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Benita (2)
"Benita dear...," I was looking for the right words; this was a dicey situation, "please don't lose hope. The only way out of this situation is God, so you somehow need to bring back that faith you said you've lost."
"Father you don't understand," Benita argued. "I think about how perfect I would have been today if I had never set eyes on Miss Becky. I think about how normal I would have been if my innocence wasn't abused and stolen at that early age. So I blame God. Wasn't he supposed to have guided me and led my path towards someone else, someone better than Becky? Why me?"
"Benita..."
"Wait Padre, let me finish." Benita had lost her calm. She was getting angry again. "I didn't choose this Padre. I didn't know any better at the time. I trusted Becky. I was only Ten for God's sake!"
"Benita!" This time I had more force to my voice. I didn't shout at her, but my voice was loud enough to pass across the message that she really needed to listen to me at this point.
"I'm sorry Padre," Benita apologised. "I got carried away."
"It's okay. But here's the thing. You came here because you didn't choose to be a Lesbian. I know that. You came here because you knew there had to be more to life. You came here because you're strong enough to give this a shot. Somehow your mind told you that no matter how dark the tunnel is, there must be light at the end. Do you have a Bible, Benita?"
Benita looked at me in a funny way. It was as though she couldn't believe I had asked that. "In fact, Padre, I belong to a Bible study group. I'm a member of CCRN. My parents are so Charismatic, we had no choice but to be members as well. I had my life in the spirit seminar when I was eleven." Benita smiled ironically. "And I was already doing these things at the time o. God!"
I heaved a sigh. "Okay, I guess that means you own a Bible then?"
Benita smiled.
"Well, if you read psalm thirty, verse five..."
"Sorrow may last all night, but joy comes in the morning." Benita recited effortlessly. "Padre, I read the Bible o. Hmmm. You don't know me at all."
"I want you to say the words of that scripture again, slowly this time. I'm not interested in how good your memorisation of scripture is. I just want you to pay attention to the words more. Can you do that?"
"Sorrow may last all night, but joy comes in the morning." Benita recited it slowly this time.
"Good," I said. "You see, it's one thing to pray, but it's another thing to pray like you've got no other choice. Do you understand?"
"I guess?"
"Well, Benita. That scripture gives us a reason never to lose hope. I can't question God. I don't know why Becky came into your life and ruined it at the time she did. I don't know why God allowed it to happen to you. But I know enough to know that God knows best."
"How?" Benita asked with much energy. "How does he know best?"
"Benita, how are you so certain you'd be much better today if you hadn't met Becky?"
"Haba, Father na. What situation could be worse than this one? Ehn? What could be worse than this?"
I smiled. "Well, I know of someone who was raped at age six by an uncle, started having sexual intercourse with her elder brother at seven, and was lured into lesbianism at ten years, and she remained a lesbian till she was thirty."
Benita's mouth was so wide open, flies could have held choir practice in there for ten seconds, absolutely undisturbed. "Haaaah, Father," she finally said. "I know what you're doing. You're trying to make me feel my situation isn't the worst abi? This is just a story to make me feel better bah?"
"No dear. I do know such a person. She is my friend."
"What? Like seriously?"
"Absolutely," I confirmed.
"Oh my God!"
'No be only your God', a voice said inside my head. 'You never hear anything.'
"So what happened to her? Where is she today?" Benita was suddenly full of questions.
The fan suddenly stopped rotating. PHCN had struck as usual. I looked at my wrist watch instinctively, it was nearly 4:30pm. "Let's step outside dear. Without the fan, this place will soon turn into an oven." I gathered my stuff together, strung my laptop bag across my shoulder once more and went out of the office, Benita following closely behind me. I locked the door and led the way outside.
As soon as we got out, the fresh air wrapped wonderful arms around me. It was a welcome relief. It would be triple tragedy to faint inside my office because of hunger and excessive heat."
"Father o..."
"Yes my dear." I replied as we walked toward one of the mango trees just in front of the Chaplaincy chapel.
"You're kind of different."
"Me?" I looked at my legs instinctively. Some students had told me that I walked funny. "My gait right?"
"Noooo..." Benita shook her head vigorously as she negated my line of thought. "I'm surprised you're not angry with me."
"Angry with you for what?" I couldn't understand what she was saying.
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm saying." Benita continued. To be frank, the major reason I've never spoken to anyone about this is because I had been too ashamed to even admit that I am a lesbian. Some of my lesbian friends..."
'Ghen! Ghen!' The common movie tune signalling DANGER resounded inside my skill. My mind wandered around. So she'll come to my office with more lesbian friends? How was I supposed to spend such time daily trying to convince them to believe in God?
"...that's also why." Benita finished.
We got under the tree and sat down on the bamboo chair the students had constructed for that purpose.
"Benita o..."
"Yes padre."
"What were you saying about your lesbian friends?"
If Benita was disappointed I hadn't been listening, she didn't show it. She carefully crossed her legs and looked at me with such intensity I could feel the heat of her gaze on my face. "I said some of my Lesbian friends had mentioned that when they tried to speak to people about who they are, they begin avoiding them like they're possessed or something. So me I don't want anyone to see me as a possessed person. I also don't want to lose respect among my fellow CCR members. My parents will just die. To them I'm still the holiest of their children."
"Is that why I'm different?"
"Yes na. You're not even angry. You've been here for hours trying to make me regain my faith."
That human thing in me called pride reared its ugly head. I suddenly felt like one celeb as my head swelled with pride. But then I quickly controlled myself before I got into God's bad book. I had a soul to rescue. This was hardly the time to be wallowing in vanities. "You forget that I'm a campus priest. I've seen and heard many things. I learn from these experiences. So no, I'm not angry with you. There's no point. My own is to make sure your relationship with God is restored. Simple! To answer your question ehn? The lady is still very much around, and she hasn't lost hope. We're still talking. At some point she even had to undergo psychological therapies to help her process the many traumatic aspects of her existence."
Benita wasn't talking, but I could see her lips moving as though she were muttering silently to herself.
"Listen," I continued. "I know some persons who have this lesbian orientation and have refused to let go. They are not even strong enough to try. It has become a lifestyle for them and they have completely given up. Some others, instead of accepting the issue and trying to see how to be helped in their journey of faith, begin to raise propaganda and form gay clubs, gay groups, and what have you. They begin to proclaim their weakness as strength, and become activists of sorts. Is that what you want to become?"
"No padre." Benita replied.
"Do you believe your sexual orientation can get back to what it used to be?"
