₦airaland Forum

Thank's 2 ya'al
:::::::::::*

I rested my head on the window pane, the events of the day flowed through my mind. David's voice echoed loud and clear.
My God! I gasped. Tejumola where did you go wrong? I asked myself

I looked at the bright moon searchingly, maybe I might find a solution there; but the moon seems dumb. I turned my attention to the stars but they were dumb too.
"What do I do?" I racked my brain.

Of course running away isn't an option. Bola said so when I told her about David few hrs ago. She had warned me sternly not to run away, unless I want to vacate the earth.

Could she be right? Maybe I should just drown myself or I should drink poison?

No! I shook my head, I can't! If I do, what would become of Eniola, besides I love my life.

"Tejumola Benson, think hard o" I told myself.

Eniola stretched and turned in her sleep, murmured something throwing the covers away. I redressed the covers, covering her properly.

"Leave me!" she protested

"shhhhh, keep quite, its midnight!" I hushed her back to sleep.

I lay beside her, trying my best to sleep but it eluded me. I gazed at the ceiling till day-break.

*************
"Mallam Adamu sannu o" i greeted the hausa man who sold beef close to my shop, as I unlocked my shop.

I came to shop late because I went to Eniola's school to pay her school fees.

David hasn't showed up, its almost a week now. So Bola was actually right, he meant no harm.

I sighed, as I dusted the provisions.
Only God knows how my parents are for now. Maybe Baami has forgotten about me..

"Iya Eniola welldone o" Tola's mother greeted me.

"I came to buy some soup material o." She announced sitting on a stool.

"Ah Ahn! Mummy Tola, you should have just given me the money while I was coming to shop this morning now..." I said with concern.

"No problem o!" she replied looking around.

"Errrm, shey you know Iya sikira?" she asked when she had the surity no one would hear us.

Mummy Tola the Amebo! I smiled to myself.
"Ehn now."

"Toh! The woman is in trouble now o" she made a face.

"trouble?"

"Yes o! You know she's having 15 children ba? Toh, the husband don impregnate that corper wey dey their compound o" she concluded.

"Ehn? How did that happen?" I asked holding my chest.

"How did that happen? Hehehehehe, na how e take dey happen, na im com happen" she laughed.

"Wonders shall never end o" I clapped my hands in gossip fashion.

"Errm, mummy, what do you wanna buy now?" I quicky said, in order to stop her from bringing up another topic.

She look disappointed" I wanted to tell you how Iya Demola killed her husband's son" she said with a frown

"Ah Ahn, leave that one till I come back home in the evening" I laughed.

"Are chasing me away ni?" she feigned annoyance.

"Noooo, haba! My shop is your own too now.." that was how I got rid of back-biting that morning.

That afternoon, I was sipping garri when I saw Tola running towards the shop, her feet was bare save the socks.
"Mummy o, Mummy Eniola oooo" she wailed throwing herself on the cemented frontage of my shop.

"Tola, ki lode? What happened?" I asked holding her.

"It's Eniola oo" she wailed the more.
My heart skipped, my hands became shaky...

"What happened to my baby?" my lips quiverred.

"She ....she...she...was...she...is...yeeeeee!" Tola cried the more.

Tears filled my eyes
"Talk to me Tola please...where's she?"

"some people catch her o...they put her inside motor and drove away" she managed to explain

"Yeeeee! Haaaaa! My daughter o!"
my daughter has been kidnapped...I raved like mad.
I threw myself on the flow, rolling from left to right and vice versa.

"My God o! Eniola ooooo!Haaaaaa! Moti ku ooo! Baami ooo...E gba mi ooo" I screamed and wailed.

A crowd gathered , with alot of Ohhs and ahhs!

I jumped up, about to run to Eniola's school, when someone gripped my hands... I turned sharply with tear stained eyes.

"David.." I whispered
I remembered his last words, maybe he abducted my daughter.

"David where did you take my daughter to? Where is baby? " I wailed shaking him vigorously.

"Give back my Jewel" I shook Him some more.

Hey bigsholly, me sorry o...never knew u were a female o...sowi sweerie.
Hy don
::::::::::****

"what other five lettered words do you know?" I asked Eniola.
I was helping her with her homework.

"Errrm..M-U-M-M-Y...." she scratched her head.

I laughed "write it down."

"I don't know anyone again.." she said looking up.

"What about D-A-D-D-Y, DADDY?"

"I don't want to write that" she frowned

"Why?"

"I don't have a daddy" she looked down

"You do have a daddy" I corrected her.

"I don't, i can't see him" she squealed.

Just then a customer walked in.
"Please I need a bottle of water" he said.

"Okay, gerrit from the fridge!" I replied without looking up.

"Good afternoon sir!" I heard Eniola say.

"Hi pretty, what are you doing here?" he replied.

"Mummy, look at the man that nearly hit me that day." Eniola informed me.

I looked up with a smile, but...

I just froze. The whole place became tensed; I could hardly breathe, what does he want here? How did he know I'm here?

"Teju?" David found his voice.

He dropped the bottle of water he was holding.

"I....errm..Teju...what are you doing here?...I mean..errm...how did you get here?" he looked pleased.

My tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth. He hasn't changed a bit..still the good-looking guy that ruined my life. I swallowed hard.

