This story tells about the struggle of young aspiring upcoming music stars who are caught up in the hardships of life and the blows life has been throwing on them but they stood determined and head bent to succeed despite everything they have been through.

This story has a positive lessons to teach both upcoming, aspiring, and superstars. Everybody can learn from the story, it talks about life, love, struggles and happiness.

The barber’s boys are so interesting young people who works for Jeff in the barbing saloon, they are so amazing in their roles, they all got qualities of stars and also flaws, but can they make it through?

Find out in this story.    

                                                                    "ESTABLISHMENT"

In the year 2007, Jeffrey Orji established a barbing saloon which he had always wanted to own one day, the shop was more like a hip hop house, because it had pictures of superstars everywhere on the wall, he had frames of Tupac Sharkur, Nas, Snoop dogg, Jay z, Eminem, Dr Dre etc.

The saloon was well equipped with all new facilities to make any customer feel comfortable, the chairs cupboards was new, the clippers and warmers was also very modern, everything you see in a modern saloon was there, and that made the saloon very stylish.

The saloon also had big modern speakers on the four corners of the wall. They bang loud at every sound.

The space is big enough to contain more than fifty people, and the air conditioner is always on.

He called this mighty barbershop a ’’Jeff’s Stylish Cutz” and this shop is situated in the heart of the city, but there was no other saloon bigger than that of his around the neighborhood,

Jeff’s Stylish Cutz was the talk of the town, everyone wanted to have their hair cut there because it was big, sweet and comfortable, the music coming out from the saloon is attractive, the kids would tell their mommy that they want to barb even when their hair is still low.

The shop was quickly to pull customers and they came in their numbers, every day was busy for Jeff, because he had to barb them one after the other, he had no employee yet.

Jeff was a music lover, he had passion for music making, though he was in his late twenties, he was always rapping and free styling in every beat he comes across, Jeff was a very fine young man, he was really attractive to the ladies but he was not into womanizing, he was more of an ambitious man who wanted to make a living and live large.

Every day at the shop new customers keep trooping in, and before he could finish barbing one person, more than ten people have entered already, and they all want to be barbed, he had to talk to his cousin mike who had no job to come work for him.

Mike was a very handsome young man about 25, he had charming eyes and that made him unique, he was light skinned, tall, and he had a pointed nose, but he was just like his cousin, he had no time for women, he was always painting, and doing all sorts of art, he was very good at drawing real life images, but was under underpaid.      

 “Hey Mike I have a job for you, said Jeff.

”What kind of Job is that?

”Chill bro, I have a nice job you could be doing till you secure a mega job”

”Don’t keep me in suspense big J, say it already, you know me too well”

”Okay you will come work for me in my new shop, it’s really interesting there, I swear you will love it, trust me bro”

"No problem, i can’t wait"

"Trust me little bro"

                                                                       "CALL UP"

Jeff went ahead and employed more four serious minded people who haven’t met each other before, they were strangers to each other but ofcourse they were also musically talented, they had unique qualities.

Mike resumed the next day and was happy to be the barber’s boy, he immediately fell inlove with the shop settings, he had never seen a barber shop so big and equipped like his cousin’s.

He was given a special seat in the front row, beside Jeff’s seat.

"Mike that’s your spot, you will barb your customers in that seat" Jeff said.

"Thank you so much big J, that’s what family do for each other, you know i was just wondering why of all the seat in this place you choose the best spot for me, why?

"Because you re my cousin, you re my blood, and i have known you since you were a little kid, dad always told me to look after you in every way i can, i have great love for you and that’s why i’m doing this"

"Thank you brother, i won’t disappoint you man, you can always count on me okay"

"Yes I can always count on you, you are my blood and we stay blood forever"

Jeff employed four new people, they had special qualities on their own and most importantly they were very serious set of people, they had dreams in life.

Tony Black was the youngest among them, he had special skills, very confident in what he does, his charisma speaks for him, he was about 22 years old,

James was  more handsome, but he was too shy and timid, he has flows in music, he raps faster than most rappers, he was about 24.

Jessica was fondly called jess, she is such a beautiful young lady but very aggressive, she get pissed off easily, sometimes she could be nasty and rude but very reliable, she possess the street smartness, and everyone around her is always cared for.

Rose who was popularly known as rosey possessed more curves than every other person there,she is so endowned and pretty but in her own case she’s very calm, have tolerance for people.

They all had interest in music and art as a whole, Jeff employed them all and they were happy to work with him.

"Guys i employed you all because i got love for each and everyone of you here,not because you re better than the other person but because you all are stars and i have seen that in you all, i want everyone here to render his/her very best in this service, i know we all are good at what we do, but i want more and most especially i want you all to respect every customer that comes here whether big or small, we should have real conversation with people,be friends with everyone, love and respect each other, do you guys understand?"

"Yes Big J. they shouted

                                                               "Business As Usual"

Customers were trooping in and out. the whole shop was very lively, cool music was playing in the background, and the barber’s were just doing their job until a woman brought her ten year old son to have his hair cut.

