sums of money.
There are times when she wants to open it, but he always says no.
He says he is saving to buy an aeroplane.
EFFE
Sweet Prince, did you receive some gifts today?
Junior looks at her and smiles, and she can still see the white marks on his cheeks left by his tears, and she recalls once again his show of love towards his father in church.
JUNIOR
No, Mom. I want to open it.
She raises her eyebrows, surprised.
She has not expected to hear that from him, at least not now.
EFFE
(with a chuckle)
Really? Why? Are you ready to buy your aeroplane now?
He looks down and swings his foot uneasily.
She sees that he looks disturbed. She gets up and kneels in front of him and takes his hand.
EFFE
Hey, sweetheart, what is it? Don't go alien on me. You know you can tell me everything.
He looks earnestly into her eyes and speaks in a rush, his face riddled with guilt.
JUNIOR
I know you wanted to open my piggy bank, Mom, and I didn't let you. You can open it now and take some of the money. Daddy used all his money for offertory today. I'll give the rest to him. It is not that I didn't want you to take my money when you wanted to open the piggy bank, and now you would be angry that I want to give the money to Daddy, but-
She lays a hand across his lips, and she is aware that tears are bubbling somewhere deep down within her.
EFFE
Sweetie, I know you have a good heart. No, I'm not bothered at all that you want to give your money to your father.
His wonderful eyes move rapidly, searching her face.
JUNIOR
You sure? Really really really sure, Mommy? Cross your heart sure?
She crosses her heart and smiles at him.
EFFE
Cross my heart sure, honey.
He looks down again at his feet and nods. He bites his lip, and then he looks up at her.
JUNIOR
Mom, I know you don't like Daddy-
That hurts her very much.
Above all else she has tried, over the years, not to give her son that impression, and she is shocked that he has that in his heart.
She shakes her head and kisses his hands.
EFFE
Oh, no, please, honey! What gave you that idea? I have nothing against him.
His face is suddenly sad, and she sees tears filling up in his eyes.
JUNIOR
(softly)
Then why is it that you never took me to visit him in prison? Then why is it that when he came here to see me, you let the police take him away? So does that mean that any time I see Daddy the police will come and take him away?
When a tear rolls down his right cheek it shakes Effe hard.
She fights her own tears, and she reaches out and brushes his tears away.
EFFE
(tremulously)
My prince, sometimes adults have differences, okay? They behave in ways you might not understand, but that doesn't mean they don't have good feelings, okay? I was angry with your father, but I'm not anymore. Yesterday I went to the police station and signed a document. You can see him now, and no police will take him away.
Although tears fall down his face he smiles suddenly, a happy smile that dimples his cheeks, and in that instant he looks so much like his father that it sends a bolt of pain through Effe's heart.
JUNIOR
Thank you, Mama. So can you open the piggy bank for me?
Effe smiles, fiercely fighting her tears, and buzzes his right cheek.
EFFE
Well, why don't you keep it as it is? Next time you see your father, the two of you can open it.
His smile broadens again, and she knows he is pleased by that.
JUNIOR
Are you really, really, really, really sure you don't want some of the money?
EFFE
I'm really, really, really sure I don't want any, cowboy!
He nods and suddenly hugs her tight, and she is overcome by the love she feels for him, and her tears trickle down her cheeks.
JUNIOR
I love you, Mama.
EFFE
I love you too, handsome!
He turns away happily and as he begins to climb the stairs she wipes tears from her cheeks and picks up her bag.
She extracts some fifty cedi notes from her bag.
EFFE
Hey, Champ, take this.
He turns and returns to her. He looks at the amount of money in her hands and his eyes open wide with surprise.
JUNIOR
Mommy! That's a lot of money! Why are you giving it to me?
She shrugs, and smiles.
EFFE
Oh, you have been a good boy. Go on take it.
He takes the money, still looking at her.
JUNIOR
(with a little laugh)
You can't fool me, Mama. Because I said I'm giving the money to Daddy, you're giving me more money, aren't you? You still like him, don't you?
EFFE
(chuckling)
Do you want the money or not, you saucy young man?
He takes the money, kisses her quickly on her right cheek, and rushes upstairs to stuff the money in his piggy bank.
Effe sighs heavily and switches on the television.
EFFE
Damn you, Chris!


JAILBIRD continues


Read Episodes 12 to 50 on www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

following nice story

Awwwn

hmmmm... touching story

12


© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

BAABA'S RESIDENCE
Baaba lives in a secluded residential area within Achimota.
She lives on the tenth floor of a beautiful apartment block, and as Chris rides in the elevator with her he feels a little uneasy because the whole place reeks of the aura of wealth.
He wonders how a prison officer can afford such a place, but he refrains from asking her.
The elevator doors dings open, and he follows her out unto a lush corridor that has paintings on the walls and red carpeting on the floor.
There are artificial plants in exquisite glass pots along the corridor.
As they begin to walk towards a door at the end of the corridor Baaba links her arm through his.
There is an inscription on her door; it is black cursive writing on a gold plate.
BAABA BROOKS
BRANDO HOMES
APARTMENT 20
She takes a card out of her bag and swipes the security gadget beside the door.
There is a beep, and its red beeping light turns to green and the door clicks open.
Chris follows her into the spacious and exquisitely-furnished interior.
The curtains are of the highest quality.
The living-room area is a show of sheer wealth from the imported rug to the bar area to the gadget systems.
He can see tall glass that forms French Windows opening out unto a lovely balcony.
She puts on the lights as he stands looking around him with obvious discomfort.
She gives a little laugh as she stands gazing up at him.
BAABA
(softly)
My father is rich, Chris. He bought this apartment for me. I'm an only child, and my mother died when I was seven. Daddy remarried, and now lives in Germany. I'm all alone here. He wanted me to join him, but I chose to stay in Ghana. He comes down twice a year to visit me, and I have the option of visiting him twice a year, but I rarely do.
He looks at her and smiles wanly.
CHRIS
I see. Beautiful apartment.
BAABA
Please make yourself comfortable. Will be with you in a jiffy.
She puts on the gigantic Samsung Curve HD television, and then she disappears through another door.
With the air-condition providing a cool atmosphere, Chris sinks into a comfortable seat and tries to watch a Premier League game.
He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he remembers is Baaba standing over him and shaking his arm gently.
He opens his eyes and looks at her.
She has changed into a short white dress, and bent like the way she now as she shakes him awake, he can see the creamy tops of her breasts, and he sits up quickly.
She steps back with a smile, and he notices that the dress stops just short of her panty line, and that her well-formed thighs and legs are bare.
BAABA
(demurely)
Wake up, sleepy head. Lunch is ready.
CHRIS
Wow. Did I sleep that long?
She chuckles gently, sexily, and takes his hand, and begins to walk, dragging him behind her, and his eyes feasts on her astounding figure and her gently-undulating mounds.
BAABA
No. Had some food on the cold. Warmed it for you. Hope you don't mind.
Chris takes his eyes off her with an effort.
Five years without a woman, and finding his best friend now almost married to the love of his life has done something to him, and he fights down the desire that is ripping through him.
Her dining-room is an offshoot from the living-room area, and once again he is struck afresh by its beauty.
She makes him sit at the head of an oval-shaped glass table, and serves him the best banku and okro stew he has tasted in years.
The goat meat in the stew is a delectable edible delight that makes love to his taste buds.
He eats two balls of banku whilst she sits near him with her chin in her palm gazing at him with her eyes glazed over with a mixture of happiness and sadness.
Finally, he sits back and belches so loudly that both of them burst out laughing.
CHRIS
That is the best food I've tasted in years, Baaba.
BAABA
Thanks. And I love the way you've eaten everything. When a woman's food is destroyed like that by her man, it brings great happiness.
Her man? Chris raises his eyebrows at her, but she just chuckles and begins to clear the table.
He helps her, and later he dries the plates as she washes them in the beautiful kitchen.
They return to the living-room, and she asks him if he wants a drink.
He declines because he is very full. He accepts a glass of water as she mixes quinine water and Baron de Campos wine.
He sits in the chair and watches the football match. She stands at the hall looking at him, sipping her drink quietly.
Her face is without expression, and she barely speaks to him.
After a while she drains her cup and moves slowly towards him.
She stands just in front of him, blocking his view of the television.
He slowly puts down his glass of water, and looks up warily at her.
He sees that her lips are slightly parted and wet, and she is breathing quicker, her breasts moving gently with the depths of the passion she is feeling.
He notices that she might not be wearing any brassiere beneath that dress, because her nipples are taut and sticking out of the dress.
Her eyes are glazed with passion, and he sees that she is trembling slightly.
And then she begins to sway slowly in a sort of sexy dance, moving her hands first through her hair, mussing it up, and gently down to cup her firm breasts.
Her eyes are half-closed as she sways with her hips, turning round slowly, and then placing her hands on her knees, her buttocks now outlined by her dress, seductive and pliant, and then she begins a slow twerking grind that takes his breath away.
Chris feels himself going almost breathless.
Five years of hard labour in prison, without a visit from the woman he loves... and now this!
And she is a very beautiful woman.
The front of his trousers is distended as he struggles to breath.
She straightens slowly, and still with her back to him she pulls the straps of the dress off her shoulders, and slowly she pulls it down, and it settles around her feet.
She is wearing a furious G-String that exposes the twin mounds of her derriere, and then she turns slowly and faces him.
She looks into his tortured eyes, and slowly she pulls down the panties and kicks it off her right foot.
She stands there, bronzed, beautiful, delectable, irresistible!
Her breasts are proud, her figure straight out of a fantasy, her curves electric.
With a grunt he blasts off the seat, and she meets him halfway.
Their lips grind together in a kiss so fierce that she tastes a dint of blood in her mouth.
She moans as his lips blaze a trail down her throat and his hands maul her pliant breasts.
She takes his right hand and plants it between her legs.
He feels her heat and moistness.
His huge body trembles as he squeezes her buttocks with his free hand.
His top comes off, and her hands feverishly work at his zipper, ripping it down and dragging out his engorged member.
She pulls it between her legs and it caresses her jade gate.
His lips sear down on her taut nipples, and she grunts with pleasure deep in her throat.
She grabs his angry shaft and rubs it against her moist heavenly entrance.
She pushes him hard, and he falls on the seat.
She straddles him, planting hungry lips on his, gripping him and hoisting herself up slowly as she prepares to settle her diamond slit on his pin.
The realization hits him that in a second he will be inside her, and there will be no turning back.
Chris grips her shoulders and suddenly flips her first to his left, and then he pulls himself from under her.
He gets off the seat and sits dejectedly on the floor.
He is still trembling as he reaches for his glass of water and drinks hungrily, thirstily.
She sits up in the seat, her eyes searing into him.
She is still aroused, still unfulfilled and greatly in need of him.
BAABA
(painfully)
Chris? What's this? What're doing?
He gets to his feet and stands with his back to her.
CHRIS
Sorry, Baaba. I can't.
BAABA
(in a tearful whisper)
Why? Is it because of Effe?
Chris shakes his head.
CHRIS
(passionately)
No, Baaba. I'm not the same man anymore. Five years ago I would've made love to you gladly. I was a bad boy, Baaba, before I went to prison. I cheated on Effe, and I had no scruples. Five years ago I would’ve made love to you without a shred of guilt.
BAABA
Please. Don't do this to me. Love me. Make love to me, Chris, please.
He turns then.
She is still lying on the seat, nipples still taut, legs still enticingly spread open.
CHRIS
(emotionally)
I promised myself, Baaba, that the next time I made love it will be with meaning. When we make love it will be because I want to spend the rest of my life making love to only you, and no other woman. When I make love it is going to have a meaning, not just using a woman's body to slake off a lustful thirst! I'll never do that to any woman again.
BAABA
(in a taut whisper)
Chris, please. Stop this. I need you. My body needs you. I've waited a long time for this moment, to feel you in me. I fell in love with you, Chris. Please, don't spurn me.
He takes her hands.
CHRIS
Baaba, forgive me. I'm a jailbird, and I'm so confused right now. My life has taken a nosedive, and I don't know what is going to happen. I won't make love to you simply because you're there and available, or that we both feel like it. I want it to have a meaning. I want to make love more than you, but I’m putting that part of my life behind me. If I make love to you in the future, it’ll be because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Please, understand me.
She snatches her hands away from him and sits up.
She reaches for him desperately, draping her arms around his neck, crushing her lips blindly at him.
He grunts and pushes her away, stepping back and getting up quickly.
She stands up with a cry and runs desperately away from him.
BAABA
(weeping)
Oh, Lord! He spurned me! He spurned me, oh dear Lord!
CHRIS
(sadly)
Baaba, no, please wait! Baaba!
She disappears into the kitchen.
For a moment he contemplates going after her, and then he thinks it is best to leave her to cool down and get over it.
He slips into his shirt, pours himself more water, and as drinks it she comes back from the kitchen.
She is holding a broad-blade knife with a sharp tip in her right hand.
She is glaring at him, and her face is a grimace.
He sees that her eyes are very red, and her hair is standing straight like hackles.
She speaks, and spittle flies out of her mouth.
BAABA
(seething with fury)
You bastard! You f***ing bastard! Spurn me, would you? You f***ing stupid bastard!
Chris is so shocked that for a moment he cannot move as he stares at the girl who had been so tender and so loving a minute ago, now looking like a character from a horror movie.
CHRIS
(fearfully)
Hey. Baaba!
BAABA
(foaming around the mouth)
You bastard! You f***ing bastard! Spurn me, would you?
Suddenly she comes tearing across the room at him at incredible speed, screaming shrilly, the knife raised.
She is like a woman possessed. She gyrates and slashes at Chris with the knife viciously, screaming all the while!
She tries to cut open his throat and chest and stomach!
Chris only survives because he is an expert in GojuFist, and knows how to defend himself.
However, he is completely shocked by the changed Baaba so much that his movements are slow, and a downswing strike Baaba has launched almost buries the tip of the knife in Chris' eye, but he brings up his arm just in the nick of time, and the knife buries itself deeply in Chris' arm.
He screams with pain, and pushes Baaba.
She falls back, and the knife gets stuck in Chris' arm.
He pulls it free and holds it as blood spurts from his arm in bursts.
It is a deep horrible cut, and he stares at it in horror.
CHRIS
(angrily, shocked)
Damn it, Baaba! What's wrong with you? You could've killed me!
Baaba's lips are drawn back from her teeth in a snarl, her eyes red and wild, her hands bent like claws.
There is nothing sexy and alluring about her now, even though she is still naked.
She looks like a wild animal as thick spit drools off her mouth and falls down on her breasts.
BAABA
(in an animal growl)
Spurn me, would you? Bastard! f***ing bastard!
She picks up a glass flower pot by the armchair, rushes forward, and crashes it down on Chris' head.
Chris shouts with pain as glass shards rain on him, and blood spurts from a cut on his forehead.
Suddenly she turns and runs straight at the glass that forms the French Windows that lead to the balcony.
CHRIS
(screaming fearfully)
Baaba! Nooooooo!!!
She crashes into the glass with a growl, and she falls unto the balcony in a shower of broken glass!
Chris screams with fear.
Baaba is lying lifeless in a shower of fragmented glass.
Her face and body are cut in a million places, and she is bleeding all over her naked body!
ChRIS
(shocked, stunned)
Oh, God! No, no, no!
She is lying still as if she is dead, and she is bleeding all over!


Fresh Trouble For Chris

JAILBIRD continues

Read 13 to 55 on www.youngicee.com

Jesus!!!

