₦airaland Forum

izaray:
Finally i'm here. More wisdom Centino

Thanks and welcome on board izaray.

Evathyst:
After reading for 3 days non stop, I'm finally here. Nice work Centino, you're doing a Yeoman's job. However, the following are my observations;

1- You've successfully transformed Mama Akunna from the lively and comic character you initially portrayed into a villainous witch without providing adequate reasons.

2- How come Talabi was not arrested despite Awero confessing to his crime before hanging herself?

3- you're making the whole story center on 'Ndifreke' and his pregnant girlfriend thereby leaving out other occupants. This wouldn't add the much needed spice to the story. Please take note.


In conclusion, just like one commenter said earlier, it's quite disheartening having to wait long for another update. This story is very interesting, hence, may lose it's vibe if dragged for too long. I'll suggest you take some time off, work on it day and night. Package everything 'packageable' and make it into an e-book so that we can buy for a token. Even if it's for #200, trust me, you'll make close to 50K.


A wonderful piece like this shouldn't be read for free. You self suppose benefit something from entertaining and enlightening us. This is just my humble suggestion though, make anybody no crucify me for saying my mind o. I no get power for any rofu-rofu e-fight at this old age.

Hi Evathyst.

Thanks for the critique and appreciation. First thing I should do is tell you about myself. I will do that by reproducing here something I wrote on a thread by EvaJael - one of the writers I really like here.

“If I want to read a novel, I write one” – Benjamin Disreali

I’m Centino. Relatively new here. The above quote is why I write. I have no heroes of the letter; I follow in the footsteps of none. I am my own inspiration. I got bored stiff with “literature” and began to fancy myself to do a good enough job for me. I reckoned if I write my kind of book, surely I would have likeminded people who will appreciate my style. I do not like fluff. If something happened in the afternoon, tell me what happened. I don’t see the point of describing the sun. How the environment laughed because the yellowish red hue of the sun tantalized the roofs. What’s that? I know what an afternoon looks like! I like a story. A good plot. Who likes who? Who hates who? Who is after who? Who fvcked who? The human experience robust and I just want to hear of it. From every perspective. And for goodness sake go straight to the point! If an adverb will drive home a point, I will use an adverb. If a simile sounds silly, I cut it out. If you are obsessed with words and you want to w*nk to them go and read a poem. Rules? They are not for me. I will write my own the way I want to. “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than write for the public and have no self” – Cyril Conolly. Word.

“The first thing a writer has to do is find another source of income… “Ellen Gilchrist.

And I will add, then you can experience true freedom. I will not write about an asylum seeking PHD holder who ends up as a cab driver in New York so that I can be appreciated internationally. I will not carry my Katakata Street to okada books and sell 10 copies in one year so that I can get something for my troubles. I will not read “how to be a successful author” and burn myself out trying to sound like someone else. If you want to be the next Chinua Achebe, sorry you came 60 years late. So I make sure I am not hungry. If the money comes, I want it on my own terms. So I write when I want to write, if I want to write, how I want to write. The only people I want to kill are the ghost readers on nairaland. Come on guys…Tell a brother and a sister that s/he is trying. You don’t know how far that can go. You think this is easy? Try it.

Finally. Most tellingly… “One of the things a writer is for is to say the unsayable, speak the unspeakable and ask difficult questions” – Salman Rushdie

At Easter I wrote a chapter I called Food for thought. In it I asked why anyone thinks Jesus whose flesh was dust like mine and yours would ascend to heaven where there is no such consistency. Do you think God is in the business of impressing people? Do you think creating heaven and earth and trying to save the souls of man is a circus? (Didn’t put it quite like that but you get my drift…). The result? I got the fewest likes that week. And guess what? It doesn’t matter. I will say it. I am a writer.

Aunty EvaJael. That is me o.

Having said that, you can now bundle over here and see what I do for nairaland mostly on Sundays. Many thanks.
[i][/i]


Now to those 3 questions.

1. I don't know why mama Akunna became what she became o. Na so I see am. I suppose it is because evil is irrational. I have known real life witches and seen confessions. Sister, they always have no clue why they have become what they have become.