"Hey madam where are you going? i have been seating here for a while now and i came before you, so why would you want to barb before me?" asked a customer kenny.

"What do you mean? I’m not cutting my hair, can’t you see i fixed a weavon uh?" Asked mrs sandra

"Madam i don’t know what you re trying to do there, but you re not going to barb before me, i’m just sorry"

"Look at this fool i have told you to stop taking schnapp that you people take but you will not hear, didn’t i just told you that i’m not here to barb, must you open your mouth and show everybody that you are a drunkard?"

"All Laughs"

"Big J have you seen? where is this woman from?"

"I’m from your village, haha are you suprised that i know all these things?"

(people still laughing)

"I’m only suprised at your stupidity madam, because you speak without sense, I can’t believe you re saying such a thing with your mouth and your son is looking at you"

"You call me stupid, look at this church rat still eating ’mama thank you’ you dare open your dirty mouth and talk to me that way, do you know who I am?"

"Who are you then, madam who are you? tell us who you are"

"It’s Okay, It’s Okay, Madam it’s okay, calm down, and brother please calm down too, this is a place of business, we don’t fight here please" Jeff said.

"Didn’t you hear him?" she replied.

"It’s Okay, It’s Okay Please don’t fall apart, I will barb your son right away, please take a seat"

"Jeff so you re going to barb her son before me? you saw me seating here since"

"Chill bro, for peace to reign i do her son first and you need to understand"

"Don’t worry come over here bro i will barb you perfectly" James said.

He Quickly stood up and walked right to the seat, but the mirror faced him and the woman.

They were just facing each other and people began to laugh again because of thier angry faces

"who wants free wine, Free wine?"Tony shouted.

"Shut up, you ogogoro boy" James yelled. (All Laughs)

                                                                     "Late Coming"

   As early as 7:00 am, Jeff came to work, very unusual of him, he usually come to work by 8:30am because he had boys who takes care of everything in his absence, mike was  always there to make sure everything is in order, but that particular day Jeff decided to come to work very early, he had a small toyota camry which he used to transport himself anywhere he wants to go.

When he got to his work place he saw that nobody had come to work yet, he did all the cleaning and sweeping himself, arranged everywhere, and put on the light, then customers started coming.

"Hey Jeff where is your employees? they re not here yet?" a customer asked.

"No man, Not yet"

"Look Jeff I’m going through some issues right now, i just need someone to talk to"

"What could be eating you up like this?, you look thin"

"Jeff my girlfriend broke up with me today, this morning, after 6 long years, i have sacrificed almost everything, everything, when she was thrown out by her landlord, i single handedly paid her rent, when she was admitted at the hospital, and she couldn’t pay for her treatment, i paid for all expenses, it was about hundred thousand. i take her to the boutique, she selects the dress of her choice, i pay for it, i have spent everything i have on her, and when i lost my job, i couldn’t fix the bills anymore, she started complaining, i tried to make her understand the situation, she slapped me and said i’m not a real man, i was pushed to give her a beating and boom she threw my engagement ring at me and broke up with me, I’m so confused now"

"Wow, what a heartbreaking story, Where is she now?"

"I don’t know, she left the house with all her luggages"

"Aww kings i know how you feel, i know exactly how you feel right now, but i will tell you that such a woman is not meant for you, Let’s be realistic here, she has been waiting patiently for day like this so she could break up with you, but it’s good that it happened and now you know that she has been seeing someone else behind you, let her go bro, she’s not the only girl in the world, you will find a real woman who will love you and won’t leave"

"How Can i forget her after all these years?"

"You will, i’m here for you"

About 8:00 am. the boys started coming, and they all came once as If they planned it.

"How many times will i say it? no late coming, come to work on time, and this will be the last time i’m going to ever repeat this, Mike What happened?"

"I’m sorry Big J, swears it will never happen again, i promise.

"We are sorry Boss" they chanted.

"Okay, Go Ahead and do your jobs" jeff said.  

                                                                       "CATCHING FEELINGS"   

As business was going on, a number of customers Keep trooping in, the Cool music of Davido "Fia" was banging out on the Cool speakers and the air conditioner was helping Cool people’s nerves.

"Who took my lipstick, i kept it on my hand Bag here and right now i can’t find it" Jessie yelled out.

"Why are you looking at me uhh? do i use the same lipstick with you"? Rosey replied.

"What do you mean?, didn’t you use it yesterday?"

"So what?, If i used it Yesterday because i forgot mine Does that mean that i’m using it with you?

"I suspect you have taken it, the looks in your face tells me you re the one."

"Damn you girl, you re so full of yourself" rosey replied.

"Hey Hey, What’s with you girls? yelling about one lipstick and disturbing everybody here" mike shouted.

"She always do that, that’s how she snatched my boyfriend" Jessie said.

"Oh my goodness, Rosey did you do that? (laughs) james responded

"Which boyfriend is she talking about? the one that was chasing me up and down"

"Liar, you snatched him."

"Tell us, who is this boy? am i the one" tonyblack replied.

"Look at you, you didn’t even ask If i’m the one."

