Inspirational Touching Story, full of LOVE ,BETRAYAL ,ACTION..
Title: SHADES OF LUST by Valentine
This story is a life Changing Story, one in a million ( Bless later 
)
In
front of an uncompleted one story building, stood a boy of about twenty
three years old. He was standing in front of a fresh grave, holding a
candle with his right hand as tears fell from his eyes.
——————————————————————–
My
name is Jude Ibeh, a half Nigerian, and half American. Yes I used the
term because my mother was a white American while my father was a
Nigerian, however I never got to know my mum because she died when I was
two years old leaving me solely under my dad’s care who did a good job
raising me up. All I inherited from my mother was her skin color and
smile.
I grew to love my dad with all my heart even
though we disagreed on many things because he was so traditional and
had a sort of old school mentality. He believed a lot in tradition and
wanted me to accept all his beliefs which never went down well with me.
I
was forced to return to Nigerian for my university education after high
school without caring for my feelings. Yes Nigeria is a great country
but the temperature, attitude of the people and everything about the
country never suited my lifestyle.
I
was admitted into Imo state university to study industrial chemistry
and it really was hell for me. The lecture rush, the intonation of
lecturers, the overcrowding of lecture halls, the noise and the
struggles really left a sore taste in my mouth. I simply managed to pass
over to my second year with lots of carryovers and yes the second year
was equally stressful but much better because I was slowly adapting much
to my dad’s pleasure.
But
on my third year when I was finally about becoming a full time Igbo
boy, my dad left me all alone in the world. He returned to Nigeria on
March 1st 2012 for a little business but never lived to see the next
day. You can’t imagine the shock I had when I got a call from one of my
uncles that my father was dead. That he died in his sleep.
I
simply couldn’t believe my ears. It sounded so unreal and unbelievable
but on getting home I found out that the only person I had in the world
was gone. My life instantly came to a standstill. I just felt like
killing myself and leaving the world as well.
—————————————————————————-
My
dad’s burial was quickly organized by my uncles who didn’t give me any
say in the matter since I wasn’t yet recognized as a man. I knew my dad
was murdered but I had no evidence. I had no money. I equally wasn’t man
enough to challenge anyone.
I simply was in a tight corner and all I did was observe and cry out my heart.
——
After
the burial, I was left all alone to manage and cater for myself. I just
didn’t know what to think or where to start reorganizing my life. I
wasn’t good at any type of hustling. Menial jobs just weren’t for me and
my uncles never seemed to care.
My dad equally
never left much for me apart from the uncompleted building at home and
the little he had left in his bank account after the burial ceremony.
———————————————————
As
I stood before my father’s grave, crying out my heart. I was at lost. I
was so empty and alone. I never knew life could be so difficult and
mean. I badly had the urge to abandon my studies and return to America
but none of the options before me looked easy.
I
felt a strong hand land on my shoulder. I turned to see one of my
senior cousins smiling at me. I looked at him and swallowed hard. Kelvin
was the only person who cared of my well-being during the course of my
father’s burial but then his father was equally one of my uncles that I
was suspecting over my father’s strange death which made me not to trust
his kind gestures towards me.
Kelvin
was around twenty eight years old. He looked quite rich and had two
expensive cars that rolled people’s eyes but then no one could say
exactly the business he was into and he never cared what people felt
about his source of wealth.
‘’I
know how you feel right now. I know you think the world is nothing but
hell. I’m here to help you. I’m here to turn you into something you
never imagined you would be. Stop crying for your dad. He is already
done. It’s now left for you to continue his legacy. You are going back
with me to the city and I will teach you how to survive in a Nigerian
way.’’ He said with a smile while I curiously stared at him a bit
confused over his words.
‘’How to survive in a Nigerian way’’ I muttered over and over to myself as I stared at him.
Episode 2
Jude’s side of the story continues
are
you for real’’ I asked breathlessly as a new kind of relief filled my
entire being. I wasn’t expecting such generosity. It really came as a
great surprise to me.
‘’we
will leave for the city in two days. You will stay with me until you
get your spirit back’’ he answered, tapped my shoulder and left with a
smile. And that was how I became very close to Kelvin.
We
left the village two days later and headed to his house as he promised.
He owned a very cute bungalow, well furnished and designed with
superior taste.
‘’this is
my house. I pay no rent to anyone’’ he revealed as we walked into the
plush apartment, leaving me gasping with disbelief as I imagined how
much he’s worth.