Benita looked at me, then her gaze went far away. Her eyebrows contracted and relaxed, then contracted again. "Padre, to be frank ehn, I don't believe I can change. You see sometimes the urge is so strong, it's like I'm addicted to it. When that happens, I can do anything with anyone. It's like something else takes over me. I don't even have any feelings for guys anymore, like sexual feelings."
I cleared my throat and cracked my fingers noisily. Benita was very quiet and calm. I
was careful not to use any judgemental tone. I knew God must be very patient with people like Benita. I had to somehow try to be patient too. "Benita, see ehn, I'm not you, so I cannot pretend to truly understand how you must feel. But I'm trying to place myself in your shoes, and I know, trust me, I know it's not easy."
Benita brought her gaze back to my face. It was obvious she was hanging on to my every word.
"God loves you just as much as he loves me." I continued. The look Benita gave me revealed she wasn't convinced. "Benita, God's love is unconditional. It's not dependent on what we do. It is true that we need to do our best to take up the salvation Christ won for us, but God's love can't be diminished by our failings. And his mercies endure forever."
"Father, can God forgive me?"
I nodded.
"Okay, what about those children I made lesbians? Each time I think back I feel like killing myself. I'm so angry at Miss Becky today. But that's exactly how those persons must be angry with me too. I have destroyed the lives of people as well. How can God forgive me?"
This was one serious question. And honestly, I was not certain I could provide a satisfactory answer. "Well, Benita. You were abused. Then you went on to abuse others. It became one vicious cycle. Many have been hurt, souls have been led astray. Honestly, I don't know what God is going to do about those persons. But just as you've come to me now, I'm certain God will continue to prompt them till they are able to regain themselves. For all we know, they may have already gone back to the right track."
"Why does God allow any of this to happen in the first place?" Benita asked.
"Hmmm... I can't answer that. But I know God has a reason for letting even terrible things happen to us sometimes. He sees what we can't. He knows what we can never imagine. So... let God take care of those persons. I know he will. Right now let's allow him take care of you."
Benita shifted uncomfortably on her seat.
"I'm sorry I had to make you talk as much as you did. But you see, I needed to understand. Have you heard about sexual relationship disorder?"
Benita seemed to consider my question for a moment. "Erm, not really father. But from the words I can guess you're trying to say I have a disordered orientation?"
"Something like that, but wait a minute dear." I smiled. I had to somehow break this information without sounding demeaning and condescending. Experience had taught me that the way issues like this are handled could go a long way in either making or marring fragile consciences. "Just give me time to properly explain. Is that okay?"
"Yes Father." Benita was smiling again. She perhaps found my discomfort hilarious. For me, that was a good sign. "Okay... Erm... Natural sexual orientation is heterosexual, you know, the attraction between men and women?"
Benita nodded.
"And being homosexual is..."
"Being attracted to members of one's own sex." Benita said.
"Good! Did you say you have no feelings at all for the opposite sex?"
"Padre. I don't o. To be frank."
"But you're willing to try, right?"
"I will try Padre."
"It's going to be difficult. It's not magic. You will try and fail many times. Do you promise not to give up trying?"
Benita heaved a sigh. "Well, I'll do my best by God's grace."
"Perfect. That's just perfect. God can do the impossible. So get ready to work."
"Yes Father."
"You see, your mind has somehow gotten used to thinking about sex and sexual orientation in a certain way, because of too many repeated instances. Do you understand?"
"I think I do Father."
"Good! Now we all have to work to try to reform your mind to make a U-turn and begin to think more naturally."
"Hmmmmmm!" Benita rubbed both of her palms together.
"Are you familiar with Ephesians Chapter One?"
Benita looked at me with a funny gaze once again.
"Oh sorry dear. I almost forgot your familiarity with scriptures is unprecedented."
"I didn't say that o, padre."
I laughed. "Anyway, take time today and read that passage over and over again."
"The whole Chapter?"
"Yes dear. The whole Chapter. I'm going to encourage you to pray the rosary as well. When last did you..?"
"I can't remember padre."
It was my turn to give her my own 'are you kidding?' kind of gaze.
"Don't look at me like that jor. Padre. I'm not able to pray that rosary..."
"But you'll try, abi?"
Benita thought about it for a while. "Okay, I'll try..."
"You still remember how to..."
"Yes na. Haba! Am I not Catholic?"
"You be Catholic before o."
"That said. I'll give you the number of one Monk I know in the monastery who'll take you on a week retreat with Psychological therapies."
Benita looked worried. "Erm... Monastery? Why na?"
"Okay, first things first, you've become addicted to homosexuality out of habit. To break habits can be extremely difficult. Especially habits of this nature. So I'll send you to a friend of mine who's a monk. You need a quiet place to seriously work on your sexual orientation and think about all this. Then you need his expertise in Psychology to help you deal with the trauma. I can't help you there, I'm no psychologist. Finally you need to be in an atmosphere that enables you rediscover God's love under the guidance of a spiritual director. Get the point."
"You're sounding like a medical doctor giving me prescriptions or something."
I hit a mosquito that was trying to sip my blood. "Benita dear. But I'm a doctor na. A doctor of the soul."
Benita smiled.
"Please come back tomorrow. I'll call the monk tonight and set up an appointment. Let me know when you're able to have a week off, okay?"
"Yes father."
"Have you read St Augustine's Confessions?"
"No father."
"I'll give you the book tomorrow. Take your time. I'm sure it'll inspire you and strengthen your resolve."
"Okay Father. Many thanks for your time."
"You're welcome dear. One more thing. When was your last confession?"
"Erm... It's been a while Father."
"Are you willing to come to God in the Sacrament of reconciliation now?"
"Yes Father. Please!"
"Okay, one moment, let me get my stole."
As I went to my car, I whispered a prayer to persons like Benita everywhere, that God may give them the courage to seek help...
THE END

qhost mode deactivated... bibijay123 U Try Wen U Take Der Mk Mha Heart Beat.. qive a mention on the next update

Benita
I sat in the office that afternoon as I always did at that time of day. Boredom was starting to seep into my bones. I knew the day would pass like all the others. These young students never came to the office. They would flock around you after mass and bug you with questions on end. Sometimes they would even go late to lectures - they seldom cared. But come to the office? No way! It was simply not in their nature.
I returned the books I had brought to the office that day into my laptop bag. It was time to go home. As I moved toward the door, a young lady walked through. We almost hit each other on the doorway. I know what you're thinking. We didn't actually hit each other. So there were no books falling on the floor and both parties struggling to pick them up as we often see in the movies. And besides, I was not in the mood for theatrics.