2. I was tempted to go that route but I do not want to take the story away from the compound yet. Criminals don't always get arrested at any rate. Some vanish into thin air even in real life. Let's just say Talabi is still on the run. Don't be surprised to see him again along the like *wink*

3. Oh yeah. It centers on Ndifreke and his pregnant girlfriend for now. But she go born the pikin one day na...the plan has always been for this story to go on in perpetuity. As KpagoGIN noted, I also try to infuse current goings on and so for as long as things are still happening in Naija, inhabitants of 225 Katakata Street will still be there to talk about these things. The original idea was to get a group of common people from whose perspective we can view our polity. But the thing got away from me. Anyhow sha, I go just continue dey rough am dey go. I pray people continue to have interest.

Ultimately it's pure fun for me. If I can contribute a little laughter and enlightenment people really appreciate, I'm happy. I know the money will come. My only problem na ghost readers

ManBeast:
Centino Centino, been a fan since,,,, decided to register because of your story.

Have been a guest, thank u for dis story, even if we have to wait a couple a days, it's worth it.

Thanks man. Really good to know. Welcome on board.

Ann2012, palmslight, praizymicheal, YINKS89, MhizSuccess, INDUSTRIALFAN. I see y'all.

KYLEJP:
Thanks for the update.....God bless you.

You're welcome. Amen.

beetown:
Kudos Centino, na man you be

Thanks man

dopeJemi:
Here, thanks man

You're welcome.

2Lynx, queenitee, Ayobami7, dopeJemi, Kaycee9242, Roycemadeit, Praizymicheal, seunadeolu, Koats14, SunFlow, Ann2012, MhizSuccess, FreshestManny, tunjilomo, yehmy, MrBati, kikiwendy, phoenixchap...everyone...



THE TELLING

They were screaming at the backyard. The Undertaker had just used the toilet and did not flush. The next person in the queue was having none of it. Someone was telling someone to calm down because that was how The Undertaker was. Sister Esther burst into a song about her spirit going to heaven and leaving the filthy earth when it was time. In the commotion, they knocked the six eggs Willy-willy was carrying out of his hand. He had decided to pass the toilet area to their self-contained just to see what the noise was about, and now see what had happened. His wailing afterward was so loud you would have thought that he had been stabbed. Someone said “Ntoi! Go tell your mama. As na only una dey chop egg for this street.” As the attention shifted to Willy-willy The Undertaker managed to sneak away, but was accosted by Papa Efe who was marching to the backyard to quell the melee. The Undertaker, when asked what was going on, said “No matter what the reason, if you start to scream and shout, you look a fool, and you feel a fool, and you earn the disrespect of everyone – Michael Caine”

“Michael who?” Papa Efe said, but The Undertaker had already shut his door.

None of that bothered Ndifreke who was supine on the floor of his room and rubbing his tummy as the rice and beans and plantain rapidly digested and filled his system with goodness like he had not felt in a long time. He would not exert himself in any way. He would just lie there and enjoy the good feeling, belch, and enjoy the taste of Mama Cowbell’s famous stew afresh; and of course, think about his new benefactor.

“So how are you going to help me?” Ndifreke had asked.

“I will register your woman and get her to do the consultation. I will lend you ₦5000 for the advance payment you must make and the balance will be paid in installments. We do that for patients we trust.”

“I swear I will pay everything. Every kobo.”

“Of course you will pay every kobo. When you impregnated somebody what did you think was going to come out of it?”

Ndifreke looked away when she said that. She also crossed and uncrossed her legs before getting up to clear the table. With a full stomach and hope for a solution to his immediate problem, he could now see that she had on a skimpy flair gown that flattered her thunder thighs.

“Thank you for the breakfast,” Ndifreke said and stood up.

“Don’t worry I will go and meet her and work out the hospital and everything. I know her mum will roast you with her fufu if you went near.”

“You are too kind, nurse.”

“Not a problem. Go and rest. You do look like you were the one on night duty and not me.”

“Ok nurse. I’ll be doing just that.”

That indeed was what he was doing. Then he thought he should be thinking about Maya and not the nurse. Oh Maya, my dear Maya he thought. But it was Nurse Josephine’s face he saw as he slept off.



Lukman was worried. After speaking with Ndifreke he went to try to woo the nurse but she scoffed at him. He was going to go and report to Ndifreke when he saw both of them standing together. She just blinked once and he started following her by the tail like a broken down danfo that was tied to a Sienna. And then before he could shake his head to clear his eyes she rushed out, giggling like she was about to enter the Playboy Mansion and ordered a princely portion from Mama Cowbell in addition to what she has already bought. So that Calabar boy only encouraged him to go and ridicule himself when all along he also had plans for the girl. He had just finished impregnating one, and without waiting for his pen*s to dry he was already after the next one. Okay. They will soon know who came first to Number 225 Katakata Street.