The Jailbird Episode 13

THE MISSION HOUSE
The Reverend Brand Bawa enters the luxurious sitting-room of the Mission House.
His wife and his two children are already in.
Also present is a distinguished-looking elderly man in a three-piece corduroy suit standing by one of the windows.
He is tall and lean, and bears a striking resemblance to Mrs. Lois Bawa.
His name is RUBEN ESSEL. He is sixty-seven years old, and he is Lois Bawa’s older brother. His close-cropped hair is all white.
Tiny spectacles are perched on his long aquiline nose.
He is chatting to Stan when Brand Bawa enters.
Diana is sitting with her mother in the beautiful U-shaped leather seats.
They all look at Brand, and he walks forward and puts his black attaché briefcase down.
He takes off his coat and drapes it over the back of a chair, and then he takes off his clerical.
He sits down gingerly and a little frown puckers his brow.
REV BAWA
(with a deep sigh)
Diana, could you please fetch me a glass of water?
Diana leaves the room and enters the kitchen. Presently she comes back with a silver tray bearing a jug of cold water and a drinking glass.
She pours a glassful of water for her father.
The man of God takes the glass, murmurs his thanks, and drinks all the water.
Diana pours more water for him.
This time he takes a sip and then sits back, absentmindedly twirling the glass in his hand.
Ruben and Stan move from the window and sit down gingerly on the seat.
MR. RUBEN
(unsteadily)
Heard things didn’t go so well in church today, Brand.
Brand smiles humourlessly, and his teeth grind together with obvious displeasure.
REV BAWA
Yes, Rube. Chris decided to show up and cause a little unpleasant scene.
STAN
(angrily)
Little scene, Father? It was a storm, more like! That thing he did could have exploded and caused a major scandal if Mom hadn’t handled it well! You should’ve let me kick him out, Father!
The man of God turns cold eyes to his son, and he raises his eyebrows quizzically.
REV BAWA
Kick him out? You forget, dear son, that your brother-
STAN
(cutting in angrily)
HE’S NOT MY BROTHER!
MRS. LOIS
(sharply)
Stan! Stop that this instant! What’s gotten into you?
DIANA
(softly)
You know Chris ceased to be our brother ever since Roland died, Mama.
REV BAWA
(firmly)
Now stop that nonsense, both of you! You may not like him, but that does not make him a stranger. He’s still my son, and his weaknesses are my failure as a father.
Silence reigns for a moment.
MR. RUBEN
Do you think he would come here?
Reverend Bawa drains his glass and puts it down on the tray.
REV BAWA
No, no, I don’t think Chris will come here. He just came to cause a scene.
MRS. LOIS
(shakily)
He has changed a lot. All the fat is gone. He is all muscle now. These five years have been terrible on him. It just dawned on me, that none of us visited him in prison.
STAN
(angrily)
Visit him? Visit C. B? Come on, Mama! Have you forgotten who Chris is? Should I enumerate? He got drunk, he used cocaine, he came here and beat up Uncle Ruben so badly, for no offence, that Uncle spent three months in prison, and could have died. Chris, under the influence of drugs, knocked down a little girl and it cost her a leg! And you expected us to visit him?
DIANA
(gently)
Not forgetting the fact that Chris was responsible for the death of Roland, our beloved brother!
MR. RUBEN
(sadly)
Don’t say he attacked me without any provocation, Stan. I tried to take his drugs away from him, and he went berserk.
STAN
(disgusted)
Yes, I forgot that! Our superhero! He was a famous GojuFist executive, and he had money, and so he didn’t respect anybody! Dear Lord, how I hate that boy!
MRS. LOIS
(sternly)
And those words of yours certainly does not befit a Christian, young man! Chris committed hideous crimes for which he has been to prison. He’s out now. His ex-wife is going to marry his best friend. We sold his house and dumped his possessions outside. He’s homeless and penniless now! We may not like his ways, but as Christians don’t you think it behoves on us to extend a hand of welcome to him, our flesh and blood?
Stan gets up angrily and stands staring down at his mother.
When he speaks, his words eject like bullets, and his body shakes. His hands are clenched tightly at his sides, and his eyes blaze with fury.
STAN
(viciously)
He will receive no welcoming arms from me, Mom! Chris is rotten, and from the moment Roland died I’ve never stopped hating him. He will never be my brother, NEVER. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m taking my wife and children home!
He turns round and leaves the room angrily.
Diana gazes after him and also gets to her feet.
DIANA
(sadly)
I’m sorry, Mom. I know just how much you love Chris. But he has done too much bad and evil things. He has hurt this family so much. Please don’t expect us to forget that easily simply because he has been to prison and we never visited him. Please, it will take some time to forgive him fully.
She bends quickly, kisses her mother’s cheek, and murmurs her goodbyes to her father and Uncle, and then she turns and leaves.
Tears glisten in Mrs. Lois’ eyes.
MRS. LOIS
(sadly)
I believe I’ve failed as a mother.
REV BAWA
(calmly)
You’ve been the best mother, wife and brother to us, my dear. We’re all at our very low because none of us was expecting Chris to come out of prison now. Let’s get down to our knees in supplications to God. He will certainly make a way.
Ruben Essel gets to his feet slowly, and looks at his sister and brother-in-law.
MR. RuBEN
(carefully)
Am I safe from Chris, Brand? He assaulted me five years ago and almost killed me. He still hates me for trying to take away his cocaine that day. Should I seek a legal restraining order against him?
MRS. LOIS
(agitated)
Come on, Rube! I don’t think Chris is coming to attack you again. That day he did that he was drunk and had drugs in him. He was also hurt from the painful fight he had with Effe. Please, I know Chris is a bad boy, but don’t think of him as some uncontrollable criminal, please.
The man of God points a stern finger at his wife and shakes his head, and there is the beginnings of wrath in the depths of his eyes.
REV BAWA
(coldly)
There, right there, is how Chris turned out so rotten, Lois. You made him into a favourite with your kaakyire kaakyire things. When he attacked Rube, I came in just in time otherwise he would probably have beaten your brother to death. He threatened, even as I was calling the police, to come back and beat Rube to death!
MRS. LOIS
(equally coldly)
Love him, Brand! Maybe if your love has also been a little visible he might have turned out differently! He is your son too! Ever since we lost Roland you’ve never been able to forgive Chris!
The man of God gets to his feet, and his face is enraged.
Veins stand out on his neck and on his forehead, and his voice is harsh and trembling with great fury.
REV BAWA
(with fury)
Yes, yes, yes! I’ve tried, but I’ve never been able to forgive him for Roland’s death, so God help me! You love Chris more, I loved Roland more! Chris cut short a very promising future for Roland! You will deny this, I know, but Chris has always been irresponsible, spoilt, violent and evil, and I’m always appalled to call him my son!
Lois Bawa gives a strangled sob as tears fall down her eyes.
She gets up and runs from the living-room.
The man of God stands there, trembling with rage at his last son, and remorse for shouting at his wife.
He sits down slowly and clamps a hand to his head.
Ruben Essel gets up wordlessly and leaves the room.

Read more here: www.youngicee.com

Damn dis story is d bomb,so emotional to d extend dat I cried .nice story,more gresse to ur elbow

more update pls

THE JAILBIRD EPISODE 14


© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

EDEN HOSPITAL
Chris swings Baaba's car through the gates of the gigantic Eden Hospital.
He swerves into a parking lot with the tyres screeching in protest.
He has torn off the sleeve of his shirt and tied it around his arm where Baaba had stabbed him, and now it is soaked with blood.
In the backseat is Baaba. Chris has found a huge bedcover and wrapped it around her, and it is also soaked with blood.
When Chris gets out of the car, a sleek white Nissan Rogue also swings past him, heading for the reserved spaces for doctors, but it comes to a halt and reverses when the driver sees Chris.
The driver's window winds down, and a woman's voice calls his name.
He looks up, almost groaning with pain when he sees Effe's face, but then he notices the dark birthmark on her forehead, and realizes it is rather Eyram Kedem, Effe's twin sister.
EYRAM
(shocked)
Dear God, Chris! What happened you?
Chris opens the back door of Baaba's car and quickly brings out Baaba, who is conscious, and whose crazy eyes are still staring fixedly and with great hatred at Chris.
At the sight of the blood covered body in Chris' arms, Eyram gives a shuddering breath and immediately gets out of her car.
She takes her phone and calls for a stretcher, and very soon medical staff arrive at the car park, put Baaba on a stretcher, and wheel her away.
Chris leans against the side of the car, his face tortured.
CHRIS
Oh, damn!
Eyram takes his arm.
EYRAM
(briskly)
Come with me, CB.
He pulls his arm away.
CHRIS
Please. Go and attend to her. I'm fine.
Her eyes glare at him with sudden hardness.
EYRAM
You're coming with me this instant, Mr. Chris Bawa.
The sleeve covering his wound is soaking wet with his blood, and some drip down his arm and down his fingertips.
He allows Eyram to take his arm, and soon they enter the cool interior of the hospital, and she takes him to an emergency theatre.
Without speaking she makes him sit down, and then she unwinds the bloody sleeve from his arm.
She cleans the wound and then she gasps at the deep penetration.
She works quickly on him, and soon has it stitched and bandaged.
CHRIS
(softly)
Thanks, Rammy.
She looks at him, and her gentle eyes flash with repressed anger, and her lips tremble with the depths of her feelings.
EYRAM
You're welcome.
CHRIS
A little problem, though.
She raises her eyebrows at him.
EYRAM
And what might that be?
CHRIS
I don't have money on me, Rammy. Can't pay for the treatment.
She sighs deeply and peels off her gloves, dumping them angrily in a bin.
EYRAM
I don't remember asking you for payment, CB.
They look at each other, and there is a very awkward moment between them.
Chris remembers sharply a time, very long ago, on a very rainy night.
Effe had been held up in a court case, and Chris had come home drunk.
Eyram had been visiting. Effe had been pregnant with Junior then. Chris and Eyram had been sitting on a settee chatting.
It had been a very tender moment, but her uneasiness had eventually crept up until he noticed, even when drunk, that there was something wrong with her.
He had reached out and touched her hand, but Eyram had pulled her hand away, and had gotten to her feet, telling him she was leaving.
He had been surprised by her abrupt change in mood, and had asked her not to leave because it was still raining.
She had insisted on leaving, and he had tried to stop her, holding her tightly, drunkenly.
She had struggled, and they had crashed to the ground, and he still had been holding her in his arms.
Then, quite suddenly, her lips had descended, and she had kissed him hard and fully.
Confused and absolutely shocked, he had not responded, and she had gotten up quickly.
He had never forgotten the words she had uttered.
'CB, sometimes twins share a heart, and tend to love the same things, and the same people. That kiss didn't happen. Don't ever remind me of this moment, this kiss, Ever!'
Then she had gone out the door and driven away.
Chris had never reminded her of that incident.
He had managed to convince himself it didn't happen, and shortly after that awkward moment Eyram had been involved with one of the doctors, seemingly very much in love, and the whole unpleasant incident had disappeared.
But now, as he looks at her, he feels the same awkwardness she has exhibited that night, and it makes him very uncomfortable indeed.
Suddenly the door opens, and a white man pokes his head in.
Eyram turns and looks at the man.
EYRAM
(with a happy smile)
Oh, Rupe. Please come in, would you?
The white man enters.
Chris notices that he is young and handsome.
He is of medium build with a full growth of curvy black hair. He has a pencil moustache, and striking blue eyes.
He is wearing a doctor's white tunic, and as he looks at Eyram there is a tender look on his face that Chris doesn't fail to notice.
EYRAM
Chris, meet Doctor Rupert Henderson. He's a brilliant surgeon from South Africa and joined our staff six months ago. Rupe, meet Chris Bawa, ex brother-in-law.
The two men shake hands, but Rupert is not smiling.
RUPERT
Can I have a word with you, Eyram?
EYRAM
(surprised)
Yeah, sure. Why not?
They walk outside, and the door closes.
Chris exhales and closes his eyes in despair.
A moment later Eyram enters again, and she looks very troubled.
CHRIS
(getting to his feet)
Rammy. What is it?
She stops in front of him and holds his upper arms, her face filled with great worry.
EYRAM
(speaking in a rush)
That lady you brought in, I think I recognized her. Is she the prisons officer, the one who attends your father's church?
CHRIS
(nodding)
Yeah. Baaba.
EYRAM
Rupert attended to her. She told them and some of the doctors that you wanted to rape her at knife point, and when she refused you threw her through some glass doors!
Chris is so stunned that he just stares at Eyram, unable to speak for a moment.
CHRIS
(hoarsely)
No! Oh, no!
EYRAM
Yes, yes, Chris. The doctors called the police, and they're on their way here. They want me to keep you here till the police arrive. You have to leave, CB. Effe and Elaine are coming over to pick me up. We're attending a live programme on television, you know, Elaine's programme. I don't want you to be arrested here, and I don't want Elaine to witness it. Please leave!
CHRIS
Dear God, Eyram! I didn't –
The door crashes open then, and Effe enters, followed by Elaine.
Effe is dressed in a spectacular lime green dress that sets off her absolute and classic beauty.
Her face, however, is filled with absolute anger and disgust as she comes towards Chris.
Eyram meets her sister.
EYRAM
(worriedly)
No, Ef, please wait!
Effe brushes Eyram aside, faces Chris, and then she smashes him in the chest with both of her clenched fists.
EFFE
(disgusted)
You filthy pig! You filthy animal! You chauvinistic piece of dirt, Chris! What the hell is the matter with you? You come out of prison in what, just two days? And you try to rape another woman? Are you sick, Chris Bawa? Are you out of your damn mind?
Chris cannot speak, because a lump has suddenly lodged up in his throat, and he knows that if he speaks tears will probably fall down his cheeks.
ELAINE
(lips curled with disgust)
That's what he does best, Ef! Once a pig, always a pig! You now see who he is, don't you? Five years in prison, and he's so sex-starved and doesn't have money to pay for a prostitute, so he tries to rape the first decent woman that showed kindness to him! You sick bastard, Chris!
EFFE
(painfully)
Your son is so happy you're back! He dotes on you, worships you! But you never changed, did you, Chris? You will never change, will you?
EYRAM
(desperately)
Lay off for now, Ef, please! The police are coming! Let him go!
Effe speaks through clenched teeth. Her bitterness and anger knows no bounds as she looks at Chris with disgust.
EFFE
You want to help a criminal like him, Rammy? You want him to escape his crimes? Do you see the bandages on that poor woman? Did you even see what he did to her? My God, Rammy! You disappoint me! He's not going anywhere! Lock the door, Elaine! Let him beat me down before he can get out of here!
JAILBIRD continues

