Game Of Trust

Richard a graduate of engineering never found life easy years after he graduated from school. He worked menial jobs to earn till he settled for bricklaying. He dreamt of being a boss, he hoped on being the best. He kept on thinking, would he ever achieve his dreams or was being an hobos actually his destiny. What has life got to offer to him?, why does nothing go as he planned? Or was that his fate? While he stood wallowing in thoughts, he was enthralled by the sight of the woman he loved. All emotions he felt showed on his face like a kaleidoscope.

He gazed so desperately at the woman walking towards him. He smiled so bright as though he was never worried about what would become of him in the nearest future, almost as though all would be fine as long as she remained by his side.

"What has gotten the man I adore so lost in thoughts. Hey, I can tell you disturbed over an issue no matter how hard you try to hide it with a smile." A little frown on her face showed the wrinkle on her forehead.

"I am only stressed my love. I wish to be above this level. I was thinking of better ways to make you happy, I was thinking of how much love you have shown me, how much peace I have got within me. You my love are the reason why I am this bold to hold on and not give up." Richard replied holding her hands expressing sadness.

"Life is full of challenges. This is your phase in life and believe me you are the strongest man I know. You have being through the toughest. Remember tough times don't last only tough people do." She said to him with a smile. "I love you." She added.

"I bless the day we crossed path." Richard replied pulling her to himself kissing her deeply. He moved his hands in caress as he touched all of her. He slowly laid her on his bed. Placing a soundless kiss on her lip, he went lower to her neck level, she began to respond accordingly to every kiss and touch she received from him. The grabbed each other in an embrace as they kissed and exchanged DNA's.

Viola a beautiful lady from a wealthy family decided to love from a scratch hiding her identity and wealth. She fell in love with Richard knowing fully he was a lower class. She saw his strength and determination to achieving his dreams and she fell deeply for him. In a world of discrimination, her friends and family were against her choice of love. The discrimination was at the verge of uttering her relationship with the man she loved. Though she hid her identity because of the fear of being loved only for her wealth, she was willing to fight for the love she had for Richard. Her parents were against her loving a hobos let alone live with one. Viola's visit to Lagos was for her best friend's wedding. She planned to stay few weeks but after meeting Richard, few weeks turned into months and finally years. Jane her best friend helped her protect her identity and ensured they were both happy in their relationship.

"I'm sorry for my lateness sir. I was delayed by the traffic." Richard said to his boss who was amazed as at what hour Richard shew up at work.

"Lagos and traffic. It's fine Richard I understand. Adjust your wake up time though I might not be in a good mood to pardon you next time." Mr Chris replied calmly yet authoritatively.

"Yes sir." Richard responded

Even though Mr Chris trusted Richard, he ensured never to make it obvious to avoid jealousy from the other workers. Richard's integrity, honesty and loyalty made him different from others. He ensured all works at the site were properly done. And it attracted Favour from his boss. Richard was made the supervisor of every project and handled all with maturity. Mr Chris knew with Richard, every project was a success. He helped Richard when necessary.

Both lovebirds had the ability to endure. They loved each other in thick and thin. Viola ensured she helped him overcome depression. She prayed for him, encouraged him, stood by him, she understood his fears, she fought for the love she had for him. To Richard, she was his strength and reason to live. Though they fought many times, their love for each other grew daily. To many they were a perfect match, a match made in Heaven.

Richard was known to be a man of integrity. He avoided unnecessary fights from people around him. He focused only on making ends meet for himself and his woman. He made a hobby of calling Viola a swan as her spirit animal because she appeared elegant in motion. She truly was an embodiment of grace.

"My love don't you think you are overworking yourself? It's been long since you rested. You go through stress every single day and you don't even use your free time to rest. You are always lost in thoughts. You know, my dad usually says when a desperate man goes into hunting and kills an elephant then he's overcome poverty and if the elephant kills him, he has overcome poverty. Either way, the aim has been achieved. You are not a poor man, you are strong I know this but you need to quit overthinking it is obviously affecting your health and you still act like you are okay." Viola said to Richard with a voice expressing sadness and fear.