"I...errrm...is she your daughter?" he persisted.

I felt anger surged through my veins.

"Yes o! She's my mother" Eniola quipped,

"Shut-up Eniola!" I screamed at her, was suprised at my outburst too.

The startled Eniola walked gently back to her book.

"And you!" I turned to face David.
"You came to buy water abi? Now take your water and walk out." my voice was rising.

"Teju..." he began.
"I'm sorry...I really am.." he moved towards me.

"Sorry? What for?" My voice was suprisingly calm.

"I never meant to hurt you..."

my cruel laughter cut him short.

"I'm sorry Teju, I don't know why you hate me so..."

A resounding slap stopped the gibberish talk.

"now you know how much I hate you huh? Leave my shop" I told him with my hands akimbo.

I expected him to hold his cheeks or make an expression, but he didn't seem to care about the slap.

"Teju please, we need to talk.." he tried to take my hands.

"if you touch me ehn? I swear, I go wooza you!" i threatened.

He smiled, turned to Eniola, squatting beside her he said.

"Baby...what's your name?" his voice was cool.

"Eniola David." she replied slowly with fear in her voice.

He held her chin softly, he examined her face, his hands patted her eyebrow..he searched her eyes..

"Take your filthy hands off my daughter!" I retorted, pulling Eniola away from him.

"She is mine right? She is my baby huh?" he was wearing a wierd look.

"see thief o..." i clapped my hands.

"you hate me so much, you claim to love my daughter..." he said in a lament.

"she's not your daughter!" I shrieked.

"she is! Her name is Eniola David..which other David do you know apart from me?" he moved towards me "Isn't it so clear? She has my face..."

"leave at once!" i cut him short

"I will, but I'd come back tomorrow to pick my child." he said stressing the word 'child'

I watched him as he left my shop.
I turned to glance at Eniola, i knew i was in deep mess if he should sue me to court. I don't think I can survive Eniola's absence.

"mummy don't mind him you hear?" Eniola said hugging my waist.

Tears streaked down my cheeks.
Is this my destiny? Do I have to suffer? In what way did i go wrong? Do i deserve all these?

Tomorrow! He said. I needed to act fast. He definitely can't take my daughter away.

Hy candis...

Yes sir! @ big sholly.

::::::::::*****:
we got a one room self-contained within four days, not up to four streets from Bola's place. I also got a shop in the market, I started selling provisions and soup ingredients. Eniola enrolled in a school close to the market, so she could come to me after closing from school.
Business went on fine, atleast we didn't lack anything.

**************
Eniola was trekking back from school with her schoolmates. They walked in groups,-in three's and in four's.

"Eniola hold my hand lets cross the road." A neighbours daughter called Tola,told her. She was older than Eniola, I had begged her to help my baby cross the road always.

"No" Eniola said defiantly.

"C'mon give me your hand." tola said again.

"Nooooo" Eniola said again.

"Eniola, your mummy will beat you o" Tola warned her.

"I am a princess, my mummy won't beat me." Eniola said laughingly.

"I'l beat you o" Tola was getting worked up.

"Ehn? Me? Don't o! My father is a king!" Eniola was enjoying the whole game.

"Stubborn geh!" Tola snapped.

"Yes o!" Eniola replied before running into the road.

"Eniola!" Tola tried to hold her but she was far gone.

An on-coming car screeched loudly before coming to a halt, almost banging into her. She fell down due to fear. It's occupant ran out.

"Are alright?" David asked picking her up.

"Did you hit me?" she asked

"No, I don't think so, I almost did... Errm, sorry."

"I'm fine" Eniola laughed,

Tola ran to where they are.
"Sorry Eni.." she held Eniola.

"Next time you should hold her hands" David cautioned Tola.

"She refused" Tola explained.

"I want to learn how to cross the road" Eniola said pouting.

David smiled.
"not now baby !"

"you should go home now." he dipped his hands into his pocket and produced some naira notes
"here take this" he gave Eniola

"No thanks." she smiled before running off.

"Mummy Eniola, good afternoon" Tola flexed her knees as they got to my shop.

"Tola, bawo? Hows school today?" I replied hugging them both.

I placed a flask before them both
"Tola eat before going home." I instructed

"Mummy Eniola, one car hit your pikin today" Tola informed me gulping down some water.

"ofofo Tola" Eniola giggled.

"Sharrap!" I chided her

"Tell me my dear." I told Tola.

"The driver even dash us money, but we didn't collect." she said with a mouth full of food
"I wan hold her hand before o, but she refused o" Tola shrugged

"Eniola? Is that true?" I asked
she giggled softly

"is that a laughing matter?" I glared at her

She bent her head in remorse
"sorry but I was learning how cross the road" her voice was low.

Stubborn girl! I thought.
Well I'm not suprised, she took well after me. She was a real Tejumola offspring, I was tempted to laugh but kept a straight face.

"Never try that again" I said sternly

"Sorry mummy".

"Eat your food" I told her, before rising to attend to a customer.
**********

Wow! The end! Yetunde win! Bravo man! Gr8 job.

But seriously u're in kano?
Which of the barracks?

Wow...just imagining every piece o
Nice story dearie, but your badt o...after all onyinye did for you?

