₦airaland Forum

THE WONDERING PROFESSOR


He woke up at the earliest of dawn
from a sleep he hardly had
For his mind had been full all night
Of what fate has in store for him
For the previous day had been bad

It had rained all day
The roads were murky
His favorite spots were messy
The busy streets deserted
for people kept indoors all day

He slept in hunger
terrible dreams turning into nightmares
Kept him away awake all night
His stomach, rumbling and aching
like enzymes feasting on intestines
He had wished for death
For only that would give him rest
He lives in perpetual fear
of seeing the break of another dawn
For how could a man be so poor?
In the midst of so much


The flyovers of Rumuola
Eliozu, mile 1 and Eleme
Offer him shelter every night
He is known by everybody
Yet he knows none of them

Prof! Prof! we all call him
for he was once a school teacher
Nature has turned him a wanderer
he owns nothing, save for the Rags he wears
and the Plastic bowl he carries about
his bowl of course is for multipurpose

He is totally un kept and haggard
he smells about like a he-Goat
With eyes red and angry
for he is always hungry
seeking for busy Streets
as long as there is high footfall
He pitches his tenth therein

With his Bowl in front of him
he calls out to all that passes by
Please help me for I am hungry!!
That is his Song all day
he lives at the mercy of others

He does not have plans for tomorrow
for all his care in this life
is to eat, sleep and eat again
On days that he gets no food
He seeks for food in refuse dumps

He is not insane, no! Not Mad!
But poverty they say is a disease
that would bring a man so low
to the lowest of all esteem
what pride does a beggar have
for really he has no choice!

MY FATHER'S ADVICE

My father used to say
Remember the son of whom you are
For twenty kids cannot play together for twenty years
Each would wonder his own way, to design for himself, his destiny
Some you meet again, some you meet never again

My Father used to say
Son! You have to be reborn
I may be poor, but you do not have to
I may live in servitude, but you do not have to
My palms and feet may be hard and coarse

That is me! My life! Not you! I am not you
Boy! You came to this world with me as a conduit
I lent you my name so you can have an identity and a root
But do not tread the paths I trod.....you need a rebirth

My father used to say
The world is a battle field; the world is yours to conquer
Only the brave can conquer, just follow your battle cry
No one really cares about you. No! Not one!
For in reality, all man for himself and God for all
Wake up! Smell the coffee! Clear off your illusions

My Father used to say
Son, when I die, bury me here! Here! By my father’s grave
I do not need any fun fair at my funeral
Take care of me when I am frail and when I am gone, let me be
Save your silver, save your gold, take care of the living
For the dead is spent, let me rest in peace
What you owe me Son, is that you show your Children the way to live

My Father used to say
Son! Teach your Children the truth about life
Do not pamper them, for the world does not pamper!
Teach your children to know how to stand alone
For time would come that friends would dessert you!
Teach them to fast seasonally
For time would come when a man would hunger and thirst
Teach them to fight back when pushed to the wall

For Bullies abound every where
Teach your Children to be moderate in spending
For the more you spend, the less you save
Teach them to save money
For unforeseen circumstances will always come up
Teach your Children my Son; teach them never to trust any man
For man is mere Mortal
Teach your Children to run when others are running
Let them dock when others are docking
For a common Dog is better than a dead Lion
Teach your children to Respect the Elderly
For then would they live long on Earth
The prayers and blessings from the Elderly Transcends to the heavens

My Father used to say
Teach your Children to obey Constituted Authorities
For then shall you not be labeled "Enemies of the State"
Teach him not to ague or Challenge his master
For he that pays the piper, dictates the tune

My father used to say
My Son! Fear her, the Woman!
For she is wiser and stronger than you
Do no toy with her heart for she can destroy you
She is like Fire! An obedient servant and a vicious master
Love and respect her and she shall be your slave forever

My Son! He said; do not lift your hands against the Mother or your Children
For her curse in bitterness is eternally indelible
Let the Woman in your life be happy
And Joy shall not depart from thine home

My Father used to say
My Son! Your Palms cannot fool you, use your hands! Work!!
For there is dignity in labor
He said, Son! Abhor laziness
For the man that cannot feed his Family is worse than an infidel

Teach your Children never to procrastinate
For Mr. Opportunity is not a patient man
Teach your children to get education
For with this, you will break barriers and dine with Kings
Teach them to acquire veritable skills
For this will feed them till they are old and frail

My father used to say
My Child, tell your Children about me
Tell them I did not have parent to advice and counsel me
None to educate or care for me and plan my future
Because I am a product of a broken home
Abandoned by Parent and relatives

A poor Sage picked me up and gave me shelter and food
While I served him till he died.
His words I am passing to you and your Children
I will be the last to die in material poverty in my genealogy
As long as you pass these words of wisdom down to your children
And they, their Children.

Then shall my soul rest in peace and I shall revel in in heaven
For good name they say, is better than Silver and Gold
But you my son, and your Sons, shall have it all
Good name and Silver and Gold.

Title: ABA MY ABA!!!

Aba! My Aba!!
My beloved home land and abode
The ancient City of my Fore Fathers
The City of the great Ngwa Race
The land of the great Elephants

The Land of merchants and Business moguls
The Land of agile sports men and Women
The land rich in food and waters
Ariaria, Foulks road, Ogbor hill, Azikiwe road, Umungasi, ikot ekpene road.
The Streets and roads that make Aba what it is

The land of great women
History will never forget your exploit of 1929
but what happened to you?
Your beauty, your pride where are they?
Where are the gallant Elephants?

Where are those Industries that made you thick?
Where are your youths?
All like Sheep’s have gone astray
Every one to his Tent like the Israelites
Your youths are scattered about

Like scoundrels they fight for survival
All man for himself, survival of the fittest
Your Streets are littered with dirt’s
Your Air is filled with Stench of pollution
Your Streets and Roads are now dumping ground for refuse and sewage

Mosquitoes sing lullaby in our hears all night
We sleep with one eye open and Ears drawn
Your Youths have become Lazy
They all seek the easiest way out
They resort to crime and vices as means of survival

They lost confidence in their selves, and then the state
The number of Youth Lunacy increase by the day.
Your Maidens pervade the streets at Night
I fear my Shadow at Nights...No one is safe
Fear of Hoodlums, the Police, Army, Bakassi boys


You used to be known for your versatility
now you are tagged king of fake products
you used to be a delight to Investors and Tourist
Now you are desolate, left to die in the pool of your blood
The great Elephant!! Now you trod with head bowed in shame

How are the mighty fallen? Your eyes are beclouded in tears
your skin patched with bruises and scars from your struggles
Aba my Aba, who will bring back your Glory??
You have been lied to for too long
Those you so trusted have always betrayed you

They are Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
Vampires! They have sucked your Children dry
Like the breast of an old, the water has run dry
They tax your Children with numerous levies
They do not care for your Children

They eat alone, they and their Children yet unborn
They use the Sweat of your Children and build castles in foreign lands
They loot you to enrich other lands
Unrepentant fools they are! They do not hear the wailing of the people.

But I have a dream!
That one day, the Elephant will bounce back
That posterity will catch up with the evil doers
That we shall be free from "our own" that has held us captive
That the length of Port Harcourt road and Aba Owerri road
Shall be liken to the streets of Paris

That investors, Tourist, foreigners shall be struggling to come to our land
That our youths shall make sports and entertainment lucrative
That our children shall become professionals of various endeavors
I foresee a wind of Change
A hurricane, a cyclone that will sweep the land of all ills

And usher in a haven of peace and tranquility
I see the rebirth of my home land for good
Then shall we all gather at the Great Eyimba Stadium
And sing with one voice "Nzogbu! Nzogbu!! Eyii mba Eyii!!!
The dawn of a new era.

Title: YOUTHS GONE ASTRAY

Arise o Compatriots
Our youths are going astray
We have left the paths our fathers towed
All, like Sheep's have gone astray
Each sick with the get rich syndrome

The love of Money
The root of all evil
decorum is thrown to the winds
Civility, a thing of the past
Everyone is in a haste to get rich

A Child must first sit, crawl then walk
The durability of a house they say
is dependent on its foundation
Riches would come in due time
There are certain guidelines to ensure it lasts

Corruption! Yes Corruption!!
The bane of our Society
we cry of corrupt Leaders!
But corruption prevails
in all facets of our lives

Every Child is a product of a corrupt Leader
Fathers, Mothers, Teachers, pastors
Every one is a Cheat somehow
The poor cheats to see his Son excels
The Rich man cheats to get his Child richer
Parents bribe their Children's way in Schools
Every Child is a product of an ambitious parent

The eyes of good conscience is ripped off
We celebrate materialism
Today the patient Dog die hungry
Grab all you can when you can
Take your share! It’s a national Cake

Education is thrown to the Winds
Na Certificate I go Chop?
Skills acquisition a thing of the past
how can I be a Shoe maker? A whole me?
Our youths want to eat without sweating

Schemers! Schemers everywhere
Yahoo yahoo! The rave of the moment
Italian runs! South African runs!! Malaysian runs!!!
The latest preoccupation of our youth
for the child that brings money home
the favorite of every parent

Title: PUPPY LOVE (Poem)
I made sure my uniform was ever sparkling
My green Khaki shorts well ironed
My light green shirt starched to still
Brown Cortina Shoes polished to glow
With sparkling white Stockings

I sure answer all asked Questions in Class
At the front row where I could be by you
Though I had all writing materials
I would rather borrow from you
I do not go out for break unless you do

I felt all your pains silently, when you are ill
prayed fervently for your recovery
I wished to be sick so I can be with you
In the School Clinic on admission beds

I hated Mr. Akpan our math’s teacher
For difficult questions he asked you always
Questions that earn you his strokes
I hated any, who got you humiliated

Always present at evening preps
Because you do not miss evening preps
I lose focus when you missed prep
I lose concentration when you are present
I was consumed with so much of you

I smiled when I saw you laughing
Even though I know not why you laughed
I behold you innocent Beauty
In your Purple checkered day wear
Twice I Fought Kennedy for calling you names

I wanted so much to be by your side
To be the only Boy you played with
To share my Provisions and Snack with you
I wanted to tell you how I felt towards you
I wished you had read my short messages
Written at the back pages of your books I borrowed

My heart tore to a thousand pieces
When I sought you during Prep Class
Thought you were sick so you missed prep
But you were with Jude in his Class
Side by side you sat chatting and flirting

It killed me to see Jude walking with you
During Sporting activities it was Jude by you
During Manual labor he was helping you out
All I wanted from you you gave to Jude
I failed my examinations because you
You were the answer to all my exam questions

Finally you nailed the Coffin on me
When at close of the Third Term
All were packed and ready to go home
I waited for you to leave before I leave
I would leave but I have with Jude ,scores to settle
But when your Daddy came to take you home
Jude put his luggage in your car and off you all drove.

Back to Base

Back at Enugu after a well deserved rest at Ife. Captain was very pleased with me for taking out time to see his Parent. He asked a million questions, he wished he was at Ife with us, he became home sick when I told him of all that transpired in the two weeks we spent there but I skipped the issue of Baba until he asked me if Mama knew of my miscarriage and I said yes.

Then Mama must have taken you to see Baba Ifa! He chipped in. I was silent.