‘’this
is not only my home but yours as well. In no time you will understand a
lot. You will get answers to the questions I know running through your
young mind’’ he said with a savvy smile. I shrugged and smiled at him.
Kelvin’s side of the story
My
uncle’s death really came as a great blow to me. He was the only uncle
that encouraged and regularly sent me money when I dropped out of school
due to my stupidity years ago.
Before his death,
he confided in me that he planned returning permanently to Nigeria to
run a business. He never told me the details of the business or who was
helping him with it. Hence my great surprise to learn of his death, just
a day after his arrival to the country.
Yes it
definitely looked like murder to me even though the medical report
obtained said he died of natural causes. I was just so helpless and
couldn’t do a thing than to observe as my father and uncles speedily
buried the unfortunate man, leaving his young son who really didn’t know
much about life or Nigeria to fend on his own.
Jude
was more of an American than a Nigerian. The color of his skin, his
voice, his behavior, the way he walked and everything about him was just
American. I took pity on him and had to offer him a life even though
what I was offering was a life of crime but then with it he could
maintain his rich lifestyle, finish his education and be a good man.
So what exactly do I mean by a life of crime? Hmmmm
Yes
having dropped out of school, my parents cursed and left me on my own. I
had to survive. I had to do everything to make money and of course I
succeeded.
I had to join
some friends in yahoo scam, we lied, we duped, we robbed unfortunate
victims but it never stopped there. We upgraded to kidnapping and oil
theft. In two years I had a house in Owerri where I based, plus a very
fat bank account. The easiest way to make real money was through crime
but it equally was the easiest to die.
Young
Jude had the looks, the charms and the brain for business. Everything
about him was good for business and as his new guardian, my job was to
take care of him and help him to the top via any means.
Nevertheless
I still had my doubts. Jude looked so tender and gentle. Somehow I was
scared if he could really live up to expectation.
——————————————————————————————
HOURS LATER;
Jude’s side of the story continues
‘’Thanks
Kelvin for everything. You are the last person I expected to help me’’ I
said to him with a heart filled with gratitude as we enjoyed an evening
meal in a very plush fast food joint. He smiled and nodded.
‘’so tell me, are you ..a virgin he suddenly asked, leaving me totally embarrassed. I almost choked with embarrassment.
‘’come
on be free with me” he urged with a short laugh. I shrugged with
hesitation as my school life flashed back to my head. I never had a
girlfriend but my affluent lifestyle and look really left a dozen girls
on my speed dial.
‘’no, I’m no virgin’’ I stammered softly. He laughed and offered his hand for a handshake.
‘’that’s good’’ he surprisingly said, leaving me wondering what he asked the uncomfortable question for.
I
had my doubts about Kelvin but he was a very likeable parson and the
only one that offered me what no one else cared to offer me. I had to be
strong and focused to survive and dig out those behind my father’s
death.
I bet u, you wont regret reading this Very Interesting Inspirational Story
Episode 3
Jude’s side of the story continues
‘’So
how about I arrange a girl to cheer you up?’’ Kelvin suddenly
suggested, putting a tempting offer before me. I quickly shook my head.
‘’I just buried my father. No I don’t need a woman now’’ I breathed with a frown.
‘’that’s
cool, but you should learn how to put aside your grief and move on with
life’’ he advised softly. I sipped my drink, kept quiet for a while
before throwing him a very curious look.
‘’my
father was murdered. Do you have any idea who could be responsible?’’ I
asked, leaving him extremely surprised with my question. At first he
looked quite shocked but quickly composed himself.
‘’actually
I have no idea of what exactly led to your father’s death but supposing
I have something about that, I won’t tell you because you are in no
position to do anything about it. You have to first relax, face your
life, survive before asking questions unless you wish to die at a young
age’’ he answered guardedly , leaving me shrugging with resignation.
——————————————————–
‘’I
really want you to join my line of business. That’s the only way you
can survive, make enough money to pay your bills and live a much
fulfilled life. You see I run a string of networks that cut across multi
million Naira scams, forgery, gambling and so on. I have been doing it
for years and yes I currently have everything I want in life. I
shouldn’t be telling you all these but I think it’s my responsibility to
open a good road for you. Your dad helped me when everyone turned
against me. I have to reciprocate that gesture but I don’t know how
strong you are’’ he breathed as we headed home minutes later.
I
threw him a quick look, unable to say a word. Of course crime is
something that always sends a chill through an innocent man’s heart. I
felt suddenly cold.
