RETURN OF EX-CAPADE

Clause made a successful 3-pointer throw into the basket a few seconds right after his ridiculous slam dunk. This got his teammates, opponents and the few spectators around the basketball court pavilion hailing and cheering his name. Though it was just a half-court have-fun-together evening game, Clause gave his 100% proficiency into it as if he were in an NBA finals with the Chicago Bulls, his favorite basketball club when he was back at Chicago before returning to Nigeria after his education.

"Guy, are you high on some energy drink or something? You've been a monster since the game began," Andre, his closest friend and opponent, said with an astonished gaze as he wiped off beads of perspiration from his face with a towel. The others laughed.

"The muscles and built body cannot be for nothing man, consider working on your body too" Tosin, Clause's teammate replied from a distance.

"Hey the game is all about the body now uhhh? What trash you talking about? Stephen Curry hasn't got all that gigantic body, yet he's got the record of the most amount of successful 3-pointer shots and greatest shooter in the NBA. Man, there's place for skills, talent, training, experience and sheer handwork. Height and big body are just added advantages in the game. This, you folks wouldn't just understand" Andre replied, quite pissed off.

"Looks like someone is offended, and giving a consolation pep talk you know" Tosin jeered, laughing hysterically.

"Andre is actually talking the truth," said Clause while doing a crossover with the basketball.

"Are you guys going to continue in the game, or you are in for some basketball motivational talk show? By the way, the count is just 27 – 21. It's first to reach 50. So, it ain't over yet," an impatient opponent barged.

"Time out!!" Clause and some other tired players briskly walked from the court to go take a nap on a long wooden bench beneath a canopy, after a generally agreed 3-minute break.

A reminder of his to-do list popped up on his phone reminding him of his next agenda for the day as it was already 5:30 pm. Besides, he had missed four phone calls from his fiancée. He knew he had to urgently make up for that, telling her that he was playing a game with his friends, else he would have lots of explanations to make because she was quick at making suspicions. Sneaking to a corner of the court, he dialed her line. After multiple attempts to no avail, he remembered they had planned a dinner date for that night. She was probably trying to remind him to get prepared.

"Guys, I gotta go" he said sharply to his teammates, as he untied his sneaker laces and packed off his belongings.

"Yesss!! Big dog is leaving. Let's see how y'all will survive in the remaining two quarters of the game" an excited opponent said.

Clause's teammates were a little disappointed. They unwontedly had to quickly make an impromptu substitution of their most in-form player.

"Alright guys, catch you all later. Au revoir" He waved at them, walking off the courts towards his car.

Andre followed him, helping with his gym bag, while Clause carried his sneakers and some other items.

"Yeah, the call, was that Rachel?" Andre asked.

"How did you know?" Clause was surprised.

"Could tell from your facial expressions. You were just so restless trying to return that call. I've always noticed this 'butterflies in my belly' simping attitude anytime you are around that girl. I hope she doesn't serve you breakfast one day" Andre jokingly said.

"No wonder you are single. You are still a bachelor, at what age again?"

"I'm killing 33, bro" Andrew replied, he pridefully blew his sweat-drenched face some fresh air with his hand.

"And how long are you going to continue like this? You have been loveless for so many years, even back in our university years at Chicago. Aren't you tired of this playboy flirty lifestyle and won't you think about settling down?"

"Settle what?!" Andre laughed. "Life is too sweet for a rich gentleman like me to settle down to only one woman, hellooooo? This Casanova life is the best man. You get to be with all the girls you want to be with, chase the big bag, spray the dollar, live the la Vida Loca life. Not that I'll be pledging commitment to some sort of woman I intend to call a wife. That really seems like bondage to me. By the way, come closer, I would like to whisper something in your ears... Had my 85th body count last night" Andre said softly.

"Well, good for you. I've waved goodbye to all of that, and I'm never going to return to my vomit. It's high time I got serious with life. I love Rachel so much now, and I'm intentional about doing everything to protect her trust in me. Matter of fact, we are getting married soon, and I will be referred to as Mr. Anderson Clause; husband to Rachel Anderson. And by then, you and other guys will be prohibited from calling me that 'Big Dog' nickname. I'm getting serious about shaping a beautiful lifestyle and leaving a lot of non-profiting things behind.

"Hmm," Andre giggled, observing him.

They both entered into Clause's luxury Ford Jeep. It was the least of the cars in his fleet.

He only usually brought it to the Sports Complex to avoid unnecessary attention and too much hyping from his friends. He cringes from the boastful acclaims and unnecessary hype from his sport colleagues. Likewise, he always avoided his acquaintances from outclassing him higher than themselves. Not driving along his expensive sports cars was a strategy. Sporadically, he preferred to hire an Uber or take a taxi, all in his attempt to appear humble or just look like the rest.

"So have you told her about Lucy, and the incident?" Andre asked.

"You mean Lucy, my ex?"

"Of course man, or is there any other Lucy?"

"Bro, she's going to kill me. Rachel is too emotional to handle such a story"

"Well, I guess you would have to tell her anyway. It will be worse if she finds out herself."

"Besides, I don't know what this Lucy girl wants from me. Anything like love between me and her is a thing of the past now. Besides, back then, we weren't even in love. That wasn't love. We were just drawn by feelings and having 'fun' together, which was born out of ignorance. I now know what true love is like. It is pure. True love his holy, patient and never self-seeking. It's never about physical intimacy or engaging in some dirty habits like I did in time past. My relationship with Rachel has been an eye-opener, as I have learned plenty of things. I am a changed man now. I don't understand why she wants me back," Clause complained, bowing his head on the wheel.

"Who wouldn't love to have the successful oil and gas CEO and chemical engineering master's degree holder from the prestigious Chicago State University? The ruddy, towering, prominent and affluent youngin'. A millionaire with a large fan base on social media. Perfect representation of 'rich and famous'. Guy it's like you don't know you are a hot cake," Andre shook his head, sizing him up enviously.

"Can you please save the famzing for later as I'm not in the mood for any of that now? I'm somehow perturbed"

"If Rachel is as wise and as intelligent as the woman you do describe her to be, I think she should understand you and know that it wasn't your fault"

"I hope so too" Clause exhaled nervously.

"That aside, Am I going to be seeing you at the club tonight? Remember TGIF (Thank God it's Friday)"

"Not tonight. In fact, not anymore. I've given up all of that"

Andre laughed. Don't worry, you would need to clear your head off a mess later in the future. You would drink to intoxication to do so. Worry not buddy, I've got your back" he puffed out his chest.

"You this man and the stunts you pull" Clause smiled at him.

"Alright, greet your little angel for me. Tell her Andre sends his regards" Andre alighted from the car.

"Alright dawg, take good care of yourself, and your bitches"

The wind panes were wined up, and off Clause zoomed.