Do not be scared my love: he said. I know my mother and her staunch respect and believe in Ifa even though she is an active Women leader in the church. So what did Baba tell you? He asked. I was tongue tied, we had resolved not to tell him until he returned, but how could I with hold this from my husband?

Mummy said you should not tell me abi? He asked. Are there issues I should know about? He asked.

Yes sweet heart! We resolved not to bother you until you returned; there is a lot to be done on your part. Please can we just skip this topic till you return? I begged. Well it is okay if you insist but the fact is that I do not believe in that Man, I am a Christian now!

Captain! I called his name; yes! He answered.

Did you just say you are a Christian now? Or are you trying to say you are a “Church goer” now?

He laughed out loud and said, na you sabi o! Do you believe that that Man was against my joining the Army? But look at me today; I am doing well in the Army. You are a woman and could be gullible but for me, I do not believe in Ifa, that s all. I knew better than to argue with Captain and it pained me. I needed to tell him how expository the visit to Ifa was, but the only way to make Ayo see reasons is to take it easy with him, time shall tell. So I gave him a piece of the ice berg and told him of my dream and the before the miscarriage. I also told him of how Baba asked me of my dream and his interpretation of the dream, but I did not tell him of the remedy Baba proffered. He was speechless as I kissed the phone good night.
I knew he would ponder over what I told him all night and by tomorrow, he will probe some more.

On the first of October I took Chinedu out and celebrated Ay’s birthday with him, it was fun because Chinedu actually acted well as my spouse save for the fact that he was visibly younger than me, I noticed how girls of his age were staring at him as we held each other’s hands as we strolled about and visited joints. Chinedu was already Six- footer and a hunk, he worked out at the 82 division Gymnasium and had developed tight Biceps and six packed tummy, so he was naturally a sight to behold in his fitted T- Shirt and jean trousers.

Two days later Ay called and asked what Baba said the remedy was, I told him and he went mad on the phone swearing at and cursing Baba and his Ifa. He swore he would never go and seek for Dupe for apologies let alone sleep with her; he scolded me for even believing such “incredible nonsense” as he put it.
I simply kept quiet and allowed him to empty his bottled up anger. He was angry with every one, me, his Mother, Chinedu and Baba, Dupe and her Mother too. He said all of us should leave him alone, so I let him alone as I cut the phone on him.

I called Chinedu and narrated what transpired between Ay and I to him. He laughed and said I should not be afraid because I caused it by not being able to keep my mouth shut till Ay returned from Liberia, for once Chinedu said he could not help me. I cried to bed that night.


Another season rush came and passed in 2005. Everyone was so engrossed in meeting Customer needs that we forgot our immediate problems. Silvia was always in the air flying to and fro Dubai to stock up her Shop or flying to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt for events.

Chinedu was everywhere, the transportation business is a very complicated one as several issues started to come up ranging from accidents, mechanic issues, road task force issues, insurance issues, Drivers issues, money issues, issues everywhere and I admired the way young Chinedu managed all of these as if he had been trained on Conflict or issues management. There was a fatal accident involving one of his Buses and a private car that led to the death of three persons along Enugu –Onitsha Express road by Oji River junction. He went away with his Lawyer for two days to attend to the medical and legal issues relating to the event. Chinedu has indeed become a Man.

For me I had a lot on my hands, from managing my Shop to offering Catering services to hundreds of clients and the supervision of my Plaza which was at completion stage. I was so over whelmed with work that by the end of January I went to isuikwuato and spent a week with Cordellia and her husband. I was missing my husband so much; he was a source of strength to me.

bibie01: Dom, where are you oo, please come and update.

my dear I cannot think straight for now. Work pressure. Will sure update Asap. Pls bear with me. Thanks.

We spent the whole week at Ile Ife resting from the rigors of work in Enugu. We were following up our businesses with the use of telephones. The House became full again by Friday night as Segun and the Sister Ajoke, came home together that weekend. Daddy returned from lectures with a nephew of his to spend the weekend.

On Saturday morning, Chinedu, Segun and Shola Daddy’s nephew all followed Daddy to his farm along Ilesha road. Daddy had a Cocoa Plantation cum other food crops farms on a thirty hectare span of land.

After cleaning up the house Ajoke and I went to the hair dressers while Mummy went out for meetings.

Later in the evening there was an in-house party. Daddy and the Boys came back from the farm with well spiced and barbecued Bush meat, a hunter had sold his game of Grass Cutter and Antelope to them at the farm and they had prepared it at the farm House.

They bought two Gallons of freshly tapped palm wine from a Tapper at the Farm and these they brought home for the merriment of every one buffet style.

We all gathered at the sitting room eating and drinking while listening to the music of king wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1) coming out softly from the speakers. Everyone was happy.

I longed for my Father once again; we used to have such joyful gatherings in our home when I was a Kid.

Segun came and pulled me up to the center of the sitting room and we danced to the music. I was the center of attraction as I moved to match the rhythm of the music. Segun and others were shocked, he never expected me to know how to dance to Yoruba music.

He moved to the right as I moved to the left, he went down and I went down too, the whole family surrounded us clapping. I gave Segun a little gap; I dropped my glass of palm wine on a nearby table.
I swayed like a butterfly to the rhythm of the music; I rocked my shoulders, my bosom, to the rhythm of the music, I wriggled my waist, Ikwere style, to the rhythm of the music, with smiles on my face all the way. I was the music, the music was me.
I collected over five thousand naira that night when I counted the money they sprayed me. Ajoke told me that she had used all her Childhood life to learn how to dance like her Brothers to no avail, how come you dance like Brother Ayo so well? She asked; he is a good teacher and I, a good learner; I said laughing.


Do not forget everything we discussed and agreed upon; mummy told us as we were about driving out from the compound on our way back to Enugu on Sunday morning. Chinedu please drive with care o! No over speeding o! And call us immediately you arrive at your destination please! Mummy begged with tears in her eyes. I had tears in my eyes too. What a lovely mother in-law.

I love you! She shouted as Chinedu screeched the Car out of the gate. I love you too mummy! I shouted back. I looked back through the rear view mirror and I saw mummy crying on Segun’s shoulder. I was moved and I sobbed silently while Chinedu consoled me by patting my shoulders.

Then we will have to wait until Captain comes back! No one, especially the Wife should tell him of our visit here until he comes back and learns of it. Chinedu said.

Yes! Baba said: let us wait until major comes back. Captain! I corrected. Oh sorry! Baba said.

He turned to mummy and said; mama Segun please do not stay too long before you come to see Ifa, what is revealed here today would have been known and averted. It is good we visit Ifa before we take any major step in our lives, so as to know the right direction to take.

How is Baba Segun? He is okay, mummy said; extend my greetings to him and tell him to see me after Lectures tomorrow, I will be free at two o’clock till four o’clock, Ifa has a message for him.
Can’t I take the message to him? Mummy asked; No woman! It is left for him to tell you the message, not me, and do not be scared he is not taking a second Wife! Everyone laughed

My Wife! Baba turned towards me: You have to be benevolent and generous to pregnant women and Little Children hence forth. Let their prayers be an intercession for you.

There is a little Boy I see following you about, he is not your Son but he has your blood in his veins too. Who is he? Baba asked; his name is Paul, Baba, he is my elder Sister’s Son. I replied.

You love that Child like a Son, you have to be careful, the Mother of that Child is your sworn enemy, she is envious of your shadow and that Child of his can never love you as you want, no matter what you do for him, he will never be contented. He is like his Mother; his Mother will use his to get at you. The only thing you can do for the Boy because of your love for him is to hand him over to your Brother here to train. The Mother is afraid of your Brother. Please be careful. I simply nodded my head in affirmation.

He turned towards Chinedu and said; Your Excellency~ please continue to be focused on your business and your studies, do not allow what you have heard here today to make you lazy and complacent. None of all you heard today will be achieved if you go to sleep.
Yes sir! Thank you very much sir! Junior replied

Baba packed up his bag and excused himself from our presence, but before he left our presence, Mummy tucked some money into his pouch. This is for Ifa! She said; may Ifa protect you Baba replied.


Mummy was very pensive, she threw the Car key at Chinedu and kept muttering to herself, she kept calling Iya Dupe! (Dupe’s Mother)
We drove back home silently with Chinedu on the wheel while Mummy gave him directions to drive. Each one of us burdened with different thoughts.

We got home and prepared for Church service. Mummy was not her usual vibrant self at Church. Her Friend Dupe’s Mother was by her side chatting and gossiping as the service progressed but mummy seldom talked. Back at home, Dupe’s mother followed us home and was acting like the friend we all thought she was.

She came to me at about 3:00PM and started a discussion but before I could be fully indulged, Chinedu came to me with my Phone and said; Aunty you have a call from your husband and he handed me the Phone. I put the phone to my ear saying “hello! Hello!” as I left the presence of mama Dupe but no one replied. I looked at the screen of the Phone, it was blank, and no one had called. It was Chinedu’s ploy to make me leave the woman so I went upstairs to my room and slept off.


By Monday morning the house became quiet. Daddy went to School; Segun went back to Lagos while Mummy went for lectures at the Ilesha College of Education. Only the two elderly were at home with us and after breakfast, they retired to their rooms. Chinedu and I were left at the sitting room watching Television.

Hmm, your excellency! I teased Chinedu. Aunty! He laughed: I do not know what to say o! Even though I secretly nurse an ambition to go into politics in the future, I had never voiced it out to anyone. That Baba just spilled out everything like he was a god or something! I am still surprised at everything that was revealed yesterday!

Me too! My Brother, I have been hearing of this Ifa stuff but I had thought it to be a myth or fable of sort but now I know better. But why doesn’t Captain believe in him? After all he is a Son of the soil and he grew up here with his Parent who believes in the efficacy of Ifa, the strangest thing was that we later went to Church after visiting Ifa in the morning.

Well I think the Yoruba’s are a People that still hold their cultural heritages dear, Junior said. Your husband is an adult and has made his own choice not to follow the footsteps of his parent; Junior said.

But he is not even a practicing Muslim or Christian either! He is just a Church goer like us! I said.

My only fear now is that Ayo may not want to heed Baba’s advice! He will not and the consequence will be my being Childless, my death, or my being ousted from Ayo’s house. I am at a loss from all indications. But you can make him change his decision, are you not the Wife? Chinedu asked.
Chinedu! I know my husband very well, he is a proud man, and he is self-confident and not easily swayed. I will try my best all the same, I will.

Divepen: I don land ooo

Hey! Divepen my man! you been go Brasil? welcome back o.

Cheriepet: nice story u have here Dom

but some corrections
the local government in Abia state is Isuikwuato so d spelling u have up dere is wrong (sorry it is my hometown )
anoda is d place u wrote 'unzipped bra' i think it should b 'unhooked bra'

following from now on....

good work sir

many thanks Cherie, many thanks!