Castro peeped from the bedroom. He saw that his father has shaved clean and had put on a pair of jeans and Tshirt. He watched as the old man admired himself through the reflection on the louvres, looked this way and that way and headed to the main compound. Castro followed at a safe distance. He watched as his father went through the ground floor corridor nodding at greetings and exchanging banter. Then he took the stairs to the top floor. Castro climbed the stirs too. He arrived in time to see his father knocking on Nurse Josephine’s door.

“What are you doing here Papa?” Casto said when he got close enough.

Mr Zubi started. He collected himself and said “I am sick. I want to see the nurse.”

“So you are sick ehn?”

“That is why I did not go to work today. Now get away from here.”

“So it is this new nurse that will now save your life? That is why you wore this jeans you last wore in 2004 and shaved your beards? I am calling mama.”

“Ewu Gambia!” Mr Zubi said, turned and walked towards the staircase.

Nurse Josephine opened the door just then, rubbing her eyes.

“A sick man came here so that you could make him well.”

“Who is it?”

“One black ugly man they call Mr Zubi.”

“Tell him to go to the hospital.”

“I already did.”



Later that evening Irikefe met Ndifreke by the soakaway.

“Bros I see you are getting along with the nurse.” he said.

“She is helping me to get Maya medical assistance. I was not going to sit around and do nothing.”

“Of course. But be careful. Boys are vexing for you.”

“How?”

“Lukman. He thinks you are after the nurse.”

“Well, he will soon find out the truth.”

“I hope so.”

“What does that mean?”

“You be Calabar man na. De thing no dey belleful una as I hear.”

“Irikefe, I have a pregnant girlfriend I have to marry and I don’t have shishi. You think I want another problem?”

“Of course you don’t.”

“Good. So tell me what you needed to tell me.”

Irikefe shrugged and said “Bros I can’t hide this from you. Mama Akunna na witch.”

“You say this everytime Irikefe.”

“I know. I used to say it like we all say of wicked old people. But she came to our room to press us one night and we caught her. My dad and I.”

“What?”

“My dad has charms and potions. She put something in his drink so that the old man would shine her congo. Luckily I was on hand to save him.”

“This doesn’t make any sense.”

“Na wa o bros. You think it is ordinary ogogoro that woman is selling? All those men buying from her are finished na. She has tied their destinies to one Iroko tree somewhere. They are all walking corpses.”

“Okay don’t digress. You said you saved your father from her.”

“Yes o. I see my own papa dey look Mama Akunna him eye come dim. Small remain him for begin sing Boys to Men On bended knees. Na so me and Castro go jack the man comot there.”

“Oh dear.”

“We neutralized the jazz with a potion we have. It has been in our family for centuries. Ask Castro. ”

“I see.”

“Then later that night she came back in witchcraft to press us. My dad was expecting her so we set a trap for her and she fell into it. She barely escaped alive.”

“This is ridiculous Irikefe.”

“Why do you think I told her to sweep the compound that time and she swept? Even if I had asked her to go and shoot the counselor, she would have done it. I had her by the kitten.”

That got Ndifreke. He remembered that day. The airs around Irikefe. The sobriety of Mama Akunna.

“My God Irikefe!”

“She is the one that has been pressing everyone in this compound.”

Ndifreke stood up.

“Sit down bros.”

Ndifreke sat down. “So what do we do?” he said.

“My dad is afraid of her. But I am not.”

“Your dad had his reasons and he may be right. Remember he has potions. He knows a thing or two about those things.”

“I know a thing or two about other things too.”

“What do you know?”

“I know people. Jazz men. I know where I can go and get something and she will come out and dance Michael Jackson and confess.”

“You don’t know any such thing Irikefe.”

“Bros, there is something I did not tell you.”

“What?”

“Why I actually abandoned the yahoo idea.”

“Today is your day of confession. I am listening.”

“Those boys do things. They meet different kinds of spiritualists. You must have heard of yahoo plus. From eating faeces to going mad for a day to sleeping in graveyards and actually killing for rituals, they do all those. If anyone tells you there is nothing in this world, they lie. If anyone tells you juju is not real, tell that person to pray that he never comes in contact with it. I saw things that humbled me. In the end, I decided it was not the life for me.”