I took some steps backward. The lady got over the initial shock and withdrew the same time I did. Though I was angry to the pit of my stomach, I gave her one of the best smiles I could manage. It's called a 'pastoral smile'. I felt like crying. Where had she been all the while? Why come now that I was just about leaving the office? When she smiled back I turned around and went back to my desk. This was a very dark and pretty lady. She was almost as tall as me, and that's saying something. I know I am a tall man.
It was obvious "Miss Campus" wanted to see me. There was no need asking her. She came inside and hovered about the chairs. I had not sat down yet. I was hoping she would just say whatever it was she wanted to say quickly and go out the door. She probably read my mood. Good!
"I really don't want to waste your time padre. My name is Benita, a final year law student." She looked around at everything except me.
"Padre. Erm... I am a Lesbian..."
I didn't know when I sat down. The strength went out of my legs. All thoughts about going home jumped out the window.
I was out of breath. I mean, it wasn't as if I didn't know that some ladies had THE sexual orientation that Benita had just dropped on me. It was more of the manner in which she said it. It was not every day someone came into your office and told you point blank about this kind of sexual orientation here in Nigeria.
Benita had obviously overcome her initial timidity. She sat there looking straight into my eyes as though daring me to condemn her or something. It was my turn to be uneasy. What kind of a lady was this anyway? I cleared my throat, collected my emotions, and looked straight back at her.
"So Benita, huh? You certainly have a way of introducing yourself." I removed my glasses and placed them beside the huge Bible that sat on my desk. "Okay, Benita! I am Father Bernard Ose, and I'm very pleased to meet you." I stood up and offered my hand for a handshake. A tiny voice in my head reminded me it wasn't gentlemanly to offer your hand first to a lady. But the hand was already out and I had no intention of withdrawing it. Benita stood up the moment I did. She took the outstretched hand and smiled again.
"You have a wonderful smile Benita. Do you know that?" I sat down again.
Benita was still smiling. She nodded. "I get that a lot. But coming from a priest, perhaps I'll now take it much more seriously."
Something somersaulted inside my stomach. 'Na joke I dey o', a tiny voice said inside my skull.
When we had both gotten over the initial awkward moments, I decided to probe a bit. "So, what can I do for you dear?"
Benita hesitated. Perhaps she was trying to process her thoughts. I was looking at her face keenly. Her composure had disintegrated again, and her face was a scurry of expressions.
"Erm... Father? Do you think I need help?"
I smiled. "Well my dear Benita, wouldn't you be the one to ascertain that?" I kept my smile in place.
"Me? Okay. I think I need help."
"Why?" I asked.
Benita regarded me suspiciously. "What kind of a priest are you anyway? Haven't you been listening?"
I took some time before answering her. "Well, you see, you've hardly said anything, except telling me you're a Lesbian. And right now, I'm waiting for you to tell me why you think you're a Lesbian."
The way Benita looked at me then gave me the impression she thought I was nuts. I smiled inwardly. This was so going to be something.
Benita kept looking at me warily. I still had my pastoral smile in place. It was an all-knowing smile. If she wanted to tell me her story, I was all ears. One always had something to learn from tales of this nature. I rested my back on the chair and gently rocked the leather thing from side to side.
"Padre!" The young lady shifted uncomfortably in her seat. I could see perspiration on her brows. I involuntarily looked at the fan, which was bellowing at full speed. These industrial fans had an uncanny way of trying to blow everything out of the way. The one in my office had a peculiar hum - like the diminished roar of helicopter blades. How could she be sweating under a fan like that?
"Padre!" The lady said again. My gaze returned to her face. I thought she was going to be stuck there forever. I was starting to lose patience. Worse still, the hunger was back. I allowed my mind wander a bit. Why she was busy calling 'padre' over and over again I could as well fall down and die of hunger and boredom...
"... the school was so bad. All the senior girls would compel us to..."
"...wait a minute girl!" I quickly cut in. "Did you say the school was so bad?" I was out of my daydream in a flash.
"Yes. It was almost lawless. The senior students would make us strip at night and..."
"Benita dear. You've got me totally confused. Could you please begin the story again? Slowly this time?" I wasn't about to let the young lady know I hadn't been paying attention. It was a pastoral offence...
Benita had her wary look back in place...
After a few minutes, her wary look disappeared. In its place was sadness. I had never seen such overwhelming sadness in anyone's eyes. The emotion seemed to envelope her. It hung like a sinister halo over her head. The lady that seemed so tall and proud only moments ago now looked utterly miserable. Her shoulders were slouched. Portions of her braided hair had somehow escaped from the flower shaped pin that held them together in a ponytail; they fell in cascades over her face.
When she raised her head this time, there were tears in her eyes.
"Father... I wasn't always a Lesbian you know?" My heart went out to her. I wanted to reach out a hand, but I quickly thought better of it. A counsellor should not get too carried away. Benita wiped a lone tear from her left eye. She comported herself and cleared her throat. Then she looked straight into my eyes again. The fire was back in her eyes.
"Padre... I'll be 21 next month. That means I've been carrying this burden for eleven years. I was 10 when I gained admission to Federal Government Girls College Ekpoma." She paused and looked away. There was a faraway look about her, as though she could remember that moment from years ago. "I've been wanting to speak to someone about this. Anyone! But you see... How do you just go to someone and tell them you're a lesbian? Who would truly understand what I feel deep inside? Who would even be patient enough to hear my story? Today, I just made up my mind. We were talking about gay marriages and civil implications in my Family Law class and... something just didn't seem right. I knew I would burst if I didn't talk to someone. So here I am."
I was holding my breath, wondering when she was going to begin the story. My nerves were stretched taut, my ears strained at every word.
"Well... Padre! So here I was in my new school with so much expectations... To cut the long story short. I was introduced to all this by the Biological teacher. Her name was Becky. I can never forget that name. She was a very young woman at the time. Very alive and funny. Everyone liked her. But she took a special liking to me. I was elated. I became like her little sister. That's what she called me. I was always with her, I longed for her company... Imagine leaving everyone behind and finding a perfect friend here in school. But one day... One day..." Her voice trailed off.
I was stunned. I had been expecting the usual school mother/school daughter thing. Biology teacher? A grown up woman? I was dealing with a criminal offence in my hands. Whoa!