Candis009: Wow wow wow,rilli interesting. so many tins compressed in dat first page. its a good one Buh don't u tink u summarise ur work too much? u don't describe ur characters atal,u should write n we feel as if we r watching it. if ds wants to get published, how many pages wl it take? "False pretenses" by 'repogal' or "the silent lover" by 'underage'can give u an insight on wat am saying. Asides dat u gat a veeeery interesting story here wch got me glued to my fine since yestataday. thumps up

Thanks a lot my Sister, i appreciate your observaton. i will take correction instata. Jah bless!

gennysq: Wow! Dis story has really got me stunned
ℓ̊ pray ur story makes Frontpage, cus ℓ̊ want oda peeps to learn frm dis beautiful piece.
God bless u Dom, u too much

Gennysq, you got my back all the way. I appreciate ur encouragement.

sebak: Wow, dis story as opened my eyes to tins, God bless u sir

God bless u Sebak! I appreciate ur time and comment.

missuniverse: I really don't know what to say.............



but one thing i must say.......
DOMAWOLEYE,u re gud

I am flattered! God bless you.

gennysq: Wow! Dis story has really got me stunned
ℓ̊ pray ur story makes Frontpage, cus ℓ̊ want oda peeps to learn frm dis beautiful piece.
God bless u Dom, u too much

Thank you my Sister! Thanks a lot

The tears flew freely and uncontrollable, I had never imagined such fate could befall me in all my life, I have never imagined I could be a Victim of an Occult manipulation, why me? Was all I could mutter as Junior pilled me closer to comfort. Baba continued: this lady was so enraged that she joined a very powerful female cult just to seek vengeance, and as I said earlier you would bear no Child alive and if at all your Child comes out alive, then you will not live to tend the Child! That is her pact with the Cult.

So Baba, what is the way out? Please ask Ifa what the solution is? Please Baba! Mummy pleaded.

Baba picked up the beads and said some more incantations then he threw them down, he studied the beads for some time then he looked up at me: You are innocent! Your hands are clean! But in this life of ours, so many people die for sins they know not about. This lady lied to her Cult to avenge her quest. But she truly loves your husband, in fact your husband dis flowered this Lady when they were much younger but for her bad manners and irrational temper, Ayo would have married her.

Ifa said there are two ways out; the first and the best is that you People will have to go and beg this Lady, make her see reasons and let her reverse the curse she had placed on you. The second solution would require your husband’s presence here because he is the link between the two of you, he had slept with the two of you and he is the point of contact the Lady used to reach you, if your husband had not slept with her before, it would have been difficult for her to reach you though not totally impossible for a desperate woman like her would go to any length to seek for vengeance.

Thank you Baba! Mummy said: I will go to her Mother right away and beg her so she can help me reach her daughter, it has been long I saw her but her Mother is my Friend, she will help me to locate her.

Baba shook his head staring at Mummy; the Person we begged to help us scratch our back, has thorns hidden in his hands! The Person we begged to help use his mouth and blow out the speck in our eyes has dried pepper hidden in his mouth! The place we look at as an exit route is actually a brick wall! Don’t dare tell her Mother! Baba warned; her Mother your friend is the architect of this whole saga! She manipulated you in the first place to agreeing that these Children will marry when they grow up! You thought it was a joke? You thought it was a mere wish? No! Mama Segun, you committed yourself without knowing. Your so called friend is a devil! She hate you like faces, she believed you betrayed your friendship, she believed you and your Son deserve to suffer for the injustice you meted to her. Are you aware that the Lady in question turned down several suitors because of Ayo? Mama Segun, do not go to your friend for she hate you. She is still close to you today because you are an informer to all on the developments in your son’s family and you have been doing this so well.

Mummy jumped up; ye mogbe! (I am doomed) she pranced to and fro the sitting room tying and untying her Wrapper; I have killed myself o! ye! ye! ye! Fire has burnt me! Baba Fire has burnt me o! Help me! Help me! Baba I am doomed! Mummy let herself fall face down and she laid there rolling from one end of the room to the other crying, I was crying too, Chinedu held me close comforting me.
Sir! So what do we do now sir? All odds seemed to be against us! Chinedu asked:

Baba starred at Chinedu, and then he picked up his Chaplet and went through the chanting routine once more.
He looked at Chinedu in the eyes and said: young man, great man, I want you to raise your hands up in the air, then clasp your palms together, rub the your palms together then wipe your face wipe your palms, I want to see you clearly, I sat upright to allow Junior do as he was bided. He did so.

Ha! Baba exclaimed: too much wealth, too much power, too much influence. The spirits of your father resides with you, but beware of too many women; they shall come at you in torrents! They shall come in various sizes and shapes, both old and young; they will come to take advantage of your naivety. Some will come to you simply because they want to bear your Child as that would guarantee their meal ticket for life. They will come at you diabolically; women shall kill themselves for your sake. You are like a cube of Sugar put in a colony of ants. And at the end they will leave you dry! They will finish you! Your life will be worse than what you suffered before; you will walk bare footed to all the places you have driven to. You shall beg for food, even water will be a scarce commodity for you when women are done with you.

But do not be afraid my Boy, for that is the lot of all rich and great men. You simply have to take caution! Never tell any woman ‘I will marry you” when you do not mean it! And for your information you will not marry early, because you are young and rich, people expect you to marry early so the rush will begin from now. You must go to the University and graduate, you will only marry when a traditional Chief will give you his Daughter! That is before you become Governor.

You will rule your People, in fact your People will beg you to rule over them because of your love to humanity: your love to the Orphans, the Widows, the destitute and the less privileged will endear People to you. And your reign shall be the most peaceful your People have witnessed. But in all of these, do not forget your Sister here because you are like a Father to her! She sees your father in you and a time will come when she will really need you to lean on.

I was consoled by all what Baba told Junior and I forgot my worries momentarily, even Mummy came to join us and was smiling sheepishly at my brother.

Back to your question sir! Baba continued: the only way out of this situation is for Ayo himself to come back from the War front and go search for Dupe. She still loves him and will love him till her death. She is still waiting patiently for when he will take her back as Wife and this, she is very confident about. Ayo will need to sleep with her again but this time around he will be fortified so as to neutralize her effect on him for only then can she rescind her resolution when he appeals to her. But there is a problem here. What is the problem sir? Chinedu asked. Ayo does not believe in Baba’s prophesies! Mummy interjected,

Even though everything Baba told him had come to pass, but Ayo’s medical orientation has made him forget his roots. If he realizes I brought you here he will be very angry with us, he believes everything that has happened to him is his destiny; Mummy summarized.

I am a Doctorate degree holder and I lecture at Ife University yet I am an Ifa Priest, this is my faith and it has worked for me and my family from the time of my Ancestors. I believe in Eledumare the all mighty God that created the heavens and the Earth and I relate with him through the Ifa just as Christians and Muslims relate with him through Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed. I do not say what I am not told else I will die a terrible death.

She told me not to tell Daddy about it as it could increase his already high blood pressure.

Segun and Junior came back home after midnight, segun was obviously drunk as he was trying to wade off Mummy’s reprimand for coming in that late. Junior was remorse and appologised to Mummy but we all knew Segun was behind the act.
Junior had the fun of his life as he recounted all that transpired at the places they visited, he met a Girl that caught his attention at a fast food Join they visited , he called her that night and they discussed into the night till I fell asleep.


As early as 5:30AM in the morning, Mummy came into the room and woke us up. She told us to dress up and follow her down stairs to her Car.

She drove us into town for about thirty minutes before parking the car at the front of a white Bungalow, we all alighted and followed her to the House. She knocked at the door and waited for about five minutes till a gray bearded elderly Man of over seventy years old opened the door and ushered us in after exchange of pleasantries, he told us to pull off our foot wears as we entered the wide and sparsely furnished sitting room. We were directed to sit on Couches while the Baba as Mummy called him excused himself.

He came back after about ten minutes dressed in immaculate white apparel carrying a brown Pouch made of Animal Skin. He sat down opposite us and opened the Pouch, then he removed a white piece of Cloth from the Pouch and spread on the floor before him, he further removed a Chaplet made of cowries and spread on the white Cloth. That was when it dawned on me that we are in a native Doctor’s Shrine, I looked at Chinedu and he smiled at me but mummy saw us and nudged me to stay quiet.

Baba picked up the chaplet and said some incantations then he threw it on the Cloth again, he pointed at some of the cowries and continues chanting incantations: Tell Ifa your dream! I heard him say, staring at me.
I was confused, which dream? I looked at Mummy and Chinedu for support but got none, and then I looked at Baba puzzled.

He dipped his hands into his Pouch and brought out some beads, he said some incantations again and threw the beads on the white Cloth.

You fought with a Woman in your dream while you were pregnant, she killed your Son! It was not a dream, it was real and as long as she lives, you will never have a Child, she will make your marriage miserable because in this part of the World a marriage without Children will not know peace in the long run! Baba spoke in impeccable English and I understood all he said but my tongue was glued to the roof of my mouth, I was dumbfounded!

Your husband will eventually desert you and marry her because she believed you stole her supposed husband!

On the first Saturday in September, we all travelled to Onitsha for the commissioning of Nedu Express at Onitsha. It was a grand event that featured dignitaries.

Big names in business and Politics graced the occasion. The state's commissioner for commerce and industry, the honourable commissioners for Tourism, environment, and transportation were there. The registrar of the chambers of commerce. The Chairman of the occasion was Anambra State Governor ably represented by the deputy Governor as his Excellency was unavoidably absent.

Representatives of the national union of Road transport Workers were there , the commissioner of Police ,the commander of the federal Road safety Corp were also present. I did not know how Junior was able to put this together, but I later gathered that the bank did all the networking because they had a stake in the Business too.

The event went well through the cutting of the tape.

The most intriguing moment was when the Managing director cum Chief Executive Officer of the company was called upon to give the vote of thanks and an eighteen year old Boy mounted the Podium! He received a standing ovation from the petrified crowd.


After the event we visited the home of Richard, Silvia’s Boy friend, we went to the Father’s Shop at Ariaria before visiting their home to see the Mother and Siblings. Such lovely and humble family Richard came from. The Father wished they could come for introductory marriage rites soonest but the love birds had their own plans laid down, they were not ready yet.


Ile IFE
We spent the night at Richards family house and the next morning, Junior and I set out for Ile Ife to visit my In-laws while the rest of us went back to Enugu.

It was actually Juniors advise that I visit Ayo’s Parent now that he was away at War, he said Ayo would love the idea. We were already at Ilesha when I called Mummy to tell her I was almost at Ife. She screamed on the Phone and said many things in Yoruba language that I could not understand.

We reached home at about 2:00PM and settled down in Ay’s room, everyone was at home, even Segun came home for the weekend. Segun and Junior connected immediately and they hit Town while Mummy was with me in the room, I gave her all the gifts we bought for them including giant dried Stock fish the Yorubas call Panla, she was so happy with our presence, she asked a million questions and I tried to answer as many as I could.

At 8:00PM Mummy came back to my room: Omi mi (My child) are you okay? She asked, why Mummy? I asked: I am okay Ma, I replied. You look thin and pale, are you sick? Or are you pregnant? She teased.

I could not answer immediately because I did not know what answer to give so she suspected something was amiss. Talk to me Omo mi she begged, am I not your Mother?

I lost an eight month pregnancy Mummy! I blurted out. Jesu! (Jesus) she exclaimed and fell on the floor. Eewo! (Abomination) Not in my family! Not in Idowu family! We do not loose pregnancies in Idowu family, though we do not have many Children in the Family but we do not lose our pregnancies! She began to weep. What happened? How did it happen? Tell me my Daughter she asked amidst sobs, was it a Boy or a Girl? She further asked, I am sure it was a boy she answered; Baba said Ayo’s first Child would be a Boy and I told your husband to take you to Baba o! I warned him o! But Ayo is so stubborn, she kept on crying and muttering to herself.

