Bad habit

[Ezeigbo Christian]

BAD HABIT by Ezeigbo Christian

Chapter 1: The Genesis

Femi and Tola’s love story was one that many admired. From the moment they met at a mutual friend’s wedding in Ikeja, sparks flew between them. Femi, a tall, soft-spoken man, was drawn to Tola’s warmth and intelligence. She had an easy smile that lit up any room she walked into, and her sense of humor balanced out his often serious demeanor. It wasn’t long before their friendship blossomed into something deeper. After two years of dating, Femi proposed during a quiet dinner at their favorite restaurant in Victoria Island, and Tola said yes without hesitation. They were married six months later.
Life as a married couple in Lagos was not without its challenges, but Femi and Tola faced them together, always finding comfort in each other’s company. Femi worked as a branch manager at one of the leading banks in the city, while Tola was a dedicated secondary school teacher at a private school in Surulere. Their lives were busy, but they made time for each other, sharing meals and long conversations whenever they could.
Their apartment in a quiet estate in Ikeja had become a home filled with love and laughter. The two-bedroom space was modest but comfortable, decorated with a mix of Tola’s eye for style and Femi’s penchant for minimalism. The small living room was their favorite spot. In the evenings, they would often sit together on the plush gray couch, Tola’s head resting on Femi’s shoulder as they watched Nollywood movies or shared stories about their day.

“Femi, I think we should visit Mama this weekend,” Tola suggested one Friday evening as they sat together after dinner. “It’s been a while, and she mentioned something about missing your cooking.”

Femi smiled, knowing full well that his mother always used his cooking as an excuse to have them visit. “Mama will never change. She misses you more than the food, but I’m sure she won’t complain if I make some jollof rice while we’re there.”
Tola chuckled, the sound soft and familiar, filling the room with a warmth that Femi had grown used to over the years. It was moments like this that made their relationship so special—the ease with which they communicated, the quiet intimacy they shared.
Weekends were often spent visiting Femi’s family in Ibadan or Tola’s family in Lagos. They both came from close-knit households, and family was important to them. They had spoken often about starting their own family someday, but they weren’t in a rush. For now, they were content with the life they had built together.
But despite the peaceful rhythm of their lives, there was a lingering emptiness that neither of them wanted to acknowledge. It had been almost three years since their wedding, and while they had not actively tried to have children, the absence of a baby had begun to weigh on them—especially Tola. She had heard whispers from family members, subtle comments about when they would finally start a family. Femi’s mother, Mama, had even dropped a few hints during their last visit.
“Femi, you know you’re not getting any younger,” she had said gently, her tone laced with expectation. “It’s time to give me a grandchild.”
Femi had laughed it off, assuring his mother that everything would happen in due time, but the conversation stayed with him. He had noticed how quiet Tola had become afterward, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a contemplative silence.
That night, as they drove back to Lagos, Tola had spoken in a soft voice. “Do you think something is wrong with us?” she asked, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Femi had glanced at her, surprised by the question. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… we’ve been married for a while now, and nothing has happened. Maybe we should see a doctor?”
Femi had reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “There’s nothing wrong with us, Tola. These things take time. We’re not in a rush, remember?”
Tola had nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained. She loved Femi deeply, but the thought of not being able to give him a child haunted her. She wanted to believe that everything would work out as he said, but there were days when her fears got the better of her.
Despite these occasional moments of doubt, their marriage remained strong. They had learned to lean on each other through difficult times, and their bond only grew with each passing day. Femi was Tola’s rock, always calm and steady, while she brought a lightness to his life that balanced out his serious nature.
It was a Wednesday evening, and Femi had just returned from work, tired but content. The bank had been unusually busy that day, and all he wanted was to relax with Tola over a hot meal. She had prepared efo riro and pounded yam, and the smell of the stew filled the apartment, making his stomach growl in anticipation.
As they sat down to eat, Femi’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was his younger brother, Peter. Femi’s face lit up as he answered the call. Peter had always been his favorite sibling, the one he had looked out for since they were children. Though they were five years apart, they had always been close.

“Peter! It’s been a while. How are you?” Femi greeted, his tone warm and welcoming.

“Brother, I’m fine, but I need your help,” Peter’s voice came through the line, sounding slightly stressed.

Femi’s brow furrowed. Peter had just completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu a few months ago, and Femi knew he had been struggling to find a stable job. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

Peter hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I’ve been applying for jobs everywhere, but nothing has come through. I’m running out of money, and I can’t afford to stay in Enugu any longer. I was hoping I could come to Lagos and stay with you and Tola for a while… at least until I find something.”

Femi glanced at Tola, who was listening intently. He knew that she would be supportive—she had always been kind to his family, treating them like her own. “Of course, Peter,” Femi replied without hesitation. “You can stay with us for as long as you need. We’ll help you get back on your feet.”
Tola smiled and nodded, confirming her approval. “Yes, Peter, you’re welcome anytime,” she added, her voice kind and sincere.
Peter’s relief was palpable even through the phone. “Thank you, brother. I really appreciate it. I’ll come down to Lagos this weekend.”
After the call ended, Femi and Tola continued their meal, discussing Peter’s situation. Tola was genuinely excited to have him stay with them. She had always liked Peter’s carefree personality, and she believed that with the right guidance, he would find his way.
The weekend came quickly, and Peter arrived at their apartment late Saturday afternoon. Tola had prepared a small welcome meal, and Femi had helped Peter settle into the spare bedroom. As the evening progressed, the three of them sat together, catching up on old times and sharing stories. Peter was full of life, cracking jokes and making them laugh with his usual charm. Femi was happy to see his brother again, and Tola found herself enjoying his company as well.

In the days that followed, Peter quickly adapted to life in their home. He was polite, helpful around the house, and always quick to lighten the mood with his sense of humor. Femi was glad to have him around, and Tola didn’t mind either. Having Peter there almost felt like they were extending their family, filling the apartment with more laughter and warmth.
But there were small moments, fleeting glances that went unnoticed at first. Peter’s eyes lingered on Tola a little longer than they should have when she walked past. Sometimes, in the quiet of the evening, he would watch her from across the room, his gaze intense and unreadable. Tola, oblivious to the shift, continued to treat him like a younger brother, never suspecting that anything was amiss.

As the weeks went by, Peter’s job search continued without much success, but Femi was patient. He encouraged his brother to keep trying, confident that something would come through eventually. Tola, too, remained supportive, always ready with a kind word or a home-cooked meal to lift his spirits.
Yet, beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful life, something was stirring—something dark and dangerous that neither Femi nor Tola could see coming.
And one night, as Tola lay asleep in her bed, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows, Peter stood at the door of their bedroom, his heart racing, his thoughts no longer innocent.
Femi slept soundly beside her, completely oblivious to what was about to unfold.

[Sammyd]

Wow where is the concluding part

[Author]

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