Benita seemed to have pulled herself together after a little while. She had that determined look again. "Well padre... One day Miss Becky called me to the biology laboratory after lunch. It was not unusual for some teachers to stay over for some extra lectures. I went there with joy. After all, I had nothing doing that afternoon, and I would obviously have jumped at any opportunity to be rid of the ugly specimen that called herself our hostel prefect." Benita paused. She seemed to be collecting her thoughts.
I remained very still. This was not the time for interruptions of any kind. I'll just let her go at her own pace.
'Miss Becky was the only one in the laboratory. She had pulled off her overcoat since the weather was extremely hot. I came in from behind and jumped on her back. She laughed and pulled me down. She appeared to be very busy that day..."
Benita picked one red pen off my table and began drawing patterns on my table. I could see the tiny red lines from my seat. I just wished she would get back to the story and leave my poor table alone....
"She started talking about puberty and sanitary pads and menstrual cycle..." Benita's voice trailed off again. "She said there were things I needed to know, and that no one would tell me except her." Benita looked up at me. "Do you understand all this padre?"
I nodded. I had no choice. Whether I understood or not I had to agree with her at this point. Her story had to continue.
"Well, that was how it all started. I would go there everyday and she would tell me about changes in my body. She would even point them out and touch me all over, even in the most odd places..." Benita could notice my discomfort. I hoped she would spare me the details already.
"Padre?"
"Yes dear!"
"Are you comfortable with all this?"
"Oh yes!" I lied. "Please go on..."
Benita did not appear convinced. Maybe that was why she changed the tune of the story. "Padre! I'm not here to talk about Miss Becky sha. I had to bring that in just to let you know where my lesbian tendencies sprang from." She looked up at my face. She probably was trying to figure out my expression. "I'm here to talk about myself and the burden I've had to bear alone these past eleven years..." She paused.
I just kept smiling. You know? That pastoral smile I had earlier mentioned. Benita was not going to hear a word from me just yet. I wanted her to get the story all out.
Someone poked his head through the door of my office. It was the Sec. Gen. He was probably surprised that I was still in the office. He quickly greeted us just before his head disappeared the same way it had appeared.
The campus was quieter. I wanted to check what time it was, but I dared not. I didn't want Benita to think that I was in a hurry. The rumblings in my stomach had long since subsided. The poor intestines had adjusted, knowing they wouldn't be getting any food that afternoon. Intestines of priests had to adjust all the time...
"I did so many things with Becky. So many unspeakable things. I couldn't even begin to tell you about them Father." Benita had that faraway look about her again. "Anyways, things changed when Miss Becky was asked to leave..."
"Asked to leave?" It was the first time I interrupted the story. I wanted to be clear on that point.
"Yea. She was asked to leave. It was during our third term examinations..." When Benita raised up her head to look at me, there were tears in her eyes again...
... She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her right palm. "It was discovered that Becky had been using many many girls my age in my school. Benita paused and looked out the window. "I was so hurt. How could she? I couldn't even understand how she had gotten away with it. At first, I wasn't angry because she had sexually abused me on many occasions. I had gotten used to these sessions with her. It was a kind of addiction, you know? I was angry because she told me I was special; that I was the only one. That I was her special angel..." Benita's voice trailed off.
I was dumbfounded. I just sat there with eyes open wide. This was one hell of a story.
"Anyways... A student had spoken to her parents about Becky. They came to tell the authorities and they launched an investigation. That's how it was discovered that she had used many other girls." Benita exhaled so loudly, I could hear the whooshing sound from my seat.
"So it turned out I wasn't the only one. Things changed from thence. I was lonely, heart broken and confused. My parents didn't know what had gone wrong. My mom tried to make me share with her..."
Benita stood up from her chair. She raised both hands to her face and gave it a good rub. "Please padre, I really need to pace. Is that okay?"
"You can pace all you want dear." She could even run around or something if it made her feel better. I didn't mind at all.
"After Miss Becky left I became something else. I guess that's when I got lost. The sexual urges were so intense I began practicing all the things I learnt from her on the younger students. I gave them lectures and touched them in the same way she would touch me then. Some loved it and would come back again and again. Others who didn't like it were not bold enough to report me to the school management. I became a Lesbian Queen of sorts..."
Benita had her back to me and her face to the wall. I couldn't see her face. I couldn't even guess what she was thinking. Her next words took the breath out of me.
I strained my ears. She didn't just say that, did she?
"Excuse me please. What did you say?"
Benita turned and came back towards me. She sat down calmly, looked me straight in the eye and gave me a look that I'll remember forever.
"Padre! I said I don't believe in God anymore." It was obvious that the young lady was getting angry. I could see it in her eyes, in the way the bones stood out on her neckline. I could even make out the veins on her right temple.
"Wow! Benita. Please take it easy. Surely you didn't mean that..."
"I mean it so much." She didn't even let me finish. "I wish I didn't padre. But I do. I really do."
Nothing prepared me for the tears that poured down in torrents on those tender cheeks. Benita's whole frame shook as sobs washed over her repeatedly. In an instant I was out of my seat. To hell with the principles of guidance and counselling. I needed to at least comfort this lady. I quickly brought out my handkerchief and offered it to her.
"Please don't cry Benita. Take it easy. God knows you. He knows your name. You're His dear dear child." I didn't know what else to say in that moment. I sat on one edge of my office table, my right hand patting her back gently...
"I'm so sorry padre. I didn't come here to break down." She tried to wipe her face, but fresh tears frustrated her attempts. "Where was God padre? Where did He go? Did I choose to know Miss Becky? I didn't ask for any of this. Now what do I do with myself?" She got up from the chair and moved a bit backward as though she suddenly realised I was intruding on her privacy. I took that as a cue and went back to my seat.
"I need a life padre. I need a future. I didn't ask to be a Lesbian. But now I've been a Lesbian too long. Too long! It's the only sexual orientation I know. What in heaven’s name am I supposed to do now?"
I looked at Benita. Then I heaved a huge sigh. This was going to be a long day...
To be continued...

Ada
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
"Come let's go honey". Ada called to Ubuane, who was busy lacing his shoes in the sitting room of their bungalow, along Airport Road, Benin City. "With the way you're going, we'll be late for Rev. Ovie's ordination."
"Relax my dear." Ubuane stood up and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He had donned his most expensive suit for the occasion. "That guy was a perpetual late comer back in the day na. E no tell you say na me dey always wake am up? I'll not be surprised if he comes late for his own ordination. Besides, St Paul's is not even far from here."