And I saw it o! she continued: I saw it in a dream, I dreamt that a Lady was chasing you, she was pushing you out of my Son’s House and when you refused to leave, she tried to stab your Stomach with a Knife then I woke up suddenly, I could not understand the meaning of the dream then but I prayed and went back to sleep. When I woke up that morning I had tried to reach you on Phone and warn you from fighting with any Woman but the telephone network was bad so I could not reach you. I eventually forgot about the dream. Oh my God she continued to cry again while I pacified her

bibie01: Good to have you back Dom, am so happy we are here again.
Btw, so sorry for Derbie's lose n God will reward all her good deeds wiv her own child n keep her captain safe...
Erm, Dom please whr are u from? Just curious cos of ur name.

Dear Bibie, thank you for your comments, yes o! we pray fate smiles on Derby and her Hubby.
Meanwhile my Name is Dominic Ayokunle Awoleye, i am from Ekiti State, i currently live in Port harcourt and Aba. ( I work in Aba).

hephzibahbeulah: Doma,ur story is the bomb! I have been a silent guest of nairaland,but because of u, i registered today. Well done sir.

Beulah, I feel honoured. Thank you so much. God bless you!

merlin2oo: thank God DOM that U save ur work, it would av been a disaster ,bcus av beeb following ur restless bumper to bumper since U started the story

Disaster! you said? That is an understatement! It would have been NEBUCADNEZAR!!

I lost all i ever posted on NL.The Drama, the Poems and the Prose Etc. All the wonderful commentts from nairalanders, but to me it is a lesson in life: that you do not put all your eggs in a basket. Restless! continues full force.https://www.nairaland.com/1789365/restless...story-survivor

By February 2005 I started the Project on Derby Plaza; we used one on my Father's abandoned Land at Trans Ekulu. We had an initial challenge repossessing the Land because it had been resold by the original Owners. However with our Military back up, the issue was speedily resolved. The design was a storey Building with twenty Shops up and down, ample car Park space, toilets, security Office, all Shops fitted with Air conditioning system. The Shop was designed for the Elites that reside around Trans Ekulu. Work started in earnest.

I was not too serious with my School because of time constraint, however I had to sacrifice some activities at times and attend lectures, I was doing this for Captain but it was not easy working and Schooling coupled with my morning Sicknesses but according to Ayo, it is a phase that must pass. Ayo continued to call every day and Night. We had argued and eventually named our Baby, but i won’t say it now. You wait.
i came home one night and saw Chinedu and Pauline quarrelling.

Pauline: Junior why do you hate me so much? You have been bullying me since i came to this House! Is it my fault that nature has decided to favour the rest of you but me? Look at me! Look at my poor Boy! Can’t you be lenient with us and tolerate us? At least for this Boys sake!
Chinedu: it is like you do not get it do you?

Pauline: Get what? You returned from work and saw us eating and watching Television then you started nagging! Are you a Woman? It is Women that nag, or has living with Women turned you to a nag now?

Chinedu: Thank God you said I just returned from Work! What I am telling you is that you are too lazy for my liking; you sit down in this house every day eating and watching television! What do you want to do with your life? How long will you be without focus?
Pauline: how could you say that Junior! (She bursted out crying) derby! Derby! Can you hear? Can you hear what Junior is telling me? She said I do not have focus! Oh my God! Why have thou forsaken me? (Pointing to the roof) you are there watching how my younger ones are humiliating me! Simply because you blessed them and made them prosper! God please come to my rescue and vindicate me from those mocking me! She continued to cry.

i was outraged by her outcry and utterances, how could she have such an envious mind set?

Pauline! I called out. She turned around and looked at me sobbing. I cannot live with you any longer in this House! If not that my Husband travelled I should be living in the barracks by now. But you are evil, you can kill! Ha! You too Derby! You too! She cried; yes me! Did you hear all what you just said? How else could one help a Sister? Have you forgotten how you came here? Have you forgotten how desperate and depressed you were? We took you in, you and your Hausa Boy! We clothed you, fed you and made you feel at home. (Chinedu interjected)

Chinedu: even though she does not deserve it! Wicked Woman! Lazy woman! You are blaming God! Was it God that told you to take in for a man who does not love you? Was it God that told you and your Sister to cheat Us to our Mother's Money? i am sure if you were in Auntie’s position you would have turned us to slaves in your House, you would play God to us. Don’t you know how Aunty derby came to succeed! Where were you when she was attending Delectable? You were gallivanting the Barracks with your Soldier Boyfriend. Look! I give you two options, we will give you Five million naira to start up anything you like, since you said God has been unfair to you, with Five million naira in your Pocket, you can never be poor in your life. the second option is that you have to go out and work, stop using you Boy as an excuse after all he is walking now. You will come with me to the park and I will get you a Job there and place you on monthly salary since you do not have a clue of what you want to do in life.

Pauline: Junior! Derby! God bless you o! Thank you! Five million naira! Five million naira! Excuse me please. She ran to the toilet.

I told Ayo our resolution on Pauline's issue and he gave his consent, so after two weeks we rented a mini ware house at Azikiwe Road and paid in three million naira into Pauline’s newly opened Bank account. We planned going to Ogbete main market with five Buses to stock up the Super market for Pauline with two million naira for a start.

We came back from work on the first of April to find out that Pauline had disappeared; she left her Boy sleeping and vanished into oblivion! We reported to the Police but they told us not to worry that she is not kidnapped or lost but was in search of freedom. Captain was not surprised when I told him; he simply said it is "good riddance". But I was depressed, what did I do wrong? If she knew the plans we had for her.

We went ahead and opened the supermarket; I left the ownership to Chinedu because I had more than enough already. Chinedu registered the business as "Derby Stores". It made me feel so good. We employed a Lebanese as General manager to oversee the daily running of the business.
We recruited a Nanny to take care of our son. By our Culture, the Child is our fathers because Pauline was not married and neither was a dowry paid on her before having the Baby. Pauline had never called the Boy any name to our hearing, she called him 'my son' so we named the child Paul. Paul Chukwuemeka Amadi.
I wrote my first semester examination between April and May, it was quite easy, I guess I read too hard. I missed some tests and assignment though but i resolved it will not happen in subsequent semesters, I have been shown the way.

I walked into the room to see Dupe searching my properties; she stopped suddenly as she heard my voice: who are you and what are you doing here? I challenged. She hid her right hand behind her back. What do you have there? I asked; what have you stolen from me? You are the thief! She spat out. You stole my Child and I have come to claim him back she said angrily. Which your Child? I asked; are you okay? Please leave my room this moment! She charged towards me screaming thief! Thief! I turned and fled calling on Ayo for help, I tripped and fell, she was upon me in a jiffy pounding on my Stomach, die! Die! Die! She was screaming.

I screamed as a piercing sharp pain woke me from my sleep. I had been dreaming. The door to my room flung open as Chinedu and his Sisters ran into my room panicking; what’s the matter Aunty they asked. I was about to tell them it was a dream then Amara screamed pointing at my legs. I looked down and saw blood dripping from my pants. I screamed again and clutched my stomach as the pains continued. Chinedu lifted me up and dashed to the Car.

I lost a six month pregnancy. Everyone around me was heartbroken as they mourned with me. I told Chinedu my dream and he said I should tell Captain. I told him I could not. How do I tell him that I have lost his Child? A man that was at the war front. But not telling would also resort to given him false hopes. I wanted to bid my time; Captain called later in the day while I was still on admission, he sensed that something was wrong with me but I told him I was down with fever and was on admission at the Military hospital, I feigned as if all was well so as not to get him suspicious and we discussed late into the night. After the call, I cried my eyes out. Cordellia was not around so Madam Joana was with me at the Hospital.

I was discharged after two days at the Hospital, I was distraught and distressed, I lost every zeal to move on, I wished Captain had been around, he would definitely have prevented this from happening; his presence alone could have been helpful. He had not called for two days, I guessed it was Work. Sometimes he skipped calls for a day or two if they are advancing at war or retreating from Enemy pressure. I wished he would call.
He called on the third Night, I was at home alone with Tochi and Paul, Paul was a very cute Boy and he loved me like his Mother, he was all over me, he sleeps with me and cries anytime I was not within his sight. Ayo called and sounded so low, he apologized for having called for two days, he said he had been at the front. We talked for a while before he threw it at me. So how are you now? He asked; I am okay honey, I replied: Are you taking your drugs? Yes honey I replied. Sorry my dear, do not worry so much my dear, God knows the best, he will give us another baby, he said.

I was shocked and speechless, someone had told him! I could not mutter a word, I simply busted out weeping as if it just happened, I cried uncontrollably and I cut off the phone on him, I did not pick the phone again through the night though he kept calling. Chinedu returned to the house around 9:00PM and met me crying. I told him about my Phone discussion with my Husband; I told him about it he said: why? Why? I queried: someone has to, he said; since you could not do it yourself, I had to help you. The earlier we told him, the better he said. I cried some more. My Phone rang again and junior picked the call and left the room with the phone as I raised my voice crying louder.

I mourned for the loss of my Baby, a baby Boy, his name would have been Ayodeji. I lost weight drastically as I lost my appetite for food. I could not imagine why fate could suddenly deal me such a blow when everything seemed to have fallen into place in my life. Captain also was affected; he was merely trying hard not to show it. He had expected to return from Liberia and see his Child, he had said so much about his plans for the Child so when he tried not to dwell on the issue of the miscarriage, I knew he was suffering inside and this made me to cry the more. Captain was at War front so he should not be at war with himself. So I called him and begged him, I cried and explained everything to him. It worked, for he poured out his heart out too, he cried on the phone like a baby and poured out all the bottled up feelings.at the end he felt better and he advised me not to take the dream seriously as it was just a figment of my imagination.

I resumed work in June and channeled all my energy towards the building project, it was at the second decking stage, and I intended to move in there after the Christmas rush of the year. Second semester had also started and Silvia and Tochi had gone back to School. I made a couple of Friends at School and I gave five of my Lecturers gifts of shirts and trousers I designed, they were all thankful and they scolded me for having hiding from them all the while. Junior was in Senior secondary School too and our businesses were doing great. Derby's Stores had become the fastest Shopping Centre in Town. The Shop was known for its quality products and services at affordable prices. The Lebanese will always be the best at managing such businesses. "Nedu Express" was at its peak with a fleet of Twenty two Buses. A new Branch had been opened at Onitsha with a fleet of twelve cars and twenty Buses. First bank actually partnered with the Company to set up the Onitsha branch. Nkechi the newly married daughter of Madam Joana lived with her husband at Onitsha so she was employed as the general manager of "Nedu Express" Onitsha Branch.

Paul had started kindergarten, such a cute Boy he was, I took him around during weekends, it got some people confused as to if he was my Son or not. the Bold ones actually came and asked me if Paul was the baby I was pregnant with, to such persons I answered no, I told them Paul was my Nephew, that I lost my Pregnancy and they apologized and pay platitudes. But I had come over the loss and had moved on. But it felt good knowing that Paul was my Father's Child. My late Father had become a grand Father. Pauline was still elusive, though we heard she was seen at Night Clubs and Hotels having fun with different men. She wanted freedom, she had gotten freedom.

