LAME RED: SEASON TWO: EPISODE ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER FIVE; HOW MANY DRINKS TILL CHAOS?

Mandy is in the office tidying up some things "seems like you have a lot going on" she looks up to see Simi standing by the door "hey you" she hugs her "finally a friendly face, how was the honeymoon?" "I'm not here to talk about my honeymoon, how come you are sharing the office with Mike? I saw someone in yours and she directed me to you, bitchy huh?" "Its a long story, the board is probing me because of my involvement with Dave, I thought when I will be back the whole thing will be over" Mandy sobs silently "Hey! Get a hold of yourself, you don't run away from problems, now you are back, fix it, fix whatever went wrong with Ego and Tamuno because now they are pissed at me for siding you, I don't know what went wrong this last three months but things have to be great, starting with you coming to the club with me tonight!" Simi said "No, I don't think I can" "Yes you can, remember when you dragged me yourself, the girls will be there we can bond and share gossip, you can also tell be about the bitch in your office" they both laugh "thanks Simi, its never the same without you "You welcome, by the way, nice hair". .................................................................... They girls are in the club, sitting by the bar and having a nice time. Mandy raises her glass to toast "A toast to the most awesome friends I've ever met, from me saying I'm sorry, to Simi wishing her a happy married life over again, to Tamuno on her promotion and to Ego for refusing to take a much better job" "What? I want to but I'm just confused about how Beenie will feel" Ego said "You mean the not talking to you Beenie because you got a lawyer for Sophie and went for her trial" Tamuno said "Well he is over their, go and face your problems" Mandy points to where Beenie, Deji and Olika are having a drink "Okay I will, wish me luck" Ego stands and leaves "Well about my promotion, I've been feeling awkward about it, you know I got close on Mrs Roberts, they cut me off" Tamuno said "if getting close hasn't taught you anything remember me, I've not recovered from that incident, be thankful they gave you a souvenir" Mandy said "Speaking of the souvenir, I have to go, bye, have fun" "Bye" Tamuno leaves. Simi's phone starts ringing "Hello, what? Is she okay, I'm on my way" "what is it?" Mandy said "Aunt Bisi is in the hospital, I need to leave" "I'm coming with you" "Wait for Ego when she is done you can come, bye" Simi hurriedly leaves. .................................................................... "I know we have been in a weird place since, so I just came to tell you that I'm leaving, I got a job at Resplendent" Ego said to Beenie "Good for you" he said "Really? That's all?" "What else, like you said we are in a weird place, this should set you free, excuse me" he leaves her standing there, Mandy walks up to her "Are you set?" Mandy said "Yes, let's leave, this was a mistake". Mandy's phone buzzes, she looks at it to see an email, it reads "why did you run?" she shuts it down immediately "why do you look petrified?" Ego said "Nothing, let's go" .................................................................... Simi is in the hospital with her aunt "Why did you not tell me you are sick?" "I'm sorry, didn't want to spoil your honeymoon, I have breast cancer and they say I have few weeks to live" "What? Breast cancer! Oh my God, Aunt Bisi why didn't you tell me? Now I have just few weeks to see you?" Simi said in tears "Let's leave the tears aside, I need to you to do something for me before I die, I have a son, and I need you to find him for me" .................................................................... The paths of life we tend to walk in, can get complicated, how do we find balance when it throws us off guard? What is Mandy running from? How will Ego handle her friendship with Beenie? How will Tamuno adjust to her new job position? How will Simi find Aunt Bisi's son? Find out more next week, thanks for reading.