Ada smiled. She carried their seven-month old son in her bosom." Richard their first son was running all over the place as usual, shouting like his father. One would hardly guess he was only four. Ada had come to love Ubuane over the years. He was the most understanding person she had come to know. Today she was happy; happy that such a loving husband had been by her side all the way. She was also happy that her best friend and brother was being ordained. She knew she owed what she had become to the Omoruyi's. She could now boast of being a renowned medical practitioner, advancing well beyond the colleagues in her field.
"You're thinking about your first love, bah?" Ubuane was set.
Ada came back to the present. She smiled shyly and hit her husband lovingly. "Who told you he's my first love? Go away jor."
Ubuane laughed our loud. "How did you know who I was talking about?"
"Me, did I mention any name?" It was Ada's turn to laugh.
"You forget that I was his roommate in the Uni. I know every o. Dey there na. While you were busy loving a Fada, me I was busy loving you..."
"You were a bad boy, loving your friend's friend. Thank God I made you Catholic."
"C'mon. I was in love with my friend's sister, no be friend. And by the way, it was Ovie's decision to go and become Fada that started changing my perspective small small o. No be you."
"Let's go jor." Ada was getting emotional. She wiped off a tear.
"Honey, you have too much water in your eyes," Ubuane said as he reached for his car keys.
"You, you have sand in your eyes, abi?" Ada retorted.
"Richard!" Ubuane had the door open.
The four year old turned towards them, and without waiting for any instructions, ran out the door, shouting incomprehensible words...
"Is he singing?" Ubuane asked Ada.
"Ask me again," Ada said as she walked out the door as well.
Ubuane threw his hands into the air, a feigned look of frustration on his face.
***
Ovie was amazed at the turnout during his reception. Many of those he knew back in Brosli University had come to wish him well, not to mention the many Jesuits that had come from Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Gambia, and Ghana. He had pulled such a large crowd, he was totally overwhelmed. When he was asked to make opening remarks, he took the microphone, looked from one point of the filled hall to the other and smiled broadly.
"I thank God for this day, and for giving me such a wonderful family. My mom, God bless you so much. My second mom, Nnonu, Dalu. God bless you as well. My siblings Esele, God rest her soul, Ada, Emeka, Amarachi, and Ijeoma. Today is as much a big day for me as it is for my best friends Ubuane and Ada. It's their fifth wedding anniversary today. Please put your hands together. You may be wondering how come my siblings are all Igbo, and I'm Bini. But that's a story for another day...
***
Ada smiled as Ovie continued his speech. Deep within, she knew her husband had been right. This priest had indeed been her first love.
THE END

Ada
Chapter Eleven
Try as she might, Ada could not push Ovie out of her mind. For three whole weeks she refused to see him nor take his calls. She blocked him on WhatsApp and deleted his text messages anytime they came in, without bothering to read them. She didn't want to be cornered into changing her mind. She went as far as making sure their paths never crossed. Ovie had even come to her common room more than thrice, hoping she'd come downstairs to see him. He would send a message as soon as he arrived, wait for hours, and send another message whenever he finally left. Since those were usually brief messages, Ada got to read them without meaning to. Even Bridget had gotten suspicious. She couldn't understand what was going on between them. "But you said he's your boyfriend na?" Bridget had asked her on one occasion, as they were returning from lectures. "Are you guys having issues? The guy has been scarce o"
Ada had mumbled something about Ovie's recent busy schedule. The excuse had sounded pretty lame to her own eyes, but it had been the first thing that popped into her head that day. She had told Bridget Ovie was her boyfriend because she knew her roommate had predatory tendencies, and something in her wanted to protect Ovie from the negative tentacles of such a person. Bridget was a great friend, no doubt. But she had a weakness for handsome boys...
Ada's phone vibrated. She wasn't ready to take calls from anyone. She was trying to sleep. The phone kept vibrating. Frustrated, Ada picked it up and looked at the screen. It was Ovie. Although she had deleted his number from her phone, the digits were ingrained in her memory. What was the point of picking up the call today, after three weeks? She rolled on her bed and ignored the phone. Just as she was about to finally get some sleep, her phone vibrated once more. It was obviously a text message. Ada picked up her phone again. It was a very short message, "I'll be leaving tomorrow. Ovie." Ada's thumb froze. Now he was leaving? To where? For how long? Was he coming back? Tears rolling down her cheeks she frantically scrolled down to a number and hit the 'dial' button.
"Hello, mommy..."
"Hello my dear, how are you?"
As soon as Ada heard the woman's voice, she broke down completely.
"Oh dear, he told you. Didn't he? This boy will not kill me. Osanobua!"
Ada nodded as though the woman at the other end could see her. "Now he says he's leaving... Mommy..."
***
Ovie read his admission letter for the tenth time. It was from the Provincial of the Jesuits for the North West Africa Province, comprising Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra-Leone and the Gambia. He had been assigned to the Novice Master in Ugbekun, Benin City. Finally, the process he had begun over a year ago had matured. Ovie had always loved the Jesuits. They were the ones in charge of their parish in Benin. Growing up, he remembered he always fancied a long beard, like that of the Jesuit brothers and Fathers. He had become a mass server for the sole reason that he wanted to be close to them. He still recalled how he would take biscuits and celebrate mass, with Esele being his only congregation. Esele had always wanted him to be a priest, even though his mom was totally against the idea. When Esele died, something in him had died as well. But he had begun talking with his parish priest about his vocation a year ago. That was when he had started reading everything about the Jesuits. He came to realise that he loved their apostolate. He wanted to be able to travel to different places, preaching and teaching. He particularly loved the fact that he would be trained to give retreats and reflections to people. When he finally made the decision to apply online, he hadn't told anyone about it, not even his mom. He hadn't been sure he'd be taken. But he got a reply afterwards. Then he was officially assigned to his parish priest as his Jesuit companion. Next he was invited for an interview, where he had to face a panel of six Jesuit priests. He had been so nervous. When he was invited for the candidacy programme, he knew he had to tell his mom about it. There was no way he could be absent from school for two whole weeks without his mom getting to know. It was there he met other candidates from different countries. That was also when he met with the Provincial of the North West Africa Province one on one. The day after he returned to school had coincidentally been the exact day he met Ada about ten weeks ago. Three weeks ago, he had been about to resume from Christmas holidays when he got the letter informing him he'd been successful. He was to resume Novitiate in a month. He had first told his mom about it. After the shouts and cries, she had agreed, as Ovie knew she would. Ovie was certain his mom had somehow hoped Ada would change his mind. He had been encouraged by his mom's change of heart, which was why he had decided to share the news with Ada as well...