“But you want to go back because of Mama Akunna.”

“Not all the spiritualists are bad. Some refused to help us the way we wanted and advised us to do something else with our youth. One guy in particular before I even left home refused to initiate me and told me to return home and save my father. I later learnt he stopped doing things for the yahoo boys altogether. I believe if we go to this guy he would help us.”


TO BE CONTINUED.

queenitee:
Oya update

Lol I'll try.

Kaycee9242:
Centino well done u are too much, I believe nurse get her plans

Abi o

dopeJemi:
I wish I had seen this thread a little later, like in October, so I won't be waiting for updates, na to just dey read dey read dey go. Started reading this story last week and just now I Don reach here, I go come join una now dey wait for update


Your story is Captivating man, it sticks, I can almost imagine everything happening right in front of me. That is how skilled you are man. Well done

Glad you came now lol. Like I said above, there's a good chance of a regular double weekly update. Make we dey watch. Thanks for the kind words

Ayobami7:
Cant wait for Sunday,Centino you are the best

Can't wait too. At this rate there may be something before Sunday. Every honest writer will tell you that it gets to a point where the story decides to tell itself and the writer only becomes a vessel. For the past three weeks I have also marveled at the direction of the story and now I too can't wait to know what happens next.

2Lynx:
Irikefe abeg save your guy o......... but meanwhile every page i turn to is filled with suspense.
Aswear you to much

THanks man.

Roycemadeit:
Sleep no gree come so I jejely entertained myself. Well finally I am here oo #lastpage. What a journey with so many twists, turns each bend ridden with suspense and humor - Royce Madeit 1772.
More grease Centino

Na now I wan crash. Person Wen no sleep for night can't be pressed ba?

Welcome man! Abeg sleep tight. You are covered

INDUSTRIALFAN:
so you de observe me Abi? Issorai.... We de look you o...

From the rooftop

SunFlow:
I don't mind Waiting every Sunday for updates Centino.



Please go and vote him for writer of the month ooo

Thanks SunFlow. Sunday pretty standard. Some weekdays when I have the time I post a midweek update, like last week. Thanks for the interest man.

maryamuwane:
centino please free Ndifreke now, found myself thinking about his predicament before sleeping centino please free Ndifreke now, found myself thinking about his predicament before sleeping

Awww. Frankly I don't know what will happen to him and didn't know things will get this bad. Good thing is, his friend Efe is a step ahead and seems to have something up his sleeves. Fingers crossed

INDUSTRIALFAN:
O boy me sef de suspect you o. Last week I found myself thinking "with the kind if details this guy gives about the witch and how she operates, shey he don do witchcraft before?" Lol... To the extent I'm beginning to take a lot of precautions with things you've posted here as a guideline.

ROTFL

Na why you dey adopt semi ghose mode abi? I dey sight you dey enter dey comot quietly sometimes

MrBati:
Wow.
Centino is a bae.
No more ghostmode...
Thanks a lot
Pls mention me in your next updates.

I always rejoice at the appearance of a former ghost

Sure mention man. Welcome on board.

alabig:
Josephine is using sincere honesty and generosity to get what she wants.

Hmmm, make we dey look

kikiwendy:
Centino twale for you

Thanks dear.

Oroolorun:
Witch no dey forgive, them no dey forget.
Oga Centino, I don dey take style dey suspect you o.
How you tey know say them no dey forgive?
Abi you don take style attend the aunty and mama them them meeting before?
.
.
Can't wait for the next update.

ladidacanon:
y i lyk dis story is dat dia is a no dulling moment. ..a nice piece of story u v got hia centino.and pls mk it 2x a week thanks

Thanks lol.

FreshestManny:
Wow Centino I'm so loving this story. Matured, well structured, suspense filled, and very funny.

Thanks

Ann2012, SunFlow (Thanks for the campaign man), eyesofpearls , YINKS89, MhizSuccess and yehmy...you guys rock

seunadeolu:
Oga Centino this your 7 days suspense is crippling, but we understand. Nice work bro

That means you've been missing my midweek updates. At least I did last week.

tunjilomo:
Tnx Centino just saw your Mention now.
So what's the update schedule,anyone who can help with that.

On Sundays mainly. But sometimes I do midweek. Updated 4 times in the past fortnight.

tunjilomo, connkg, chara019, mackzydon9...welcome on board guys...