"(Laughsss) What i’m going to do with a small boy like you, go and sleep jhoor"

"All Laughs"

"Did you hear that baby boy? a customer said while laughing mockingly.

After 9:pm  reached they closed for the day and everyone was already hurrying to get a taxi to go home, But Mike wasn’t even making any attempt, he just sat at the entrance pavement and stayed nonchalant.

"Mike What’s wrong? ain’t you going home? Why are you seated here." Jeff asked.

"No I’m not, i have a party to catch this night." he replied.

"Come on mike Let’s go home, don’t go to any party" Jessie suggested.

"Let him be, If he doesn’t want to go home now, leave him alone" said Rosey.

"Alright Be Careful Bro" Said Jeff.

They all boarded a taxi and moved but Rosey crossed the road and still came back to mike.

"What? ain’t you going home too, go home i’m heading to the night club now, understood?"

                                                                     "LOVE AT THE CLUB"

" I understand you mike, but i want to have a word with you" she replied.

"A word with me?, What is it? I hope you re not trying to preach to me that going to the club is bad, because i’m not going to listen to you."

"Far from that mike, really Mike i have been dying in silence, every day we come to work, i imagine you as my boyfriend, sometimes at home i can’t sleep, i would be thinking about you, about how much i love you and....."

"And what? Rosey you have to do yourself a favor, get that feelings off your head, because i don’t love you, i don’t want any relationship now, as you know i’m a hustler, there’s no time for me to love you" he interrupted.

"Mike you re hurting me."

"What happened to your boyfriend? is he not treating you right anymore?"

"He is trying his best but i don’t love him anymore, he is overly caring, too protective and i don’t like it atall"

"Oh oh.. Clap for yourself Sweetheart, Rosey No Clap for yourself first, You re a nagging girlfriend, and you know what?"

"What?"

"I’m Running Late, i need to be at the club before they close the gate. are you coming?"

"Ofcourse i’m coming with you."

"Good"

He held her hands and they crossed the busy road and went inside the clubbing house, he paid the gate fee but the ladies are free, so they entered and the club was bubbling and the blue and red light was shinning hard.

She held his hands as If they were couples, but he quickly left her hand and rushed to the nearest lady dancing.

The music was banging hard and everybody was shaking their body, Mike rocked his dance mate.

Rosey was just seated at a spot, though some guys approached her but she rejected to dance with any of them, she was sipping a glass of moet and she thought all to her self.

"So Mike brought me here to disgrace me, he left me all by myself here. and he’s dancing with this girl, is this girl finer than me?

After few minutes he came back to her. "Hey"

"Don’t talk to me, you have humiliated me by bringing me here today"

"I’m Sorry, but i didn’t have you in Mind coming here, so you shouldn’t take it personal

                                                                     "UNEXPECTED FAME"

                        (In an intoxicated state)

"Mike I hate you, stay away from me, don’t come close to me, you hear me? stay away from me" she stressed out.

"Stop the drinking, you re having too much, you can’t control yourself anymore."

(She tries to stand on her feet and fell back to the sofa)

"Let me help you out" (he reached out to help her)

"Stay away from me, can’t you get it"

"No problem suit yourself i’m out of here, get yourself home later"

(He gives up and reaches for the exit)

"Please don’t go, I can’t do without you"

(He acted deaf to it and continued to move forward)

She got up like a vibrant athlete and dashed to the stage like a woman being chased, she collected the mic and with all curious eyes on her.

"Mike I love you, I need you, words can’t express it"

Mike was forced to look back and he was stunned by what he heard, he stood speechless and just confused, trying to regain his composure, because all eyes was on him and just few seconds people started murmuring.

"Go to the stage mike, go mike, go mike."

Another voice from the crowd shouted. "Mike i don’t know you to be a dullard, go act like a man now"

He walks to the stage with all boldness though he haven’t done it before, he took another mic and climbed the stage.

"I got so many things on my mind now, but i must tell you how i feel If you so want it. now guys help me to make her understand.

(*Lyrics to "I need you")

" Me and Rosey been colleagues since day one’

I compiment her beauty every day, i tell her how beautiful she is, how she glows, take a look at these beauty and endownment, a man could go crazy trying to figure it out, you know she got that charm, i get under her influence everytime’ her time with me is cherished forever, she is always on my mind but you know i gotta act like a man, i pretend like i don’t need her when all i pray is to be under her arms, i’m sorry babe but i need you too’ i need your love’ i need your touch’ imagine making beautiful kids with you’ raising them up with you"

                                                                 "Wild Perfomance"

She was stunned and kept on smiling as she played along like it was a duet and planned performance, she continued with the chorus.

(Chorus.."I Need You")

"I neeeeeed you, I’m sooooo Inlove with you baby’

Your kind words are shot to my soul’ you don’t know what you have done to me boy’

Boy i’m so into you’ Boy my soul is uplifted’ my heart is open to you to forever’

Handle my heart with care boy’ I’m not used to feeling this way,now i’m singing this way’

I feel so goooooood Tonight’ i feel so Inlove with youuuu Tonight’ you alone boy’

"Wow, wow, wow," people shouted.