LAME RED: SEASON TWO: EPISODE ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNING: CHAPTER FOUR: BREAK THE DRAMÀ

Simi and Deji are in their home, Simi is about to leave the house "Where are you off to? We just arrived" "To see my friends, its been long I saw them, I bet they have a lot to gist me" he held her in his arms "Babe, can we just sit this one out, tomorrow you could go" he said coyly "We have been hiding out since we got back, honey I have a real life, catch you later" she said as she leaves. .................................................................... "Wow you are glowing Simi we need to throw you a party" Ego said, the girls except Mandy are at a restaurant "Hmm, you don't need to flatter me, i know I'm good" Simi said "we are really glad you are back, it was kind of lonely in the friend zone, you know like when the brain doesn't function with the motor neurons" Tamuno said, Ego and Simi stare at her in a weird way "guess some things never change" Simi said "Mandy has" Ego said "What do you mean?" "She left the shores of this country like 3weeks after you were gone and barely said a word to us" Tamuno said "Is she back?" "We don't know" Ego said "how about her phone, isn't it going through?" Simi said "No, it doesn't" Tamuno said "Well, that's quite odd! How about the office did anyone check? Tamuno and Ego appear uneasy "I guess that's a no! So you were busy trying the phone unaware of the crappy network! No wonder she left and is probably back without informing you guys" "you don't have to blame us, Ego was battling with Sophie's case in court, I was dealing with Mrs Roberts and my license, I have enough on my plate! By the way I was promoted to assistant medical director, yay! No one cares! its Mandy over again, I've done my best for her, put my license on the line, if something was really going on, she would have replied my countless texts!" Tamuno said infuriated "I was also offered a job by Yewande Grace of Resplendent, well like Tamuno said, we are back to the Mandy bubble! Enjoy!" they both get up and leave the restaurant, Simi stares in shock

LAME RED: SEASON TWO: EPISODE ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER THREE: DELIVERY

Mike is at the airport waiting to pick Mandy up when she arrives "Wow, you look kind of different" he said "How different?" "Well I haven't seen you with a short hair, but its all good on you, how was it" "It went well I'm thankful". They enter the car and drive away from the airport "So where do you want to go? Home? A restaurant?" "The office" she said "why the office? You just arrived and you need rest" "no I don't, I've not been there for months, want to know what's up" "How about you call your friends first" he said "Another bad idea" "Mandy, you can't just keep avoiding them because you don't want the truth, you have to face it when it comes" "Till then". .................................................................... They both enter the office, everyone greet Mandy in a weird way "What's going on Mike? I'm getting weird vibes and here looks different" "I didn't want to just hit you on the face with it, we are under investigation from the board, they are reviewing everything, court cases, clients etc" he said "Who authorized that? This is a private firm, we have renewed our approval" she said "Well they felt different after your connection with Dave" "I don't believe this! I've had enough they leave this instant! she said irritated "Well tell them yourself". A young woman approaches them "Look who is back from the dead, were where you exactly? Tahiti?" "Adaeze? what are you doing here?" You guys know each other?" Mike said "Of course she is Adaeze Bishop, the bitch who thinks she can get what she wants, I knew it!, now you are coming for my firm" "Well its you Mandy Lawson that thinks she can get what she wants, this isn't law school, I'm not going to screw you like you screwed my man but in this case I will be screwing you and your firm! I'm not a coward, neither do I forgive and forget! How cliche of you, always falling for the bad boys, buckle up, you in for a hell ride!" she pushes her aside and walks away, Mike stares at her in shock "Wow, I thought she was a bitch, now you've awoken a sleeping lion" he said, Mandy just stares dumbfounded.

LAME RED: SEASON TWO: EPISODE ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER TWO; SHUFFLES

Tamuno and Femi are walking towards the conference room "So what's with this awkward meeting? Have they finally decided to punish Mrs Roberts?" she said "Seriously, I'm as confused as you are, you got your license back that's all that matters, these dirty people always have their way of ending up innocent". They enter the room to see their fellow doctors sitting, they join in. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm glad you all made yourselves available for this impromptu meeting, it is all for the good of this hospital, I'm Felicia Ejike, Vice President Nigeria Medical Association, as you have noticed, their has been changes, we have decided to select an Assistant Medical Director, who will be someone you are familiar with and then the Medical Director elected by the board of trustees, your assistant Medical Director will be no other than Miss Tamuno Sani" they all applaud as Tamuno stands surprised "Anything you will like to say, Miss Sani?" "Well, I'm quite shocked, few months ago I lost my license, now I'm back as Assistant Medical Director, I'm kind of......" "I believe what you want to say is you are grateful and will do your best? Duly noted Miss Sani, you may sit" Felicia said "that was really an amazing acceptance speech" Femi said to Tamuno as she sat down "this is not an honor, almost like the shoved it to me to shut my mouth!" "Without further ado, let's make welcome our new Medical Director". A handsome tall young man who is in his mid 30's comes into the room, they all stand to greet him, the ladies look on in awe "Why is your face like that? Well that's what happens when a prince becomes MD, I doubt the ladies will be giving me attention" Femi said to Tamuno "Shut it! Good for you at least your glory days are over" "I'm glad to finally be here, it was a long flight from London" he said with a spot on british accent "don't be deceived by the accent, I'm very much Nigerian, I look forward to a great working relationship with all of you, pardon my manners for not introducing myself earlier on, I'm Will Henry".