Read more here: www.youngicee.com

Episode 15


© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

Elaine turns the lock of the door, and then she walks forward and holds Effe's hands in solidarity.
Chris turns away from her.
He cannot bear the sheer hatred in her eyes.
He walks to the window and stands still, with his back to her, and his head bowed.
He squeezes his eyes shut tightly, but the tears seep through anyway, and fall down his cheeks.
He can hear sirens now, and knows the police have arrived.
He feels someone beside him, and when he opens his eyes he sees Eyram standing there.
She touches his arm gently, and her eyes never leave his tortured face.
EYRAM
I'm really sorry, CB.
He cannot speak. His tears are threatening to burst out like a dam.
The door rattles.
Elaine moves forward and opens it.
Two policemen come in.
One has an eye-patch over one eye. It is Chief Inspector Danso Cuger.
With him is the huge Sergeant McBaiden.
CHIEF INSPECTOR CUGER
There he is. The fucking bastard! Seems you're going to serve the rest of your five years after all. Cuff him, Ato.
Cuger takes out his gun and points it at the back of Chris.
McBaiden takes out a pair of handcuffs and approaches Chris.
MCBAIDEN
(nastily)
Hands behind your back, Bawa.
Chris puts his hands behind his back, and McBaiden locks the handcuffs on him.
The policeman shoves Chris forward savagely.
EYRAM
(angrily)
Hey! Is that how you're supposed to treat a prisoner, sir?
McBaiden looks at her with his nasty little eyes.
MCBAIDEN
Bet you'll sing a different song if you had been the rape victim, doctor!
Effe shakes her head sadly at Chris, whose eyes still glimmer with tears as he looks at her.
Elaine has her phone out, and she is recording.
Cuger wags a stern finger at her.
CHIEF INSPECTOR CUGER
I'll advice you not to do that, Ma'am.
They take Chris out.
Effe is trembling as she walks dejectedly towards her sister.
EFFE
(weeping soundlessly)
How could he, Rammy? How could he? How could he do that to Junior? Oh, Lord! When will this bastard stop hurting us?
Eyram says nothing. She takes her sister in her arms and consoles her, fighting hard to keep her tears away and to stop the pain in her own heart.
Elaine is bursting with excitement.
The video she has captured is perfect, and will serve for her programme. She can't wait to get to the studio and her live audience.
ELAINE
(gently)
Seems to me you guys can't make it to the studio with me now, right?
EFFE
(distraught)
Sorry, Elaine. Another time. Can't take it now.
Elaine nods, and then she leaves the two sisters alone.
STUDIO 44, HEARTBEAT TELEVISION
The Studio is filled to capacity for the recording of GIRL VIBZ, the most popular talk show in the country hosted by the beautiful Elaine Boateng.
The downstairs and upstairs seats are all taken, mostly by women. The main stage is a beautiful design, with stands for performing artists.
The talk area has beautifully-moulded armchairs and a breath-taking background art.
A crimson ceiling to floor partitioning to one side of the talk area suddenly parts, and Elaine emerges, walking on a red carpet.
She is dressed in a spectacular cream skirt suit.
The camera pans to follow her from above, to the side and finally to a full facial shot as she enters the studio.
There is applause as the studio audience get to their feet and give her a standing ovation.
She smiles and waves to her audience, and then as the applause dies down slowly she faces the camera, and her face is sad, and millions of viewers nationwide watch, and wait for her intro.
ELAINE
(sadly)
Today, our topic is BEASTS IN OUR MIDST. We're going to talk about the criminals we lock away, who do time, and come back to society. Do our prisons really change some of these hardcore criminals, or make them worse? What happens when they come back and commit even more heinous crimes? What about hardened criminals who are supposedly pardoned by special presidential orders? What does that mean to our safety as a people and as a nation? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to GIRL VIBZ, where today we talk about a particular beast who has been released into our midst!
Once again there is thunderous applause.
Elaine waves to the audience as she walks to the talk area and stands behind a beautiful glass-topped podium. She holds up her hand, and the noise dies down slowly until silence reigns.
ELAINE
Before I continue, let me show you something. Welcome one of my special guests for today, Miss. Adwoa Timtim!
The partition parts, and a young lady is seen wheeling herself in.
She is sitting in a wheelchair, and she has only her right leg.
Her left leg is missing.
The camera gives a close-up shot of her face, and she appears to be in some pain. She is a pathetic sight, and the audience is silenced.
The millions of people who are watching the show on television are also silent.
Eyram, who is with Effe in her house, is sitting in an armchair. She is eating vanilla ice cream, and she stops with a scoop raised to her mouth, and looks over at Effe.
Effe is sitting dejectedly in her seat, watching the programme.
EYRAM
Isn't that girl the one Chris knocked down with a car five years ago?
EFFE
(numbly)
My God! Yes, she is!
Eyram puts the spatula back in the ice cream and shakes her head sadly.
EYRAM
(accusingly)
Did you know Elaine was going to do a programme on Chris tonight?
EFFE
(shaking her head)
No, I didn't, Rammy. But why do I hear a note of anger in your voice? Chris doesn't do himself any favours, don't you think? And he did rape Elaine. I don't think she's ever going to forgive him for that. She'll pick on him at any given opportunity, and I don't blame her so much for that.
Back on the television the camera is panning around, picking up the faces of some of the people in the audience, concentrating on their looks of sadness and horror.
The camera comes to rest on Afful and Steve sitting on the upper terraces, and they are both smiling.
The camera swings back to Adwoa Timtim, who has brought her wheelchair to a stop at the talk area, and is sitting still with a sad look on her face.
She is young, about sixteen years old.
Elaine walks forward solemnly and stands besides Adwoa Timtim.
She places a hand on the girl's shoulder, and then she looks into the camera again.
ELAINE
(sombrely)
Five years ago Adwoa Timtim was a happy girl. She was eleven years old, and she was walking along the beach road on her way home with her father. That was the time Mr. Chris Bawa was driving his car. You all remember Mr. Bawa, don't you? He was then co-founder of FINE GOJU. Chris was drunk, and he was high on cocaine that day. He smashed poor Adwoa into a coconut tree on the wayside. Adwoa was rushed to the hospital. She lost her left leg that day. She was a victim of that beast, Mr. Chris Bawa!
Elaine pauses for effect.
The camera zooms in on the tearful face of Adwoa, and the looks of horror on the faces of the audience.
Elaine kneels down besides Adwoa and takes her hands gently. Her face comes back to the camera.
ELAINE
(sadly)
We were all horrified by that, and thought it was just an accident. But, we all know one thing for sure. Mr. Chris Bawa never said sorry to Adwoa for ruining her life, whether privately or publicly. Adwoa, has Mr. Chris Bawa ever apologized to you?
The camera zones in on Adwoa, who has tears in her eyes.
She closes her eyes in anguish, and tears drops down her face.
ADWOA
No, please!
There is a groan of anger from the audience.
Eyram gets off the couch and pushes her ice cream away.
She reaches for the remote.
EYRAM
This makes me sick! Why now? Why is she doing this?
Effe pulls the remote out of Eyram's hand.
She looks at her sister through moist eyes.
EFFE
I'm watching the programme, Rammy, please.
Eyram looks at her sister for a moment, and then she walks away and picks her bag.
EYRAM
Well, I don't see any use in watching that. Today is a Sunday, so bail won't be set for Chris. Would you go to the police station tomorrow and bail him?
Effe looks at her sister sadly and smiles wanly.
EFFE
(sadly)
Why should I do that, Rammy? I don't know what's wrong with that man. I don't see why he thinks he needs to get violent in all situations, and why he thinks he can rape any woman around him!
EYRAM
You didn't listen to him, Ef. He was saying something before you entered. He was genuinely shocked when I told him Baaba levelled rape claims against him.That girl has always been weird, Ef. Her head is not screwed on right. I don't believe Chris did that to her.
EFFE
(almost shouting)
He's a liar, Rammy! Don't you realize that? He's been lying all his life! He raped Elaine, and I saw it!
EYRAM
(softly)
So you're going to allow him to rot in the cells, Ef? He's the father of your son, for Christ's sake!
EFFE
(desperately)
Stop judging me, Rammy! What's got into you anyway? Did he respect me? Did he respect his own son? He promised the boy he would never go to jail again, and in just two days he tries to rape a woman who's been kind to him?
EYRAM
Ef! You didn't listen to him!
EFFE
(angrily, hurt)
I don't need to listen to him! I gave that man my life and my soul, and he trod on it! Rammy, I'm not going to give Chris Bawa the chance to hurt me again, never! I won't have anything to do with him! I'm going to marry Steve and try and be happy. To hell with Chris Bawa!
EYRAM
(sadly)
He was in prison for five years. He comes back and finds you almost married to his friend, the man who was his best man at your wedding. His family has disowned him, and he has nothing on him. He told me he couldn't even afford his treatment. Do you know what you do to such a man, Ef, dearest sister? You cut him a little slack! That's what you do! Don't worry, tomorrow morning I'll go to the police station and bail him.
Eyram sighs, and turns to leave.
EFFE
(desperately)
Don't do this, Rammy, please. Don't let Chris be a bone of contention between us. If you want my advice, just let Chris be. He's trouble.
Eyram pauses at the door and turns and looks at her sister.
EYRAM
(softly)
I've never seen a rapist carrying his victim to the hospital, Ef.At least, think of that.
She turns and walks out, closing the door gently behind her.
Effe bites her lower lip, and her hands tremble. She clamps her hands to her temples and rubs them hard.
EFFE
Damn you, Chris! I won't allow you! Do you hear me? I won't allow you!!
JAILBIRD continues

You can read more episodes here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

THE SHALLOW GRAVE
ALEXANDER BUSYBRAIN
FRICTION, FANTASY AND MYSTERY.

A tale of romance, mystery, magic and the transcendent about Ego, a decent woman who has done good all her Life. As such, she expects rewards from the gods but the blessings took way too long and when it finally came, it felt more like a curse..
Is now available for download from

OKADABOOKS https://okadabooks.com/book/about/the_shallow_grave_/17048

And SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/774068

Contact me on WhatsApp to get the PDF file 07037547753

© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

On the television screen Elaine is walking forward again.
ELAINE
That was not the only atrocity Mr. Chris Bawa committed that night. Two hours earlier, before he smashed poor Adwoa into a tree, Mr. Chris Bawa had launched a senseless attack on his uncle, Mr. Ruben Essel. You all know Mr. Chris Bawa was an expert in the martial arts GojuFist, and had been training champions. He beat up that old man so terribly that the man spent months in hospital, and it's a miracle that Mr. Essel is walking again.
Again, there are groans from the audience.
Elaine walks forward and perches on the arm of a settee. She sighs sadly and looks horrified. Her voice drops several decibels lower.
ELAINE
Two policemen went to the accident scene to arrest Mr. Chris Bawa. He turned violent and busted the right eye of Chief Inspector Danso Cuger, who's now blind in that eye. Mr. Bawa was taken to court, trialled and jailed for ten years. Now hold, on, wait for it. You just wouldn't believe what just happened. The President granted pardons to some prisoners, and Mr. Chris Bawa was one of them. So, after just five years, that maniac, that brutal wicked man Chris Bawa, is back on our streets a free man!
This time there are angry murmuring from the crowd, and a few are seen getting to their feet and shaking their fists in anger.
Elaine is now standing in the lane between two rows of spectators.
She faces the camera once again, and her face looks shattered.
ELAINE
Tonight, like I said, we're going to talk about jailbirds. Those hardened criminals who're released back into our societies and the menace they bring to us. Let me first introduce you to one of our speakers tonight. He's Mr. Stan Bawa, older brother of Mr. Chris Bawa!
The partition parts, and Stan emerges.
He is dressed in an impeccable black suit, and his face looks grim as he walks purposefully forward.
In her living-room Effe bolts upright with shock, staring at her television scream with stunned eyes.
EFFE
(hoarsely)
Oh, no, Elly! What do you think you're doing? Jesus! You know Stan hates Chris!
Elaine meets Stan halfway as the audience give loud applaud. She hugs Stan and shakes his hand.
ELAINE
Welcome to Girl Vibz, Mr. Bawa. Quickly, before I continue, are you happy your little brother is back from prison so soon?
Stan looks grim as the camera zooms in on him.
STAN
(in a furious voice)
I love this President very much. However, I must admit that in releasing Chris Bawa, he's done more harm than good!
ELAINE
(faking shock)
But he's your brother!
STAN
(nodding)
Yes, he is, but I tell you Chris should've served his ten years. Seeing him again, it seems to me he hasn't changed. Physically he has changed, sure, but his heart is still that of a criminal!
ELAINE
Wow. You take a seat. We shall come back to your reasons pretty shortly.
Stan bends and kisses Adwoa Timtim's cheek, and then he sits down carefully.
Elaine faces the camera.
ELAINE
Some of you watching might be shocked that Mr. Stan Bawa feels so strongly about the release of his brother from prison. But I assure you, he has a very good reason. Chris is the son of world-renowned Evangelist, the Reverend Doctor Brand Bawa, founder and leader of Golgotha Heights International Church. He has three children now. Stan, Diana and Chris. But there used to be four of them. There was an older brother called Roland.
Effe stands up from her chair, horrified.
EFFE
Oh no, no, no, no, Elly! Don't! Please don't!
Elaine's face is now a portrait on the television screen.
ELAINE
Roland was very much loved by everybody. He died many years ago, on his eighteenth birthday. Chris, our devil boy, was then twelve years old. Roland was the darling boy of the family. Even as a child he was inventing great things. When he was seventeen years old Roland won the African Young Scientist competition, and got a full scholarship to continue his studies abroad. I heard Roland loved his younger brother Chris very much, and they were seen everywhere together. But then, on Roland's eighteenth birthday, calamity struck!
Elaine breaks off and walks back to the podium where she pours herself a glass of water and sips.
The enthralled audience gaped at her, waiting for her to continue.
ELAINE
Roland and three of his friends were in a tree house which he had built in the branches of an oak tree at the back of their house. Chris was with them. The tree house was made from dry wooden planks. Chris came out of the tree house and climbed down the tree because he was hungry and wanted to eat. That was what he said anyway. A few minutes after he got down, the tree house exploded into flames. Roland and his three friends were still inside.
There are gasps of horror from the audience.
Steve and Afful are seen briefly shaking their heads with sadness.
A couple of elderly women can be seen dabbing at their eyes with handkerchiefs.
ELAINE
(very sadly)
Roland and his three friends perished in that fire. Everybody thought at first that it was an accident, but investigations revealed that the door of the tree house was locked from the outside and bolted. That was why the young men couldn't get out of the house. Chris was the last to come out of that house, so it was suspected that he locked the house and set it on fire. Even at just twelve years Mr. Chris Bawa was jealous of his own brother.
Many women are crying openly now.
ELAINE
Chris was too young to be tried, so he was sent to a delinquent’s court and sentenced to two years in a youth institution. He came out traumatized, because he was feeling very guilty, no doubt, over Roland's death. Things were never the same between him and his family from then on. He was always brawling, drinking, smoking, doing drugs and fornicating. He began learning GojuFist, which made him more violent. He had many altercations with his parents and siblings in public. Eventually he moved out of the house. And the rest is history. He was released from prison on pardon by the President. And today, he was arrested again, for attempted rape! He is a beast! We have beasts in our midst! Watch this!
EFFE
(screaming)
ELAAAAAAINE!!
On the television screen is the video footage Elaine had recorded of the police arresting Chris inside the Eden Hospital.
Luckily, it shows only the part where Chris is walking out of the room, his hands handcuffed behind him.
The audience is applauding. Some are shaking their fists. Some are cursing Chris loudly.
Suddenly the television goes off.
Effe whirls round, and sees Junior standing there, holding the television remote.
He is wearing his pyjamas, and his face is awash with tears.
Effe had not seen him come in. She had put him to bed a long time ago, and he usually slept deeply till morning.
His body is racked by sobs, and he can barely breathe.
JUNIOR
(tremulously)
Is...i-is th-that ...Da-Da-Daddy? W-why are y-you wa-wa-watching Daddy in...in...ha-ha-handcuffs?
Effe rushes to him.
She takes him in her arms even though he struggles fiercely to free himself.
After a while he calms down, and weeps pitifully against her shoulders.
JUNIOR
I want to see Daddy tomorrow morning, Mama! Please, please, please!!!
EFFE
Ok, my prince! Alright!
Effe whispers silently to herself.
Chris, Chris, Chris!! Why are you doing this to me, to your son?