       (Verse two+2)

They don’t know what we been through’ we been through hell yet we stayed unhurt just cause of our affection with each other’

We been running round in these circles’ seem not to get out of this love circle’

you know we can’t let it go’ we can’t let the flames get turned off’ our lives depend on these fire burning within us’ Yeah yeah’

Baby can you remember the night we trekked home not considering the rain beating us’ We didn’t even remember we walked under the rain’ cause we were inlove not knowing it yeah’

Now that i have the chance i will speak my mind without caring what people might say yeah.. Yeah yeah.

(Chorus follows)

(Third Verse)

Now that i have your love’ I’m assured Yeah’

Waking up every morning to your beautiful text.Yeah’

Seeing your beautiful face in my sleep’ Yeah

Calling you three times a day before the night comes.Yeah

When the cold night comes, cuddling you till morning Yeah yeah’

Now you gon feel the test of love’ yeah’ can you pass that test’ yeah.

I love you baby’ say you love me too’ Yeah’ i want you yeah yeah’

Closing up from work so i can keep you company at home’ Yeah Yeah’

(The End) people clapped for a very long while, cheering them up for a good performance.

                                                        "Officially Signed To A Record Label" 

People Kept On Shouting in excitement, the joy was very different from other previous performances, and after the show they were approached by three different labels.

"Hi my name is Christopher Davids, I’m the CEO of Royal Art Entertainment, I manage artiste like you and i came to this club specially to sign a new artiste and i have seen what i’m looking for in you guys, so what’s your names" he asked.

"My name is Michael Orji, and my girlfriend here is Rose Benjamin, Stage name Rosey, we appreciate your offer but we have a label already" he said.

"Oh really? But i need artiste like you guys, I will sign you a million, and i will sign her a million too, think about the offer and get back to me, here is my card, feel free to call me okay"

They looked at themselves in snappy excitement.

"Sir we would think about it and we ’ll get back to you"

"Okay. Good"

They spent the night together in a hotel and had enough time to think about everything that happened at the club, and how they have turned most sought artiste over night, they couldn’t believe what is happening to them.

"Rosey can you believe what just happened to us? did you think this was going to happen tonight?"

"I swear i’m speechless.. I can’t believe this is happening, we are untop of the world right now"

"So calm down, chill down baby, are we going to sign that deal with mr christopher? A million is too much, i think we should go ahead and secure that deal."

"Two other labels are waiting to sign us, should we rush and sign this one without knowing what they will offer us, let’s wait and hear from these two record deals" she said.

"No that’s not wise enough we should secure what we see rather than what is promised, because we do not know what will happen after, i suggest we sign this deal tomorrow latest, this is our time, let’s not jeopardise it, oppurtunity comes but once"

"Okay, I’m with you baby"

"Don’t be with me baby, we are in this together, you understand?"

"Yeah but what about Big J, and others won’t they think we are selfish not letting them know?"

"Yes but you saw what happened there, it was a chance, it was not planned, so they will have to understand, don’t worry yourself, we ’ll tell them"

"Okay good, I love you"

"I love you too baby, you made this happen i should be thanking you"

"No i should be thanking you, cause i wouldn’t have been here if you didn’t bring me here"

                                                     "INTRODUCTION INTO THE NEW ACT                                               

  As the next business day came, everyone hurried to work except for Mike and Rosey, they had gone to sign the contract deal with mr Christopher Daniels, and as they met with him and the lawyers who were present to witness the signing.

"Please Dear Mr Micheal and miss Roselyn, we are all here to witness the signing of this contract but before we could continue, i would love you two to go through this contract again, so as to understand what you re signing" said Barr Ken.

"Yes please feel free to go through it again" Mr Christopher added.

They went through it again, after like five minutes of going through it again, they sealed it with a nodd.

"We are ready to sign the contract now" Mike said.

"Okay, without wasting much of our time let’s go ahead with the signing"

The lawyers served the pen and Mike signed first and delivered the pen to Rosey and then she Signed too, they took photos and the boss also signed, then the barristers picked up the contracts and put it on their file each.

"Congratulations to you guys, you have now paved your way to success, Congratulations once more" Barrister ken said."

"Congratulations Guys, we re now family and as such whatever we do stays with us, no third party should hear it, and with this contract, an oath of secrecy is sweared, once again congrats, now it’s time for me to bless you."

He signals his assistant to bring the briefcase, and immediately he pulls out a massive cash, about one million naira in cash and then hands Mike his cash, and also gives Rosey her own, immediately Mike faints and was woken up with alot of cold water.

"Oh my God’ Am i the one? somebody wake me up If am dreaming" Mike shouted

"This is not a dream, this is reality, we are millionaires" she said.

Back at the saloon they were worried why Mike and Rosey have not come to work yet, they waited patiently until they came in a brand new costly designer dress.

"There you guys are, what happened?, there’s no traffic jam today, so what happened?" Jeff asked.