‘’apart from the car your dad left behind, how much money do you have left?’’ he asked. I shrugged and breathed deeply.
‘’it’s not much. It won’t even last up to five months’’ I answered. He smiled.
‘’I
easily could pay your school fees and support your education but after
that what next?. Having a university education is no longer a guarantee
of getting a good job. Most graduates now end up working at factories
and workshops of school drop outs like me. Believe me, if you can be
part of my network, you will have a company of your own within four
years’’ he said seriously.
‘’but
why are you telling me all these bro?. You know we are not that close
for you to be opening up to me this way?’’ I asked curiously. He smiled.
‘’yes I know but I always follow my heart and this time it led me to you’’ he answered.
‘’but what truly are the chances of being caught?’’ I asked.
‘’hmmm
well I sincerely can’t say because no one in my network has ever been
caught. We don’t pull any deal without first making sure it’s safe. We
have people in every key country and bank. You have nothing to fear
bro’’ he answered, leaving me totally convinced. I breathed deeply and
nodded.
‘’fine I’m good to go” I breathed, leaving a very big smile on his face.
———————————————————————————
I
ended up spending three weeks at his house and what a hectic three
weeks it was. I learnt a lot. I learnt that social networks just weren’t
there for chatting alone, but also a very good fishing ground for scam
victims. I learnt the act of fishing, profiling, packaging and
presentation. I learnt to assume many identities. I even learnt some
foreign ways of communicating. I learnt a whole lot with Kelvin who used
the first three weeks I spent with him to teach me the secret behind
online scamming.
At the
end of three weeks I returned to my hostel to see if I could continue
with my university education from where I abandoned it months earlier.
I returned to school a different person. I returned to school with a different mindset.
——————————————————————————-
My
hostel mates all rushed into my room the moment they learnt I was back
to pay their condolences. I had lots of questions to answer and no
matter how hard I tried to be free with them; they all noticed that I
was changed.
One after the other they soon left, finally leaving Tracy and I alone in my room.
Tracy
was my course mate and someone very dear to me. She really helped me a
lot in my first year and equally was very helpful in my second year.
I
had to move over to my current hostel earlier in the year just to be
closer to her. But my feelings for her were simply pure and harmless. I
saw her as a very innocent girl who never deserved to be harmed and I
never for once had any strange or bad ideas for her.
Even
when I had sharp quickies with other girls, I made sure she never got
to know about it. She was the only girl that understood me. But for the
first time in my life, I was very uncomfortable being alone with her.
‘’you
lost your dad and you never invited anyone to his burial, including me.
I only got to hear about it from a course mate. And now you are acting
so strange and different. What’s really going on?. You can still confide
in me’’ she demanded, drawing close to hold my hand. I looked away,
avoiding her gaze for no just reason. Her presence made me feel totally
uncomfortable.
‘’I lost
my dad. He was killed. I have no one else. I’m all alone in a country
that is still a bit foreign to me. I have bills to pay. My school fees,
hostel rent, test book, feeding and everything. Why won’t I look
different with such problems bugging me?’’ I asked breathlessly.
‘’I
understand. That’s why you should always confide in me. I’m not from a
poor family. We can always find a way out, just like we did in our first
year. ‘’ she said tightening her grip on me. I quickly broke. free from
her, stood up and breathed deeply.
‘’never
mind, I already have found a way out. I have a new means of taking care
of myself’’ I said without thinking, leaving her staring at me with
great astonishment.
‘’what
in the world are you talking about. Can you put me through please?’’
she demanded like a caring wife, leaving speechless as I instantly
searched for a lie to cover my outburst but couldn’t find any.
I really liked Tracy but I had to keep some things from her to retain her respect.
Episode 4
Jude’s side of the story continues
‘’listen
Tracy. I’m no longer the spoilt good for nothing rich dude you used to
know. I’m now nothing. I’m now nobody. I can’t even afford to take you
out or buy lunch for you like I used to do in the past’’ I confessed for
no reason, leaving the young girl totally shocked with my comment.
‘’are
you trying to insult me or what?. Are you trying to say that I have
been your friend all these while for your money or what?. I see you have
nothing to talk about. You know where to find me when you get a grip of
yourself’’ she replied with great energy, hissed and headed to the
door. I instantly regretted every word I said to her.
It really was the first time she was getting angry with me. I kind of felt it.
‘’I’m
so sorry for attacking you. I just haven’t been myself since I lost my
dad and returning to the hostel really disorganized my head. I’m sorry’’
I apologized.. She stopped, turned and faced me.