A HELPER

Ndifreke stepped out of his room and looked in both directions of the corridor. He thought about it again and wondered if he really wanted to walk up to the nurse’s door and knock. She was on the same floor as Maya, where he had just escaped with his tail between his legs. It was too soon to make a return to that floor, and if the nurse had been on night duty then she should be sleeping this morning and would not wish to be disturbed. So he would wait until she was up and about. In the meantime, he walked to Josiah’s shop where he met Josiah hard at work on a piece of furniture. Irikefe was there too, sawing wood.

“My oh my. My dear friend Irikefe in the carpenter’s shop” Ndifreke said, trying to sound cheerful.

Irikefe nodded towards Josiah and Ndifreke understood that he could not banter while at work. He cocked his head to one side and winked, and Ndifreke understood that to mean that he would meet him up in the backyard.

Josiah looked up and spoke: “Did you do as I said?”

“I will speak with the nurse when she wakes up. She was on night duty.”

Josiah nodded and continued with his work.

The compound was agog as usual. There was no school today so the children were in full voice. People also continued to stream in and out of number 225. Ndifreke noticed that one of the locked rooms of the ground floor was being vacated. Mama Cowbell in the next shop opened her cooler of stew and the smell wafted through and Ndifreke’s could hear the loud expectations of his intestines. He swallowed and marched towards the backyard. Irikefe joined him after five minutes.

“Guy, what are you doing in the shop this morning?” Ndifreke teased.

“Working na.”

“You finally decided to be a carpenter?”

“Bros how else would my father let me stay under his roof?”

“Why did you come back?”

“I missed you guys, to be honest. And that yahoo life. Not sure it is for me.”

“Hallelujah!”

“Having stayed there with those guys for those weeks, I am having a rethink.”

“Thank God for some sense.”

“And besides, the way they are raiding yahoo boys now, even the guys there spoke about it. They also plan to go lowkey for a while.”

“Take this thing seriously my man. You never know where it can take you. I am considering learning a trade too or even riding keke if I can find one. I need to survive.”

“I understand bros Freke. I saw what happened this morning.”

Ndifreke looked away.

“Why did you keep quiet and let that woman talk to you like that, ehn? Why didn’t you yab her back? How is she better than you? Is she not opening her old yansh for Achike? Why didn’t you say that?”

“She did not impregnate Achike Irikefe. And she can fend for herself. She was right.”

Irikefe nodded and appeared to be deep in thought. “So you want to go and be driving keke to be able to fend for Maya? Upon all the school wey you go?”

“I will not be the first neither will I be the last graduate that will be doing an odd job in this country. When you are poor, you are not entitled to any pride or ego.”

“God forbid.”

“If you know anyone that has a keke and needs a driver let me know. I will go to the park in the evening and ask around. Here, this is 4k something,” He said handing the notes to Irikefe. “All the money I have. I need to pass it to Maya. After that, I don’t know what else to do.”

“Bros this is bad o. And Yusuf Buhari is riding a multi-million naira power bike. You see why I been wan do yahoo?”

“It is his luck. I have no time to worry about anyone else. Right now I have to help Maya through the pregnancy. And to have any claim to the baby, I need to marry her, or at least do a proper introduction.”

“And you can’t afford that.”

“I can’t even tell my parents.”

“Chai bros.”

“Worst still, I’m very weak and listless. For some nights now I haven’t slept. Something has been pressing me. And I keep having this recurring dream of being tied to a pole. I wake up and I don’t feel like living anymore. Maya too complained about being pressed.”

“And my oga Josiah too!” Irikefe added. So she has started again?” Irikefe said.

“Who has started?” Ndifreke said and that jolted Irikefe.

“Ehn, no one. I mean, it has started again.”

Irikefe was not looking Ndifreke in the eyes.

“Do you know something I should know Irikefe?”

“Err, nothing bros. I mean, I am just surprised that thing is still happening.”

“Tell me.”

“There is nothing to tell bros.”

“You are lying.”

“Alright bros. There is something but I don’t know if I should tell you.”

“Tell me Irikefe.”

Irikefe thought about it. He knew his father would not be happy with him if he revealed what he knew. But how could he remain quiet and let that old witch do as she pleased? It was bad enough that they were poor in the compound, but to be molested with witchcraft on top of that!”

“I am waiting.” Ndifreke said.