"Uhm I would like to apologize for our late coming, we have met our breakthrough in life though"

"What do you mean?"

"At the club which we attended last night, we met a man who signed us to his record label, we had a performance there and that earned us a deal, long story cut short, we are signed, and please watch the video and see it for yourself"

"Wow you mean you guys re signed now?" this’s the greatest story i heard today"  

                                                                 "Welcome To The Street"   

"Yeah It is true, we got signed for just our free style, i didn’t even plan to showcase there, i guess it was just the spirit that led me to do what i did, i swear it wasn’t planned" Mike said.

(Jessie Feeling Jealous Already)  

"God why have you forgotten me? i keep asking you to bless me but you don’t hear me" jessie mumbled.

"You don’t need to be that way girl, God looks at the heart not words, keep praying your own day will come and you won’t believe it" Rosie said.

"So which record label signed you guys?" Jeff asked.

"Royal Art Entertainment, the CEO Mr Christopher Davids signed us himself" mike said.

"Well I’m very happy for you guys, remember what i told you guys the first day? anyone can recall? anyone?"

"Yes i can recall. you said we were all stars in the making" james said.

"Right. I said i picked you all because i saw beyond your faces, i knew you all were stars in the making, now we have two already, and i lt will reach everybody here, mark my words" jeff said.

"Thank you for believing in us, and you re still my boss anyday anytime"

They went back to the quarters where they now leave.

From that day things began to change in their lives, they were still very suprised at the way their lives changed in a blink of an eye.

Everyday their new job was to go the studio, voice songs, make solo songs, also a collabo with each other, and they were able to record that song "I Need You" which they sang at the club, the label organised a well known superstar who added his verse on the track and the song became too hot in the market.

After some days the song was released and just like a wild fire the song picked up a number 1 spot in the billboard and all eyes was on them.

"Wow, Look where we have gotten to baby?" mike said.

"Yeah I dreamed it all that it will happen one day, now my dream is coming to pass" she replied.

The song sold about hundred thousand copies in a week, and still selling more, as time went on they began to get more money, fame was calling, things was changing real fast.

Not even upto six months they owned different rides, more superstars wanted a collaborations, more shows was calling.

Endorsement deal was still coming fast, and they were coming in plenty, they were left to choice.

Jessie seeing them together, she was really battered, and saddened, she developed envy and started working underground secretly to make them crash.

                                                                         "FRAME UP"

Mike went for a show in the neighbouring city and as he and his entourage was coming back, he got a call from Jessie.

"Hello"

"Hello Mike, how re you?"

"I’m good thanks Jessie, i’m just coming back from a show now"

"Okay good, but i want you to please come to my rescue, i’m dying here" she groaned.

"What?, what’s happening to you?"

"Please come alone and take me to the hospital i’m dying here" she cried out.

"Alright I’m on my way now, hold on i’m coming to get you"

(Call Ends)

About 7:30pm he drove to her house alone, before he could reach her home, a black jeep pulled over his car and five masked men pointed an Ak47 rifle on him, they took his bag, expensive rings and chains, credit cards and physical money, they didn’t bother to snatch his car. after the robbery which lasted for 3 minutes, he ran away with his car down to jessie’s house.

"Jessie can you believe that i was just robbed some minutes ago at that central road corner, they took away my phone, my stuffs, my credit cards, everything"

"Oh my god, i can’t believe this, did they hurt you?" she asked.

"No they didn’t, they just robbed me and took away my things"

"We should be grateful to God" she said.

"Yes ofcourse, thank God i could have been a dead man by now"

"Yes, have you called your girlfriend Rosie?"

"No i haven’t, they took away my phone too" he said.

"Okay please help me up, we need to go the hospital now"

As he tried to pull her up from the bed she was lying down, she snatched a kiss from him swiftly.

"What’s that for? why did you kiss me?" he asked.

"Don’t you like it?, i don’t do this with every other guy out there only guys i’m interested in" she said.

"You see, i don’t like it, i have a girlfriend, your friend Rosey, why would you want to snatch me away from her?"

"Snatch you? i can’t snatch you, i just developed so much love for you, and i didn’t know what i had when you were still working at the barbershop, look no one is here we could have fun"

                                                                      "TEMPTATIONS"

"I can’t, my brother Jeff would be disappointed in me, Rosie wouldn’t take it lightly, so is everyone who hears it, it doesn’t make sense"

"Mike you re a fool, i taught you were wise, how would they hear it huh? who is going to tell them? is there anyone here with us? don’t be like this"

"So because no one is seeing us that means i should cheat with you? really?"

"Look at you, you re still a boy, an oppurtunity that other guys would rush, take a look at what you re rejecting?" she shakes her boobs and her butt.

"Hmm..." he said.

"Now you re reasoning well, come here let me ease your stress" she drags his shirt and tries to kiss him again"

"No this is not right, it’s not."

"Then what?"

"I’m going home now, i had to discharge my entourage just to come here to help you out but unfortunately i was robbed and here i’m being tempted to cheat"

He reaches to the door and about going out.