Anyways as for yetunde, I trust ermmm yoruba gehs...the day her papa family members would raid your house ehn!

Prisi darling, ride on. You rock

***********
"Akpanu oooo, where are you?" I yelled as I sauntered towards his room at the gate.

"Akpan bo si ta ooo, I say come out here!"
The unsuspecting Akpan rushed out holding his shorts loosely.

"Wetin happen na?" he frowned.

I didn't reply, instead I drag his shorts down leaving him unclad except for the singlet he was wearing.

He stood rooted to the spot, too astonished to speak.

"Oshi! Omo olori buruku! Shameless Idiot! How dare you prey on my daughter?" I screamed and clapped my hands.

"Rubbish!" he replied pulling his shorts up.

"What did you just say?"

"I say rubbish! Carry your bastard pikin comot ma see road jare!" he retorted.

I landed him threw slaps in quick successions.
"You called my daughter a bastard abi? You must show me you weren't born a bastard too! Agbero!" I said as I rushed towards his guard room

I emerged with a stick and kpo! The stick landed on his head. He screamed and fell down.

"Oshi!" I charged at him

a car's horn blasted at the gate. I knew too well it was Lina.

Akpan crawled to open the gate, holding his head.
I pounced on him again after he opened the gate.

Lina rushed out of her car towards us.
I was sitting on Akpan, feeding his face with slaps and fists.

"Stop that!" Lina shouted.

I didn't oblige, instead I took hold of Akpan's balls.
He screamed loudly.
I didn't let go, he started speaking in tongues.

"What's wrong with you?"Lina pulled me off him.

I didn't reply, I was breathing heavily.

"the both of you should meet me inside." she instructed before walking into the main building.

**********
I explained everything to Lina, but Akpan denied it all.
He told her I attacked him after he refused to succumb to my seductions.

I gaped at him, bruises and swells all over his face, his forehead was bleeding. He would never forget Tejumola all through his life!

"Tejumola, I'm suprised at you." Lina began
"How could you come so low?"

"Ma, you believed him?" my lips quivered

"of course i do!" she snapped.

My eyes almost popped out.

"I've been living with Akpan for ten years now, i don't think Akpan can do such. He is well-brought up..." she began

I swallowed hard and exhaled.

"Its in my interest to protect my gate-man, you nearly killed him!" she emphasised the 'kill'

"In that case, I'm gonna pay you off." she said carelessly.

I bit my tongue, I stopped myself from apologising. Tejumola isn't that cheap.

"here's fifty thousand naira, you have to leave now, you can go elsewhere, where they can gulp down your attitude". She concluded opening her handbag.

I collected the money, murmured a thank you, and made to go out with Eniola on my shoulder, I stoped at the exit on impulse

"Ma, I really want to appreciate you for what you've done so far, you've tried..." I sighed.

"Its just that, Tejumola won't sit back and watch some slum prey on her daughter..." I shook my head.

"May God bless you, for all you've done, may he reward you abundantly." I concluded with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Lina's lips moved but no words came out, she was full of pity and regrets. I didn't wait to hear what she'd say, I walked out.

"Mummy sorry" Eniola sniffed as I packed our few belongings together.

"Eniola, can you do mummy a favour?" I asked without looking up.

"Uhm!" she whimpered.

"Mummy wants you to stop crying, okay? Please my one!" I pleaded with her.

"But you're crying too.." she said amidst tears.

"Okay, mummy won't cry again." I turned to her wiping my tears.
"Now do the same." I forced a smile wiping her tears.

"I won't cry again." she smiled reassuringly.
I shook my head gently.

"I love you mum" she said throwing her arms round me.

"I love you my one and only." I patted her head.

"We need to leave now." I rose from my squatting position.

I've already made my plans.
I've made few friends, so I'd go to them now, I'd get an apartment before the week runs out, I'd get a shop and start selling provisions.

Atleast two hundred thousand naira would do, I assured myself as I and Eniola walked towards Bola's place. I and Bola have become so close within those few months.
Bola welcomed us, she was homely in her one room self contained apartment. She promised to help us get an apartment within a few days time.

I glanced at Eniola, she looked calm. For once I never regretted my actions, I would do even more than that to protect my child. That's why my name is Tejumola now. I smiled inspite of myself.

Eniola smiled too, she was watching me. I hugged her, our bond was too strong.

Thanks to ya'al
**********
The next morning after breakfast, I told the woman my story.
She intoduced herself as Lina, she was touched by my story.
She offered me a job as her househelp which I readily accepted.

Lina was a wonderful woman in her early thirties. She lived alone in her mansion, though I wondered why.
She treated us as a family, enrolled Eniola into school and all.

******
Life went on sweetly for us, we've spent almost 8 months with Lina.
I was in my room one day counting my savings, Lina paid me really well and I also make some money out of the money for house upkeeps.

"One..two..three..." I counted the naira notes loudly.
I summed it up.

"One hundred and fifty thousand?" I gasped

I shook my head disbelievingly and recounted the money again.
"Wonderful!" I exclaimed.

"So Tejumola Benson can have this huge money?" I asked myself again.
I did some dance steps happily.
I heard someone giggling, I turned to see Eniola, she must have been watching for long now.

"You, why are laughing like that.?" I feigned a frown.

