Chapter 2: Shadows Collide
in Lagos Night
Lagos nights swallowed whispers like mine, but the pain lingered like humidity on Victoria Island. I lived with Ella now, immersed in her university world where secrets danced like neon on Ikorodu Road. The air was thick with unspoken truths.
Ella's depression clawed at her – I saw it in her sunken eyes, in the reckless way she'd sometimes laugh at 3 AM when Lagos slept. She'd tell me, "Confident, I'm lost," her voice cracking like harmattan-dried wood. Her relationship with Zubi (Justice) was a charade; she and Danella played moves Zubi never saw coming. They bled him dry – cash flowed from him like rain down Lagos gutters for things Ella shouldn't even ask for. I seethed thinking of it; Zubi was gold – kind, genuine. They were playing him hard.
Worse still – times I'd given Ella money meant for my hub kits (the things I loved crafting), she'd vanish with it. No beads adorned my projects; instead Danella flaunted new tops, perfumes bought with _my_ cash meant for creativity. Hurt cut like a broken bottle on Agege pavement. I discovered the betrayal and felt like I'd been Lagos-rain drenched – soaked in sorrow.
One night, Ella broke down on the flat's worn couch, tears mixing with her cheap perfume. "I don't know what I'm doing, Confident," she whispered. I grabbed her hands, fiery intent burning in me. "Ella, you deserve better. Let go of this toxic mess. Tell Zubi the truth – free him. For your sanity." I meant every word; I saw pain mirrored in her eyes.
But…
Ella didn't lash out. She nodded like a puppet whose strings were cut. I thought maybe – just maybe – she'd listen. *No*. Hours later, I caught fragments of a hushed conversation between Ella and Danella in the kitchen. Danella's sly laugh sliced air like a knife. "Confident said what now?" Danella purred like a cat with claws out. My gut twisted knowing; Ella had spilled my words to Danella.
Then came the cut: Ella asked me to leave the house for "privacy" – for her and Danella to "be". Hurt knifed me like a Surulere street fight. I was being pushed out for Danella's space. I packed minimal things, humiliation burning cheeks like hot Amala sellers' pepper on Lagos streets.
Alliance formed; betrayal brewed. They didn't confront me. Instead…the games intensified. Ella kept draining Zubi – money for trips, clothes, nights out…all while Danella hung like a shadow Ella didn't want escaping. And Lily? She hovered wounded; rumors of her and Danella lingered like Lagos smog. Possessiveness strangled Ella regarding Danella; no one touched "her" Danella.
My chest tightened like a screw turning. *Deception*. The word carved itself into my mind like graffiti on a Mushin wall. Who was playing whom? Pain simmered; health would pay later – I knew shadows were gathering.
End of Chapter 2