"Mike don’t you want this?" she strips fully naked and began to approach where he stood, mike who was still shocked by what he saw, remained shocked and stood like someone being controlled by a remote.his sense was turned off for minutes.

"Come here boy" she grabbed him and pulled him over, like someone without self control she pushed him with just one finger and he fell flat on the bed.

As he was still lying down there and jessie pulling his trouser, he quickly remembered  what happened to him five years ago when he fell into the trap of a woman and the result.he quickly got back to his senses and jumped on his feet, covering his eyes with his hand.

"I can not do this, sorry"

He walked away to his car and drove off without looking back.

Jessie smiled and reached out to his secret camera which she mounted close to the ceiling fan. she checked it, it recorded everything that happened.

"Now i have every evidence to nail him and Rosie together"

She reaches for her henessey and poured a glass.

When mike got home she pretended as if nothing happened.

"Baby what’s the problem? you look so troubled" Rosie asked.

"I was robbed last night by gun men, they took away my credit card, my phones, cash and other things in my bag, they didn’t touch me, they just robbed me and made away with my stuffs"

                                                                "Trouble Called and They Picked"

"Oh my god, i hope they didn’t hurt you? you are okay?" she asked.

"Yes i’m. Thank God i’m alive"

"Oh Thank God, what about your entourage? did anyone get hurt?"

"No. i told them to go home, i didn’t want to create awareness, i just wanted to drive home and unfortunately for me i got chased by these armed robbers."

"Why would you let your entourage off your side? why?" she inquiried.

"Stop i don’t want to talk about this now, i’m really stressed out here, don’t add to it, let me go have a shower now, get my food ready"

"Hmm, Okay" (not satisfied yet)

Next day he hanged out with his friends, and he told them what happened. but they didn’t quite believe him.

"Did you sleep with her?" Tim asked.

"No, i know you guys don’t believe me but it’s true, i didn’t do it."

After two weeks of that event, he had forgotten everything, he was still moving about, going for shows, having collaborations with other artistes, recording new hit songs, and his girlfriend Rosie was still doing the same, things was moving quite well until the enemy within struck.

A robbery was held within the town and from the same robbers who robbed mike that night, in this recent robbery, those armed men accosted a man on his range rover and robbed him, took away his money, jewelries, phones, credit cards and also made away with his range rover and when he shouted "Thief Thief" They shot him dead instantly and dropped Mike’s credit card on the side of the dead body to turn the eyes of the police, they also left his chain on the crime scene to make it look as if he did it.

Mike didn’t even know about the robbery or the murder, he was picked up at the studio where he was recording by some detectives.

"Mr Michael Orji, am i right?" the detective asked.

"Yes sir that’s me."

"We are detectives from the state police department, and you are under arrest for the murder of one mr Udoka Madu"

"What? Officer what are you talking about? who is mr Udoka Madu? Officer i think there is mix up somewhere, it can’t be me" he said shaking.

"You have the right to remain silent for whatever you do or say would be used against you in the court of law, officer handcuff him"  said detective akpan.

"He didn’t do anything, officer there’s a mix up somewhere, i’m sure, i’m sure" said Tim

"Move Move" Sergeant Mark Shouted.

                                                                 "More Troubles"

"Guys please call Rosie, Big J, and my boss, let them know where i’m now"

"Ok but don’t worry, we are coming right after you" the entourage said.

They moved him to the police station, and had him put inside the cell where high profile offenders are kept.

"What brought you here mike? you re a celebrity. what did you commit?" an inmate asked.

"I didn’t do anything to be here, they just accused me of a crime i know nothing about."

As they were still talking, Rosie came over and requested to see him.

"Did you do it? the D.P.O told me everything, now i’m asking did you have a hand in it?"

"I swear i didn’t do it, i swear to you, i didn’t."

"The D.P.O said that your case is critical and that you re going to jail for murder"

"Oh my god, this is a frame up, something is wrong somewhere, do you believe them?"

"I don’t know what to believe"

"Look there’s a mix up somewhere, i think it was that night i was robbed, they took my credit card and stuffs and placed it on the crime scene to set me up, it is not me, i  can’t do such a thing, you know me"

"I will go talk to the people that can help"

Not long she left then Big J entered.

"Mike, i call you blood because you re my brother, daddy said i should protect you, fight for you, make sure you re okay. now i’m going to ask you brother, did you do it?"

"I didn’t do it"

"Don’t say a word again i believe you, we re working to see that you re out of here"

Rosie got home, still very depressed and confused, she received a message on whatsapp from Jessie, "I heard what happened to your boyfriend, i’m deeply sorry for him because i think i caused this problem"

"What do you mean? how did you cause it?" she asked.

"That same night we spent together, he was robbed and his things stolen i guess that was the genesis of all these"

"What do you mean the night you spent together?"

"Look Rosie, i wouldn’t want to cause more harm, but the truth is we, mike and i had an affair that night, i have the pictures, you can check it out for yourself" she texted.

"Oh my god, mike cheated on me? i can’t believe this", (Ahhhh,) feeling frustrated.