Musa was put as the Chief Security Guard at “Nedu Express” he loved his job, he loved his Boss. He was paid handsomely for his dedication and loyalty to our Family. Nedu Express had a policy signed with the Drivers to take full ownership of their Buses after a period of Four years. Chinedu plan was to add a new Bus to his fleet monthly. He was still doing well at School, we begged him to try and conclude his secondary education and he obliged.

Our JAMB result came out and we surpassed the cut off points so we proceeded and registered as full time Students at University of Nigeria Nsuka. I was based in Enugu while Silvia went to rent an apartment at Nsuka,Tochi moved in with her.. She shuttled between School and her business. Cordellia my Friend was on her Houseman ship at the U.N.T.H, university of Nigerian teaching Hospital, having graduated in flying colours. She came out with first Class upper degree; she had to because she was to practice in America. Tochi and Amara were in their second year in the university and Pauline and her Son were also with us. Pauline was then undecided of what to do with her life. She wanted to do what each one of us was doing. She was interested in Fashion design and catering, she desired to open a Beauty shop like Silvia, and she desired to go to School too. But she could not open up and start off on any of her aspirations so she lurked about the House all day and sometimes visited us at the Shop. My Captain was not found of her and she knew it.

Silvia had her first Boyfriend around June 2004, they met on Campus, and he was a final year Geology Student. The Boy was twenty seven while was to be twenty six. They spoke severally on Phone. I could say they were happily in love.

My traditional marriage came on my birthday. It was quite a big event in the whole of Obio Akpor L.G.A. All the political juggernauts in the Local Government and beyond, other Chiefs and kings of kingdoms graced the occasion. I was dressed up like a Princess and Ay line a Prince. Ay’s Family members were all confused as we never mentioned that I was from a royal home. Captain said we should not clear their doubts: leave them joor! He had said, when I wanted to explain the antecedent to Mummy. “nedu Express” sent all of their twelve Buses to the event. They conveyed our Guests from Enugu. Three Buses conveyed the Military Personnel alone, My staff boarded a Bus, Nigerian Army officers Wives association took four buses, staff of ‘Nedu Express” boarded a Bus, Silvia’s friends boarded a Bus while one Bus without Seats carried the items for my Dowry. I do not need to mention the magnitude of Gifts I received, or the monetary gifts I got. That was when I understood the meaning of the clause” The Rich get Richer” it’s all about connection and the People you know! But first, you have to put yourself in the lime light!

I was surprised when my King broke down in tears when he was handing me over to Ayo’s Father. Till date I still could not grasp. However I broke down in tears too because I missed my Daddy so much at that instance. I wished they were there. But I knew that my Daddy would be looking down on me from heaven, my daddy would be weeping, he would be shedding tears of joy and his Wife my Mother would cling to him, she would hold his arm and lean on him in her character and be weeping too, they would wish they had not gone too soon, they would wished someone else had not taken their place and role in our lives, my Mother would have loved to dance with me on such a day. But I simply took solace in the fact that they did not die in vain, the flock they left behind though was scattered had been gathered except for one that really went astray. My father had actually stopped appearing in my dreams since I met Captain. The reason was obvious for Ayo had played his role perfectly in my Life. At the end of the traditional marriage, late at night, lying on the bosom of my love totally fatigued, my Husband said to me: Mrs. Deborah Adanne Idowu, my wife, hmmm, just like a joke, we are truly man and Wife today! Thank you! Thank you my love for making me a proud Man, thank you for coming into my life and filling it with joy, promise me darling that you will never change from being true to me! Promise me today that under rain or shine you will stay loyal and truthful to me, be begged. I sat up and pulled him to sitting position, I looked into his eyes and I saw tears, I was scared, Ayo does not cry! My love, I called: I love you, you know I love you so much, you have been more than a friend to me, you are my Life Ay. I will die without you, I am nothing without you, Ay you are the Pillar upon which I lean. I pulled his head to my Bosom and rubbed his head the way he liked it. I have something to tell you, he said amidst his tears: what is it darling? I asked; I have been drafted to Liberia for peace keeping operation, I will leave on Monday, the day after tomorrow.



I felt a sharp pain pierce through my heart, my breathing became difficult, I clutched at my Chest to ease the throbbing pain, my vision became blurred and I passed out. But Doctor did not let me go far as he quickly resuscitated me.
I wept uncontrollably, we wept together, for we had never been apart since we started dating. I had even forgotten that he was a Soldier for real, a man of War! I asked him how long he had known and he said since a month ago, he only told Chinedu and Mr. Chinedu. And no one told me! He did not want anything to distract me from preparations towards the wedding. He apologized. He promised to stay safe for my sake. He was to be gone for one full year at minimum but would be allowed intermittent leave break. I was at my peak so we made love at every opportunity we had till he left for Liberia.

Loneliness
I never knew it could be so tough, life without Ayo was dry, it was like soup without salt, it was flat, it was sour. I fell sick and was depressed for two weeks. Talking with him on phone was nothing like having him by me. Gawd! I was lonely; a part of me was missing. All efforts by Chinedu to brighten me up did not help. Pauline used the opportunity to get closer to me but funny enough she was also scared of junior, Junior believed she was odious and should be kept at arm’s length. Whenever Junior came around me, she left.
I did not see my period for some time; Cordellia took my blood sample and called the next day to tell me that I was two weeks pregnant. I could not contain my Joy! Why was God being so kind to me? I called Ay immediately but could not get through. I called Chinedu and told him, he shouted words I could not understand on the Phone and in less than thirty minutes, he had driven to my Office from his own Office. He lifted me up and swung me around; everyone in the Shop knew immediately that I was pregnant. The feeling of Ayo’s baby in me gave me new joy.
When Ayo called me at night and I told him of my pregnancy, he screamed and I knew he must have caused a scene wherever he was. He was simply over joyed. He told me to keep it secret and not tell any of his family members yet, however he said I could confide in his Younger brother Segun. He said pregnancy is not announced because it will naturally become noticeable in due time.

December came again and every one was buried in work. Tochi and Amara were with me at the Shop, I hired two professionals to help out. Silvia was equally busy at her Shop; she went to Dubai severally, sometimes with Chinedu or Tochi because Tochi had interest beauty accessories. Silvia’s Boyfriend Richard came around and helped her at the Shop. His father was a textile Merchant at Onitsha main market. He was helpful at helping me to order for Textiles from Onitsha market. He is a very humble and versatile young man and I must confess a head turner too. I was happy that Silvia got for herself a man that was her own and shared the same interest with her.

Please Ay, please make love to me, I want you now more than ever, please I begged. I held onto his hardness and pulled it towards my hip. I was too drenched already.

He was gentle, he raised my feet and pushed it to my hip, he spread my thighs and he mounted, he was so gentle, I felt the sharp pain, the bridge gave way. He stopped as I screamed, I urged him to continue as I held tight unto him, I exploded severally like a collapsed Dam. I riveted in spasm as I clung to him when I heard him mourning mourned too. His voice grew louder as mine grew too, we both screamed together as he slumped on me holding me tight and calling me Mummy! Mummy! He became my Baby that morning, I became his Mother as I rubbed his head and patted his back, he slept in my arms, and I slept off too. That morning, I became a complete Woman, I was smiles all day. I loved my Captain the more.

2004

Our G.C.E result was published in January, I got six credits and two passes, luckily I credited mathematics and English, then Economics, commerce, Biology and Agriculture. I got passes in Government, History.

Silvia got three Alphas, three Credits and two passes. She got Alpha’s in English language, Literature in English and History; she credited Mathematics, Government and Christian religious studies. She passed Biology and Agriculture.

Captain advised me to go for Business administration and management. He told Silvia that she could choose between many options amongst which were, Law, theatre arts, Sociology. Silvia opted for law, so we bought jamb form and applied for Business administration and Law respectively. We both chose University of Nigeria Nsuka as our first and second Choices.

Obio Akpor-Rivers state

We went to Port Harcourt the Capital city of Rivers state; we lodged at the Officers mess at the Military cantonment Bori Camp. Junior and Silvia were with us. Ay arranged for a military JTF (Joint task force) Truck loaded with six Combatants to accompany us to Rumukurushi my Village. Ay did not wear his Uniform but a fellow captain Friend of his accompanied us in Uniform. Captain Wike.

We went straight to the Palace of the king and introduced ourselves and our intention. My Parent was dead and the eldest male in my Clan was Uncle Amaechi. Luckily he was in the Village so the meeting was scheduled for the next day so as to get all stake holders together.
We went the next day as agreed. We saw a crowed gathered at the front of the Palace, some ran away when the JTF Truck screeched to a stop and the Soldiers jumped out of the truck taking different positions. As we walked into the Palace I heard whispers, I heard someone said; see am, na she be dat! Na she shook your mama knife for yansh. I suppressed the Laughter. Ay heard it too as he stared at me and smiled; stabber he whispered.

We greeted the elders, Ay prostrated like a Yoruba man, there was exchange of Kola nuts cum Alligator pepper, Gins were poured and shared after prayers. Then Captain Wike, Ay’s Friend stood and declared our intentions to the elders.

The King welcomed us, he thanked us for our visit, and then he called upon Uncle Amaechi the family head;
Amaechi! He said, them no dey Barber Person head when him no dey there! You don hear wetin this People talk, na you be the head of the Amadi House for now, so wetin you talk?

My uncle stood up, he cleared his throat and sipped from the Cup of Gin in his hand, then he said; my elders! This People are not serious o! Na so them dey marry for Yoruba land? You just appear from no where! You carry Army dey come threaten us for this Village, you do not even have regard for Culture! Are you not supposed to come to me straight? Or don’t you know I am the head of the House? Or you think the King can force me to give you out in marriage? Is the King an Amadi? You people are not ready at all. He sat down, picked up his Gin and gulped all of the content.
Amaechi! The King called, these People are strangers, they came to our Village for the First time, but wait a minute, you are right Amaechi, Officer! please why did you not go through the Family first? Why coming straight to the Palace? After all Amaechi is their Father, he had been taking care of them since their Father died. At this juncture Chinedu stood up and raised his hands up for attention

Na who you be? The King asked.

Good evening my Elders, good evening your highness, may you live long on your throne; my name is Chinedu Amadi, I am the last born and only Son of the Late Chinedu Amadi.

Yes o! yes o! Na Chinedu pikin true true! Una no see as he resemble him Papa? He said aloud. There was murmuring round the hall. Continue my Son! He said.

Thank you, your highness,I was just six years old when my daddy died and was brought to this Village for burial, that was the last time I saw my Mother alive too. The women of my Clan humiliated my mother so much, they beat her up like a thief, like a common criminal, and they accused her of killing my father. My father died after he came to this village, he definitely was poisoned in this village because he started vomiting on his way to back to Enugu from the Village.

My Mother was rescued from the hands of her captors in this Village and taken to Enugu. My Elder Sisters had to run away from this Village! Their fathers land! Because they felt unsafe after Derbie here stabbed some women that were brutalizing my Mother! At that instance there was uproar in the hall.