"Nothing." she laughed some more.
"come here" I beckoned to her, and walked towards me.
I held her gently, looking at her all over, my baby was growing fast.

"Mummy, why are you looking at me like that?" she was smiling, her dimples showing.

I shook my head gently, she looked just like David, her eyes, the lashes, the thick hair, those lips...

"Mummy!" she pouted.

"Sorry" I said absent mindedly, tucking my savings under my pillow, I'd take it to the bank tomorrow.

"Sorry!" Eniola mimicked me.
She reminded me of my past trouble making.

"hey! Don't be like mummy!" I chided her.

She laughed again.
"here lil' princess" I placed her on my laps.
She froze momentarily.

"Mummy? Am I a princess?" she asked looking confused.

"Yea baby."

"My daddy is a King?" she asked innocently.

"Yes." I laughed.

"Wow!" she jumped off my laps.

"mummy why don't I see him? He doesn't like me?" she asked again.

"Your daddy loves you" I wasn't sure I said that.

"I've never seen him before, has he seen me before?" her voice was low.

"Now, baby, that's enough." I tried to hold her.

"Mummy, I wish I can see my daddy, my friend in school have a daddy, he buys her icecream...and..." her voice trailed off in despair.

I was shocked, Eniola has never spoken that way before. I was short of words..

"Eniola, go and play!" I told her, atleast to end this discussion.

"No mummy, I can't play." her eyes glinted, I saw the pains in there.

"Baby..whats going on..?" I whispered,

"Mummy, I want to tell you something..." she searched my eyes.

"Talk, mummy is listening."

she hesitated.
"C'mon sweerie.." I urged her.

"Mummy...Its Akpan.." she started.

Akpan? Akpan was Lina's gateman. I sensed trouble.

"Mummy?"

"I'm listening, baby talk to mummy." I assured her.

"he use to catch me if I'm playing." she flipped.

"Catch you? As how?" i was confused.

"He use to hold me and tell me to come and play with him, he use to rub my head and...."she hesitated.

"Baby, go on," I was losing my patience.
She didn't speak again, she had fear written all over her face.

"baby mi, tell mummy" I said soothingly.

"I...I...today in the morning..he catch me again...he now put his hand inside my pants...it pain me very well...I now started crying...he now say I should not tell my mother" she concluded.

I could'nt believe what I heard...the whole world came to a stand still... I looked at Eniola, her face full of sorrow and pain, that look was to much for a five year old.
"Mummy sorry.." she sniffed

I never noticed she was crying.
Akpan dared took advantage of my daughter's innocence.
Na curse?!!

"Akpan!" I yelled as I stamped out of my room.

"Akpan o...where are you Murderer!"

"Mummy!" Eniola tugged at my skirt.

I didn't look at her, I would show Akpan he tampered with my Jewel....I'll castrate him

Oh prisi...you were sick? Sorry dear...the devil is a liar!
Wishing ya quick recovery.

Candis what's up?

See me na @hadespark.

Ludasam don't mind oga Ice o

dear splendblex chill na!

:::::::::********
I opened my eyes gently only to shut them back almost immediately due to the piercing pain on my eyelids.
Arrrrgh! I winced.
I opened them again on impulse only to see Eniola sobbing gently.

I looked around me, there was comotion everywhere. Only then did I recall we just had an accident. I quickly sat up when I heard a siren, an ambulance was heading towards us.

"ye! Haaaa! Mi ole ku ooo" one old women screamed as the nurses helped her to her feet.

I managed to stand up, dragged the sobbing Eniola away from the chaos.

"mummy, let's go home" she whimped. Some blood trickled down her cheek, she'd a cut on her temple.

"Sorry baby" I wiped the blood off with my skirt.

"Young lady, get into the ambulance!" a nurse said to me.

Me? Go back to Ibadan? God forbid.
"No don't worry, we'd be fine." I replied.

"But you can't remain here!" she protested.

"I said I'm not coming with you!" I yelled at her and she left me alone.

Soon the whole scene was deserted, it was getting dark.
I sat Eniola down on stone, she looked tired, I felt so sorry for her.
I saw a station wagon approaching, I quickly flagged it down; luckily it stopped.

"Errm, please, we're going to Lagos." I told the driver, surveying the passengers with my eyes.

"five thousand naira"

"No problem." I shoved Eniola into the vehicle, though I knew the price was over expensive.

*************
It was already dark when we arrived Lagos.

"We're in Lagos." I told Eniola excitedly.

She smiled at me and continued to munch her Gala, I wondered if she understood me.

"where do we go? Maybe we should get a hotel room?" I told her again.

"I don't know" she replied innocently.

"We have enough money girlie.." I was cut short by the rumbling of thunder.

Oh yikes! This rain should hold on, atleast not now.

"mummy!" Eniola squealed rushing to hug my thigh, she pointed at something behind me.
I turned swiftly only to find two Agberos glaring at me.

"Wetin you carry?" One of them asked.

"Nothing." I was trying to calm my self.

The other one dragged my purse off my grip, and they both ran off.

"Oh no! Thief! Thief ooo, help!" I called for help but none came, the whole place was deserted.

I looked at Eniola, she placed her hand on her face and sobbed silently.