                                                                   "COURT ORDERS"

"So Mike cheated on me?, i trusted him, i gave him all my trust and i never knew he would do such a thing to me, i never knew he could go to this extent, well he got what he deserved, he might as well be guilty of this crime, men are unpredictable"

She kept on talking to herself, and after much assumption she picked up her keys and drove to the police station.

"Oh thank God, i’m glad you are here baby." mike said.

"You re glad that i’m here? really? i didn’t know you could cheat on me and pretend"

"What re you talking about?"

"You dare deny it?"

"Deny what? i don’t know what you re talking about"

"You had an affair with jessie that night you claimed you were robbed?"

"Oh my god, who told you this"

"Look at the pictures she sent me, you re so pathetic, you thought i wouldn’t know? well i do"

"Baby it’s not what you think, i can explain, i didn’t have an affair with her, i did not, though she tried her best tricks but i didn’t do it"

"Liar, you know what? you re going to appear in court on monday, i guess from there you re going to jail, because all evidence is there to prove you re guilty"

"I know, but you must understand that i’m not a liar, all i’m saying is the truth, nothing but a plain truth, believe it or not, I’m innocent, and i’m not afraid to go to jail if that’s my fate"

"You know one thing i like about you? you re always confident even when you re wrong, you think they believe you? nobody believes you except for your cousin Jeff, the CEO has tried his best, he hired the best lawyer for you, pray he saves you"

"You know something even if everyone thinks i’m guilty, my cousin Jeff would be the last, because he has known me ever since i was a kid, i have never lied to him and i will never lie to him, if i did it like everyone thinks, i will also tell him the truth"

"Whatever, pray to your God, only him can deliver you now"

"Ofcourse"

He appeared in court and after the case was read to the hearing of everyone, the barrister defended his client well but  the judge had this to say.

"After so much meditation and study in this case i have come to the realization that this was a set up, he couldn’t have killed this man after robbing him, a celebrity like him wouldn’t be involved in such a case, and looking at his past records, i know he is innocent, i saw a footage where he was at the studio recording and i checked it was still the day this crime was commited. this man here is innocent, so i acquit him. he is a free man"

                                                         " BACK TO BUSINESS" 

The next morning he was ready to go  home with a big smile on his face, people watched the trial on television, and by the moment he stepped out, so many fans came out to welcome him home.

"All hail mike, all hail mike, welcome home" the fans chanted.

"Thank you all guys, i always know i’m not alone, i have you all by my side, i have all the backups i need and i’m grateful i have you all"

As he walked out, his heavy body guards made way for him, he walked in their middle and before he entered his car, he threw money on the air and fans rushed to pick the money, he entered the car and they zoomed off.

He drove directly to the barbershop, and met his former co_workers, including Jessie. when they saw him they jumped up in jubilation.

"Welcome home mike" james shouted as he hugged him.

"Welcome my boy" Jeff said with a big smile.

"Welcome home man" TonyBlack said.

"Welcome Mike i didn’t know." Jessie said as she was interrupted by Mike.

"You didn’t know i would be home now?, you re such a jezebel, i never knew you were like this"

"Stop this now" Jeff interrupted.

"Big J, this lady here is wicked, she framed me up, she has cost me my relationship with Rosie"

"I know all about that, Rosie told me everything"

"Jessie what you did was unaccepted, i still don’t believe you could do such a thing, but you did it, now you will have to apologize to him and to Rosie"

"I’m sorry, i was wrong, i’m sorry Mike"

"All these things you have said means nothing to me, you did what you did, and i felt how i felt, now i don’t want to have anything to do with you again"

"I’m Sorry, I’m so sorry" she knelt down and begged in front of everybody.

"Forgive her man, she is truly sorry, forgive her" a customer said.

"I can only forgive her if she tells rosie the truth, then i will forgive her"

"Alright Alright.. I will call her myself, and she will come over here now"

Jeff makes the call and within some few minutes, she arrived.

"In front of everybody, i want apologize for making up a story that wasn’t true, i’m deeply sorry, please mike and rosie forgive me"

"I’m disappointed in you jessie, i had love for you, but you failed me, i forgive you from my heart"

                                                                  "CELEBRATION"

"I forgive you too jessie, even though you did a very horrible thing, I’ve got nothing against you" mike said.

"Good, that’s how it should be, we are family here" jeff said.

"Uhmm we should be celebrating my freedom now, guys bring in the wines"

"Only wines?" James asked.

"Hell no, there is henessey, moet, champaigne inside the car, guys bring them in, and i also want to use this oppurtunity to announce that i’m giving every worker here a sum of two hundred thousand each including you jessie my sister"

"Wow... this is wonderful, the best news i ’ve ever heard, i’m happy today" Jeff shouted.

"No big J, i can’t give you two hundred thousand, you re the who believed in me when everyone else didn’t, so i’m going to give you a cash price of one million naira, and a brand new car"

"Oh my god, you re going to kill me today mike, you re such a generous man"

"Come with me outside" they all rushed outside.