Quiet! Quiet the King waved; continue my Son.

My uncle took me with him to Enugu, I expected to see my Mother and sister there but he told me my Wicked Mother had run away with them and I would see them no more! That was how I became a Slave in my Father’s house. My Uncle beats me at the slightest instance, let me show you people something! Amaechi unbuttoned his Shirt, pulled his Singlet and Displayed indelible horrible scars on the bare back to the whole Elders in the Palace; I could not hold back my scream as I saw Chinedu’s back. He never told me that part of his experience before that day. Every one shouted in the hall. The King was mad with anger, he stood up from his throne and came to feel Chinedu’s scars with his bare hands, he shook his head and stared at our Uncle in bewilderment. Some of those seated by Uncle Amaechi stood up from his side and relocated.

Chinedu continued without his Shirt on; I ate once in a day, sometimes his Children ate my food and I went without Food, his Son Nonso forced me to start smoking Igbo, he taught me to steal, I was just Lucky that I was not caught and disgraced publicly. Uncle Amaechi sold all of my Fathers Cars, remaining the Bus he is driving now, uncle did not allow me to go to secondary School even though I passed the common entrance examination and gained admission into the National grammar School Nike. I finished Primary School when my mates were in JSS3! My elders! could you believe that my Uncle sent me to go and learn to be a mechanic? While his Children were in ESUT and IMT: another uproar.

Even the mechanic I was learning he would not allow me to concentrate, as I am the person he uses as Conductor for his Bus. My future was bleak, I could not even construct a simple sentence in English, I was a riff raff, an Igbo smoker, a street urchin, while his Children were in higher institution! He sold some of my Father’s landed Properties in Enugu and some in the Village too! But I want to say here today that anyone here who has or who knows any one that has bought my Father’s properties should go and hold him to refund his Money because I have all the Original documents to my Father’s Properties!

Uproar in the hall, some People ran to my Uncle and started arguing; I will fight the Person with the Army! I will fight in the Court of Law! Amaechi continued:

I did not know my Mother had since died as a result of what my People did to her, Uncle came to Enugu and packed all of our belongings then he sealed the House against my Mum and my Sisters, my Mother lost her senses and eventually died in the process.

I ran away from the House for over three years now! Did uncle come home to tell anyone that I was missing?
Noo! No! Was the Chorus.

Well, for your information my People, I did not come home to seek Uncles consent to give the hand of my sister out in marriage! No! Not at all!

Uncle! He called out; do you even know any of my Sisters if you meet them on the Road! The answer is Capital No! Yet you stand bold before the Village to give credence to yourself, I put it to you Uncle Amaechi! That you killed my father when he visited the Village! If not you would not have been so hasty to eradicate us and take over his Properties! I implore his royal highness to invite the Dibia of this Community to make me and Uncle swear to an oath! If I lied against him, let me bear the Consequence! If uncle killed my Daddy, let him bear the wrath of the gods!
Gbam! Shouted the King.

I am Chinedu Junior Amadi, the Only Son of my Father! I am the only male from my Father’s groin, so I stand today, before you elders to give the hand of my Sister out in marriage, but because I do not know much of our Culture, I beseech you your highness to act on my behalf, because this young Woman you see here is indeed a Man! She took care of all of us else the name of my Father would have been lost. Thank you my elders.

Junior stepped aside: A young man came to him and pulled him up, then led him to where my Uncle was sitting, for my Uncle had been dragged away by the Palace Guards. They poured a Cup of Gin and handed over to Junior.

The King rose up and spoke: My people una see Life so? Una see how wicked human beings can be? Even me standing here, I bought two Plots of land from that thief, but he told me he needed to send Chinedu’s Children abroad to School. I paid four hundred thousand for the two plots, but not to worry, I know how to retrieve my money from him. I have arrested him; he will surely swear to prove his innocence.

My in-laws, I am very sorry for the drama that just enfolded, we are not like that in this Village, but there is always a Judas in every twelve. My Daughter, I shall marry you out like the Daughter of a king! The heavens will hear of your traditional wedding. Thank God I have no Daughter of my own, so this is a big opportunity for me to give a daughter out in marriage and also apologies to the Souls of your Parent. Rumukurushi shall witness a wedding like never before. I will give you people our marriage List so you will take to your People; I expect to hear from you in two weeks so we can know when you are coming for the wedding proper.

Captain did not utter a word throughout all of this; he was just staring at Junior with awe. The king called our visit the first visit “Iku Aka” and as such there was celebration in the Palace, Chinedu’s age grade identified with him immediately, they were the next set to be initiated into the ”Manhood cult” my Aunty Linda, my Fathers younger Sister took us to our Family House, it was fun as many of the Women in the House came to pay respect to Chinedu, he actually looked so much like my Father, some of the Women pointed at me and pointed to their Buttocks jokingly.

We spent two nights in Rumukurusi. Uncle refused to take the Oath, he confessed to poisoning my Daddy, he had three accomplices. The four of them were banished from our Village. The house in the Village was built by my Father so the keys were retrieved and handed over to Chinedu, the Bus was also given to Chinedu and emissaries were sent to Enugu to chase his family from our House, they returned the next day and handed the new keys they locked the House with to Chinedu. The King mandated that any one that had bought my Father’s Land should meet Chinedu to negotiate on how to return the Land or pay the prevailing value for the Land and Collect the Original document from Chinedu. He was the first to pay Chinedu six hundred thousand which was the current value of the Land. Chinedu gave him the Original documents of the land.


So we went back to Enugu with the Marriage List, Captain contacted his Parent and a date was fixed for the traditional Marriage. August 18th 2004. The day I will be twenty four.

Chinedu the Millionaire

Chinedu had no Bank account before we went to the Village but on his return to Enugu, he had a newly opened account with Zenith bank bulging with well over three Million naira, part of the Land monies paid to him. He still had about three million naira to receive from others that have pledged to pay up. The fear of the Military presence around us and the support of the King deterred any one from playing smart with us.

We went with some Soldiers to inspect our Daddy’s house at Abakpa Estate, Musa our old gateman welcomed us. He had been lurking around since the day the village emissaries came to evict Uncle Amaechi’s Family. He said he was hawking Sugar Cane along the Street on the day of the incident and the information went Viral that Chinedu was now a big Boy based in America and has come back to claim what rightfully belonged to him. Some even rumoured that Chinedu was the newly coronate King of our Village and had sent emissaries down to Enugu. Musa had been shadowing the Compound since then hoping to see Chinedu as he thought we the Girls would have scattered into oblivion. Musa was all over us, he could not hold back his joy upon realizing that we had done well for ourselves.

Chinedu refused to use the House; He said it gave him sad memories, so we consulted an estate agent to put the Whole Duplex and the Boys quarters on lease. After a month, Eco bank indicated interest and leased the Building for ten years at two million naira per annum! After deductions and commissions paid, we were left with seventeen million naira, deposited in Chinedu’s account. It was like a dream. But it was real, Chinedu a JSS 3 Student, a Boy of just over seventeen years old, with such a fortune. But Chinedu had my father’s gene in him. With the assistance of Captain, he converted one of our fathers plots of land situated at Abakpa Junction to a Car garage, He bought eight Brand new Toyota Hiace Buses and started his own Transport company “Nedu Express” his Buses shuttle between the Eastern states, Each Bus nets an average of one hundred thousand naira weekly so Chinedu was netting an average of three million, two hundred thousand naira monthly. He also carved out block of Shops in the garage which was rented out by his agent to local eatery business women and traders on basic provisions. So funny, imagine Chinedu the wheel Barrow pusher. I don’t know if he still smoked Indian hemp, if he did then he must have been every discreet.

As usual the Easter rush came and went, the result of the Examinations taken by Amara and Tochi came and they both passed in flying colours. They both gained admission to study Micro Biology and Accountancy respectively at U.N.N. Silvia and I would write our GCE come November. We both wrote the JAMB though just as a trial; I scored 208 points while Silvia scored 230 points. This made Captain so happy. We actually got admissions but could not go ahead with registration processes because we had no SSCE qualifications yet.
Amara and Tochi went to resume at School. Amara was at Enugu Campus while Tochi the elder had to leave for the Nsuka Campus. The house missed them a lot; the vacuum their absence created was so vivid.
I was driving home in the Company of captain and Chinedu on a Sunday evening along Abakaliki road close to Ogui junction. I was driving and Captain and Chinedu were in the car. Akanni, captain’s driver was in his uniform driving captain’s Tata in front of us. He was to leave the Car at my house while captain would drive it home at night. All of a sudden a Commercial vehicle Driver drove dangerously into my space in the bid to get to the bus stop before another Driver behind him. There where so many passengers at the Bus Stop. His Bus scratched my CRV in the process. The driver seemed oblivious of what he had done as his Conductor jumped out of the Car and started shouting Abakpa nike! Abakpa nike! I parked my car in front of him and before I could open my door, Captain was already on the Bus Driver, Akanni saw what was happening and parked his car at the center of the road blocking the road, and he brought out a horse whip from his car and dashed to relieve his Boss. He dragged the \Driver down and started flogging him without knowing what the Driver had done. Barger! Barger he kept calling the Driver, bloody civilian! I remained in the Car as there was no need to go out since the Men where on top of the issue. Akanni dragged the Driver to the front of his parked Car and told him to start frog jumping. The Conductor had run away as well as other Passengers in the Bus.
After drilling the Driver for about thirty minutes, Akanni dragged him to my car and told him to apologize to Oga madam, he could barely stand on his feet so he slumped and was begging me to forgive him, and Captain opened the Passenger door and sat down.
If my madam no forgive you today your own don finish! Akanni told him. The man managed to look up to me and beg remorsefully; I almost screamed when I saws his face, I thought it was my Daddy; Aunty its Uncle Amaechi! Junior whispered from the back seat. Captain told Akanni to leave the Driver and go to his Car, he then told me to come over to go over to the back seat and ordered Junior to go to the steering and drive us home. Akanni told the Driver to go away as I alighted from the Car, for Junior to take over, but as Junior was coming around to the Driver’s seat the Driver saw him and was dumb founded, he called out his name Chinedu? He fell once more on his knees and crawled out of the road. He sat by the road crying while Chinedu drove the Car off.
I am sorry my dear! Captain said: how was I to know he is your uncle? But he was a rough driver! He continued: he was driving his car recklessly. He was driving my father’s Car! I corrected, and he got what he deserved.
November came and Silvia and I wrote our GCE examinations. The examination was so easy for me and I was optimistic. December rush came in 2003 and we tackled the work pressure as it came. Tochi and Amara were around to help and Junior had rounded up his JSS2 also, he was promoted to JSS3. Oh! I forgot to tell you about my twenty third birthday celebration in August. And Cordellia’s wedding in September.
Amidst my busy schedule, captain decided to mark my birthday for me, I was prepared for any surprises so he did not make it a surprise birthday. He invited all our Friends to the Officers mess and he invited Kelvin Ugwu the popular radio presenter as the MC. It was fun all through. The peak moment was when DJ Kelvin announced that somebody had a special number to render to me. I was amazed to listen to Amart and Tochi come to the stage and did alccapella of Whitney Houston’s “And I will always love you” dedicated to me, I listened to every line of the song and I cried all through, I was so touched by the emotion embedded in the way my Sisters delivered the Song. I never imagined they could sing so well. My Sisters and Captain mimed Teddy’s “my endless love” I was soaked with my tears at the end of their rendition.