"I'm sorry.." Was all I could whisper.

She nodded.

"We are stranded!" I hoped she'd understand.

"Lets go home" she sniffed.

"Noo honey! We can't! We've no money..."
the thunder rumbled again.

"Oh no!" I gasped
the rain began with a shower, later it came down in torrents.

I hugged my daughter tightly, we both wept and shivered under the rain.

"Mummy...cold...mummy..cold..." Eniola kept whimpering.

"I'm sorry my Lil' princess..." was all I could offer.

I regretted my actions. If and only if I didn't run away. I cursed David, his family and all.

Suddenly light flashed around us, it was a car coming towards our direction.

Kidnapper! Ritualists! My heart was pounding dangerously. We're doomed.

"What are you doing here?" A woman in mid-forties question from the car.

I turned to look at her, she was alone, I just felt I could trust her.

"Please can you take my daughter with you?" I wasn't sure of what I said.

"How's that possible? Why?"

"Please madam, she's cold, we came into town late, we were robbed...we don't know where to go.." my lips quivered.

She shook her head gently.
"Come in" She opened the back seat.
I didn't hesitate, we got onto the car and she drove us to her house.

Where's this OP na?!
Better return fast o

Prisca ooooooooooo.
Where are you na?
Abi till I cry ni?

Lovely..nice work

Nice story, please update na!
Atleast....

Here I am @ hadespark.
Bigsholly what's up?
*********
I was kneeling before Maria, I need her to talk to my father.

"Maami, please, help me talk to Baami" I told her.
She shook her head gently.

"I'l try my best okay? Now stand up." she helped me to my feet.

"where's Eniola?" she asked

"sleeping." I replied, resting my head on her shoulders.
We actually became close friends ever since I became pregnant with Eniola. She blamed herself a thousand times for the pregnancy.

"Maami, lemme stroll out." I told her before going out of the house.
I needed to rest my head, a long walk will do.
My 'wedding' is just 48hrs away, Maami need to do something fast.

I got to the end of the road, stood there for a while, before heading back home.
A range rover sports car pulled up beside me, almost knocking me down.
I jumped! Which kind mad driver is this? I hissed.

"Hey, baby!"
My heart missed a beat.

David walked to where I was.
"I was about coming to your house, and..errm, here you are.." he was all smiles.

I looked away.
"you haven't changed, still your beautiful self."
" so how's everything?" he tried to take my hands, but i pulled away.

"Baby, anything wrong?" he asked sensing my discomfort.

Which kind bad breeze blow this idiot come here na!
"Why did you come back?" I snapped.

"I...I'm sorry..fro..for.."

"Why did you come back?" I snapped more angrily this time

"I..I..came cos of you.." he looked confused

I rolled my eyes "you came for your father's wedding." I laughed mockingly

"I...yes! You heard of the wedding too? I heard he is getting married to some pretty girl" he laughed.

"And do you know who that girl is?" I grimaced

"Errm no, thats not my problem, what matters now is you and I."

"You and who?" I asked
"Come o, are you mad? Se ori re buru ni? Do I look like a thrash or a scrap that you can use and dump?" my temper rose furiously

"I...I..I" he began to say

"Shut up! Idiot! Ori gbeku gbeku! Comot ma see road jor" I pushed him away, walking away as fast as I could

Different plans flooded my mind, the best plan was to run away!

I got home, woke up Eniola, picked my purse and sneaked out of the house with her tugging at my skirt

"Mummy, where are we going?" eniola asked as we got into a taxi.

I didn't reply.
The taxi dropped us off at the car park. I bought a ticket to Lagos, and thank God they needed just one more passenger. In less than thirty minutes, we said Bye to Ibadan.

I felt joy surging through my veins. But my joy was shortlived.
Boom! The two back tyres of the bus we're in bursted

"Mummy!" Eniola screamed.

I held her tightly as the vehicle somersaulted thrice, it fell into a ditch, and everything just blacked out.

:::::::****
My father actually kept to his words, he took very good care of me,he no longer travelled. Even maami became suddenly soo nice.
She made sure I ate well, she even helped me with exercises and massages.

The day I had the baby was a great day. The joy on my father's face was beyond description.

"omo dada- good baby" he whispered into the baby's ears.
He sat on my bedside.

"Sorry, mummy" he teased me.
I smiled for the first time since past months i was pregnant.

"She looks just like you, very beautiful and hairy!" he patted its hair.

"What name would you call her?" he asked

I looked away, name ke! How old am I that I should know how to name babies?! Unless if they would name her Tejumola after me.

"I was thinking of naming her Eniola or Ayobola, but more preferrably Eniola." he continued, he was used to me refusing to talk.

I simply nodded.

"Welcome to the world Eniola." he said before whispering some prayers into its ears.

And that was how Eniola came into our family, the identity of her father still remained a mystery to everybody except. No one dared asked me unless they wanna see me cry.
**************
on Eniola's fourth birthday, things went sour for me.
I was alone in the house, my father has taken Eniola with Maami to the Amusement park.
I refused to go with them despite Eniola's pleas.

There was a knock on the door.
"Who's there?" I queried before opening the door.
I saw a fat man with a pot-belly enclosed inside a brocade Agbada smiling at me.