JAILBIRD continues

Extra 50 episodes are here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

nice one...

Episode 17

© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION - MORNING
The main yard of the Central Police Station is crawling with the press and curious people.
The previous evening's episode of Elaine’s popular GIRL VIBZ talk show which featured Mr. Chris Bawa as "The Beast" has made the press get up early to storm the police station.
From radio, television and print, the media has besieged the police station.
They want to know what is going to happen to the man who has been arrested again just a couple of days after his release from prison.
They mount their equipment.
Cameras and microphones are brandished everywhere.
Some of them are carrying the story live on their various networks.
Mr. Allan Davidson, the big-headed Central Police Station Commander, emerges from the confines of the police station and approaches the group of press personnel.
There is a rush for notebooks, dictators, recorders, cameras and microphones.
The big man stops and surveys the hungry group with a cold eye.
COMMANDER
(calmly)
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. I will be very brief. Yesterday evening Miss Baaba Brooks, a prison's service personnel, had a very unpleasant accident and accused Mr. Chris Bawa of trying to rape her. She also accused him assaulting her. Last night she changed her story. She confirmed that she might have been temporarily unstable due to the traumatic experience she went through. She has therefore retracted her charges and has admitted that Mr. Chris Bawa didn't harm her. In fact, he saved her life by rushing her to hospital.
A barrage of questions is aimed at him, and he raises both hands and gestures to them to keep calm.
He refuses to speak until they gradually calm down. He points to a female journalist.
JOURNALIST
(in a rush)
So, in other words, Miss Brooks' allegations against The Beast are false?
COMMANDER
(coldly)
I'm yet to come across anybody involved in this incident named The Beast, Ma'am.
JOURNALIST
(embarrassed)
Sorry, but after last night’s programme on television, that's how everybody now refers to Mr. Bawa. I'm very sorry. So you're saying Mr. Bawa is free to go?
COMMANDER
Since the victim has admitted that Mr. Chris Bawa did no wrong, it would be against the law to hold him, so yes, he's been released.
A portly male journalist holds up his hand, and the Commander points to him.
MALE JOURNALIST
Could it be that Mr. Bawa indeed assaulted this young lady in his attempts to rape her, but she's now scared of going to court and going through all the ordeal of re-living the whole incident? Under that circumstance, she might feel obliged to let the case go, thereby letting a dangerous man loose on our streets.
COMMANDER
(coldly)
If that were the case I don't think the victim would have requested that we inform the gentleman involved to come and visit her in the hospital immediately because she is sorry and misses him a lot.
MALE JOURNALIST
I don't get it. So how did she get so injured if she wasn't attacked?
COMMANDER
She says she slipped and smashed into the French Windows at her home. Mr. Bawa rushed her to hospital.
A pretty, buxom female journalist speaks up then.
FEMALE JOURNALIST
But it doesn't make sense. According to the report Mr. Chris Bawa had a deep knife wound in his arm, and Miss Brooks was pretty cut up. This 'slip-and-fell' story just doesn't add up, Commander. It seems to me one of them is not telling the truth, and there's some cover-up somewhere.
COMMANDER
We'll still go ahead and investigate this case, ladies and gentlemen. But, based on Miss Brooks' retraction, Mr. Chris Bawa is free to go. If our investigations reveal foul play, we’ll go ahead and let the full rigours of the law take place. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other urgent matters to attend to. Good Morning.
Again, there are staccato machine-gun questions, and he holds up his hands again.
There are groans of disappointment from the press personnel. The Commander turns and leaves them.
They chase him, demanding to speak to Chris, but he brushes them aside and enters the police station.
He sees Chris, who has just signed the Release Form and is heading towards the main entrance.
The Commander quickly approaches Chris.
The Commander also sees that Chief Inspector Danso Cuger has handed the Release Form to Sergeant McBaiden, and now Cuger is approaching Chris.
The Commander stops in front of Chris.
COMMANDER
You can't go out there, Mr. Bawa.
He sees that Chris is fighting to control his fury, and rightly so.
The Commander feels a sudden rush of sympathy flooding his heart for this man who has suddenly become Public Enemy number one.
CHRIS
(in a fierce whisper)
And why is that?
The Police Commander turns, walks to the window, parts the curtains, and gestures to Chris.
Chris joins him at the window and sees the great number of press personnel out there.
COMMANDER
Paparazzi, my friend. They'll crucify you if you go out there. Come, I'll take you through the back door to the senior officers' car park where I let your sister-in-law wait for you.
Chris' eyes narrow.
CHRIS
Who? Eyram is here?
COMMANDER
Oh, yes. She came here quite early to bail you, but I informed her Miss Brooks has changed her story and you're already a free man. I let her wait at the car park. Come with me, Mr. Bawa.
Chris turns to follows the man, and finds his way blocked by a smirking Danso Cuger.
CHIEF INSPECTOR CUGER
(nastily)
Hey, asshole, how did you like your cell last night? I know you'll be back, because you're now The Beast! I've got that cage reserved for you, turd.
The Commander sees the intense look of murderous wrath on Chris face, and he cries out a warning.
Cuger sees the murder in Chris' eyes, and he realizes quite too late that he has gone too far.
He grabs his pistol and pulls it out of its holster but Chris moves with the speed of lightning.
He chops down with the rigid edge of his left hand, right on Cuger's wrist, and Cuger cries out with pain as a numbing pain spreads through his arm and the gun drops.
Chris grips him around the neck and lifts him clear off the ground. Chris holds Cuger up, squeezing his neck.
Cuger begins to choke for air as his tongue rolls out and his hands beat feebly at Chris' wrists.
The other policemen present, McBaiden included, grab their guns and batons.
Some point their guns at Chris whilst McBaiden rushes at Chris with his baton raised.
The Police Commander springs into action, coming between Chris' body and McBaiden.
COMMANDER
(harshly, angrily)
Put that baton away this instant, Sergeant!
MCBAIDEN
(angrily)
But, sir-
COMMANDER
(screaming)
PUT THE F***ING BATON AWAY, SERGEANT!!
McBaiden drops his hand. The police commander turns to the other policemen, and his furious gaze sweeps over them.
COMMANDER
Put your guns down, NOW!
He turns to Chris, who is still holding Cuger up, squeezing his neck.
COMMANDER
(harshly)
In five seconds if you're still holding Cuger I'm going to lock you up for assault on an officer of the law, Mr. Bawa, and believe me I'm going to make sure you go to prison for that!
Chris' eyes looks into the big cop's eyes, and then he flings Cuger away from him as if the man is a toy.
Cuger crashes to the floor, and he holds his neck and begins to cough miserably.
McBaiden rushes to him to help him.
The Commander looks around him at the stony faces of the other policemen who clearly feel affronted that a civilian has just manhandled one of them so savagely.
COMMANDER
Go back to work, all of you! Cuger, McBaiden, report to my office immediately! Come with me, Mr. Bawa.
Chris follows the big man past some sullen-looking cops and through some doors and corridors until the man opens a door that leads to a well-demarcated car park.
Chris sees Eyram immediately.
She is leaning anxiously against her sleek Nissan Rogue. She sees them and comes towards them.
She is wearing an ash skirt suit with a dark inner, and for one terrible moment Chris' heart aches because she reminds him so much of Effe.
EYRAM
(taking the Commander's hand)
Thank you very much, sir. Really grateful for your help.
COMMANDER
(nodding)
Take him out of here, Ma'am. He just made some more enemies in my station. Be careful, Mr. Bawa, and watch your back. I wish you the best of luck, and sorry for all the inconveniences we've made you go through these last couple of days.
He turns without another word and hurries back inside.
Eyram and Chris look at each other.
Her lips tremble, and her eyes go moist. She looks at him, then she looks down.
She raises her face again, and without a word she moves into him, embracing him hard, her arms fierce bands around his waist.
Startled, he puts his arms around her to steady himself.
Behind him the back door opens again, and the Commander comes out again.
Effe and Junior are with him this time.

JAILBIRD continues

Read more on youngicee.com

Captivating story

Episode 18


© Aaron A-A

The Commander points in the direction of Chris, and then he turns and looks Effe, who is holding the hand of Junior and has a shocked expression on her face.

Junior sees his father, and he drops his mother's hand and screams.

JUNIOR

DAAAADDYYYYY!

Chris turns, surprised.

Eyram's arms drop, and she steps back quickly.

She watches as Chris rushes forward, drops to his knees, and catches his son in a fierce embrace.

Across the bodies of father and son, the two sisters look at each other.

Effe has deep surprise on her face as she sees the traces of tears on the cheeks of her sister.

Eyram's face only holds sad resignation.

Chris stands up and grins down at his son.

Junior grins back at him, and as the two sisters look at them they marvel at just how much they resemble each other.

Junior is holding unto his blue piggy bank.

He extends it to his father.

JUNIOR

(proudly)

I saved some money for you, Daddy. It's all in here. You can have it.

Chris tussles his son's hair. He is very touched, and for a moment he is unable to speak.

He puts his arm around his son's shoulders.

CHRIS

(tenderly)

Listen, Champ. I'll need that money, but right now I have to look for a job to do. Tell you what, as soon as I pin something down, I'll let you know, and then you can loan me your money.

Junior looks shattered. His whole face collapses, and for a moment it looks like he is going to cry.

JUNIOR

(voice trembling)

But you gave all your money as offering, Daddy. I really, really, really wants you to have this, Daddy.

They stare at each other. Chris reaches out and takes the piggy bank, and he sighs deeply at the depths of the strong emotions buffeting him.

CHRIS

(softly)

Thanks, Champ. I love you.

JUNIOR

(smiling, tears in his eyes)

I love you very much, Daddy.

They embrace tightly.

Effe sighs tremulously and looks at Eyram, who has tears in her eyes.

EFFE

(calmly)

So you came to bail him, just like you said you would.

EYRAM

(softly)

I didn't have to bail him, Ef.

EFFE

(raising her eyebrows)

And why's that?

EYRAM

You didn't hear? The girl retracted her story. She says she lied. She admitted she had a little fight with Chris, and then she lost her footing and fell into the glass. She now says Chris saved her life.

Effe stares at Chris, then at Eyram, and her eyes narrow. She shakes her head numbly.

EFFE

But it doesn't up. Chris was also hurt. Has she changed her story simply because she's scared of-

She stops because Chris has turned, and has fixed her with his very cold eyes.

CHRIS

Scared of what, Effe?

His voice is bitter, and filled with such pain that for a moment Effe cannot speak.

She looks dejectedly at her son and former husband, and feels the sting of their accusing eyes.

EFFE

(firmly)

I've never hidden my feelings from you, Chris. Maybe Baaba just doesn't want to drag the issue.

CHRIS

(nodding sadly)

So, you still believe I tried to do her harm, don't you?

EYRAM

(softly)

Actually, Ef, Baaba told me this morning that I should tell Chris to come and visit her, because she has missed him so much. She is also sorry for telling lies about him. Do you think a girl who has been subjected to the trauma of near-rape, would say such things to her attacker? There’s something wrong with Baaba, I’ve been watching her at church....she’s definitely a weird one.

CHRIS

(sadly)

Don't waste your breath, Eyram. Your sister will never believe in me!

Effe's defences come up, and she glares at him defiantly through the sharp pain his words has opened in her heart.

She detests the fact that she suddenly feels so guilty.

She remembers how she had behaved at the hospital when she heard the police were coming for Chris.

To be told that Chris is innocent of the crime is really hurting her.

She feels so terrible.

EFFE

(furiously)

And do you blame me, Chris Bawa? Do you blame me for doubting you, for thinking bad of you?

Junior reaches out and holds his father's big middle finger.

He stands beside him, and looks at his mother with hurt eyes, and slowly the words die from Effe's lips.

She is aware that she is incurring the displeasure of her son, and that stops her tirade.

CHRIS

I've to go, Eyram. Thank you very much.

Junior tugs at his father's hand, and Chris looks down at him.

JUNIOR

(earnestly)

We're on vacation now, Daddy. Mommy says I can spend some time with you, please.

Chris sighs deeply, and his eyes are troubled.

CHRIS

(tenderly)

I know, Champ. I also want to be with you, but right now I have no job, and no place to stay. Let me try to fix that, and then we can spend some time together, okay?

Junior nods, and even though tears come into his eyes, he smiles bravely and hugs his father.

EYRAM

(hurriedly)

That's one of the reasons I came here, Chris. The hospital has accommodation for its doctors. My bungalow is huge, and it has a two-bedroom Boys' Quarters which is empty. You can stay there until you sort yourself out.

Junior does not notice the sudden tension that has come between the adults.

He lets out a cry of happiness and suddenly rushes forward and hugs his aunty, his face alight with incredible happiness.

JUNIOR

(extremely excited)

Really? Really, really, really, truth-truth really, Aunt Eyram? You will give my Daddy a place to stay?

Eyram ignores Effe's stunned and frantic eyes and smiles down wanly at her nephew.

EYRAM

Really truth-truth really, my dearest Junior. But I don't think your Daddy wants to accept it.

CHRIS

(uneasily)

Well, I need to-

JUNIOR

(breaking in)

Oh, Daddy! Say yes, yes, YES! It's not far from our place! If you stay there I can spend more time with you! I can even sleep over, Daddy. Say yes, please, please, pleeaaaase!!

Chris looks unhappily at Eyram. He is reluctant to stay with her, especially with Effe looking so furious all of a sudden.

However, he can't deny the fact that he doesn't have anywhere to stay, and that he has no money and no possessions.

A place where he can lay his head and see his son regularly is really appealing, and reluctantly he accepts.

CHRIS

This is what we'll do. We'll all go over and look at it, Champ. If you like it and I like it, then I'll accept it!

JUNIOR

(excited)

Alright, let's go! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Aunt Eyram! Let's go, come on! Mommy's car is outside, Daddy. Let's go sit in it! She’ll take us.

He pulls Chris' hand and drags him towards the entrance.

Chris stops and shakes his head gently.

CHRIS

I'll ride in Eyram's car, Champ, if you don't mind.

JUNIOR

But I want to sit with you! Okay, I'll go in Aunt Eyram's car too! Mommy, can I sit with Daddy?

Effe has to drag herself almost physically to the present.

Things are happening like a whirlwind, and

she is being sucked along against the tide!

Her desperate eyes search Eyram's face frantically.

Before she can speak Junior reaches out, grabs Eyram's car keys, presses the right button on the remote control, and the car beeps as the doors unlock.

Junior opens one of the back doors and quickly scrambles inside, dragging his father in.

The two sisters are temporarily alone.

EfFE

(earnestly)

My God, Rammy! What the hell do you think you're doing?

Eyram looks calmly at her sister.

EYRAM

Giving the father of your son a place to stay, Ef.

EFFE

And when did you arrive at this grand idea, Rammy? Don't tell me it was just now, because I know you! You took a decision like that and you couldn't communicate it to me last night? What's going on, Rammy?

Eyram moves close to her sister.

EYRAM

What's the fuss about, Ef? He's your ex-husband. He's been in prison. He's the father of your son. You've left him, his family has abandoned him. Society calls him The Beast now, thanks to your aggrieved bridesmaid. He has no money, no work, no place to live, nothing! That Baaba girl just falsely accused him, and he could've been in serious trouble if she hasn't told the truth. He's all alone, Ef! The father of your son is all alone and despised, even by you! Is it a sin to help him, Ef? This is not you!