We travelled to Isuikwuator for Cordellia’s wedding on the eighteenth of September. The Traditional marriage was done in Cordellia’s family House while the Church wedding took place the next day at the Catholic Church in the Village. The Crowed was massive, the Son and heir apparent to the Igwe was wedding. I was so happy for my friend. Captain lived up his name by providing twenty four Soldiers from the Obinze military Barracks which was the Military base in Imo state. I sewed her wedding Gown but most People thought Stephen the Husband bought it from U.S.A. Stephen returned to U.S.A in October while Cordellia remained to round up her semester examination before joining him in November. Her profession is so lucrative and she had Jobs waiting for her in America upon her graduation.

After Cordellia’s wedding, Captain and I knew it was time to take our relationship to the next level. We went to the magistrate Court and made the necessary documentations; we submitted our passports photographs and paid some fees. We were given a date to come for the ceremony. We planned to go to my home town in River’s state to see my Father’s relations as regards the traditional marriage rites. Chinedu had told us that my Fathers only Sister is the best person to meet; she is widowed and had come back to her father’s House. Junior said she is a good person and would not lead us astray. We planned to go in February, after the Christmas rush. That would be in the year 2004

Pauline!

December 2003 was the busiest we had ever experienced. Amara and Tochi were on holiday. Even Silvia had to cut short her numerous trips to events and focused on her business, she never envisaged the demand pull could be so high during peak periods like December. She was forced to travel to Dubai twice just to stock up the Shop; she took Chinedu along on one of the trips. Other whole sellers came to her Shop to buy in bulk. One of the rooms in our House was used as her Ware house. She made three hundred percent profit on all she purchased from Dubai. She was indeed in business.
Amara was more interested in my kind of business while Tochi took interest in Silvia’s business. Chinedu was an all rounder. Chinedu was magic.
On a Saturday Afternoon, Silvia and I were at the Parking Lot of the Stadium preparing to go out, I had a wedding reception to anchor while Silvia was going to make some supplies, Chinedu was with me. A young Woman carrying a “Ghana must go” Bag with Baby strapped on her back came rushing and waving at us, she was calling my name. She came closer and it was Pauline, she came and knelt down before me.
Who is that? Silvia asked as she stepped out of her Car. Pauline looked behind her and saw Silvia, she called her name Silvia? She stood up gradually and moved away from us, dropped her Bag, she unstrapped her Baby, placed her gently on the floor.

Chai! She exclaimed; is this not “mumu” Silvia? Silvia is now driving a brand new Car? See Derby in a Jeep! See small Chinedu! She then lifted herself from the ground into the air and allowed herself to fall hard on the tarred ground she did this about four times screaming. It was Chinedu that ran to her rescue.
What have I done to myself? She asked no one in particular
Look at me! Look at me, my Sisters, look at me! She continued; I am only twenty five years o! But I look like a fifty years old woman! My so called husband has abandoned me with this Baby! He has gone to meet his family in Sokoto after helping me to squander my Money!
Did you say your Money? Chinedu challenged
No sir! No sir! Our Money! She corrected.
I want to die o! She continued. I want to die!
If you want to die please go back to the Barracks and die there! Chinedu told her.
When you were enjoying with your Soldier boy friend, spending our inheritance you did not think of death? Please if that is why you came here, take your Baby and leave, we have appointments to catch, Chinedu told her.
No no no! I dash you the Baby, take him o! Take him! I have not fed that Child since yesterday; there is no more milk in my breast! I too have not eaten any food for two days now. I don’t even have one naira on me! Look at me! Look at your selves! My God I am finished! She lifted herself again and fell.
I called Tochi on the Phone, she came down from the Shop to the Car park, when Pauline saw Tochi, she started her drama all over. I told Tochi to take care of her till we returned from our appointments. She laid down on the tarred road thanking and blessing me. I called Captain and gave him the update.
Back at home that night, Captain was around and we all sat in the sitting room with Pauline and her Baby. So what is your story? Captain asked her.
Please who are you sir? She asked. Are you not Doctor Ayo of the Military hospital?
He is my Fiancé Pauline, I interjected; our Court wedding is next week.
Chai! My God! Why is my own different nah? She asked; imagine! A common lance Corporal impregnated me and ran away with my Money, meanwhile here is a Captain waiting to marry you! She started to cry all over.
Listen Pauline! Captain commanded; you choose your path and got what you wanted, do not ever compare yourself with Ada or anyone in this house! If you do that I will send you far away from here! Just answer my question: what is your story? What do you want from us?
Chai! Chai! I am sorry sir! I have suffered so much in this world; I cannot continue to suffer like this!
What is your story! Go straight to the point this minute! Captain barked and stood up.
Oh sorry sir! Ehm ehm, the Soldiers have evicted me from Ibrahim’s house, they said I should go and meet him in Sokoto.
After Derbie and Silvia left the House, we stayed two months more in the Batcher before we were evicted. I moved in with Ibrahim while Caroline moved in with Lawal, we were still managing our Shop at Mammy Market and all seemed well. Later there was a miss understanding between Lawal and Ibrahim and it affected my relationship with Caroline too, so I told Caroline to give me my own share of the Money with her so I could rent a different Shop and do my own thing. She said okay but would need to seek Lawal’s consent since the Money had being transferred to Lawal’s account.

We quarreled over that. How on earth could she be so dumb? So I told Ibrahim but he got angry with me and blamed me for allowing Caroline so much control of my life. That was when my relationship with Ibrahim became sour; he told me he had been posted to Sokoto. That was when he showed me Pictures of his Wife and three kids. I was confused and did not know what to do, I was already pregnant then. I asked him what to do with my pregnancy, he said I should keep it, he said he would marry me if I was ready to be second wife and relocate to his Village in Ilela Sokoto. I disagreed. He left without saying goodbye on a Sunday before I returned from Church. He took along all the Cash I had in the House, my Clothes and jewelries. He changed his Phone number so I could not reach him.
I was shattered! I went to carol and told her all that happened to me, Carol became scared of what these Soldiers are capable of doing as she was also pregnant for Lawal, and then she pressurized Lawal to release her Money to her. That was what led to Lawal beating her up and her hospitalization. She lost the pregnancy; Lawal was subsequently dismissed from the Army because his record for brutality could no longer be condoned by the Army.

Lawal disappeared with our Money! No one knows his where about, some said they saw him at Maiduguri Cattle market, they say he is a big Cattle merchant now and he has married the daughter of the Sariki (Chief) of the Market. We fell back to the Shop, we told the Girls helping us to go as their services were no longer needed. I was Sick last week so I could not go to the Shop for two days.

On the third day a friend came to my house and told me that fraudsters had duped Caroline and have made away with everything in the Shop. I have not seen Caroline since then, I went to see the Shop by myself and I saw people renovating it. Carol had sold the Shop to a Chemist and she vanished into thin air.

I wondered about for two days begging to feed myself and my Baby. Yesterday the Army allocated Ibrahim’s House to a new recruit, he moved in immediately and I had no choice but to leave the house. This “Ghana must go” bag is all I have in the world; she got up and unzipped the bag, she brought out a big envelope and handed over to Chinedu: Take Junior, I stole this from Caroline, it is the documents to all of Daddy’s properties.
I went to Madam Ronke at “Delectable” and she told me how to contact you. She went on her knees; Derbie, Tochi, Amara, Junior! Please I beg you all in the name of God to forgive me! I am a prodigal Daughter, please just allow me to have shelter over my head and my Son’s. I can do anything to survive now. Oga Ayo please help me beg them, please I beg you! I am so ashamed of myself! See how God had vindicated them and shamed me and Carol? God had fought your battle for you Derbie! You are the rejected stone that has become the Chief Corner stone; imagine how you have brought together Tochi and Amara that were in the Orphanage. Junior that no one knew his where about, you found him. We drove you away penniless but today look at you, see your business, see your house, see…
Shut up! Shut up your smelly mouth! Captain shouted at her; have I not told you never to compare yourself with them?

Haa! Sorry! Sorry! Please! She begged, I can’t help it, please I can’t help it, it is like a dream to me, and please I am sorry! She cried.
It simply shows that you are jealous and you have not changed from you evil ways, else why would you be counting what they have and what you do not have? Do you know how they got this far? Look do not provoke me o! Captain admonished.
Please I am sorry! I am sorry! she cried.
All the Ladies in the sitting room cried profusely that night as we reconciled and accepted Pauline into our Fold.

We had a quiet Court wedding at the registry, our Friends and relations were with us, Mr. Chinedu stood in for my father, The G.O.C stood in for captain’s Father. When it comes to the proper traditional and church wedding then our real relations can play their natural roles; so said my Captain. We had a brief reception at my House. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep quite early.

I felt tingling sensation all over me, I yielded to the feelings as I spread out my arms and legs, I was between dream land and reality, I felt warm moistness over my Lips, I opened my mouth to welcome his probing tongue; it was real, I was not dreaming, my whole body was on fire, I pulled him together as I wrapped my legs and arms around him, I tore off his Singlet and pulled his Boxers, I was possessed with passion; he was not in a hurry, he wanted to play with my body, he pushed me gently on my back and undressed me slowly, I was shivering all over, I tried to control my system but I could not. He used his tongue and lips and did things to every part of my body, I was exploding carelessly, I was begging him to make me a complete woman, we were legally married now; Ay, I murmured; I love you, I whispered.
I love you too Ada, he whispered into my ears as he bites me gently on the ear lobe.

turned to leave the Ward, Captain entered and came directly to us, I held him and pulled him out of the ward, I briefed him what transpired while I was in the Ward then I asked him what happened.

Who else but that Barger Lawal? I just took over my shift this evening and as I was going round the wards I came upon them, she was brought in unconscious last night. The Military police have been here and Pauline told them that it was argument about money that resulted to Lawal beating her up like this. They live together and she is three months pregnant, Lawal said she shout abort the Baby and your Sister objected, she said Lawal should return all of her money back to her if she aborts the abort the baby. Though we had to flush the Fetus because the Barger killed it during the fight, the saddest of all now is that we had to remove her womb too because it was badly ruptured in the process!
turned to leave the Ward, Captain entered and came directly to us, I held him and pulled him out of the ward, I briefed him what transpired while I was in the Ward then I asked him what happened.
Who else but that Barger Lawal? I just took over my shift this evening and as I was going round the wards I came upon them, she was brought in unconscious last night. The Military police have been here and Pauline told them that it was argument about money that resulted to Lawal beating her up like this. They live together and she is three months pregnant, Lawal said she shout abort the Baby and your Sister objected, she said Lawal should return all of her money back to her if she aborts the abort the baby. Though we had to flush the Fetus because the Barger killed it during the fight, the saddest of all now is that we had to remove her womb too because it was badly ruptured in the process!
Pauline is also living with a soldier and she is six months gone with her pregnancy. But the Soldier a certain Ibrahim had been posted to Sokoto, he had since relocated to Sokoto without Pauline knowing. The Guy is married already with Children and the family had joined him in Sokoto.
This Lawal needs to be taught a lesson. He cannot escape this at all, he said; I held unto his clenched fist and tapped it gently while nodding my head. My love! I called him. He looked down at me in surprise and said; did you just called me your love? There is time for everything! I said; time to love and time to hate! I will be on my way back to work now, thank you for calling my attention to this! I pointed at the Ward. You have really made my day! I love you. I turned back and walked out of the Hospital with junior tagging along. As I drove back to the Office I reflected on that day Caroline and Lawal had mauled me. Now the mauler has been mauled: I felt no remorse, I felt vindicated. What goes around comes around.