Holding her hands he drew her closer to himself making her listen to his heartbeat, placing a soundless kiss on her lips he smiled and replied "my swan I am sorry I got you bothered. I promise to avoid overthinking and rest with my free time." He then slowly lifted her jaw and kissed her deeply.

It is a new day. A sunny sunday morning with gospel music playing from a nearby neighbors apartment. Richard stepped out to feel the sun on his ebony skin. He stood outside with his hands in his pockets, he inhaled and exhaled deeply letting out a smile showing content. He walked back into his apartment and quickly heated water for his bath. He had literally nothing to do at home as his apartment was always neat. After taking his bath he sat on a chair brought out his Bible, a book and pen, and joined a service online. Viola stepped few minutes after he gone online. They both connected their faith and listened thoroughly. They prayed fervently and jotted down every word. After the service was over, they both went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

"You know, the man of God stated that a born again Christian is likely to face trials which may either break him or mold him. The fact that he told his success story serves as an encouragement to young men who feel like giving up is an option. I know you'll overcome your situation. Like a deer you trust your intuition, you are graceful, gentle, sensitive and you, my love embrace change and growth. I love you so much and I will never leave you for no man. My hearts calls your name." Viola said enthusiastically.

Speechless he smiled, hugged her and kissed her forehead.

It is early hours of the day. Richard prepared quite early for work as a result of insomnia. He prayed some day all would be fine and soon he'd sign contracts worth every penny. He was set for work, he sat on his soft leathered sofa with a cup of coffee on his hand, he glanced through his social media scrolling through to while away time since it was too early to leave for work. Then a call came through.

"Hello Mr Richard good morning."

"Yes... Good morning. To whom i'm I speaking with?" asked Richard curiously.

"I am a friend to your Late sister. News has it that your sister was involved in a fire accident which has cost her, her life."

"WHHHAAATTTT... Wait, who are you. What's going on? Where and when did this happen?" Richard asked with a frightened yet demanding tone.

"Calm down Mr Richard. I am John Adams. I've known your sister for few years. I heard the news about an explosion at her apartment. I figured she died yesterday in her apartment after the fire outrage. A lot of people sustained injuries a few died before the fire was finally put out and Juan happened to be among the few. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Stella her best friend was heartbroken and scared to relay the message to you and asked I helped her do that. My condolences." Concluded John Adams.

Speechless... he hung up the call with teary eyes and a heavy heart. He called Stella, Juan's best friend and asked about her body to be buried accepting fate but unfortunately her body was burnt to ashes as a result of the explosion. He quickly called his boss and relayed the news. Mr Chris asked him to take his time to heal before returning back to work. He consoled Richard, he knew his sister was the only family he had left.

Memories from the past began to unfold. Frightened at the news he developed rigor. The pain of losing a loved one, the pain he felt after losing his parents to illnesses. Richard had lost his dad at a tender age. He and his sister Juan were raised by their single mom who later died few days after Richard had graduated from school. The hardship was much on him as Juan was in her finals then. He got menial jobs to save up for Juan's examinations and helped her start up a restaurant where she became famous not just for her looks or kindness but for the sumptuous dishes she made. She was loved by all who came across her and she spread positivity across all who came her way. Juan later fell in love with Timothy popularly known as Tim. Tim helped her grow in her business. Juan used most of the money she saved to get a nice apartment for her brother hence the apartment where Richard lived.

Viola came in to see Richard sitting calmly at the edge of the bed resting his shoulder and head on the wall, fighting back his tears. She knew he was pained. She quickly went to his side and placed his head on her chest, patted him gently telling him everything would be fine. Richard who tried so hard to hold back his tears could not control it any longer. He held her waist so tight in an embrace and cried like a baby.