That brings tears to Effe's eyes.

She looks away, and for a moment she can't speak.

Junior opens the door a crack.

JUNIOR

Auntieeeeeee! Let's goooooo!!

Wordlessly Eyram turns and enters her car.

She drives out of the parking lot.

JAILBIRD continues

Visit www.youngicee.com to read more

Plz we r waiting ooooo

Chapter 19

© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman



Effe stares after Eyram’s car, and then she sighs heavily.

She had believed Baaba, and she had been mean to Chris the previous day!

He had spent two nights in cell ever since he came out, all because she had been directly and indirectly involved!

Does she really hate him that much? If indeed she does, why hasn’t she still been able to tell Steve and her family that Chris has finally signed the divorce papers?

Why isn’t she overjoyed? Why can’t she forget all about him and throw herself into her long-overdue wedding preparations?

And why is she bothered that her own sister is helping the only man who had ever set her heart ablaze?

Why is she feeling jittery all of a sudden?

Why is the fact that Junior is so happy with Chris and Eyram – and the fact that he has left with them – bothering her so much?

Why is there a little thud of dislike in her heart for her own sister now?

Is it because of the look of sudden gratitude she has seen in Chris’ eyes when Eyram offered him a place to stay?

Effe is comfortable. She is wealthy because she is a very good lawyer with a long chain of clients.

She is now a senior partner of the firm she works for, and handles both local and foreign cases.

She could have helped Chris, even if solely for the sake of Junior, but she hasn’t.

So why is she detesting Eyram, in a way, for helping Chris?

The Boys Quarters is quite apart from Eyram’s bungalow, and yes, it is very close to Effe’s residence. Junior can be near his father, and he can be happy.

It should be a perfect arrangement, but suddenly Effe finds herself going through a whole myriad of conflicting feelings.

She knows that her sudden resentment has started when she saw Chris and Eyram in that very close embrace.

She has never seen anything like that before. Chris has always steered clear of Eyram, and although they had been very close, there had been instances in the past when Chris had deliberately avoided Eyram’s company.

But that hug!

It has really rattled Effe.

EFFE

(softly)

Chris Bawa! Don’t you dare do this to me again! Please, for the love of God, don’t!

She walks slowly out of the parking lot to where she has parked her BMW X6.

EYRAM’S RESIDENCE

The Eden Residential Hub, known as the ERH, is a sprawling beauty.

Eden Hospital, considered as one of the biggest and best hospitals in the world, takes very good care of its doctors.

The ERH is more beautiful than many of the luxurious community residences. It has many entry gates manned by armed security men.

The bungalows are well-demarcated, and ranged from simple but beautiful one-bedroom blocks to fully-detached five bedrooms and Boys’ Quarters.

Eyram’s compound reeks of serenity from its splendid green lawn, hedge-bordered driveway, swimming pool and a parking lot.

The building itself is a four-bedroom beauty, with its two-bedroom detached Boys Quarters. A small garden with royal palms separates the two buildings.

After parking the car, Eyram takes Chris and Junior straight to the Boys Quarters.

Effe follows at a more leisurely pace, and when she finally catches up with them she finds Chris and Junior chatting in the kitchen whilst Eyram leans against the wall and regards them.

EYRAM

I took the liberty of stocking the kitchen, Chris. Should I prepare something fast for you? You must be hungry.

Junior, quite elated and active, is trying to wrestle Chris to the floor.

His father catches him, lifts him up and holds him close to his chest. Junior folds his arms around his father’s neck and puts his head on his broad shoulder.

CHRIS

(smiling at Eyram)

Don’t worry. I’ll fix something for myself. Thanks anyway.

At his words Effe’s eyes widen with disbelief, and so does Eyram’s.

It is no secret that Chris hates cooking very much!

When he had been married to Effe he had always fled from the kitchen.

EFFE

(stunned)

You? Cook?

EYRAM

(chuckling)

Are you kidding me, Chris? Don’t worry, I’ll fix you something fast.

CHRIS

(softly)

It’s okay. I’ll just cook some noodles.

JUNIOR

(disgusted)

Ewwwww! I hate noodles, Daddy! Something else, something else!

Chris laughs softy in his deep voice, that reverberating masculine bass that Effe used to love so much.

CHRIS

First a shower. I really need a shower. And then I’ll fix you noodles, Champ, and believe me, you’ll love it!

JUNIOR

(laughing with happiness)

No, no, no, Daddy! Mom says you used to cook horrible food, and secondly I don’t like noodles! I think I’m going to vomit this afternoon!

They both laugh, father and son, looking so happy, so alike, so alive, that Effe and Eyram exchange startled looks, and for a very brief moment a look of poignant longing crosses Effe’s beautiful face.

Just for a moment her heart reaches out for such a setting: her, Chris and their son, together and happy, but then memories came flooding back to her, memories of Chris’ body on top of Elaine, making love to her, raping her.

Effe turns away painfully, and closes her eyes.

EFFE

Junior, I’m going to Rammy’s place. Your father wants to take a bath. Coming with me?

JUNIOR

(absent-mindedly)

I’m staying here with Daddy.

An angry look enters Effe’s eyes for a moment, and she almost snaps at her son, but she shakes her head instead and steps outside.

Eyram follows her, but stops and looks at Chris.

EYRAM

Oh, there are a couple or so of jeans in the wardrobe, Chris, and some shirts and T-shirts. Hope they fit. I bought them for you.

Both Chris and Junior look at her. Chris moves towards her, and Junior frowns darkly.

JUNIOR

Aunty Rammy, you’re doing too much for Daddy. Do you love him? I want him and Mommy to be together.

Chris and Eyram stare at each other, startled.

CHRIS

(gently)

Your aunty is a good woman, Champ. She’s being kind, ok? Thank you, Eyram. I’m really indebted to you.

Eyram nods, tries to speak, takes a look at Junior, and then she quickly drops her eyes and follow Effe outside.

She finds Effe standing under a royal palm, hands clenching and unclenching in an agitated way.

EYRAM

(softly)

You still love him, don’t you?

EFFE

(startled)

Who, Chris? Of course not! I can never forgive him for what he did to me. Never. It is Junior I’m concerned about. He loves his father so much, and yet I’m afraid Chris is going to hurt him again.

EYRAM

(sadly)

Chris loves his son, Effe. You need to trust him, at least where Junior is concerned. It seems you’re highly strung-up, Ef, why?

Effe sighs and leans her back against the royal palm tree.

EFFE

It’s Junior, Rammy. Suddenly, it’s all about his father, and I must admit it hurts me a little.

Eyram places a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

EYRAM

He loves you, Ef, you know he does. It’s just that his father has been away for a long time, and he misses him. You know they were inseparable even when Junior was just a tot. You shouldn’t be jealous. It is a natural bonding.

EFFE

I know, Rammy, I know. Just that it complicates things a bit, doesn’t it? Junior has never taken to Steve. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I’ve waited so long to tie the knot with Steve. If only my son could get comfortable with Steve, I would’ve been Mrs. Hollison by now.

EYRAM

(calmly)

Now that Chris is back, I’m sure Junior will be a bit more relaxed and accommodating of Steve, and you can get married.

Effe gives a shuddering breath, smiles and hugs her sister.

They begin to walk towards the main house, and when they get to the front they see that a black Mercedes Benz has turned into the driveway.

The sisters pause and look at the approaching car.

EFFE

(mischieviously)

Oh-oh! Love bug!

Eyram chuckles and pokes an elbow into her sister’s side.

The Mercedes comes to a halt. The driver’s door opens, and Rupert Henderson gets out.

He is dressed in an impeccable black suit, and looks quite handsome.

He lives in his bungalow down the incline, a short distance from Eyram’s place.

He comes forward with a gentle smile on his face.

He stops in front of them.

RUPERT

(regretfully)

I just heard on the news that the lady lied about being assaulted, Eyram. On my way to the office, but I saw your cars and decided to stop over and apologize for setting the cops on Chris at the hospital.

EYRAM

That’s quite alright, Rupe.

EFFE

(gently)

It’s okay, Rupert. I guess we all took quite a hard stance. Only Rammy had a different mind.

RUPERT

Thank you very much, both of you. And whenever you see that man again tell him I’m sorry, okay? I feel quite embarrassed for coming down so hard on him.

EYRAM

Actually, he’s here. He’s in the Boys Quarters. He would be staying here for a while.

RUPERT

Oh, really? Then I can personally apologize to him. I don’t think I welcomed him well yesterday.

EYRAM

Yeah, yeah. But come inside first, Rupe. Have you had breakfast yet?

RUPERT

No, no. Thought I’ll grab a coffee at the canteen later.

EYRAM

Then wait. Let me slip into something more official, and then I’ll prepare us some breakfast.

Rupert looks deeply into Eyram’s eyes, and there is both warmth and admiration in his look.

It makes Effe clear her throat meaningfully, and they all laugh.

RUPERT

(still smiling)

Okay, Eyram. I’ll wait.

They all walk to the main house and Eyram disappears inside.

Effe and Rupert remain in the living-room area and make light conversation.

Presently Eyram joins them in a fetching peach trouser suit.

EYRAM

Sorry, folks. Realized I ran out of ingredients. There’s enough at the Boys Quarters. Let’s go over there and conjure up something to eat.

A moment later they enter the Boys Quarters, and are met with the most exquisite smell of something quite sweet and delightful.

Eyram stops with shock on her face.

RUPERT

(sniffing the air)

Wow. Something smells really good in here!

EYRAM

(stunned)

Don’t tell me Chris created this culinary nasal masterpiece! They must be in the kitchen. Come on,

guys!

The sight that meets their eyes stuns both sisters.

Chris is wearing black jeans and a T-shirt.

He has shaved, and he looks so absolutely stunning and so handsome that they stare at him.

JAILBIRD continues

Read other episodes here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

This story is really really touching ehn

Episode 20

© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

Junior, his mouth smeared with sauce and a long trail of a noodle disappearing fast into his mouth, is holding out a plate to his father.
JUNIOR
Oh, please, Daddy, Daddy! Just one tiny weeny little small scoop, pleeeeeeease!!
Chris is laughing down at his son, his cheeks dimpled by that smile.
CHRIS
Champ, you're going to burst! You've taken too much! I heard say you hate noodles!
RUPERT
(moving forward)
Whatever it is, I want a plate!
He begins to apologize effusively for what happened the previous day.
CHRIS
(gently)
That's okay. You did what you had to do.
Rupert offers his hand and Chris takes it. They shake hands.
RUPERT
Now, please, can I have some of that noodles?
The noodles was still sizzling in a saucepan. Chris picks up a clean plate and scoops noodles into it, and hands it to Rupert.
He takes Junior's plate and gives him more noodles.
Eyram stares into the saucepan, at the noodles and sauce and bits of meat.
Effe leans against the door-frame and stares at Chris.
It is a Chris she has not seen before.
Surely this cannot be the same man who hated the kitchen!
The food smells really great, and to see Junior asking for more noodles really throws Effe off-guard.
Eyram has filled a plate, and she walks forward and places it on a plastic table in the middle of the room.
Rupert, Eyram and Junior are eating the noodles with much relish.
Eyram suddenly stops and looks up at Chris, who is leaning against the cabinet with his arms crossed.
EYRAM
(awed)
CB! Surely this is the best noodles I've ever tasted. Wow! How did this happen?
RUPERT
(nodding profusely)
You mean he cooked it? My goodness, no!
Effe walks forward and stands in front of Chris.
She puts her head to one side and regards him.
Without a word she reaches for a plate, scoops the last bits of noodles into it, and picks up a fork.
She stands next to him, forks the noodles into her mouth, and as she eats another forkful she is stunned, like the rest of them.
She looks at him with questioning eyes.
CHRIS
I had a cell mate in prison. A chef from Egypt. He was extradited a few months before I was released. He used to cook at the prison kitchen. I was bored most of the time, and we became friends. He taught me how to cook, and I had such a great time learning.
EFFE
(softly)
But you hated cooking. You didn't want to have anything to do with a kitchen.
Chris looks at her, and she sees quite suddenly that his eyes are once more wary, and absolutely unfriendly, and once again she is staggered by his obvious mistrust of her.
CHRIS
I was all alone in prison. I had no visitors. It was fun learning how to cook. The time I spent in the kitchen helped me to take my mind off some painful things.
There is a note in his voice that makes them all stop eating and look at him.
His words pierce Effe's heart.
The sadness, the agony, the incredible hurt in his voice suddenly reminds her of the anger she had felt towards him.
This anger had ensured that she never visited him, and he never saw his son.
Chris moves out of the kitchen into the living-room, and sits down in an armchair.
Silently they continue to eat, but Junior leaves his plate and, licking his lips, follows his father into the living-room area.
When Effe takes her plate and goes to stand in the doorway, she sees her son pushing his father's hands aside and climbing unto his laps.
He sits sideways, slips his arms around his father, and puts his head on his chest.
Chris closes his eyes and leans back, putting his arms around his son.
Effe sees the pain etched deeply on Chris’ face, even when he smiles lovingly at his son.
She gives a shuddering breath, and suddenly she does not taste the sweetness of the food anymore.
Her heartbeats increase, and she wishes she can go to him and soothe the bitterness from his soul.
I should have visited him, at least for the sake of his son...oh dear Lord!
Junior reaches up and touches his father’s face lovingly.
JUNIOR
(trembling)
You look sad, Daddy! Please don’t be sad, okay? Everything is going to be alright. I pray for you everyday. God is going to make everything alright, Daddy.
Chris wipes the sudden tears from his son's face.
CHRIS
(gently)
Thank you. Thank you, my boy.
Father and son smile tearfully into each other's eyes.
JUNIOR
I love you, Daddy.
CHRIS
Oh, Junior. I love you too. You won't believe just how much I love you, boy!
Effe cannot take it anymore.
She turns and rushes into the kitchen.
Rupert and Eyram look at her, startled. She says nothing as she puts her plate down, and then she brushes tears from her eyes quite savagely, and takes deep breaths in abject misery.
Rupert stands up and approaches her. She looks at him through eyes half-blinded with tears.
EFFE
Yes?
Rupert points to her plate of noodles.
RUPERT
Oh, you can cry. But can I finish your noodles?
Effe and Eyram both laugh then, and the pain slowly leaves Effe's eyes.
She picks up her plate and smiles at Rupert.
EFFE
No, Rupert. I think I want to finish this.
RUPERT
Oh, bother!
EYRAM'S RESIDENCE
Two days later, Eyram drives into her yard and parks the car near the Boys Quarters.
Behind her car is a white U-Haul.
She gets down and looks across at Chris, and her face closes in a look of extreme displeasure.
Chris is at the far end of the compound holding a cutlass.
He is wearing black jeans and black Chinese sneakers.
It is evident that he has been weeding the whole compound.
He has packed the weeds neatly into huge black polythene bags and stacked them at the entrance of the house for the waste disposal company.
He has lifted the last bag and is carrying it outside when her car turned in.
He deposits the full bag of weeds on top of the others, and then he walks slowly towards her.
He is bare-chested, and his body tapers from a broad masculine chest to a lean waist.
The hair on his chest is rich and beautiful, covering even his stomach.
She waits for him, still scowling, and finally he stops and presses his back against the railing of the veranda and crosses his arms.
CHRIS
(gently)
You're home early today, Eyram. Not expecting you now.
She walks up to him and stands very close to him. Her anger is apparent.
EYRAM
(icily, furiously)
CB, let this be the last time you weed this compound! We have labourers who weed the compound every two weeks. They have power mowers. It is their job, and you should let them do it!
CHRIS
(with a sad smile)
Relax, Eyram. I've been weeding for the last five years. Actually I like weeding now. Great exercise.
EYRAM
(icily, tightly)
Chris Bawa, you will promise me that this will never happen again. Believe me, I would rather throw you out of this place than watch you weed. I don't want you to weed this compound again.
CHRIS
Eyram, come on. It gave me something to do, something to clear my head. I don't have a-
He sees that her hands are balled up into angry fists by her side, and that her eyes are flashing, and for an incredible moment it takes him back, and for a moment he feels like he is with Effe, because she behaves in the same way when she is angry.
EYRAM
Chris. Please. No!
CHRIS
Alright, alright. I promise.
She looks at him with impotent rage for a moment more, and then slowly she begins to relax. Her hands uncurl, and she gives a shuddering breath.
EYRAM
Thank you. I brought you a gift. Come have a look.
He moves beside her and helps her to open the U-Haul.
Inside, glistening in brand new metal, is a huge Yamaha motorbike.
He stands back and looks at her warily.
CHRIS
Come on, Eyram. Don't tell me you bought that for me. You didn't have to do it. Can't accept it, please.
She comes closer to him, very closer, and looks into his eyes, and her eyes flash with impatience.
EYRAM
(tightly)
Chris Bawa, don't think because I kissed you once, inappropriately, it connotes to a final conclusion that everything I do for you means I want some sort of sexual favour from you!
CHRIS
(unhappily)
Didn't mean it like that, Eyram. I-
She holds up a stern right forefinger, cutting him off, her eyes still angry.
EYRAM
Every senior doctor is supposed to have one motorbike at home for houseboys. I don't have a houseboy, so I didn't take mine. Now you're here, largely to begin your life again. I know you would need to go around on personal errands. This is hospital premises, and taxis rarely frequent here. So I went for the motorbike, to help you move around. If you don't want it, just leave it inside. I'll send it back.
She turns away from him and begins to walk away.
CHRIS
(contrite)
Eyram, please. Wait!
He tries to take her hand, but she moves away from him, and quickly walks towards the main house.
He stays rooted, staring after her with mixed feelings, and then he sighs and climbs into the U-haul.
He brings out the motorbike, stands it up, and moves towards the car to drive it to the main house.
Just then two cars turn into the driveway from the main road, and he stops and turns from the car slowly.
He walks towards the veranda of the Boys Quarters and leans against the wall, folding his arms across his chest.
The first car is Effe's sleek BMW X6.
The second car is a shiny ash Toyota Sequoia, and they both come towards the Boys Quarters.
Chris watches warily as Effe gets down first, and then the doors of the Toyota open, and Stan gets down from the driver's seat.
The Reverend Brand Bawa gets down from the passenger seat.
Diana and his mother get down from the back seats. They look at him, and then they begin to walk towards him.