‘’sharing
your feelings, confiding in someone you trust can be helpful in your
present condition. I suggest you talk to me. Open your heart to me.
Share your feelings with me’’ she demanded soothingly, drawing close to
me once again. I bit my lips and stared at her for some seconds.
‘’You won’t understand how I feel right now’’ I breathed, staring deep into her eyes.
‘’My
dad was murdered. I was told he died in his sleep but that’s a mystery
I’m so eager to unravel. My uncles all teamed up and organized a quick
burial without considering my feelings with the pretence of cutting
costs. My dad was in the country for a business he told me he was
setting up the last time we talked. He equally had plans of completing
his house in the village and marrying a new wife. No one has been able
to give account of how his money grew winds or why he died so
mysteriously. Now out of nowhere, one of my cousins is offering to help
me stand on my feet. But I don’t trust him. I feel there is more to his
help. I was with him for three weeks and he taught me stuffs that I
never knew were real, Stuffs that I’m so ashamed to talk about. Here I’m
so confused, so empty and so tired of life’’ I poured out solemnly,
covering my face with my palms. Tracy drew closer, took down my hands
and searched my eyes for a while before surprising me with a hug. And
yes I badly needed the hug.
‘’you
have every reason to be suspicious and concerned. You have every reason
to seek for the truth but you are not yet ready for such because if
indeed your dad was murdered, it means the murderer is still out there
observing your movements. You have to let it go for now at least until
you finish your education’’ she advised softly.
‘’you
said your cousin is teaching you stuffs?. What exactly is he teaching
you?’’ she suddenly demanded, throwing me off balance with her question.
‘’Tracy
please don’t ask me that question. I beg of you. Let’s just forget
about all I said to you’’ I begged softly. She stared at me suspiciously
before shrugging with resignation.
‘’you
have to be careful Jude. I hope no one is trying to manipulate or put
you in trouble after murdering your father’’ she breathed, leaving the
idea embedded in my heart as we stared at each other.
‘’perhaps Kelvin could really be behind my father’s death’’ I wondered for the umpteenth time as Tracy’s eyes met mine.
——————————————————————————————
meanwhile @joe’s Gym, works layout,
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
(Inside the gym; Kelvin and his friend Joe are seen having a heated discussion. The two guys have been friends for a long time)
————————
‘’so I hope your young cousin is learning very fast?’’ Joe asked me.
‘’yes
the boy is a quick learner. He has the brain. But seriously I do feel
guilty for his father’s death. You can’t believe the man called me to be
with him the day he arrived town but I couldn’t honor his invitation
because I was busy with Cynthia. I feel the man was murdered and perhaps
I would have prevented it supposing I honored his invitation to be with
him’’ I confessed with great guilt.
‘’jeez’’ Joe breathed.
‘’I
feel so responsible. You can’t believe that the man’s money and
everything just disappeared without a trace. He confided in me before
coming to the country that he was setting up a business in Nigeria. I
don’t have details of the business or names of his partners. His death
was just so clean and untraceable’’ I added, shaking my head.
‘’he died in the village?’’ Joe asked. I nodded.
‘’yes
and that’s the most confusing thing. The man always spent the night in
the city whenever he was in the country but I was surprised that he
spent the night in his small old house in the village. You know the old
house behind the new building?’’ I explained to Joe who nodded silently.
‘’whoever
killed him will have me to battle. Tomorrow I will be going to the
village to confront my father. I feel he is hiding something with his
brothers’’ I resolved while my friend shrugged.
‘’you
are not good at playing the good guy. I hope you don’t fail in this new
quest of yours’’ he grinned, lighting up a cigarette as I looked down
with great worry.
Episode 5
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
Early
the next morning, I headed to the village to confront my dad. Deep down
I was extremely anxious. A part of me needed the truth while another
part of me was scared of what the truth could reveal. I prayed for my
dad not to be involved in the silly scandal. Of courses his involvement
would affect my plans and everything I stood for.
I
just wasn’t myself as I drove into our compound that early morning. I
arrived home quite on time to join my parents on breakfast. Dad was of
course so surprised with my unannounced visit and as soon as we were
alone, he threw the first serious question.
‘’I
know you aren’t here for breakfast, so what brought you home this
early?’’ he asked curiously. I smiled, studying him keenly.