"Good afternoon sir" i flexed my knees, he should be in his early fifties.

"Ba wo ni- how are you?" he smiled again.

"Fine" I replied with a frown.

"Is Mr Benson-your father around?" he asked.

"No, He went out."

"Okay, if he comes back, tell him Chief OlaBadmus came to look for him o" he said before turning to leave.

I slammed the door.
Who is this one again? Of course I know Chief OlaBadmus, he is David's father, what does he want? Where did Baami get this new friend?
Hmmn.
I lay gently on the rug, and sleep stole me away.

"Mummy...mummy!" Eniola shook me out of my beauty sleep.

"Lil' cutie, you're back?" I sat up.

"Welcome." I greeted them.

My father handed me an envelope
"The post-man said its for Tejumola Benson."

I gave him a quizzed look, opened the envelope, a beautiful flower encrusted card fell out: it read
I MISS YOU MY DARLING.
I looked up at my dad, he saw it too, his face expressionless.

I brought out the letter, and commenced reading it.
It was from David, he said he's sorry for not keeping in touch,that he would be coming back next week, that he missed me,that he loved me e.t.c.

I hissed aloud, tore the letter, picked the card and envelope, and into the thrash can I threw them.
I walked into my room in anger.

Rubbish! I muttered under my breathe.
After ruining my career...he missed me and so what? I guess he wanted to continue from where he stoped
I hissed aloud again.

"Teju?"

I turned to see my father holding the torn letter.

"Is he Eniola's father?" He asked.

I kept mute. He sighed.
"Teju sit down, lets talk." he began

"you have to tell me, you see...you're getting married next week..."

I jumped up, my right hand clutching my chest.
"Married? To who? Baami to who?" my voice was close to a whisper .

"I've already made arrangements, you can't sit at home like this.." he hesitated.
"You see...errm, that man that came looking for me, he is your husband to-be" he concluded.

"Baami? Chief OlaBadmus? That's a joke right? " my lips quiverred.

"No joke Teju, you're getting married." He rose to leave.

"Baami, please don't do this to me, it hurts, Baami it hurts." I was on my knees.

"It hurts? Hmn,when you dragged my name in the mud, threw sand of shame at my face, did think how hurt I was? When you disgraced me, did you stop to think how I felt?" he shot back at me before leaving my room.

I let out a heart rending sob.
This can't be happening to me, my father can't do this to me

"Mummy sorry." Eniola circled her tiny arms round me.

I hugged her tightly, and we wept together.

Ludasam the longthroat! Hahahahaha

*************
We all stood in straight lines on the assembly ground. Being one of the tallest girls in my class, I stood at the far back end.
"Sing the National athem after count of three...1...2..3" the assembly prefect instructed.
The whole school sang except me. I wasn't feeling so well that morning, I vomited thrice before coming to school, couldn't eat breakfast cos I didn't have appetite to..

"The pledge!" the prefect said again

"I pledge to Nigeria my country.." I managed to mutter before everything around me began to spin. I felt dizzy, I tried to steady my self, my palms became sweaty.
I rubbed my eyes, opened them, the whole school was spinning faster, I quickly shut my eyes, my head was spinning too...I passed out.
::::::::::*

I opened my eyes again, only to find myself on the hospital bed.
My father was staring at me, disappointment written all-over his face.
"Kpele- sorry" he said when I tried to sit up.

What was going on? I rubbed my forehead to ease the pain.

"Teju.." My father began

"You know I love you, and will do anything to make you happy.."

I became tensed, something was wrong somewhere.

"I want you to tell me the truth..." he continued.

Truth of what? I asked myself

"tell me, Who did this to you?" his voice became shaky

"Who is reponsible for this pregnancy?" he said gently.

I frozed at the spot. Preg..what? Who? Me? Tejumola? Is this a dream?
I pressed my stomach firmly.
How can I be pregnant?

"Teju..." my father placed his hands on my back.
"Talk to me."

I held his gaze for a moment, before looking away. I could feel the whole world crashing at my feet. Fat tears rolled down my cheeks. What would I tell my father?

"Don't cry." my father held my hands in his.

"If you don't want to tell me, no problem."

I turned to look at him, he was crying too.

"Its all my fault.." he lamented
"I should have spent more time with you.."

I could feel my heart splitting, should I tell him or not? David was far away in London...I'm finished.

My father hugged me " my daughter, I'm sorry, forgive me." he whispered.

"I'm sorry Baami, I'm sorrrry" I wailed

"It's alright, don't cry anymore, I'm here for you, I'd take good care of you." he patted my back soothingly.

My thoughts were far far away. My loud sobs echoed through the walls

Hahahaha, Hadespark thats a good talent.

::::::::******.*:*:*
I came back home late in the evening as usual, I tip-toed to the kitchen to begin my daily routine of indomie and bread theft. I walked gently into the sitting room after accomplishing my mission, I found my father sitting there.
Suprised, I gaped at him, when did he come back?

"Baami," I shrieked before jumping into his arms.

"Hey, my little princess, omo mi atata." He patted my head.

"welcome Baami, I missed you ooo, when did you come back?"

"This morning" He smiled, my father is too handsome.

"why are you just coming back from school by this time?" he queried.
I racked my brain hard
"Errm, Baami, you know the distance from school, its too far, I have to trek, and besides we are having extra lessons in school" I explained.