We have up to Episode 67 here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

This story is very touching. The writer is very talented. thanks oyinprince for this great piece. Definitely following.

This story is so so emotional

Episode 21


© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

Chris does not move away from the wall where he is leaning, and he does not drop his folded arms from across his chest.
His eyes are hard glints of suppressed anger as he watches them approach.
They stop and as they look at him he can see the shock in their eyes. He is still naked from the waist up, and they know that he has always been a hairy boy.
Their shock stems from the way his body has changed. The bulging fat he has carried to prison has melted, and his body is hard and ripped.
The results of five years of terrible labour in prison.
Effe glances at Chris' mother, and she sees the horror in her eyes too .
It strikes all of them that life at the Grand Castle Prison had not been an easy one for Chris.
EFFE
(softly)
Hello, Chris. How're you doing.
CHRIS
Surviving.
EFFE
Your Mom called me yesterday, Chris. They wanted to see you, and I promised them I'll bring them here today.
Chris says nothing, but slowly the fury ebbs from his eyes, and in its place is a look of sudden sadness.
There is an uncomfortable silence for a little while, and then the man of God takes a step closer to his last son.
REV BAWA
(clearing his throat)
Listen, son, I think we went through a hard time as a family when this whole thing happened five years ago. You showing up at the Church on Sunday brought home the hard fact that it is time to put the past behind us. First, let me apologise for selling your house, and dumping your things outside. That was bad of me, and an unforgivable childish act. I’m very sorry.
CHRIS
You don't have to apologize, sir. From what I remember of you, you've never been sorry for anything in your life.
MRS. LOIS
(almost sobbing)
Chris! Stop it! We're trying to meet you halfway here, son! At least appreciate the effort from your father!
STAN
(snorting)
I can't believe this! You still sit on your pompous ass, don’t you, little brother? You beat up your uncle almost to the point of death, you pump yourself full of your cocaine shit and sloth up liquor, knock down a poor girl and tears off one of her legs! You refuse to say sorry, and we, your family, has taken the flak for you all these years, and now we're here trying to smoke the peace pipe and you still expect us to lick your feet? Well, I bloody well isn't going to do it!
REV BAWA
(sharply)
Stan! Step down!
Diana moves close to Chris, and her eyes desperately search his hard face. Tears are shimmering in her eyes.
DIANA
They had to force me here, Chris. You know I found it very difficult loving you as a brother when Roland died. But today they forced me here, to see you, to forgive you, and to accept you back as my little brother. Please, don't let me regret coming here!
Mrs. Bawa walks forward, and her cheeks are stained with tears.
MRS. LOIS
(tearfully)
Chris, Chris, my son! Please, please, you're a part of this family. When we heard you've been arrested again, it dawned on me I could lose you again! I begged your father to let us come and look for you. All we want is to heal the bad blood, my son. You say sorry to your Uncle for beating him up, and say sorry to your father for the humiliation you caused this family, and that's all. We'll accept you back!
She tries to touch his cheek, and he moves away from her, violently, angrily, as if her hand is a snake.
When he speaks his voice is hard, and his words come out like bullets.
CHRIS
(wrathfully)
Sorry? Say sorry? I've paid for my crimes with five hard years of my life! I don't owe anybody an apology anymore! I was in prison for five years, and none of you, NONE, paid me a visit. You cut me off your family, right after Roland died, and guess what, I've learned to live without you! I don't need you, and you definitely don't need me! So let's stop this damn charade! You want me out of your life? Good, I’ll stay away. And all of you should just stay away from me! I survived alone, when Rodney died, and God knows I’ve not had any family love from any of you since I was twelve. So just leave me alone.
His voice is filled with such pain, such bitterness, that it shocks them into silence.
Eyram reaches them then. She is holding a jar of cold orange juice and some buns she has made, and she looks curiously at them as she also approaches Chris to give the juice to him.
EFFE
Chris-
But she can't go on anymore, because the moment she speaks, Chris turns away from them, and heads for the veranda.
And when he turns away they see his back for the very first time, and the moment Eyram sees it she gasps with horror and drops the tray.
The buns and the jar of orange juice fall to the ground, and the jar breaks, but she pays no heed.
Effe gasps with shock and a terrible pain rips through her stomach.
Diana gives a small scream and jumps back, her trembling hands jumping to her mouth.
Mrs. Lois Bawa clutches her stomach, and her knees wobble.
Stan, who has been prepared to give another scathing remark at his little brother, stares with his eyes wide open.
The Reverend Bawa reaches out and steadies himself against the side of Eyram's car.
REV BAWA
(horrified)
Oh, dear Jesus!
What they have all seen is a most horrible picture.
Chris Bawa's back is a map of the pain he has gone through in prison. His back is terribly tortured. There are clear terrible scars on his back where a hot iron has been pressed, taking the skin away.
There are knife scars on his back, cigarette burn scars, whip marks, spike marks, hot water scalds, and a host of terrible scars that has turned his back into a mass of the most horrible skin map ever.
Tears fall down Effe's cheeks.
Eyram is trembling so fiercely that she almost falls down.
The man of God rushes forward blindly and catches Chris' arm.
REV BAWA
(voice unsteady)
Dear Lord! Who is responsible for this? Chris, my son, who did this to you? Tell me! WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ATROCIOUS CRUELTY
Chris knocks his father's hand off his arm, and he pushes his father back so hard the man would have fallen if he had not come up against Eyram's car.
CHRIS
Keep away from me. Just leave me alone.
He enters the room, bangs the door, and locks it.
For several moments the people he has left behind cannot speak or move.
And then, still shaken badly, Chris' family leaves.
Effe climbs to the door and turns the handle. She hammers on it and calls his name, but he refuses to come to the door.
She sees that Eyram is hurrying back to the main house. Effe leans her back against the door, and she shudders as the sight of his mutilated back comes back to haunt her.
She squeezes her eyes shut, but still her tears of horror seep down her cheeks.
EFFE
(tearfully)
Oh, Chris!
She gets down to her car and drives away.

JAILBIRD continues

Read more here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

Episode 22

© Aaron A-A

EYRAM'S RESIDENCE - MORNING
Eyram knocks on the door and hears his deep voice from inside.
She turns the handle and goes in.
She is dressed for the office, and she walks briskly into the kitchen.
He is sitting at the plastic table with a mug of black coffee in front of him. She smells and notices the toasts on a plate on the table.
She pulls out a chair and sits down, and then she reaches for a toast and bites into it.
She chews with her eyes closed, and when she opens her eyes she looks at the toast with mild surprise on her face.
EYRAM
What did you make the filling with, CB? This is too good!
He takes a sip of his coffee and puts the mug down.
ChRIS
I thought you would like it. I packed some breakfast for you. There, on the cabinet.
EYRAM
(smiling)
It has the same toast, the same filling?
He laughs gently at that.
CHRIS
Same.
She gets up and takes the pack from the cabinet. She stops by his side, and her hips are quite near his face.
EYRAM
Listen, Chris. This Saturday is the GojuFist match between Mike Crankson and his former trainer and promoter, Wailer Vroom. I have three tickets. Would you want to go?
CHRIS
Yes, I would like that very much. Thank you.
EYRAM
Done then. Now I need to run. See you later, CB. And thanks for the breakfast.
She moves past him. He reaches out and catches her wrist.
She stops and looks down at him, moving closer to him.
CHRIS
Thank you, Eyram, for everything.
He lets go of her wrist. She stays there a moment longer, still looking at him.
Quite suddenly she reaches out and rubs his right cheek gently, and then she turns and hurriedly leaves the kitchen.
He sighs deeply, and reaches for his coffee.
EFFE'S RESIDENCE - MORNING
Effe sighs and looks at Junior as she tries to hold down her impatience.
Junior is dressed in sneakers, jeans and T-shirt. He has a blue Ben 10 cap on his head.
Effe is holding his bag and his lunch pack.
EFFE
(striving to be calm)
My prince, you told me you would go to Granddad's place. You promised them, and they're expecting you!
Junior does not look at her. His shoulders are slumped, and he looks very unhappy indeed.
JUNIOR
(in a tiny voice)
I know, Mama. I'm sorry. I just want to be with Daddy.
EFFE
(with a huge sigh)
But Daddy does not know you want to be with him today. Maybe he has other plans. Grandma wanted take your measurements and knit a nice pullover for you. They would be heartbroken.
Junior looks up at her then, and she sees tears glittering in his eyes, and his lips tremble.
JUNIOR
But Mama, I've been with Grandparents for a long time. Daddy just came home. Ireally really really want to be with him, please, just for a teeny weeny bitty time, please?
Effe is getting impatient.
She has a court case that morning, but she would also be going around with Steve to look at a house he has been wanting to purchase for some time now.
She has therefore asked Steve to come and pick her up and send her to court.
She would submit her summaries and go with him to look at the house.
Now Steve is waiting outside. If she goes and drop Junior at his father's place Chris will see her with Steve, and somehow Effe isn't too keen on that.
She shakes her head.
What is happening to her now?
She has kept the fact that Chris has signed the divorce papers from Steve. Of course she is going to marry Steve, and Chris knows it, so why is she now getting cold feet about Chris seeing her with Steve?
EFFE
Okay, Iron Boy, call your Daddy. If he wants to be with you, I'll take you over.
She leaves the living-room and waits anxiously outside, and a moment later he comes bundling out, his air of gloom gone, his face brilliant and full of unbridled joy ...and she knows that she has lost.
JUNIOR
Yippity yappity yoooo! Daddy is home! We're going to the beach on his motorbike!
Effe scowls with frustration.
When they go outside they see Steve leaning against his amazing red Buick four-runner.
He comes forward, hugs Effe, and brushes his lips on hers.
Effe looks at him earnestly.
EFFE
Sorry, honey, but Junior wants to be with Chris. Is it okay with you if we drop him off at Eyram's?
Steve looks startled.
STEVE
(frowning)
Chris is staying with Eyram? Since when?
EFFE
Oh, I thought I told you. He's been there for about four days now. She offered him her Boys Quarters.
STEVE
(chuckling)
I'll be damned! Eyram? Wow. Guy's a lucky man. Always being handed out freebies. Eyram better watch out, though. That boy is slick.
Effe stiffens and frowns.
EFFE
Please. That's a gross thought, and a most distasteful remark. I was married to Chris, remember? Eyram wouldn't ever dream of a thing like that.
STEVE
(laughing softly)
Maybe she wouldn't. But Chris would. You forget he has a history? With him, until he met you, there was nothing too taboo for him. Did I ever mention to you that when we were in school he was dating a mother and her daughter?
Steve laughs again and opens the back door for Junior.
Effe gets into the front passenger seat, and she is quiet as they drive the short distance to Eyram's place.
She is remembering that hug she has seen Eyram and Chris share at the police station.
She shakes herself out of her thoughts. She tell herself she is being just silly. Neither Chris nor Eyram would ever dream of doing that.
At least she trusts her sister. Chris has raped Elaine, Effe's best friend and bridesmaid, yes, but can he ever make a pass at her own sister?
Certainly not!
When they arrive at Eyram's place Chris is already outside, sitting astride the motorbike.
He is wearing black three-quarter shorts and a red polo shirt. His feet are encased in white Air Jordan’s.
Steve parks near him, and in a flash Junior is out, running to his father and embracing him tightly.
Chris lifts Junior unto the bike and puts a helmet on his head.
Both Steve and Effe get out.
EFFE
Chris. I'll come and pick him up around four o'clock. Hope it's okay with you.
She notices that his smile dies as he looks up at her, and that on his face is that look again, that look of sheer fury, almost loathing.
This is about the second or third time he has looked at her like that, and it is beginning to worry her.
It is as if he hates her, almost as if he detests her.
But that is crazy, she thinks. If anything, she rather should hate and detest him for all the pains and humiliation he has given her.
Why then is she feeling so disconcerted? Why is his evident dislike beginning to affect her so?
CHRIS
It's okay.
Steve walks towards them and extends his hand.
STEVE
Howdy, Chris? Sorry, old boy, our first meeting was sick. Guess I jumped the gun a little. How're you, buddy?
Chris ignores Steve's hand.
CHRIS
Surviving, Steve.
Steve drops his hand, and the laughter disappears from his face, and his jaw works tightly.
STEVE
I see. So it's like that, huh?
CHRIS
It's like that, man.
Steve chuckles.
STEVE
Jeez, man! You going to do this to Effe? You had your chance with her, and you f***ed it up! Surely you understand that? Why-
EFFE
(sharply)
Steve! Please! It's okay.
Steve glares angrily at Chris for a moment longer, and then he turns and walks angrily back to his car.
Effe hesitates a moment. Chris has tightened the helmet on Junior's head, and he kicks the stand of the bike free.
JUNIOR
(waving)
Bye, Mama. See you later.
EFFE
(smiling wanly)
You guys have fun.
Chris does not speak. He turns the ignition and the engine kicks into life.
Much against her will Effe steps forward abruptly and places her hand on his wrist.
She notices his instant cringe, and she sees the fury in the depths of his eyes. Junior is looking up at his father, and quickly he reaches up and puts a small hand on his father’s arm.
Chris looks at his son, and slowly the harsh lines of his face relaxes.
JUNIOR
Daddy, don't hate Mommy, okay?
His little voice startles them, and they look into each other's eyes.
EFFE
(softly)
I didn't mean it to be like this, Chris. You're not making it easy for me. Please, don't let us pull Junior in different directions, please.
For a moment she sees a vulnerability in the chink of his armour.
She sees the glimpse of the little boy in there fighting against the pain, and she feels a sudden uncontrollable urge to put her arms around him.
But the feeling passes quickly as he turns the motorbike around and speeds away.
JAILBIRD continues