LAME RED: SEASON TWO: EPISODE ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER ONE: THE OTHER TEAM

Well! Well! Well! Lasgidi lovers, we are back here again in the town of Victoria Island, other than the usual annoying downpour, the streets are lit up by the traffic lights, the clubs raze with mad jams from hit artists and upcoming artists and of course, our girls are not left behind. Its been three long months, some people still feel lost,trapped, hoping they could change time, some subdue the circumstance only to realize it might be much more difficult after all, some become a shadow of their own self, wondering if they can ever be accepted, while some create a whole new world of fantasy, wondering if it will be the same when they are back to reality. .................................................................... Ego is alone in a restaurant , lost in her thoughts, remembering how Sophie's trail went bad, how she received the 15years sentence, and how she have developed a bad working relationship with Beenie. "Hi may I sit?" a woman sits in front of her interrupting her thoughts "I've been watching you, I realized you were alone so I came over to talk, I'm ......" "Yewande Grace! Editor of Africa's biggest fashion magazine "Resplendent" I recently read your Forbes column where you were compared to the likes of top international magazines like "Vogue" "Ebony" "Marie Clare" In Style" and "Cosmopolitan" I'm honored" Ego said excited. "I'm glad you are impressed, you see, I need your talent, your passion, my heart to heart columnist was fired, so I needed a replacement, then you were suggested to me" "Why will I be suggested? I have a job" "You mean the one that was almost razed down by an impulsive, repulsive psychopathic bitch! Oh honey, you need better, lucky for you, I'm the best. Here is my card" she tosses it over to her "Call me" she stands up to leave "What makes you think I would?" Ego said "Well, who wouldn't work for "Resplendent". She leaves the restaurants as Ego stares in bewilderment.

LAME RED; SEASON ONE: EPISODE FOURTEEN: MY HAPPY BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER FOUR: JOURNEY

The beautiful shimmery sands of the beach, the blue clouds, the sunny sky, the lovely and well dressed guests are all sitted as Simi and Deji stand at the altar "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join our two loved ones in holy matrimony, Miss Simisola Angela Adeniyi and Mr Deji William Kojo, we will now give them a brief moment to say their vows" said the priest "I really I'm not much of a speech giver, but when you proposed, i thought it was the craziest thing you've ever done, but then i thought crazy is beautiful, and i always wish my life to be beautiful, and you have always made it so crazily beautiful from the first day i knew you, and i wish to spend a crazy beautiful life with you, forever and a day" Simi said as the guests marvel in awe, some with tears in their eyes "Simi, being with you is like a dream in reality which i don't want to wake up from, everything about you makes me go crazy, and I'm glad we make each other crazy, because truly with you is were i choose to be, you are my rock, and i will always walk the extra mile to see you smile" Deji said "Will you Simisola Angela Adeniyi take Deji William Kojo to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" "I do" she said "Will you Deji William Kojo take Simisola Angela Adeniyi to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" "I do" he said "With this I proceed to say, if you have anything against this marriage, speak now or forever remain silent" Tamuno gets up from her sit and tries to excuse herself "You again?" Mandy said, Ego just stares, Simi's heart is in her mouth "Oh, no, not that, i just needed to pee, couldn't hold it, i kinda have phobia for beaches" Tamuno said as everyone laughs "Without further ado, I now pronounce you man and wife, you may now kiss your bride". .................................................................... Tamuno goes to her door, to find out who is knocking at that time of the night "Femi, what are you doing here? Its late and i went for a wedding, i need to rest" "Tamuno, this is important, i read your friends story on the paper, it didn't make sense till i witnessed what i saw in the hospital" he said panting "What is that?" "We might be selling children of street girls to rich couples, the girls they say are given a knew life, the medical director does this in secret" "what she has the right to take my license, when she does worse! We have to dig deeper" she said "We really do, because when your friend said their were others, I think Mrs Roberts its one of them, and has a boss". .................................................................... Mandy is sleeping on her bed, having a terrible nightmare, she is struggling to breathe, suddenly she wakes up panting and sweating profusely, she opens up her drawer, takes a container and pops a few pills into her mouth, breathes slowly and goes back to sleep. .................................................................... Lots of questions, discoveries, more mystery, but I'm sorry it all ends here, yes I said it, Season 1 ends here. I'm really grateful for the journey you started with me, i promise a much more fun packed season two, with a lot of surprises, God bless you all. And when will Lame Red be back? You will all know with time, ciao.