“Okay, later in the evening. I have to get back to work now. You know Josiah, he will just go to my father and I don’t want the old man to konk my head this early morning.”

“Alright, later then.”

“And for the record, I am still not cut out for this carpentry nonsense. I will still find a way to make it. Bet me."

“I have heard. First, tell me what you are keeping from me.”



Ndifreke was surprised to see Nurse Josephine when he returned from the backyard. She was returning from Mama Cowbell’s shop. He noticed her twisting movement as she walked back with a covered plate of food.

“I wanted to see you, nurse,” Ndifreke said. But I didn’t want to disturb. I thought you would be resting having been on night duty.”

“Yes I should be but I couldn’t sleep on an empty stomach.”

“Okay, I get.”

Ndifreke scratched his head. He did not know where to start.

“You want to talk about your girlfriend right?”

“Err, yes. I figured you would know how to help. She needs a doctor and antenatal.”

“Indeed she does.”

“Come with me.” She said.

Ndifreke quickly looked around. He saw that one or two persons were looking at them.

“Bros. I am not going to stand here for my food to get cold. Come.”

She turned and started swinging towards her room.

Ndifreke looked around again and took a few steps after her and said “Err, maybe you should go and finish your food first. I shouldn’t disturb you now, really.”

Josephine turned and said to him firmly “Bros, I said come with me.”

Ndifreke moved gingerly and made sure to keep his eyes away from her swaying hips. He followed her up the stairs and crossed his fingers and prayed no member of Maya’s family saw her entering the nurse’s room.

Nurse Josephine’s room was simple and tidy. She had a bed, a chair and a table, and a food locker in one corner like everyone else, and a wardrobe. The floor of the room was tiled. She must have had that done herself, as Ndifreke knew Alhaji Sirika would not do tile the floor for any tenant. No television or radio set was visible but he saw an iPad on the bed. The room had a fresh lavender smell and it comforted him somewhat that she left the door open and neighbors were going up and down the corridor.

She offered him the only seat and sat on the bed and placed her food on the centre table. “I’m coming,” she said and went out and returned after two minutes.

She sat on her bed and crossed her legs and said, “You better relax. The last thing on your mind should be what people will say if they saw you here. You have enough problems already and you need advice.”

“Yes, I do, nurse.”

“By the way I am Josephine.”

“I know…I mean I am Ndifreke” he said and extended a hand. She took the hand in a surprisingly firm handshake.

“I am a midwife so there’s no better person to talk to.”

“Ok thanks, nurse.”

“I heard everything that woman said this morning.”

“Everybody heard, I suppose.”

“Is it true your girlfriend hasn’t been to the hospital at all?”

“Yes, nurse. I didn’t know what to do.”

“How far gone is she?”

“Fourteen weeks, I think.”

“She needs to be screened and tested for risk factors that can be detected early, prophylaxis for malaria initiated and be placed on blood boosters. As soon as I saw her, I thought she needed to be screened and treated for anaemia.”

“Jesus.”

“What’s that?”

“She has anaemia?”

“The screening is routine. It’s the first thing they will do at antenatal. But with experience, I can tell looking at her that she would need treatment. She is too pale. It’s common in pregnancy.”

“Oh, my God.”

“You have to have it done at once Ndifreke.”

“I wanted her to go to the primary health center where I heard the government is offering free antenatal care.”

“It doesn’t cost that much at our hospital. I don’t trust the government hospitals. The queue will be too long and you will need to know someone to be attended to quickly.”

“How much will it cost at your hospital?”

“You register with ₦12,500. Then pay ₦7,500 for laboratory tests. That covers the entire antenatal period plus the drugs.”

“Twenty thousand naira!”

“Yes, twenty thousand naira.”

Ndifreke stood up. There was alarm in his eyes.

“Sit down.” Nurse Josephine said.

“I don’t have that kind of money.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

“I heard everything that was said this morning.”

“What will I do nurse? I don’t want anything to happen to Maya.”

“Nothing will happen to Maya,” Nurse Josephine said.

Just then, someone put a hand through the room curtain and knocked the door.”

“Come in,” Josephine said.

A girl of about ten walked in with another plate of food, covered like the one the nurse brought earlier.

“I don’t want you looking at me while I am eating so I got some for you. You are my guest.”

“Thank you, nurse, but I am not hungry.”

She uncovered the two plates. They were identical. Rice and beans with plantain. Beef, shaki, and pomo. Ndifreke swallowed.