"Juan always brought about positivity wherever she went, she had never for once imagined she would be no more so soon, she had dreams, goals to achieve and was very hardworking. Witnesses confessed to her being sick the day she died and it was in the bid of resting a while that the explosion occurred. Why did she have to leave so soon? Why would she have to die in such a way? I can't bury my own sister because her body is all burnt to ashes. What if I'm next? She never planned to leave, what if I leave without achieving anything? What if...?

"Shhhh". Viola replied placing her finger on his lip. "What if you succeed and live happily ever with your family for a very long time? Focus on positivity, your sister would never let you think negative in any situation. Maybe that was the proper resting God wanted for her. A peaceful rest for her soul. We may see it as a loss and tragic ending on earth but in heaven, it is an addition and a happy beginning for her. She was as humble as a sheep and fearless as a honey badger. Your sister is resting in peace babe I believe that. As we make plans, God has also got his plans for us, we only need to pray that his mercy goes on with us and as we go according to his will, he would remember his promises in granting us long life and prosperity. God loves you babe, he loves your sister to, he alone knows his reasons for all he does. Be strong babe I'm sure that's what she would need you do at this moment."

"If only tears could bring her back then I'll cry me a river." Replied Richard with a shaky voice expressing pain.

Viola who was already teary quickly composed herself held his head against her breast so tight then raised his head, she used her hands to wipe his tears and placed a deep kiss on his lips. She felt his running temperature and quickly went to get a wet towel. She used it to calm his temperature before going to a nearby chemist to get him drugs.

Richard mourned his sister for quite long. It was hard accepting her death therefore he kept so dear every memory he had with Juan. Friends began to visit bearing gifts and warm condolences. He felt loved and saw the need to move on. Like a water Buffalo, he possessed strength to move on and interacted with people. He figured he needed to be strong especially for Viola who was never weak whenever he was at his lowest. He appreciated her immense strength in ensuring that the man she loved was never left alone and his love grew for her.

Richard shew gratitude to all who showed up for him at his lowest ensuring he avoided depression and giving him reasons to move on. Mr Chris was there for him as a father. He spoke wise words of encouragement and Richard never took his advices for a joke. When Richard resumed work, he appreciated everyone of his colleagues. He knew moving on from losing a lost one was hard but with friends around him, he never felt alone. They were more like a family to him and he was ever grateful for their support.

Richard returned home and decided to go through the memories he had kept with his sister. Viola who had returned from duty and prepared him a meal before sleeping off didn't notice his presence. He picked up a paper which contained a poem Juan had written for their mom while She was admitted. Rachel their mom, loved the poem Juan had written for her as she claimed it reminded her of the happy place she'd be immediately she lives earth. Viola finally noticed his presence and sat upright.

"Hey boo, what are you up to." She asked curiously.

"Keeping Juan's memory intact. She wrote this poem for my mom." Richard replied releasing a smile which exposed his masculine chin.

"Do you mind reading it out babe?" Viola asked.

"Yea...I don't mind babe. Well this is it... it's titled Peace..

I'll take myself to a trip

To a place where solitude reigns

And movement is breeze

A place filled with peace

A place only death can lead." Richard sighed and smiled...

"You know, my mom loved this poem it made her feel like there's really no reason to be scared of death." Richard added.

"It's heart warming." Viola replied with her hands on her chest.

It was few days to Richard's birthday and Viola had an idea of throwing him a simple birthday bash. She invited a few friends and prepared a few dishes. His birthday fell on a weekday and he obviously had to go to work. He left home quite early as usual. Viola began baking the cake and all necessary pastries. Everyone who was invited came along with gifts. Few hours to Richard's close time, everyone was present except for Collins, his best friend. Richard got home stressed as usual but was hit with such a heart melting surprise. He joined in and celebrated happily.

He held Viola's hands with purpose, while appreciating her for her efforts in making the celebration possible. Romance bloomed effortlessly between both lovebirds.