Ovie heard the knock a second time.
"Who be dat?" Ubuane shouted. He was at his reading desk.
"It's me." A feminine voice answered.
"Who be me?" Ubuane quickly grabbed his t-shirt and threw it on.
"Ada."
Ubuane paused. Then he did a break dance across the room towards his roommate. "She's here!" He whispered to Ovie, who was lying down on his bed. "I said it!"
Ovie had heard Ada's voice quite alright. But he couldn't believe it. Ubuane had pressured Ovie into sending that brief text message. Ubuane had told him earlier that Ada would come if she knew he was leaving. Ovie had wanted to leave quietly, since all his attempts to see Ada had been futile. Ovie rushed to the door and threw it open...
***
Night came swiftly as both of them held hands under the bright rays of the moon. Ada and Ovie had been at the lawn tennis court for close to an hour, talking and laughing and crying. Now that Ada had finally given Ovie a chance to explain, she felt a little relief. She was still heartbroken, and no manner of explaining could change that. But she also realised she had been a little selfish, trying to steal someone else's destiny from him. So although it hurt like hell, and although what she wanted to do was hold him and never let go, she was ready to give him a chance to pursue his own dreams. She loved him that much. "I remember how my mom would tell us stories under moonlit nights like this." Ada said after a long pause, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well, my mom never had time to tell us that many stories. She was always in the market."
"I can imagine. Business mogul that she is. But you see, Umuchi is very different from Benin."
"Like I don't know."
"Seriously Ovie, you broke my heart, and if your mom hadn't talked some sense to me moments ago. I'm not sure I would have been able to come say goodbye."
Ovie sighed. "I'm so sorry Adaugo."
Ada looked at Ovie. It was the first time he was calling her full name since they met about nine weeks ago.
" I've been saying that for many weeks now." Ovie continued. I never knew I was playing with your emotions. Trust me. You know, one thing led to another." Ovie paused. "First you fell out the window and broke an arm, then hospital, then your mom... We thank God sha."
"How often can we get to see you?"
"Well, I'll be in Benin for two years for the Novitiate. I'm sure I'll come for holidays after a year."
"Altar a year? Jesus Christ!" Ada screamed. "I am going to miss you."
Ovie looked Ada in the eye. "I missed you these past weeks. I will continue to miss you. You're like a sister to me. Knowing you has brought joy back to my life, and whether you know it or not, you have helped me make this decision. I wanted us to make the most of these last days. I really did. But you..."
"I know, I know..." Ada fought the tears. His words stung her like sharp needles. "How long till you become this priest?"
"Twelve, thirteen... Maybe fourteen years. It depends really."
"Hmmm!" Ada sighed. "Are you serious about leaving tomorrow though?"
"Unfortunately, yes!"
"Promise you won't forget me?" Ada could no longer hold back the tears.
"You're my blood Ada. This vocation was as much mine as it was Esele's. I kind of hoped you'd encourage me as I go along. Besides, my mom needs you. Did she tell you?"
"Yes, she did." Ada blew her nose noisily. "She wants me to come to Benin during the holidays with my siblings anytime I want."
"No na. Not that."
"Did she tell you anything about your education?"
"No? She did say you are very stupid for choosing the priesthood over me. And she begged me to forgive you." Ada tried to smile through the tears.
Ovie smiled as well. That was typical of his mom. "So she didn't tell you she has decided to train you and all your siblings in school?"
Ada couldn't believe her ears. She opened her mouth to say something, but finding no words, she closed it again.
"She said since I have thrown everything she's laboured for away, she'd spend it on those who'll appreciate it."
Ada broke down again...
To be continued...

Ada
Chapter Ten
Ada walked towards the common room on the ground floor of her hostel. She had got a call from Ovie saying he was coming over. He wanted to tell her something very important and he didn't want to say it over the phone. Ada was overjoyed. She knew Ovie eventually wanted to make their relationship official. And he was busy forming all this while. She thought he'd never ask. Throughout the holidays they had talked and joked about everything. His calls were so frequent and consistent, everyone felt something was amiss the only day he had called her later than usual. Even Ijeoma had walked up to her one day demanding that she helped loosen her hair before Uncle Ovie called. The little girl knew that once Ovie called, that would be the end of her elder sister's activities till much later when she dropped the call. Ada waved at one of her classmates at the other end of the hostel.
"Where you dey go?" Her friend shouted across at her.
"Common room!" Ada shouted back.
"Any gbedu?"
Ada laughed. "For common room? No jor. I just wan see my friend."
"No lie o."
"No be lie jor."
Ada was already on the ground floor of the hostel.
One student opened her room door, poked her head out, and looked at Ada angrily. "Come, why una dey shout like dat na? Exams don dey use style come o. Girls are not smiling."
Ada covered her mouth immediately. "Oh sweerrie! No vex. No mind Bola. Na she cause am." Ada grinned in her mind. Students were yet to resume and someone was reading already? Wonders will never end.
"Who be that? Kilonsoro?" Bola shouted again. She was straining her neck to see who was distracting Ada in the middle of their conversation.
Ada made a sign with her hands, urging Bola to bring down her voice. She didn't want to continue shouting back and forth.
"Ewo, if you wan read you no know road to library? Kilode?" Bola shouted again. She could see someone's head.
The student looked at Ada, then at Bola. Her gaze came back to rest on Ada. She shook her head slowly, went back into her room and locked the door with a bang. Ada couldn't hold back her laughter. The whole scenario was so funny. How had Bola guessed what it was all about though?
"Babe no mind that one. Na she read pass? Who dey read by this time? Abi na sleep she dey sleep sef? Abeg, if show dey holla at your girl o."
"Trust me," Ada called back, trying to reduce the volume of her voice. She quickly walked past the room. Bola was the type of girl that everyone knew in a day. She was as noisy as she was rude, probably because she was born and raised in the less urban areas of Lagos. She had 'street' written all over her, and she never cared to hide it. Most people just either agreed with whatever she said or totally avoided her. Getting into a quarrel with Bola was like jumping into a swimming pool without knowing how to swim. Ada turned into the corridor that led directly to the common room, thoughts of Ovie filling her heart.