SEASON ONE: EPISODE FOURTEEN: MY HAPPY BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER THREE: BECOMING BRAVE

.........................3weeks later......................... "So i feel like I'm fitting this dress for the umpteenth time" Simi said, she is fitting her wedding dress "and i feel like I'm escorting you for the umpteenth time, and it feels like de ja vu, because the last time i followed you, i made headlines, now I'm still making headlines" Mandy said staring at the newspaper in front of her, it says "When Lawyer Meets Murderer" "Actually you were stepping on it the last time" Tamuno said "No, not this, they actually want to interview me, but i said no" "Why?" Ego said "Because i don't want to talk about it, ever" she said "there is no harm, they will keep publishing if you don't give them the exclusive" Simi said "Well, i will give it a thought" "Everything has really changed, Simi got what she has always wished for, Tamuno not to say but it will all work out, Mandy a survivor, me a hero, every evil deed brings out the best in us, I'm glad we made it through" Ego said "Yes, and I'm also glad we are all here to witness my wedding day, i thought it will never come actually" Simi said "if you think that, maybe i was born to be a nun" Tamuno said and they all laugh .................................................................... "Hello, Mercy Patrick, columnist of the punch" "You gave me your number, you want to publish my story" "Oh my God, Miss Mandy Lawson, I'm glad you called" Mercy said "Hope you are still up for it?" Mandy said "Yes, why not, of course" "Well let me start this way, My name is Mandy Bola Lawson and I'm a survivor". .................................................................... To be continued

SEASON ONE: EPISODE FOURTEEN: MY HAPPY BEGINNINGS: CHAPTER TWO: BACK TO REALITY

"So that's all i can say about what happened" Mandy is been interrogated by the Inspector, Simi and Ego are with her in the hospital ward "Hmm interesting, if we have any more questions we will let you know, for now you need to rest" he leaves "Are you alright?" Ego said "Yes I'm hanging in there, its not a lot of people that get their heart broken, crushed, the supposed boyfriend killed in their presence, and you almost drowning, all at once" she said "We are sorry you went through a lot and we weren't there on time" Simi said "At least, you were all there, when i really needed help, that's why i need to apologize for not letting you guys in with my investigation on the Chief" "That's because you knew, we won't approve" Simi said. Tamuno walks in "How did it go?" Ego said "Apparently my mini surgery saved her life and didn't complicate more issues, they would have battled with, so, they are not pressing charges" she said "but what about your license? Are they giving it back?" Mandy said "No, unfortunately, but there is hope, after what happened yesterday, i realized some situations are worse than mine" Tamuno said "I owe all of you, I'm glad i have great friends that can walk the extra mile for me" Mandy said. .................................................................... Mandy is having a bad dream, where she is drowning, she could hear someone calling her, she opens up her eyes to see Mike waking her up "What is it? All of a sudden you couldn't breathe and it was like you were gasping for air" he said "I'm sorry, i was having a bad dream, how long have you been here?" "A while, didn't want to wake you, I'm glad you are okay and safe" he said "how is the office?" She said "Wow! you still bossing on a sick bed, chill Andy we are fine, and doing well, and why are you smiling" he said to Mandy as she stared at him smiling "Oh, that's what my dad calls me, Andy, and i feel like I've heard that somewhere, like he called me that yesterday" "Seems like enough water tried to sink your brain, the last i checked your father is late and you need rest so stop worrying and assuming too much,back to sleep" he said "Aye sir". .................................................................... Jass a great poet once wrote "The love of life, is the love, between friends". Friendship helps the wounded and the sorrowful, imagine if Mandy had no friends, learn to see value and value your friendship.