“Eat.” Nurse Josephine said.

“How can I eat nurse?”

“Eat. I will help you.”

“How?”

“I am in charge of antenatal in my hospital.”

“But…”

“Eat.”

Ndifreke looked at the plate of food. He could not remember the last time he had anything so lavish.

“Will you like some juice or water?”

He thought about it for a beat and then said: “Water please.”



Irikefe entered the room and sat facing his father.

“Papa.”

“Yes?”

“It looks like she has started again.”

“Who?”

“The winch.”

“Oh.”

“People are saying they were pressed at night and they have scratches on their body. It stopped but it has started again.”

“So what you want make I do?”

“Papa we know who is responsible.”

“And so?”

“Let us talk. Now there is a council of elders. We should go and table it there.”

“No.”

“But why?”

“We cannot prove it.”

“What other proof do we need? We have seen her disappear in this compound. We have seen her preempt every action against her. We have seen her do things no ordinary person can do.”

“We also see her convince police that come to arrest am that the rest of us foolish and heartless. She go fool us again.”

“Ooooh papa!”

“Now look here. I no allow you come back here to come make trouble or cause me trouble. If you no want to stay, you fit go back to where you come from.”

Papa Efe stood up, went over to his travel bag, and brought out two necklaces. They were made of thick black thread and each had two cowry charm pendants.

“Take one wear for your neck all the time. No ever remove am. I go wear the other one.”

“Why papa?”

“Winch no dey forgive. Dem no dey forget. It will protect us.”

“So we go just protect ourselves leave de woman to dey do wetin she like?”

“For now, yes.”

“Ok papa” Irikefe said.

But he had other plans.


TO BE CONTINUED.

eyesofpearls:
Ah! Sunday come quick ooo
Thanks Centino for the pleasant surprise! My appetite don wet well well for more!

Peculariconcept:
Wow!
@Centino, You're the bomb. I stayed glued for close to 24hrs to get here. I must admit, you're one of the best have followed in this section.
Please keep it coming and more wisdom to your skull.

Amen

daymeelarday:
Finally caught up.

I've been stuck on this story for the past two days, just couldn't take my eyes off it. Awesome write-up Centino.

Freke should be careful with that nurse though.

Welcome on board man

THE CHALLENGE

Ndifreke collected himself and walked back into the compound and straight into his room. He did see what the fuss was about. She was not exactly Nicky Minaj but he thought that with a fraction of Nicky Minaj's fortune Josephine would run the super star artist close. If she had any sense, she would choose Lukman. Ndifreke, however, doubted that Josephine would be interested in Lukman or anyone in the compound. Or it may be that she was interested in the wrong person. He decided not to make much of their eye exchange just now. She would soon find out if she did not know already that he was hooked on the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth. Thinking about Maya, he decided to go to their top floor room to see her.

Mama Tobi was arranging things into her basin when Ndifreke sauntered over. She looked at him from head to toe and hissed.

“Good morning ma.” He said.

“Don’t good morning me my friend. Where do you think you are going?”

“I want to see Maya ma.”

“To see Maya as what? Who are you?”

“Err ma…it is me nau. You know me.”

“I don’t know you! Is that how people know people in your place? Did they tell you that my daughter dropped from the sky or came from the bush? How dare you put her in the family way and then stroll in here anyhow you like thinking it is normal? Is that how they do things in your place?”

“But ma…”

“Don’t but me any ma!”

“I can explain.”

“Explain what? You want to tell me that you did not know she was pregnant? Or you want to tell me that getting a girl pregnant is the same thing as blowing your nose? A simple thing you just do and wipe your hands on the wall and continue on your way?"Look at her. You have rendered her useless. My own princess. My pride. Impregnated by a church rat. No future, no present. Yes, no present! Ordinary bournvita and milo, you can’t buy. Has she seen a doctor even once? Have you heard of antenatal before? At this rate, she will give birth to an imb*cile!”

“Erm ma, I don’t know…”

“Of course I know you don’t know anything! I told her as much!”

“Please calm down and let’s talk ma. That is why I am here.”

“That is not why you are here! Did you not say you came to see her? I know that as soon as I go out you will bring out that wretched preek again and do the only thing you know how to do to her, not caring if she has even eaten.”

“But ma!”

“Shut up and listen to me!”

Nidifreke let his head drop.