"See this car, this mercedes benz is yours"

"Wow. This car is beautiful, i love it, and you know what mike?

"What"

"I love you blood, daddy would be pleased wherever he is now"

"So guys let’s go inside and continue our party" he said.

"Look mike, i’m sorry, i’m deeply sorry for not believing you, i’m sorry i let you down, you re a good man, a trust worthy friend and a kind lover, i love you" Rosie said.

"I forgive you too baby, i love you"

They kissed each other and everyone was in a very happy mood because they all had free money.

A music was played and everyone started dancing, and jumping up.

"No, no, no, no wait wait, turn the music down, i have a hot track i think i should perform it now, it’s high time you all dance to my own music" Tonyblack said.

"Alright. let’s hear it"

The beat was played and tony stood at the high pavement as if on stage.

"Give thanks give thanks, you know life could be worst’ despite that i don’t have everything i want but i’m still thankful, grateful for every blessing i got, i can’t be caught ungrateful’ never will i be caught that way’ you know i ve been patient’ mama said wait on God’ wait and see the goodness of God’ now i’m feeling it in my spirit’ i know i’m still gon shine’ shine bright’

                                                                    "VACATION"

"Wow I love your free style, it’s so motivating, have you recorded it yet?" Mike asked.

"No man, but i’m planning to record it soon"

"I will pay for your session, just let me know anytime you re ready to record it, i will add my verse on it and make it hot"

"Ahh thank you for the kindness, you have really been good to us all, we can’t thank you enough for all you have done for us"

"There’s no problem at all, you re my brothers and if i don’t do it for you guys who will i do it for?, you are with me when i had nothing, now that i have something it would be nice if i carry you all along" mike said.

"Baby you gave everybody money and you haven’t even given me mine" Rosie said.

"Look at you, you love money too much, don’t sell me off one day when you don’t see money"

(All Laughs) "She’s your baby, she needs money too" Jessie said.

"Okay madam, i will transfer something for you now, and when we get home we ’ll settle, i just bought a royal pedic mattress and it cost about $4000, we are going to settle in that bed"

(Everybody Laughing out loud)

"One more thing guys, we are going on vacation, choose any country in Africa, you get to choose the location yourself, so let the polling start now" He said.

"Wow, I love Johannesburg,"Jessie shouted.

"No Accra, Gh is cool, it’s cool" James shouted.

"I agree with Jessie, Let’s hit Johannesburg" Tony suggested.

"Kenya, Nairobi" Rosie said.

"No no, i prefer anywhere in South Africa, Johannesburg is cool" Jeff added.

"Alright majority carries the vote, we ’ll chill at johannesburg, we take off tomorrow by 4pm"

"Wow, I love it, i love it. i’m going to take alot of pictures on this vacation"

"Exactly what i expected to hear, slay mama" James snapped.

"Shut up little boy" she replied.

That same day their flight was booked and the next day by 4pm exactly, they took off and landed at four seasons five star hotel, it took six hours five minute on air.

"Here we are,  Johannesburg baby" mike announced.

"Wow, wow, I have to delete so many stupid pictures occupying my space, Rosie take me some nice shot, my friends are waiting, omg i’m so happy" Jessie said.

                                                                  "BEST TIME OF OUR LIVES"

"Ayy, they have started, you will not behave yourself now, until they deport us, remember this is not Nigeria" Tony shouted.

(Laughs) "Allow them, girls enjoy yourself" jeff said.

They lodged in different rooms, and by evening of that same day they attended a basket mouth comedy show, they laughed all night, jessie walked down to the stage without even being called.

"My name is Jessie, this is my first time in johannesburg, i have been to other countries of the world but this is my first time in south africa, i just want to say "I love you all, i love you basket mouth"

(People were very suprised, and kept on laughing at her display)

(*Wispers*)

"Big J i told you, jessie will get us deported  back to Nigeria, better stop her o"

"Calm down, she’s just overly excited"

"Big J stop her o, before she get us into trouble here o" Tony added

After the show they had a drink with other Nigerians, got to introduce themselves to people, made new contacts.

The next day they visited the beach, the beach was filled with people, both whites and blacks.

"This is so beautiful, let me check this beach out, take me shots, plenty of them girl" jessie requested.

"Hmm you will not come out from there, when this beach will carry you, we go still continue our flexing, you hear me?" Tony said.

"Whatever" she replied.

They were having the best time of their lives, the boys were drinking champaigne, moet and the girls were busy taking pictures with white guys, making memories all around, until a white man wanted to collect rosie’s number, and all he saw was men who gathered him.

"White boy, do you want to enjoy your stay here?, do you want to go back unhurt?" Mike asked.

"Yes yes"

"Good, now stay far from this particular woman, she’s my girl, you can take jessie’s number, she’s single" he shouted.

And the whole attention of the people was channeled  to them.

"Rosie will you be my wife? the mother of my kids?" (The crowd shouting) say yes, yes"

"Yes,yes, i will marry you, i will be your wife" she said smiling.

"Wow, This’s the best time of our lives, let’s enjoy it" he puts the ring on her finger.