"Liar!" maria said

"aah! Maami, you know I won't lie now." I quickly said, whats wrong with this winchy sef.

"other children in this area came back home since 2pm.." she began

"I was singled out now, you know, errm, we...errm, we'll be going for a competition very soon." I scratched my head.

"Its alright, just make sure you come home early, okay?" My father patted my head.

"You've become so lean Teju, what happened?" he looked me all over.

I looked at Maria, she looked visibly scared, I might give her away.
"No..Baami, I'm missing you that's why." I laughed.

"Come and sit on my laps, omo mi atata." he pulled me towards him.

I sat down on his laps with a wide grin.

"Tejumola omo baba re"

I glanced at maria, she looked jealous.

"Maami, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Don't mind your mother, she's jealous." My father said before leading me to my room.

***********
Things went on well, both in school and at home, no more qualms.
David was writting his S.S.C.E examination, we're still the best of friends.
One day after his afternoon paper, we were sitted in an empty class room, discussing nothing important when he suddenly said

"Teju, very soon, I'd be leaving school, I would further my education abroad..." he hesistated.
"That means, I won't get to see you everyday anymore." he added with a pained expression.

"hmmm"

"hmmm? Is that all you'd say? Yuo won't miss me I guess." he said placing an arm round my shoulder.
I laughed. He sounded funny, miss who?

"have I ever told you, how beautiful you look when you laugh?" He brought his face closer to mine.
I blushed furiously, though I'm dark in complexion so it wasn't visible.

"I love you Teju." he whispered.

One thing led to another and we kissed...

Thanks alot Avicky, korexes and Ivyluvie

********
Ayo rang the bell. "School closed" He yelled.
Every student excitedly picked up their bags, lunch boxes and what have you- they all hurried out of school.
For some reasons, I remained seated in my position.

"Teju, won't you go home?" Bisi asked me strapping her bag.

I bit my lower lip, they send this girl to me ni?!

"Teejumoolaaa..." she cooed

"Biiissiii" I replied.

"won't you go home?"

"When did you become my guardian? Ehn?" I queried

"Noo, I was just trying to.."
she tried to explain.

"Shut up! Over sabi-sabi! Did we come to school together this morning?" I cut her short.

"Okay, sorry o." she walked away, leaving me alone in the now- empty class.

Good riddance! I rather remained in school than go back home to see Maami's ugly face.

The school became quite, only for some low voices from the staff room. I played around the class, mimicked some teachers, practiced some dance steps, I even practiced some kung fu, Imagining Maami as my opponent, just to while away time.
I glanced at my wristwatch; 4:30pm. Good! Atleast with 30mins trekking, I'll get home by 5pm. I quickly rehearsed my plans.
Firstly, I go to the kitchen, fill my bag with bread and 5 packs indomie.
Secondly, greet maami before hiding in my room.
That woman can't kill me!

I got to the school gate and saw a boy in uniform standing there.
Maybe he is waiting for their family driver to pick him up, spoilt rich man's children.

"Hey!" David said, standing up

"Good afternoon senior." I replied.

"what are you still doing in school?" He asked.

See question, you too what are doing here, Ode!
"Errm, I stayed back to revise some notes." I said instead

"Oh really? That's nice" he shook his head like an agama lizard

"I've been waiting for my driver, the guy doesn't wanna show up" he added with a weary look.

Did I ask you? Can't you trek?
"Eeyaah, sorry senior." I said wearing a pitying face.

"your driver is here to pick you?" he asked

Driver ke!
"Noo, me I'm trekking o"

"Wow, that could be fun!" his eyes glinted, his dimples showing.

Fun! Indeed! I smiled.

"Can I join you?, I mean, lets trek together?" he was smiling too,and those dimples...Oh! I was a sucker for dimples.

"okay, no problem." I sounded like someone important.

He picked his books, and we trekked home together.

That was how we became friends. We always trekked home together, no more driver coming to pick him up.
We'd stay back in school after closing for hours doing nothing in particular.
He always bought me snacks and carbonated drinks during breaktime, well as an ojukokoro, I always collected them with 'thanks'.
No prefect dares to punish me anymore, I became more stubborn and efficient in my trouble making.

Me just kul@ hadesparks.
Thanks hon@ spendblex
Don't mind my french jawe, thanks for the correction@ avicky
I understand na@ Ice4jez.

:::::::::*******

I stoped about a 100 metres from the school gate to examine myself. I wiped off some sweats, cleaned my shoes and so on.
I took a quick glance @ my wristwatch before resuming my cleaning exercise.
8am? Yikes! I don over late.

I quickened my pace and in no time, the school gate was just a few steps away.

Eric was standing there, alongside David and some other prefects. Some 'late- comers' too were kneeling down.

"Good morning senior" I flexed my knees, already I was working out some excuses...

"bad morning to you! Join them!" Eric snarled gesturing towards the other students.

"Let her go in now, you know they're writing J.S.C.E exams...they would start by nine." David was pleading with Eric.

"No, she must be punished!" Eric said with a note of finality.
"what's even your business with this girl? Ehn?" he added.

"kneel down there!" he ordered me.

"You don't have the authority!" David retorted at him.