“What you are doing is unacceptable where I am from. It is the highest form of disrespect anyone can give to any family. I have kept quiet and watched to see if you will know what to do, but I see that you truly are a dog. Do you have parents? Do they know what you have done?

“Now hear me. I don’t want to see you near my daughter again. If I see you here, or I see her leg anywhere near your room, I will put hot firewood up your anus.

“Know from this moment that the child she is carrying does not belong to you. When it is born, it will bear my husband’s name. We don’t know you. As you have refused to recognize us or do the right thing, I will show you that we are not like you. Now get out of here before I use this basin to reshape your face!”

Ndifreke looked up and saw that neighbors had gathered. Mama Tobi was not particularly whispering. He did not lose sight of the fact that neighbors did not show the kind of excitement they normally would when there was that kind of drama – as there always was at Katakata street. If anything, he could almost feel their sympathy. Not that it comforted him in any way. His manhood had just been torn to shreds. Pity could never be a consolation. He knew he had to leave as commanded. But shame, the type you feel when caught pants down made his legs heavy, and it felt like he would require a crane for him to be able to take the next step.

Just then Josiah surfaced and said “What are you people doing here staring? Una no fit mind una business for this compound? Calabar boy, oya come. I have finished the mosquito net you asked for. Let’s go the shop.”

Josiah went over and shook Ndifreke’s hand and led him away from the scene.

“I want to go to my room. Thanks Josiah.”

“I’ll come with you.”

Ndifreke made to protest but swallowed his words. He was indebted to Josiah and could see that Josiah was not done saving him.

“I’m sorry about what has happened.” Josiah began in the room.

“Thank you.”

“But you know she is right somehow.”

“Yes I do.”

“You have to do the right thing.”

“What is the right thing?”

“When you impregnate a woman, you marry her. No one will be your baby mama here. You are not wizkid. We are ordinary people. Here you give woman belle, you marry am.”

“Oh I see.”

“Do your people know?’

“Yes I called my father and said daddy you sent me to Lagos to get a job but I’m giving you a grandchild instead.”

Josiah hissed and supported his head in his hand.

“I will not say I don’t understand my friend. I no know why God give us preek and toto. Him for just find another way for us to procreate. The means should have been as painful as childbirth so that you go think twice before you indulge. But in a situation whereby the thing dey sweet like this, even when you no want trouble the thing no go see him opposite remove face. Just look fine woman now, before you go stop yourself something don shoot up for under your leg."

“Thanks for you concern Josiah. I need to think.”

“Oh Sorry I digress my friend. This is difficult.”

Ndifreke stayed quiet.

“Now this is what we can do. While you decide what to do, how to tell your people, we should concentrate on the demands of the moment, which is her health. Her mother is very right there. Find money and take her to the hospital. Or even talk to the new nurse. I’m sure she can advise. Put money in her hands too. You know how the pregnancy thing is. Today they may want to eat donuts; tomorrow it is frog they want to eat. Make her comfortable the way you can.”

“But she said I should not come near.”

“For this face-me-I-face-you?”

Josiah was right. He could get through to Maya as much as he wanted. Only they had to avoid physical contact as much as possible. There would be people who would want to see his ass scalded with hot firewood and would intimate Mama Tobi should he be seen in the company of Maya. Oh Lord. What had he done to himself? How was he going to go about getting married now? How was he going to tell his father that the very thing he warned him to be careful about was the first thing he did as soon as he arrived in Lagos?

Now he could not go anywhere near the Wharf. Even the money for the donut he cannot even provide, not to talk of bournvita and Milo or doctor’s appointment.

He looked at the copy of “The Secret” he had been reading. He had been practicing what it taught but instead of attracting good things, it has been bad luck after bad luck. What was he supposed to do?

Josiah seeing that he had been shut out by Ndifreke stood up and left.

Ndifreke stood and paced the room. He was a man after all. Challenges were a part of life. And men were made for challenges. Josiah was right. He would start with the little he could do. He would take care of her immediate needs and then worry about the future later. He would speak with his cousin for advice or even Mr Cosmas. There had to be a way.

He emptied his pocket and counted all the money he had in the world. ₦4,250. He would send everything to Maya. Next was the hospital. If he remembered, there was this jingle about Government helping out pregnant woman through a primary health scheme available at the local government hospitals. That was something the nurse should know about. There was no time to waste, he would go and speak with nurse Josephine at once.


TO BE CONTINUED.