Read more here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird

Hmmmm

EXPLICIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Episode 23


® 18+ SNVL
© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

THE BAWA RESIDENCE
The Reverend Brand Bawa stands at the upstairs window of his house looking out across the beautiful green garden of his backyard garden.
He can see Stan and his wife and daughter far off near the pool.
It seems Diana and her husband are also there.
He closes his eyes for a moment, forcibly trying to push the image of Chris' mutilated back out of his mind, but the image persists.
What brute and evil people could have done that to the boy?
True, the boy had incurred a lot of wrath from the good citizens of the country after his famous trial, but to subject him to that kind of torture is absolutely unthinkable and unacceptable!
That is why the boy has changed so much!
The youthful exuberance and carefree abandon are gone, and the man he has tried to bring back home is just a bitter shell of a man with a sizzling hatred that has seared the soul of Brand.
Sure, he and Chris have always been at each other's throats.
He hadn't particularly liked Chris because he had been different, a pure-heart vagabond who has refused any form of leash on his wild spirit, but still he is a Bawa, his son, and the obvious horror the boy has gone through troubles Brand very much.
The bathroom door opens, and Lois comes in, pulling the sash of her morning gown around her.
He turns. Their eyes meet.
He can see the torture in the depths of her eyes too. The horror is still there, and from the day she had seen the savage story on Chris' back, she has not been the same woman since.
She walks heavily to his side, and she also stares out of the window at her children and her grand-children.
MRS. LOIS
(voice trembling)
They hurt him very terribly, Brand.
REV BAWA
Yes, they did, dear.
She begins to tremble, and he reaches out in a rare show of affection and puts his arm around her shoulders.
MRS. LOIS
(hoarsely)
Did you hear what he said? That we cut him off when Roland died?
He stiffens a bit. The name of Roland always did that to him.
Roland, wonderful Roland, who had been and always would be his favourite son.
REV BAWA
(tremulously)
Yes, I did, dear. For him to say that, I think, is my biggest failure as a father.
She gives a sob and lays her head on his shoulder.
MRS. LOIS
It is true, you know. We all loved Roland, and I guess we were so hurt that we never forgave Chris, and we made him feel responsible for the death of his brother.
REV BAWA
Mm-hm.
She sniffs, and puts a hand to her mouth.
MRS. LOIS
Do you think that is what made him so... so ... so different? He felt guilty and abandoned?
He gives a shuddering breath.
REV BAWA
I wouldn't be surprised if it played a huge role in his wild spirit. But he settled down somewhat after marrying Effe.
There is silence for a while.
MRS. LOIS
He hates me, Brand, and it is killing me. Before he went to prison he always tried to impress us, to make us accept him. But, when I met him, I saw the hatred in his eyes.
REV BAWA
Not for you alone, my dear. Yes, I saw the hatred in his eyes, for us, for Diana, for Stan. He wants us to leave him alone.
MRS. LOIS
(weeping now)
But we can't, Brand, we simply can't! I don't want him to hate me, Brand! Bring him back, please bring him back!
He gives a shuddering breath, and his old face is filled with much pain.
REV BAWA
Battle is the Lord's, my dear. He can bring back our son. We can only pray, and hope, but ultimately, it rests on the Lord.
MRS. LOIS
He can't keep out of trouble, Brand. He lost the Company he started, and he has lost Effe He has lost his house, his possessions, and we abandoned him! That boy is filled with so much anger, Brand. The chances of him going back to prison are very high, so please don't leave everything to the Lord like that! Let us reach out to him in any way we can!
He nods, and draws her nearer, and when she begins to cry he does not try to stop her.
VELVET SPRINGS BEACH
Junior is having the time of his life.
He and his Daddy are making the beach theirs!
They ride an inflatable raft and on a jet bike. They drink coconut juice and almost eat a whole mini bucket of chicken with fries and Fanta.
Finally, they pick a place under the cool coconut trees, spread a comfortable blanket, and sit on it chatting.
Quite suddenly a group of people approach their position.
Chris is laughing at something funny Junior has said when the group stop near them.
There are three ladies and three men. One of the men is very huge and wearing a singlet that shows off his great muscles.
He comes near Chris, and there is a very bad look in his eyes as he looks at Chris.
MUSCLE MAN
(scowling)
I'll be damned! Hey guys, isn't this guy the Chris Bawa dude, the one called the beast?
His companions giggle uneasily, and one of the women step forward and grabs the man's arm.
WOMAN
Come on, Kuntu. Let's go.
The huge man shrugs off the woman's hand and glares down at Chris.
MUSCLE MAN
I hear you knocked down that poor girl and she lost her leg. And you never said sorry, you piece of stinky and useless nun’s pussy!
Junior jumps to his feet and glares at the big man.
JUNIOR
Leave my Daddy alone!
The giant glares at Junior and a nasty smile crosses his face.
MUSCLE MAN
Your daddy is an a****le, little boy. A f***ing coward! Heard he beat up an old man and almost killed him. Hey, motherf***er, have you ever tried taking on someone your own size?
His friends laugh now, and they look at Chris who is still sitting quietly, his back against a coconut tree.
Junior moves forward and shoves the huge man's thigh angrily.
JUNIOR
(furious)
I said leave my Daddy alone!
Without warning the huge man shoves Junior, and the boy topples over, cracking his head against another coconut tree.
What happens next is a blur!
The huge man barely notices Chris getting off the ground.
He sees a blur, and he tries to step back, but Chris' hardened fist sinks into his ribs with such force that the huge man grunts as instant blood spurts from his lips.
He totters backwards, clutching his ribs, his eyes suddenly blinded with tears as the pain suffuses his whole body.
The people with him are suddenly shouting, looking at Chris with a mixture of sudden fear and apprehension.
The huge man called Kuntu suddenly gives a roar and rushes at Chris, his great muscle-bound arms reaching out to grab Chris so that he can crush him.
Chris grabs one of his hands, spins and uses the man's rushing momentum to crash the man's head into the exact coconut tree Junior had crashed into.
The man lies on the grass, his forehead badly split, blood spurting.
He is lying groggily, staring up at the cruel face of Chris with sudden panic.
As Chris steps towards him he raises his hands suddenly with terror.
MUSCLE MAN
(voice shaking)
Please ...please! I'm sorry, please!
Chris' face is unforgiving. The man's friends try to hold him back, but the look of absolute mayhem on his face scares them.
Other people are coming around now. Chris bends, grabs the man's singlet and raises him.
He draws back his right fist, intending to crash it into the man's jaw, but Junior steps forward and holds his father's wrist suddenly.
JUNIOR
Daddy. It's okay, please!
The huge man is almost crying helplessly now.
MUSCLE MAN
Please, please, oh please! I'm sorry!
Chris looks at his son, and suddenly the savagery goes out of his face.
He lets the man go, and he falls back down with a moan.
His friends help him up, and lead him away still moaning as they press handkerchiefs to his bleeding forehead.
Chris gathers his son into his arms and hugs him so tightly that the little boy feels almost swamped.
JUNIOR
Hey, Daddy!
CHRIS
Yes, Champ?
JUNIOR
I can't breathe!
Chris releases him immediately, and Junior looks at him with awe, his little eyes roaming his father's face with complete worship.
CHRIS
Are you okay, Champ?
Junior nods vigorously, and then smiles wolfishly.
JUNIOR
You maimed that man gooooood!! He was so chicken scared! Next time let him come and mess with my Daddy again!
They both start to laugh, and then they fall on the blanket gripped with gales of laughter.
Junior turns and climbs on top of his father, wrapping his little arms around him.
Chris feels a rush of love, the same strong blast of love he had felt the first time he took his son into his arms.
He wraps his arms around Junior's little body, and a while later the boy's rhythmic breathing tells him he is asleep.
Chris gently turns sideways and puts his son on the sheet.
He sits back against the coconut tree and watches his handsome son sleeping.
He feels a movement behind him and turns sharply.
Baaba Brooks is standing behind him.
JAILBIRD continues

Read more here - www.youngicee.com

Episode 24


® 18+ SNVL
© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

Baaba is wearing a blue dress that stops on mid-thigh.
Her hair is braided and curled around her head and held on top of her head. She is wearing dark shades.
He notices that there are tiny marks and scars still on her face and arms from where the glass had cut her, and she still has a bandage around her left wrist.
She drops slowly to her knees besides Chris, whose face has suddenly gone cold.
Baaba removes her sunglasses. She tries to speak, but her lips shake, and her body trembles.
She raises her hand to touch him, but he shies away from her violently.
BAABA
(agonized)
Chris! I know you hate me! Please, please don't! I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me!
CHRIS
You better leave, Baaba, please. I don't want anything to do with you. Ever.
Her body trembles harder, and tears suddenly come to her eyes. She looks at him with abject misery, and her shoulders crumple.
BAABA
You don't understand, Chris! I've never been with any man ever ...except my father!
Chris flinches, as if she has physically hit him.
CHRIS
(in a whisper)
What?
BAABA
(nodding)
Yes, yes, Chris! My mother died when I was seven, and from the time I was ten he began to touch me. It killed my soul, and destroyed me for life. He raped me when I was fifteen, and it continued till I was twenty, when I couldn't stand it anymore. I joined the prisons academy, and when I was twenty-two I beat the hell out of him! He couldn't touch me again. He married a German and went to stay in Germany. He visits twice a year, but I hate him, and I rarely meet him. I hate him, I hate all men ...except you, Chris!
Chris is stunned.
The fury he has experienced the moment he saw her slowly leaves his body, and on his face is a look of sudden pity.
Somehow, he is beginning to understand her, and to understand some of the things she does.
BAABA
(shuddering)
I tried to date other guys, you know, to be a normal girl, but I couldn't. I was repulsed whenever a guy touched me. Later I realized I could never be a normal girl. A rich woman showed me the life of lesbianism. I tried to make it work, but it disgusted me, and eventually I also beat her up and left. My life was in shambles. I was forever unhappy. Later I was posted to the Grand Castle Prison. Where I met you.
She sits down besides Chris, and when she puts her head on his shoulder he is too full of pity to stop her.
He pulls out his big hanky and gives it to her.
She cleans her face and sighs shudderingly.
BAABA
Everywhere I go I see men looking at me, undressing me with their eyes, devouring me with their lecherous and sadistic desires! Drooling over my body, wanting to get between my thighs ...just like my fucking stupid daddy! But you, Chris, the first time you saw me you barely noticed me. You've been gentle, and nice, and your eyes are so frank, never holding a lustful look. You're the only man I don't feel dirty around, Chris. The only man who looks at me with respect, and innocent admiration. I've never offered myself to any man. I watched seductive videos and learnt how to twerk and all that. I had everything planned out, to finally where you would make me a real woman, and then you rejected me, and suddenly I detested you like I detest my father. That's why I lied so badly, but in the morning I couldn't go on with it, Chris! I'm so sorry, please forgive me!
She leans against him, crying softly, trembling, her soul crushed.
CHRIS
(gently)
It's okay, Baaba. Please. I didn't know that. I hated you for telling a lie. But I don't anymore.
She raises huge, dejected eyes to his, and then she gently winds an arm around his neck and raises her face.
Chris pulls his head back, and she shakes her head numbly, her eyes hurt.
BAABA
(sadly)
I repulse you now, don't I? Because I told you my story you now find me repulsive?
Chris sighs, and then he looks across the crashing waves for a moment. He feels her stiffening, and then she tries to pull away from him.
He holds her hard, and then he speaks softly.
CHRIS
Baaba, before I met Effe Kedem, I would've taken you out of here and made love to you. I was that kind of guy. When I met her, she was the only woman for me. I loved her then, and now that I'm out of prison I find out my feelings for her are still strong. She's now going to marry a man who was more like a brother to me, but they're still not married. And because they're not married there's a chance I could get back with Effe. With her lovemaking always had a meaning, and now I just can't have a meaningless lovemaking experience. I can't make love to you just because you have had a most terrible traumatic experience, okay? I can be your friend, but I'm definitely not going to take advantage of you!
BAABA
(tremulously)
Chris, I'm not asking you to marry me. I'm not asking you to fall in love with me. All I'm saying is that I want to be normal again. I want to live. I need to live! I want you to make me a woman, so that I can go out there and have a normal life! Please, I just need a little tenderness, with a man I'm not afraid of! You're the only man I'm not scared of Chris! Please, I beg of you, just be a little kind to me. That's all I'm asking!
CHRIS
I'll be your friend, Baaba, and nothing more. For as long as Effe is not married, there can be nothing intimate between us. I hope you understand that.
Her eyes search is face, huge and moist, filled with misery, with hope, with passionate pleading.
Her arm tighten around his neck, and she suddenly moves into him. Her breasts, bra-less under her dress, brush against his arm.
She nibbles at his chin, kisses the side of his lips, and then she puts her lips inches from his.
Her lips brush against his, and a severe shudder runs through her.
BAABA
(breathing hard)
Oh, Chris! Oh, Chris!
Her lips open against his, wet, lush, salty because of her tears, sweet.
She groans and moans, turning fully into his arms, kissing him with a violent fervour.
JUNIOR
Daddy. Stop that.
They come apart almost violently.
Junior is awake, and he is staring at them angrily.
Chris leans back, and his look is apologetic.
CHRIS
Sorry, Champ. Meet Baaba Brooks. A friend of mine.
BAABA
Hello, my son. You look just like-
JUNIOR
(cutting in)
Just like my father, yes, I know!
Chris chuckles.
His son’s temper is quite new to him, and reminds him so much of his own quick temper.
CHRIS
Hey, Champ. I said I'm sorry. Relax. Here, let’s go and blow some bubbles!
Chris stands up and gives his hand to his son. Junior holds out his hand and Chris pulls him to his feet.
Junior looks down at Baaba.
JUNIOR
(sternly)
Miss Brooks, I want my Daddy and my Mommy to be together again, so please stop the licking of faces with him, okay?
Baaba laughs shrilly and nods, and then she salutes.
BAABA
(mimicking a drunk)
Yas suh, massa, I no go licky licky man Bawa face agun!
Junior bursts into sudden laughter, and Baaba joins in.
Chris looks at them, and then he rubs a hand across his face.