"who has? You?" Eric sneered

"Get inside!" David told me.

I stood up sharply, dusted my bag, and walked past Eric.

"come back here!" Eric pulled me back.
I shrieked feigning pain, pretending to loose my balance. David quickly held me to steady my balance.

"You don't dare rough handle her!" He growled at Eric.

"Why? Cos she's your girlfriend? See this small boy o!" Eric sneered.

Quick as a flash, I saw David raise his hand and his palm landed on Eric's cheek.
"How dare you?" Eric darted towards him. They engaged in a scuffle, David beating up Eric.

I didn't stand to watch the show, I ran quickly towards the classroom, I needed to revise my notes. Who separated the fight? I didn't care.

ItsModella: how about today at 3:30/4pm?

ooops! Sorry, wasn't available then, lets start tomorrow morning please

Thanks Ludasam

Whats up hadespark?
Hy sugarbabe

::::::::::::::::::::**********
I trudged into our flat, as usual Maria-my step mother was sitting; crosslegged in the parlour.
"Ekun le oo" I said trying to sound cheerful

"Maami good evening." I greeted her again,
She did not reply, she glued her eyes to the television.
That's your problem, I shrugged, and walked towards my room.

"Oshi!- Devil!" I heard her say, I quickly turned to look at her.

"Aje- witch!" she added again.
I became apprehensive, trouble in the air.

"go and tell your fellow witches that my head is too strong for them o" she clapped.

Is this woman okay? I asked myself, I moved towards my room but stoped again when something struck my head from behind.
The sharp pain surged through my body, I let out an ear-deafening scream- thats my major talent.

She pulled me roughly, "let me warn you, if you tell your father anything, I'l kill you!"
I stood still, staring at her.
"Take your winchy eyes off me jare! Oya go and fetch water for me."

"okay, let me pull off my uniform."
I moved towards my room, tears streaming down cheeks.
"which uniform? Go like that jor!" she pushed me roughly.

I dashed to the kitchen, picked a bucket and made for the bore-hole, to prevent more beating and insults.

The borehole was about 20 blocks from our flat, I filled my bucket,and made towards home.
I wished my dad would just come back, he's gone for his so-called 'business trips'. If he'd been around, I wouldn't fetch water, he made sure we buy from water vendors.

"Tejumola Benson!" someone called from behind me. I turned sharply and saw Bisi my classmate running towards me.
Here comes the over sabi-sabi, I rolled my eyes.

"So you fetch water too?" she asked. I didn't reply.
"you should have changed from your uniform first now." she added.

Over sabi-sabi mind your business now, I wanted to tell her.
"Thanks for your concern" I replied with sarcasm

"Its alright" she gave me a donkey smile. Eeewww!

"Let me help you, I'm going down the road." she collectedd the bucket of water, balanced it on her head and we walked home.

"Teju, you were funny during french class, that day, hmm." she said.
I simply grunted.

"You see this house?" she said as we walked past a huge mansion.

"yes"

"shey you know David ko? The assistant head boy, ehen, the house belongs to his father, they all live inside." Bisi explained.

"Ehhn! Tell me something." I said in a gossip like fashion.

"Hmm, you mean you don't know? His father has three wives now, David is the only son, with about 15 sisters. My dear, each of them have a well furnished room. You know their father is a senator" Bisi rattled on.

"Thanks for the info" I was sarcastic again. Thank God she didn't notice

"not atall, if you need any story, just call me, I know almost everything." she said dropping my bucket of water right in front of my house.

"Thanks" I wore a plastic smile.
Amebo number 1, I wanted to tell her
"Hmmn, bye"

I watched her leave before taking my bucket of water into the house.

"How many hours did it take you to fetch just a bucket of water?" Maria snarled.

I turned the water into a drum and made to walk past her.
She pushed me and I toppled over, bashing my head on the floor, I shrieked in pain.

"Idiot! I will make this house miserable for you, so far you and your witches won't let me give birth."

"I didn't hold your womb, go and ask the doctor who helped you abort so many babies when you were a love peddler in town." I blurted out, I was surprised at myself.
Wow! I'm now grown,not the little girl she used to molest. 14 yrs no be beans, I'm not called Tejumola for nothing.

She stared at me surprised, hate-pain and anger written all over her face.
"Who did you call a love-peddler?" she marched towards me.
I backed away slowly, too slow enough for her to grab me.
She beat, scratched and pulled my cornrows. I begged and begged to no avail. Sensing she might kill me, i stopped begging.
I held unto her tightly, brought my mouth close to her ear and screamed with all my might.

She quickly released me cos my scream could make her go deaf, it was piercing and irritating.
I ran out of the kitchen, into my room. I quickly bolted it, locked it with keys.

She banged at my door.
"Teju open the door, I'l kill you today." she yelled.

"Ashewo kobo kobo no market today?" I screamed back at her

she fell silent, I could hear her sob, winchy-wincho! I hissed.
I examined my injuries, just then I remembered i was hungry.
There was no way maami is gonna feed me today, I will wait till she is asleep, then I'l steal some packs of indomie.

Man pikin dey suffer! I told myself after gulping down three cups of water.

Hahahahahahaha...uncle dee, Badt Baby sitter. Nice story.
More updates please...