***
Ovie stopped at the canteen and got two cones of ice cream for Ada. He had never met anyone with such an appetite for ice cream before. He glanced at his watch and increased his pace. He had returned from Christmas break the day before, since Ada wouldn't stop nagging him. He didn't know why she had resumed that early though. No one resumed the first week of resumption. Not even the new students. He knew the school would be empty. His roommate Ubuane hadn't even resumed. Ovie smiled as he got close to the female hostel. It was then it occurred to him that Ada might have resumed that early because she had missed him.
***
Ada was silent. It felt like a knife had been plunged into her heart. What was wrong with Ovie?
"You're not saying anything." Ovie asked. He was getting worried. He hadn't exactly expected Ada to jump up with joy but he certainly hadn't expected this extreme coldness either.
Ada remained quiet. There was nothing to say. She needed time to process this. She had been such a fool. How come she never saw it coming? Not once had he ever called her sweet names. Not once did he ever say one romantic word. And she had been here like a chicken tied to a leash, thinking he'd get into a relationship with her. Oh dear! This was so wrong.
"Ada? Please say something!"
Ada stood up from the sofa. She needed to go back to her room. In fact, she needed to go back home.
"Ada? Where are you going? You haven't even told me what you think. I really need to get your opinion." Ovie pleaded.
Ada walked towards the door but paused just before reaching it. She needed to say something. Otherwise her heart would shatter into many tiny pieces. "Ovie, you are wicked!"
Ovie recoiled as the impact her words hit him.
"How could you?" The tears rushed down Ada's cheeks. "How could you bring me into your life, introduce me to your family, give everyone in my house hope and then come up with this story? Are you for real?" "Ada please..."
"Oh shut up." Ada cut in. "Don't you know I'm a human being with feelings? How could you play ludo with my heart like this? It's over. You hear me? It's over between us. I don't ever want to see you again." Ada walked out without so much as a backward glance.
***
Ovie was confused. What was over? He wasn't even in a relationship with her, was he? In fact, he had made sure he never gave her that impression. He had only taken her as his own sister. Had he done wrong by being nice? He couldn't understand it. He had always felt a call to the priesthood, but his mom had kept pushing him to University, hoping he'd get over it. Now that he had finally made up his mind to go to the seminary he had thought it wise to tell his sister first. What was so wrong about that?

Ada
Chapter Nine
Ada's mom got down from the car, holding on to Ovie tightly. She had come to see the boy as her own son. His willingness to help her and Ada was something she never thought she'd live to witness. Over the past five days she'd been hospitalised, her health had improved greatly - thanks to the young boy her daughter had found. She didn't know where Ada met him , but she wanted her to marry him as soon as possible. The boy was not only rich, it was clear he had much love for them. He was complete husband material. This had been her prayer since she was discharged from hospital the day before. Passing one night at his house had convinced her further that God had finally smiled on their situation. She had never been in such a big house, neither had she ever slept on such a soft bed her entire life. She was saddened to know that Ovie's father had passed on just like her husband. And that his younger sister had died just a year ago. They kept talking about how much her Ada looked like the Esele they had lost. Her heart went out to Ovie's mother; a very kind and wonderful woman. She knew it must be very lonely for her to live in such a big house without a husband and only one child, who was hardly at home. Thank God she was a busy woman. Ada's mother had to admit that she was envious of them. Why was life so wicked? She was killing herself to take care of her children and here was another woman who had all the money but only one child? She wished they were that comfortable too.
"Mama take it easy o." Ovie said as he led Ada's mom into the old house, down the corridor towards the compound behind. It was clear she was distracted.
"Chidalu, dalu nwam, o? Thank you my pikin. God bless you for me."
"Thank you ma'am. God bless you too for me."
The woman smiled as she let herself be led. It was obvious she was enjoying all the attention.
***
Ada gathered her mom's things and took them out of the car before locking the door. For a second, she fantasied about being Mrs Omoruyi. She smiled and dismissed the thought to the back of her mind. How can a year one student be thinking of marriage? She had felt very proud though when neighbours stared at them continuously as they got down from the Toyota Hillux. She had felt like one madam coming home for the New Year celebrations. She pressed the remote control button marked with the 'lock' symbol. The Van beeped and blinked twice as the doors automatically locked. As she got close to their doorway, she pressed the button one more time. The car beeped again. Satisfied, she went into the house, feeling like the Lolo of Umuchi community.
***
Ada held Ijeoma as she told her stories. She occasionally smiled at Amarachi who sat cross-legged close to them, pretending not to be interested in children stories. Ovie had returned almost immediately. He had even called to tell her he was home. He must have driven at top speed. Ada glanced at her mom. She lay on a mat close to the fire they had made just outside their kitchen. Her new found peace radiated all around them.
"...So the tortoise went to the King and said he would want to run in the competition," Ada continued.
"Nwa nem? Can tortoise run?" Amarachi asked.
"Hia! I thought you're not interested in children's stories o. Ntoooor."
Amarachi smiled like a big girl. "I just asked na. Your story is jumping into my ears small small."
"Well, in this story eh? Tortoise wanted to run."
"Nwa nem?" It was Ijeoma's shrill voice.
"Yes?"
"Tortoise can run. Emeka has seen a running tortoise before." Ijeoma's small finger pointed at Emeka who was busy carving a stick with a small knife at the other end of the fire.
"Ijeoma you can lie?" Emeka retorted.
"Is it not you that said one tortoise like that was running in your school?" Ijeoma was not about to give up.
"Hia!" Emeka stopped what he was doing. "Was it not inside reader?"
"Oya, all of you go and sleep, biko. You can talk all this talk tomorrow. I want to talk to your sister."
Amarachi and Ijeoma got up and went inside the house. They were obviously not happy at their mom's tyrannical commands, but they knew better than to argue with Nne. Emeka however kept carving his stick. He knew he was exempted from those kind of instructions. He slept whenever he liked.
"My daughter, has Ovie asked you to marry him yet?"
"Hah! Nne! No na? We're just friends o."
"Come, biko. Do you think I am a fool? Chineke mee! Is it not this two breasts that you sucked?"
Ada almost laughed. "Mama, there is no day you'll not tell me I sucked your breasts. I know."
"Even me o!" Emeka shouted. "Nne came back today o. Today! And she has already reminded me twice, twice o, that I sucked her breasts, as if I don't know."
"Taa! Me chie onu! What do you two know?"
"Mama. Ovie is different." Ada tried to explain. "He is not like other boys. He has not even called me his girlfriend once sef. I think he sees me as his sister or something!"
"Me chie onu! Sister ke? Mbanu! Tell him you're not his sister o. You're not his sister."