My
old man really was a nice man who had the best plans for me. He wanted
me to be a medical doctor. He wanted me to be the first doctor in the
family and when I dropped out of school, he was so totally devastated,
to the extent of washing his hands off me.
However
when I left for the city and started making my money, he was forced to
tolerate me once again, even though the pain of disappointment was still
very much in him.
‘’it’s because of Jude that I’m here dad’’ I breathed while he drew back with concern.
‘’how
about him?. Don’t tell me something happened to him?. You know I was
glad when you took him to the city’’ he muttered anxiously.
‘’the boy is fine but I just want to know how his father really died and why you guys hurriedly buried him?’’ I asked curiously.
‘’oh not again’’ he breathed looking down.
‘’you
know the boy’s father was a brother i cherished the most. He never kept
anything from me till his death. I was with him the evening before his
death. He spoke of many things. He told me about a shipping business he
was about starting in the country. He equally told me about the lady he
planned marrying. Yes the lady was with him that evening. He introduced
her to me but I really didn’t pay a very close attention to her because
of my bad eyesight. But she’s very pretty and a bit advanced in age. She
looked about thirty to thirty three years old. Things played out so
fast my son. In the morning we discovered my brother dead and all alone.
The woman wasn’t there and there wasn’t any way to find her and you
know leaving my brother’s body in the morgue for such investigation
could drag on to a year. Who would foot the bills?. Moreover the
hospital we took him to said he died of natural causes. We had no choice
than to bury him’’ he explained while I shook my head with anger.
‘’dad
I’m totally disappointed. You and your brothers just buried one of your
own like a dog just because of this silly excuse. Can I have the keys
to my uncle’s house?. I know you still have the spare?’’ I demanded with
a raised tone, leaving him indecisive for some seconds. He finally rose
up, went to his room and returned with the keys.
‘’find
the woman and perhaps, you would get all the answers you seek’’ he said
with a solemn tone as he handed the keys over to me.
——————————————–
I
quickly headed to my late uncle’s old house to see if I could find
anything that would lead me to the mystery woman. I made my way to his
room and calmly searched every bit of it. All I could find was his
suitcase which had many documents inside. I couldn’t go through the
documents that minute, instead I grabbed the suitcase and left the house
with it. My plan was to take my time in going through the documents in
my house.
——————–
I
returned to the city two hours later, so anxious to go through the
documents. The first thing that greeted my eyes as I opened the first
envelope I saw inside the suitcase was a signed Cheque meant for a lady
with the name ‘’JESSICA SIMON”. My hands shook as I stared at the paper,
trying to come out with an idea. But I barely had the time to think out
anything when I got a phone call from Cynthia that she was being
detained at a police station.
‘’please
come bail me dear. I can’t stand this place’’ she begged, leaving me
with no choice than to abandon all I was doing and head over to the
station to bail her a-s out.
——————————————————————————————
That very same day,
Jude’s side of the story
I
stared at the huge lecture notes before me, clueless on how to
photocopy all of them. I really missed a lot of tests and assignments
even though Tracy did her best in covering some for me.
‘’I don’t how this semester will be. I give up’’ I breathed to an astonished Tracy.
‘’you
just have to relax; little by little you will cover everything.
Tomorrow we can start by meeting the lecturers you missed their tests to
explain your situation.’’ She suggested.
‘’I have to go. I have to go cool off’’ I breathed, standing up.
‘’don’t
tell me you are leaving the class?. It’s barely 12pm and we have
lecture by 12:30pm’’ she reminded me but my mind was already made up to
leave the class.
‘’we
will see in the hostel. Just take care’’ I said to her, walked out of
the class and headed to my dad’s car, where I relaxed for some seconds
before driving away. I headed straight to Kelvin’s house to cool off.
On
getting to the house, I found it locked, but I had the spare keys he
gave me. I easily let myself in, fetched a can of coke from his fridge,
switched on the TV and settled down to rest. When I tried changing the
channel, I couldn’t find the remote and had to go over to his room to
see if he left it there. But on getting to the room, a strange sight
greeted me.
‘’I FOUND MY DAD’S SUITCASE AND DOCUMENTS SCATTERED OVER HIS BED’’ I couldn’t believe my eyes as my imaginations ran wild.
‘’how
could I be so stupid to believe his friendly gestures?. Of course he
killed my dad. This is strong evidence’’ I shook with great rage as I
backed out of his room and headed to the kitchen to grab a knife.
I bet u, you wont regret reading this Very Interesting Inspirational Story
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Be a blessing!!!
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