"Thank you all so much. I really I'm grateful to everyone of you who have took out time to celebrate with me. Even though birthday's are an addition of years and a reduction in lifespan, my prayer is that we all live to fulfill our destinies and that our lives will never be cut short like Juans." He sighed facing downwards holding back his tears. A little silence was felt after Richard had completed his speech. Viola consoled him.

Collins showed up few minutes to the close of the party with lots of gifts for his old time friend. Richard who never expected to see his childhood friend, out of excitement, Richard embraced Collins so tight and patted him so hard. The birthday celebration was fun.

Collins a charming architect with an infectious passion for life have been a good and adventurous friend to Richard from childhood. Collins helped Richard stay wrong after losing his mom and supported financially. Both friends were inseparable until life happened. They were both intelligent, honest, ambitious, hardworking and loyal to their women. Everyday was a day of anticipation on the next kind of adventure they would unfold. They both encouraged and cheered each other up even in the most difficult situations. Collins decided to stay a few days with Richard to catch up with old times. They anchored each other with laughter, late nights conversations and stated out their dreams that stretched far beyond the horizon.

Richard's rent was already due and he was not able to afford he had no other choice than to leave. Unknown to him, getting him a new apartment was a part of the birthday gift Viola had set for him. He was given two weeks to pay up or else he would have no other option than to leave. Viola issued him documents of an apartment real close to his workplace in his name saying it was her wealthy best friend who considered it a birthday gift for him. Of cause Richard bought the story. He moved into his new apartment after a week. The apartment saved him transportation fare as it was real close to where he worked and it was far better than his old place.

"Babe I really don't know what to say. You've proved to me beyond unreasonable doubt that you really do love me. I never knew your friend would do such a thing for me, I never knew you would celebrate my birthday in such a massive way, I love you to the moon and back Vee, you truly are an Angel." Richard appreciated Viola.

"You know I love you and I am willing to make you happy in every way I can. I honestly didn't know your rent was due, you never told me a thing about it. I had already spoken with Janet about getting you an apartment as a birthday gift. That was when she told me she had a place here and was willing to give it out the place considering how tight our friendship has been over the years." Viola replied.

"I'm sorry I kept it a secret I didn't want you to get worried babe." Richard apologized for hiding the rent issue.

"It is fine. I am glad the issue has been sorted out already but please do not keep anything from me ok. We are in this together." Viola said convincingly.

"Thank you so much for loving me this way. I have been this strong and bold because of you. Truly your love is real. I know I am not financially stable but I promise never to hurt you. I feel hurt not being able to afford the best for you. You have been a mother, sister, a girlfriend and a best friend to me. I love you babe I really do. You have been a blessing to me." Richard said placing a kiss on her forehead.

"I appreciate all your efforts babe. You alone are my peace. I love you to boo." Viola replied and returned the kiss on his lips.

Richard felt he needed to do more for Viola. He decided to take her out to have fun. Though he didn't have much, he was willing to spend all on her. He felt she deserved more. He heard about events that he could afford. A crisp autumn evening, Richard surprised Viola by taking her to an event for lovebirds. They danced like stars colliding in a brilliant night sky. When their eyes met, a current of energy coursed between them. Viola's heart raced as she felt an inexplicable pull toward him. Their conversations were like they only met for the first time sparking an undeniable chemistry that would linger for a long while. She felt a thrill of excitement the kind that would linger for quite a long time, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Her smiles reminded him so much of the beautiful swan.

With Viola, Richard felt so much peace, her words of encouragement, smiles and beauty made him feel at home. Her tender skin, doll eyes and hour glass shape got him going crazy for her. He tried his best providing for her and she shew gratitude in the kindest way possible which made him eager to do more. He admired her dazzling caramel skin, her perfectly arranged set of dentition, her flowery set. She completely swept him off his feet. As they shared tender whispers and envisioned a future together, their love for each other grew.