"Mama calm down na. We're just starting school. I'm in 100 level and he's in 200. Marriage is still far."
"Adaugo!"
"Ma?"
"Adaugo!"
"Ma?"
"Adaugoooo!"
"Oooooo na. Mama? Hia!"
"How many times..."
"Three times mama." Ada knew there was no point in letting her finish.
"I have said my own o. Kachifo."
The woman rose from her mat and went inside the house.
Emeka came towards Ada. "Nwa nem? Don't listen to mama o. Nne is old school. Follow your heart."
"Thank you Emeka."
"Mention my dear. Mention!"
"Go jor." Ada laughed.
Emeka gathered his instruments and went inside.
Ada stretched out on her mat, looking at the twinkling stars galaxies away. She thought about what her mom had said. She knew her mom had a point. But it wasn't her fault. If only Ovie would become a bit more romantic. She knew he loved her. But she feared he was trying to replace his late sister with her. She didn't want to be just his sister. She wanted so much more...

Ada
Chapter Eight
Emeka rose to the sound of crowing cocks. He rubbed his eyes and gingerly got up from the foam that had seen better days. These days, only his mind convinced him it wasn't a mat. The thing lay flat, having completely lost its foamness. Emeka didn't want to wake Ijeoma, it was too early in the morning. Besides, he was tired of her incessant cries. Amarachi understood perfectly that Nne was seriously sick. But Ijeoma? She kept asking after Nne as though he had her hidden somewhere inside his shorts. Emeka hadn't bothered to explain further to her. After all she had seen Nne in that helpless state herself. What more was there to explain? Emeka tiptoed to one corner of the room, put on his farm clothes and swung a small hoe over his shoulder. He would try to dig up a tuber or two of yams from their farm, which was not too far from the river. There was nothing else to eat. He went over to Amarachi and shook her softly, "Amara!"
Amarachi turned noisily and continued sleeping.
"Amara, wake upu! Hia!" Emeka shook his sister again.
This time Amarachi sat up and looked directly at Emeka for some seconds. As she was about going back to sleep, Emeka placed his left palm on the back of her neck and shook her gently, but firmly.
"Ewooo!" Amarachi screamed into wakefulness.
"Reduce your voiceee." Emeka whispered. "Do you want to wake Ijeoma up?"
Amarachi got up from the bed, raised her arms into the air like a slender gymnast and stretched noiselessly. Then she wrapped one of her mom's old wrappers around her waist and knotted it around her neck. She knew it was time for her morning ritual. Both children left their compound and joined the sparse traffic of villagers already on their way to the farm or to the river. Inside the house, Ijeoma slept on, oblivious to the world around her.
***
Somewhere in Benin, later that morning, Ovie packed a cooler of food and rushed out of the house.
"Omon!"
"Mummy!"
"So early?"
"Hah," Ovie came back into the sitting room. He hadn't realised she was already up and about, "mummy. It's almost 7:am. I'm sure Ada will be hungry already. That girl can eat for Africa."
"Eat for Africa? How?"
"It's a manner of speaking mom," Ovie explained. "It just means she can eat very well."
"Oh! Okay." The woman got up from the sofa. "Be careful okay? I'll come by much later. Keep me updated."
"No worries ma. Take your time," Ovie said over his shoulder as he rushed out again.
***
"Where's your brother?"
Ada looked up and saw the young doctor of yesterday smiling at her. "Oh, he went to get food."
"I'm Joe by the way." He stretched out his hand.
"I'm Ada." Ada shook his hand.
"Ada as in..."
"Ada as in Adaugo!"
"You're Igbo?"
"Yes Doctor."
"Just call me Joe please."
Ada smiled. "Okay doctor Joe."
"Just Joe."
"Okay doctor." Ada couldn't help it.
Joe threw his hands into the air. "Okay, I give up." He cleared his throat and put his professional face back on. "We have the results for your mom's situation, erm.., I was hoping your brother would get here before I explain the details to you..."
"Well I'm here now..." Ovie had a big smile on his face. He passed the cooler of food to Ada.
Joe smiled. "Good! Your mom was very restless yesterday, so we gave her a very light sedative, just to make her rest. That's why she's been sleeping."
"Has she eaten anything this morning?" Ovie asked Ada.
"No, not yet." She answered.
"As I was saying," Joe continued. "your mom suffered from a condition known as Hypoglycemia."
"Hypo what?" Ovie had never heard anything like it before.
Ada was silent. She hoped it wasn't a terminal disease.
"Hypoglycemia." Joe repeated. "It simply refers to a shortage of blood glucose."
"Oh!" Ovie exclaimed, relief washing over him.
Ada still held her breath.
"You see, most people feel symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar is 70 milligrams per deciliter or lower."
Ovie rolled his eyes.
Ada clasped her hands together in silent prayer.
"You see, I asked if your mom was diabetic earlier. That's because diabetic persons may have different symptoms of hypoglycemia like dizziness, confusion, constant headaches, pounding heart, and so on. Without treatment, the symptoms can get worse. One could pass out, have terrible nightmares, or even go comatose."
"Whoa!" Ovie exclaimed.
"Yes." Joe said.
"So what caused this doctor?" Ada finally asked.
"Too much insulin in her system, skipping meals, eating too late... Many factors could be responsible. But you see, your mom is diabetic. The tests confirmed it. And she's not been managing it at all. That's pretty risky."
"But diabetes is excess sugar na? At least I know that one. How can one with excess sugar have low blood sugar again?" Ovie was getting confused.
Joe laughed out loud. "I understand your confusion my man. But you see, it's not just about excess sugar. Diabetes is actually a metabolism disorder. What that means is that Diabetes distorts the normal way the body digests food for growth and energy. When the body breaks food into glucose, the pancreas should produce a hormone called insulin, which enables our bodies to recognise the glucose in the bloodstream and use it. In this case, your mom has Diabetes type 2. That means her body either does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in her system have become insulin resistant. Given this condition one could have hyperglycemia, which is too much glucose, or hypoglycemia, which is too less glucose.
"Chineke! Ada exclaimed.
"Don't worry about it." Joe reassured them. "With proper medication, diet and exercise, she'll be fine."
"Thank God!" Ovie was getting tired of the medical jargon.
"But she'll be fine, right?" Ada asked for emphasis.
"Oh absolutely!" Joe answered with a big smile. "But you'll have to make sure her sugar level is constantly monitored.
"Ada? Ada... Is that you? Biko... Where am I?"
All three of them turned. The woman on the bed was awake...