JAILBIRD continues tomorrow

Read more here: www.youngicee.com

25


® 18+ SNVL
© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

GHANA INTERNATIONAL GOJUFIST ARENA
Rupert is driving.
Eyram is sitting by his side.
In the back seat is Chris.
Rupert is wearing an excellently-tailored black suit, white shirt and maroon tie. Eyram is in a dark green dress that shows off her stunning beauty.
Chris is making do with one of the black jeans Eyram has bought for him and blue Yves Laurent Polo T-Shirt.
It is fight night, and Rupert has picked them up.
The Ghana International GojuFist Arena, GIGA, is filled to capacity. The brutal mixed martial arts called GojuFist has come to stay in the country.
It provides more excitement, blood and violence than boxing, and so it has become very popular on the continent, and in the country.
Sitting in the backseat, Chris marvels at how the sport has become so huge now.
Eight years ago Chris had been a GojuFist fighter, winning all his ten professional fights and the topmost belt: GojuFist Grandmaster.
Effe had not wanted him to fight, and so Chris has established FINE GOJU DOJO, a GojuFist promoting company.
Later he has brought in his friend Jonathan Afful as a partner.
Jonathan had been in charge of administration whilst Chris, who didn't care much about business luncheons and official bureaucracies, had concerned himself with finding GojuFist talents and training them.
Their fighters had been one of the best bunch in the country, winning belts in the country and beyond.
And then, of course, tragedy had struck, and Chris had found himself in prison.
Now he is out, and this is his first night out.
Rupert is directed to the VVIP Car Park.
He picks a billing ticket from the automated ticket dispenser at the entrance, drives in, and parks his car.
He gets down and quickly goes round to open Eyram's door for her.
Chris also gets out and stands surveying his surroundings calmly.
A lot really has changed.
They walk to the elevator banks, get into one, and rides to the Arena Area.
They pass through glass booths, had their fight tickets punched, and then they enter the fully air-conditioned VVIP stand.
The stand is taken up by the most popular and wealthy personalities in the country, all of them dressed in striking suits and expensive dresses.
Chris hesitates as Rupert leads them to front row seats.
Eyram stops and looks at him with raised eyebrows.
EYRAM
Aren't you sitting down, Chris?
Chris shakes his head and smiles wanly.
Down in the ring a GojuFist Purple Master tournament is going on. It is on the undercard before the main event of the night.
CHRIS
I'll be with you shortly, Eyram. Something I need to check out.
EYRAM
Please don't take long.
Chris nods, turns and quickly goes back to the exit.
Eyram stares after him, and then Rupert tentatively touches her arm, and she comes back to the present with a start.
RUPERT
Hey, beautiful lady, let's sit.
He leads her to the seat and sits down beside her.
EYRAM
Thank you, Rupe.
RUPERT
(smiling unsteadily)
Welcome, my dear. Listen, can I ask you an awkward question?
EYRAM
(turning to him)
Of course, Rupe. What is it?
He looks into her eyes earnestly.
RUPERT
Well, it's no secret that I've admired you for a long time, Eyram, and of course you know just how much I adore you. I've made my honourable intentions known to you, of my love for you and my wish to marry you. You told me to wait a little bit, and of course I did. I've never had occasion to worry, because you've never looked at another man twice. However, with the arrival of your brother-in-law, I've been getting some strange vibes from you. Do I have to get worried about you and Mr. Bawa?
She forces out a laugh and reaches out and touches his right cheek tenderly.
It is his directness, more than anything else, that she finds so endearing about him.
His question throws her, but she smiles in a way she hopes is uncaring enough and which will reassure him.
It is a question she has been afraid to ask herself, and the only sane way to answer it is to tread it underfoot.
EYRAM
Oh, Rupe! Don't be silly! Of course not! He was married to my twin sister, for crissakes! We Africans are not like Whites. Our culture frowns on such relationships, and it would never cross my mind. He's been through a lot, and I just feel pity for him, nothing else. Get that silliness out of your head, please.
He smiles broadly, and she sees the relief in the depths of his eyes.
RUPERT
Thank you, Eyram. You don't know just how happy that answer makes me. I was beginning to sweat a little.
She smiles reassuringly at him, and even leans forward and brushes his lips with hers, but inwardly she trembles, because she knows she has just avoided a question she must face head-on.
Meanwhile Chris finds himself on the restricted Warriors' Wing.
It is where the GojuFist fighters and their trainers wait and get ready for their fights.
There are two huge Security Enforcers at the entrance. One moves to bar his way, but the other holds his friend's arm and drag him back, saying something to him.
They now regard Chris with huge grins.
BOUNCER 1
Wow! Just been told you're Chris Bawa, former undefeated Grandmaster!
BOUNCER 2
(extending his hand)
I watched your fight with that Brazilian, Sam Breeze! Finest skills I ever saw, Mr. Bawa! You were in a class of your own!
Chris smiles and shakes their hands.
BOUNCER 1
Coming back to the ring, Mr. Bawa?
CHRIS
No. Retired permanently. Listen guys, is Mr. Jonathan Afful in there? Wanted a word with him.
They stand aside and usher him in.
BOUNCER 2
Go right ahead, Mr. Bawa.
Chris murmurs his thanks and passes through the door.
He finds himself on a luxurious corridor.
Glass doors open to executive loungers on each side, all of them labelled.
He continues down the corridor until he comes to an L-shaped bend, and arrows indicating DRESSING ROOMS.
He turns right and find himself facing a row of closed glass doors, and just as he is debating where to go one of them at the far end opens, and a group of men come out.
There are about six of them, and leading them is the short muscular Jonathan Afful, and just behind him is Steve Hollison.
They see Chris, and Afful stops, and raises a tall tumbler to his mouth and drinks.
He smirks, and then he walks jauntily towards Chris.
AFFUL
(coldly)
Well, well, well, well! Look what the cat dragged in... a stinking piece of shit! Look, guys, here's the beast!
CHRIS
(calmly)
That's quite a welcome, Jon, considering.
Afful drains his glass and hands it to one of the men.
He is impeccably dressed, and the budget on his clothing alone could have fed an entire village.
He is that rich.
AFFUL
(with a mock bow)
Considering what, Chris, my boy? Are we talking about paybacks and calling in favours here? I am going to assume you're not here looking for me.
CHRIS
(unfazed)
Actually I am. I'm back, and I'm broke, and I need a job. GojuFist is my passion, and I'm here to re-join the company.
Steve snorts and gives a bark of a laugh.
STEVE
Dear goodness, Chris. I can't believe this! Have you no shame, man?
Steve is in an excellent tuxedo, and he looks extremely well-groomed.
AFFUL
(shaking his head)
Re-join the company? Did I hear re-join? Goddamn it, man! Hey, fellas, look at this man. Now, if you want a picture of a failure, he is this man! Look at him, go on, look at him!
The other men with them chuckle.
Those who don’t know Chris are laughing, but a couple of them know Chris, and they didn’t laugh.
AFFUL
(pompously)
Now, don't think I'm bragging. This man here started FINE GOJU DOJO. He was a Grandmaster Goju title holder. But what did he do? He stopped fighting and gave it all away because of a p****!
The other men laugh. Steve chuckles.
STEVE
(laughing now)
Watch it, Jon, motherf***er. That woman is going to be my wife!
AFFUL
Yeah, yeah, fine piece of a**, I must admit. Now, where was I? Yes, this man, Chris Bawa, now called the Beast, what did he do next? He brought me in as his partner, and just as the business was taking off, he sold it! For no reason at all he sold it! I went to the bank, raised a loan, and bought the Company. And what did he do with all that at money? He took it to prison!
Now everybody is laughing. Afful walks forward until he is standing very close to Chris.
AFFUL
(nastily)
And this man, this Beast, has the audacity to come here, stand in front of me, after I have built up the Company from scratch, to ask for a job? And oh, I forgot, this bastard raped my wife! Well, at that time she was not my wife, just a girlfriend, but I was f***ing her anyway!
There is more laughter. Steve glances at a giant television screen on the wall.
STEVE
Leave this loser, Jon. We're on. Time for Mikey to earn some money.
Afful glares at Chris, and his face is filled with hatred, and venom spill out of his mouth.
AFFUL
f*** you, Chris. f*** you, motherf***er! There's no job for you here. Now get the f*** out of my face before I have you arrested! This section is for authorized people only, not for mad beasts like you!
He steps past Chris, and the other men follow him.
Steve makes to follow, and then he too stops near Chris and then laughs.
STEVE
(mockingly)
Don't be mean, Jon. The man is having a hard time. He's a jailbird and he ain't got a pesewa. Mad dog he is, but he deserves some crumbs, abi?
AFFUL
He doesn’t deserve shit!
STEVE
C'mon, nigger, didn't I hear you lost one of your cleaners?
Afful stops and turns round. He holds up a stiff forefinger as he walks back towards Chris.
AFFUL
Yeah, yeah! I forgot! Chris, the man who cleans the toilets at the Company died. You might remember him... Adobah Sowu. His toilet cleaning position is vacant, Chris. Good salary. You want it, it's yours. We can rename it Washroom Perfumery or Sanitary Executive or something like that, if you want, but it still will be toilet cleaning because, let's face it, shit is shit. So, you want the job? It's the best I can do.
Chris stares at the man who had been his friend at one time, and then he smiles calmly, and his eyes are sad.
CHRIS
Thanks, man, but no. I won't mind cleaning toilets, but I'm not gonna clean your toilets. See, there's a saying that no matter how hard the economy of the jungle, the lion will never eat grass. It's not pride, man, but it's just how he is, just how I am.
Afful gapes at him, and then he bursts out laughing uproariously.
AFFUL
My God, prison turned you into a philosopher! Well, my paddy, eat shit!
Steve looks at Chris with pity.
STEVE
(softly)
Listen, dude, I feel sorry for you, I do. You know me, I've got some business deals going. I might be able to sort you out, lucratively, if you'll use your damn head. Listen, if you sign Effe's divorce papers, I'll convince her to let you have your brat of a son. I'll marry her, and I'll give you a job. Think about it.
AFFUL
Take it, Chris! It's a good deal. I don't know why you f***ing won't sign the divorce papers. Have you no pride, man? Steve has been shagging Effe for about three years now, dude, so whether you sign or not, your woman is gone. So better make it official.
STEVE
(chuckling)
Yeah, I've been having her anytime I want, man. Fine beautiful body, and she's absolutely fabulous! You should see her straddling my-
The rage is uncontrollable.
They all see the terrible glint in Chris' eyes, and the way his muscles seem to spring up in his body.
His pain is almost physical, and as he begins to move Steve steps back with a little wail of fear, crashing into Afful, who in turn crashes into a man behind him, and they all fall in a crash on the floor .
JAILBIRD continues tomorrow….

26


® 18+ SNVL
© Aaron Ansah-Agyeman

Chris steps forward, suffused by a terrible rage, but just then he feels a hand on his shoulder, and he spins, dropping into an attack crouch, and looks into the grinning face of a tall, heavily-build young man wearing red trunks and a red hoodie.
He is MICHAEL CRANKSON, current Grandmaster of GojuFist.
CRANKSON
(awed)
Wow! Super reflexes! Damn! Jeez, Bawa? Chris Bawa? Damn, Legend! The only man to retire at the prime of his career undefeated! Dayummmmm!
Slowly Chris straightens up, and he takes very deep breaths as he fights for control.
His jaw works slowly as the people on the floor slowly get up.
The tumbler which Afful gave to one of the men has been broken during the fall, and a shard of glass has opened up a nasty cut on Afful's right upper arm.
They look at Chris, and sensibly none of them make any further remark as they begin to walk away.
Two men in MIKE 'THE THUNDER' CRANKSON T-shirts are now standing with Crankson.
And one is holding Crankson's Grandmaster title belt.
The champion is still looking at Chris, and there is sudden deadly earnest on his face.
CRANKSON
Gents, here's the legend himself! So it's true he's out! After the Wailer match I wanna fight Bawa, do you hear me?
He turns to Chris, and his eyes are not nice as he smiles craftily.
CRANKSON
What do you say, Chris? I hear you're in some financial shit. I'll offer you a shot at the belt. You can't beat me, but I wanna beat you to be the best. You'll make some money on the side, you know, get you back on your feet. Think about it, Legend.
They all move away, leaving Chris on the corridor.
He leans his head back against the wall, and then he walks away slowly. His heart is beating with what he has heard.
Damn it all! So Effe has been sleeping with Steve. For three years! Even when he had not signed the divorce papers!
When he gets near the main exit he sees that everyone is gone, and that the visitors lounge glass door is sliding open, and a beautiful woman has just stepped into the corridor.
It is Effe.
She is wearing a stunning black dress with tiny white trimmings. Her hair is held up high, and even from that distance she is absolutely breathtaking.
Steve comes out behind her.
He catches her waist, turns her swiftly, and kisses her deeply, aware that Chris is standing at the head of the corridor watching them with tortured eyes.
EFFE
(startled)
No, Steve! Not here! Please! I’ve told you I hate those shows of affection in public.
She extricates herself from his arms angrily and walks quickly towards the exit, unaware that Chris’ heart is being torn apart behind her.
Steve follows leisurely, holds the door, turns and gives the seething Chris a thumb-up sign.
Chris puts both palms up against the wall, and he leans forward and hangs his head.
He breathes hard as pain rips through his heart.
He realizes, with no surprise whatsoever, that he still loves Effe with a passion as fierce as the heart of the most violent volcano.
The sight of Steve's hands on her, his lips on hers, fills him with such incredible pain that his whole body shakes.
His phone rings just then, and after a moment he takes it out.
It is Junior.
CHRIS
(striving for calmness)
Hello, Champ!
JUNIOR
(soft-voiced)
Are you going to watch the fight too, Daddy? I'm home alone with Grandpa. I want to give you something, Daddy.
CHRIS
Alright, Champ. I came to watch the fight, but I don't think I want to stay here anymore. I'll come over.
JUNIOR
(shouting)
Yappity, yappity, yippeeeee!!
Chris smiles sadly, takes a shuddering breath, and then he sends a text message to Eyram.
SORRY, EYRAM. GOT TO GO. JUNIOR NEEDS ME. WILL SEE YOU AT HOME. ENJOY YOURSELF.
He approaches the main exit and goes out.
Down in the ring the referee is introducing Wailer Vroom, the challenger.
One of the bouncers is asking for an autograph from Chris for his younger brother whom he says is an ardent GojuFist fan, and a great fan of Chris Bawa.
As Chris is signing the card the man has given him, he is not aware that way up in the VVIP booth Effe is sitting near the glass, and quite by accident her eyes have shifted to the area below her to the Warrior's Wing.
She sees Chris at the entrance, and her heart flips solidly with sudden apprehension.
Had Chris been in there somewhere? Had he seen Steve kissing her?
That could be true because she had shown her aversion to public intimacy to Steve many years ago, and made him promise her that until they are married he would never try to kiss her in public, and he had adhered to it.
But he had kissed her, quite by surprise, on the corridor!
Had it been for the benefit of Chris?
She turns her head and looks at Steve scathingly.
She sees the satisfied smirk on his face, and her eyes open with horror!
EFFE
Oh Steve! How could you do that? Chris was in there and saw you kissing me, wasn’t he?
Her face bunches up with sudden anger and crippling depression.
STEVE
And why not, Effe? Maybe seeing me kissing you would make him sign the damn divorce papers! I'm getting tired of living in his shadow, Effe! It’s pretty lonely and cold in his shadow, and maybe it is time he’s forced to leave you alone.
She looks again, and sees Chris hurrying towards the exit doors, and she raises a trembling hand to her lips.
Oh, Chris ...I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! Didn't mean to hurt you!
JAILBIRD continues

Read more episodes here: www.youngicee.com/category/the-jailbird