SEASON ONE: EPISODE FOURTEEN: MY HAPPY BEGINNINGS : CHAPTER ONE: ILLUSION

Mandy opens her eyes, she is in a room filled with light, an elderly man is sitting in front of her "Dad? Is this a dream" she said "No, andy, its not, you are having a near death experience" he said "I'm i dead?" "Depends on you" he said, she sits up "I'm happy I'm here, you are so real, i really missed you" she hugs him "its just for a while" he said smiling "you should have let go when you had the chance, but you will always be my andy, very stubborn" she laughs "you mean he knew i was still investigating that's why he came on to me?" He nods "I thought I found something after all this while, you were murdered i did nothing about it, just wanted to make a difference" she said "you can't save everyone but yourself, but that shouldn't stop you from doing the right thing, you are a fighter, keep fighting because our society is crumbling with corruption, a time shall come when we will need those that will stand for something no matter how few" he said "Will i see you again?" "Someday" "Will i remember this conversation?" "I'm afraid you won't, but remember, I'm always with you right there, in your heart". .................................................................... "She is loosing consciousness, she won't make it before the ambulance gets here, i will need to cut her open so she can breathe" Tamuno said "You don't have your license, you could go to jail" Simi said "I don't care, if that's what i will do to save her life, who has a pocket knife?" Ego gives her one "what will you be doing with a pocket knife?" Simi said "Since i was attacked in the office, I carry that all the time" Ego said "There is no time for that, i need a lighter to make it sterile" Mike hands one over to her "Well, in case i get the urge to smoke" he said, Tamuno flames the knife with the lighter, allows it to cool, then makes a small cut near her lungs, water and blood gushes out, suddenly, Mandy takes a deep breath and opens her eyes, she starts coughing "Oh my God, it worked" Ego said "Tamuno you really are a life saver" Simi said "Well, i didn't know it would, just took my chances, God i miss this" Tamuno said , the paramedics take Mandy on a stretcher as the all follow her to the hospital. To be continued.

SEASON ONE: EPISODE THIRTEEN: SAVING MANDY: CHAPTER: FIVE: LOST

The police vehicles are all over the docks, some young children around the place are being rescued, no sign of Mandy yet "You are advised to come out of your offices, this place is on lock down, or you will be forced" Inspector Anthony is speaking through the megaphone, all workers are out, and the place is searched, a police man walks up to the Inspector and whispers into his ears "I'm sorry, we couldn't find her, but their are a lot of illegal activities going on, thanks for this notice" he said "What, she is our primary aim, you can't just stop she must be somewhere" Tamuno said "We are sorry there is nothing more......" "Sir, Sir movement was seen just at the east of the docks, they are trying to escape through a ferry" a policeman said "Let's move fast" .................................................................... "I'm going to gag you so you won't make any sound" Dave said to Mandy "Why gag me when you have already chained me....." He covers her mouth with the duct tape, they start moving before they are stopped "Hands in the air, you are surrounded, don't move or we shoot" Inspector Anthony said, Dave uses Mandy as a shield "Please don't shoot, you could hurt her" Ego said "Don't worry I've handled cases like this" he shoots straight on his forehead, Dave pushes Mandy into the water then falls to the ground "Oh, God did you think of that before doing that?" Tamuno screamed "we have divers" Inspector Anthony said "No time for that" Mike dives into the water. .................................................................... Mandy is sinking fast into the water, she can't breathe, her mouth is gaged, she tries forcing it open but is loosing strength, Mike reaches out to her, tries dragging her up but she is stuck, the chains are hooked somewhere, he goes up again to the shore, gets a plier and dives back in, Mandy could feel the water filling her brain she blacks out, Mike comes to her, frees the chain and takes her up. .................................................................... Tamuno tries to resuscitate Mandy but to no avail "Mandy please, her pulse is weak" she administers mouth to mouth, doesn't work "Mandy, please wake up" Simi said, Ego is beside her crying "Someone please call the ambulance, please help" Mike said, they all stare at Mandy hoping she wakes up but she doesn't. .................................................................... What comes next, what are your thoughts? To be continued