CHAPTER 10
ILE IFE
Captain normally takes his annual leave in the month of December. Because that is also my peak period at work he deferred his leave to February; February 2003 came and we travelled together to spend two weeks with his family at Ile-Ife Osun state.
We drove in his Tata Suv. I had never travelled that far in my entire life, so it was so tiring even though we stopped intermittently at some fast food Outlets to eat and rest. The road situation was terrible, pot holes and Police check points littered the whole express road. Captain does not queue at police check points, he simple drives to the front of the queue and says the magic word “Espirite de Corps” on hearing this; the Police remove the barricade and salute us through.
I had my fears; I was travelling to the western part of the Country with my man to meet his family for the first time. How would the reception be? The Mother! I have always heard terrible stories about Mother In-laws. What about my rival Dupe? I was entering her territory.
Captain had envisaged my fears. He had told me how to answer likely questions his mother might ask me. Concerning my education, I should tell her I am studying Business administration at U.N.N. I am not to tell her about anything I have gone through in life. My Parent is dead and I am managing my Mother’s business. We came along with ten fabrics; he said I should make some dresses for the parent using his mother’s sewing machine. His mother has four sewing machines idling away in the House.
We drove into the family House as the gateman opened the gate for us at 4: 00PM. As Captain was parking the Car, about eight people filled out of the duplex and ran towards our Car. I was scared stiff. Captain grabbed my hand and said: baby you can do this, I trust you! I nodded to affirm his confidence in me. Hey! He said: I have a jack knife in the Glove Compartment, anybody that provokes you, you know what to do, but please spare their yansh o! He brought smile to my face as I opened the door and stepped out.
The reception was warm, family and friends had come around to welcome us and most especially to see the Omo Ibo that their Son is bringing home. His father took an immediate liking to me, he hugged me as I knelt down to greet him, he called me Ada mi (My Ada) he also called me Aya mi (My wife) he was the first to comment on my beauty; wao! He had exclaimed, I am glad my Son caught the most beautiful fish in river Niger!
The Mother was withdrawn; she looked at me from my hair to the toes on my feet. She looked at me with sarcasm and called me omo ibo (Igbo Child) I was jittery but captain kept assuring me to be calm, he said she is the best mother in-law any lady could wish for. He told me to be blunt with her and ask her why she was staring at me, he said I should ask her questions that would make her uncomfortable for that is the only way I can avert her questions.
We ate and refreshed then returned to the sitting room to share the gifts we came along with. Visitors kept thronging in and out, probably to take a look at me for the news of captain’s arrival with an Igbo Girl had spread throughout the neighborhood, and these people really can stare!
At night Captain and some of his home based friends left the House; he said they needed to hit the town. I offered to go with him but he declined, he said I should help his mother out in the Kitchen. Jeez!
Most of the visitors had gone to their homes, Daddy was in his study reading, Daddy’s elder Brother was watching Television in the sitting room, his maternal grandmother was sleeping on a couch in the Sitting room while Mummy was busy in the Kitchen. I did the sigh of the cross as I joined her in the Kitchen. She pretended not to hear my greeting or notice my presence as she kept on with what she was doing. I coughed a little to get her attention, she turned around and called out “Omo Ibo” you did not go out with your friend? She asked; no ma! I said: Ayo said I should be with you. Be with me? What for? She asked. He said you don’t like me! He said I should ask you why? I lied:
She spun around in surprise, he said that? She asked.
Yes ma! I said. I moved towards the sink and started sorting out dirty plates and utensils to wash. She paused for a while, then she asked; can you cook any Yoruba food or soup?
Well, I don’t know which one you mean in particular buti can cook Efo riro, efo shoko, egusi and isakpa, ewedu and gbegiri, obe ewuro, rorowo,amunututu, obe ata. I can also prepare, Amala dudu, ilafun, ewa agoin, iyan, fufu, eko; I had to stop when I noticed she was staring at me with mouth opened ajar: ha! Omo ibo! Are you sure of what you are saying? You can prepare all of those? I laughed and said, mummy! I can cook all of those and many more, I am a professional Caterer. Okay! Abajo! (No wonder) she exclaimed. She smiled at me for the first time, I am glad my Son will not be eating all those strong meals in igbo land, she teased. So what are you doing now? She continued. I manage my late Mummy’s business and I am schooling as well. The business is a fashion and designing and catering Outfit; she nodded in approval.
You mean you combine all of those with School? She asked: yes ma! It is better to do all what I can now while I can. She gave a nod of approval as she moved closer to me and started to rinse the Plates I had washed. So let us prepare amala dudu for the family tonight she said; no problem ma! I said. Where is the elubo? She rushed and open a gigantic cabinet, look here my dear, she said; I beheld an array of neatly arranged and labeled containers of food stuffs. I was visibly impressed so I asked; whose idea is this even though I was sure it was hers I simply wanted to praise her. She busted out laughing; who else but me? I am a lecturer you know, so I must show brilliance in all I do! She felt good. But you do not lecture home economics’ nah! I understand you lecture mathematics I continued. Yes I am a mathematician but I am a house Wife as well. She said. Ha mummy I love this one o! You will teach me how to arrange my kitchen like yours too! Ha don’t worry my dear, I will teach you many things, she said.
I prepared the amala under her watchful eyes and I passed with an “A”. During the meal I told her I would like to use her sewing machine the next morning, she obliged.
By the fifth day, I had designed six dresses for mummy and four for daddy. I gave the dresses to captain who took it to their rooms and kept on their beds. When Daddy and Mummy returned from work in the evening, they went upstairs to their rooms to pull off and freshen up. Captain and I went into his room and waited. Captain’s Phone rang some twenty minutes later, it was his Mother, she called to asked about the dresses she found on her bed, Captain told her it was my handiwork. Daddy called immediately Mummy‘s call ended and the same discussion took place.
We were about to leave for the balcony when mummy came dancing and singing into our room, she was wearing one of the dresses and she held the others in her hands , she danced around me singing then she stopped and looked at me. Ha! Omo dada nie! (You are a good Child) she prayed for me. Daddy joined us in the mood, he had also worn one of his dresses, he came and hugged me; thank you Ada mi he said, I love this, I have never worn any dress this fitted and smart, but how did you know my size? When did you take my measurement? He asked; she does not take measurements, captain replied.
What? He exclaimed; what a talent you have got; mummy called me “Iyawo mi” (My Wife) for the first time that night. Don’t worry my daughter she said; we shall come to that igbo land and eat Akpu and bitter leaf soup.
We went to Church on Sunday; mummy, cladded in one of her new dresses went out for every alter call, every offering and donations; she represented dancing and displaying as she went to the Alter each time. After the Church service, five of Mummy’s friends came to the House with Fabrics to sew designs of my choice for them. They each paid eight hundred naira to mummy. Mummy had told them that I sew for three thousand naira each in Enugu but she could persuade me to sew for them at eight hundred naira only. In two days their Clothes were ready, but as they came for collection, they brought more fabrics and more women with fabrics to sew. It was captain that eventually told Mummy that I did not come to Ife to work but to rest. He told her not to bring any more Clients to me. Mummy finally brought twenty thousand naira to me as amount realized from the Clothed I sewed. I told her to keep the Money but Captain snatched the money from her as she was about to hid it in her wrapper; he shared the money into two and gave her one part. I later saw the second half in my Purse.

We had spent over one week at Ife, I cruised the ancient town in Company of captain and his friends, such a town with ancient civilization, most of the houses were Bungalows, with brown rusty roofing sheets. They live a communal life style with houses clustered together, only few modern houses were fenced. The people are very polite, the number of people I greeted so far surpassed the whole greetings I have uttered in my entire life, and my knee cap was bruised and aching. The Idowu family is a big and popular one, and all the places we went, they could smell a stranger from a mile.
An elderly woman once saw me and asked if it true that the Igbos eat human beings. I told her it was an old fable, but Captain told her something in Yoruba and the Women fled shouting Mogbe! Mogbe! (I am in trouble!) I asked him what he told her and he said he told her to be watchful of me that I had told him that her arms look appetizing. I laughed my heart out.
Another Woman asked me if it is true that the igbos eat stone and do not drink water after the meal. I told her that it is a matter of choice, just like the yoruba’s love their Amala soft, the igbos like their fufu hard. I told her I personally do not like to eat too hard food. Someone also asked me to explain why the igbos love money too much, she said a rich dead igbo man could be brought back to life if new naira notes are taken to his nose! I laughed my hearts out at all their theories of the igbo people.
The problem is that most of them have not travelled to the east. There were so many old people in Ife, walking aimlessly about visiting relations and spreading rumour round the town. They have first hand information at hand and have ideas to contribute to every subject they hear people discussing. They would stare at me inquiringly till I would retreat into the house because I do not understand the Yoruba language so as to avoid imminent questions from them.
Dupe came around on our tenth day in Ife, no one was at home except me and Granny, and I guess she must have known that I was at home alone with Granny. I knew it was her immediately she stepped into the House. I was cleaning the sitting room then, she sauntered towards me and eyed me from head to toe, she hissed and went into the kitchen, and she came out and went to other rooms calling out Ayo’s name. She went again into the Kitchen and came out with a plate of steaming hot Jollof rice I had just cooked; she went to the dining and started to eat. I left the sitting room and went to sweeping the Balcony. After eating all of the food in her plate she left the plate on the table and went to put on the television, she sat watching.
I later took my dirty Clothes and captains to the laundry room; I put some Clothes into the Washing machine and switched it on. As I turned to leave the laundry room she stood akimbo at the door. My heart skipped a little but I summoned courage and advanced towards her, she looked about two to three years older than me, I am taller and slimmer. She is a beautiful lady I must admit and she has a classy aura about her.
Excuse me please I said, she gave way and I passed through. She trailed behind me; husband snatcher! She called, I feigned deafness, I say husband Snatcher! She shouted; I am talking to you! Are you deaf? She continued; I kept quiet. You think you can just crawl out from nowhere and take what is mine? I am talking to you are you deaf? You this omo Ibo jati jati! (Useless ibo girl). Listen let me tell you! She said: I have been Ayo’s wife right from our Child hood, Ayo is my first and only love, Ayo deflowered me! No man has touched me in my entire Life except Ayo! He is my life so do not come in between us! You igbo people have given him that thing you call Kobnomi! But it won’t work! Since Ayo went to that Igbo land, he has lost focus; it is because of you that he forbade me from coming to see him at Enugu!
Answer me! Can’t you talk? She was poking her fingers at my face. I prayed silently that she does not touch me; I don’t know how much more I could take. I was moving about doing chores and she followed me around shouting and cursing. I just kept my face expressionless as I continued with my work.
Granny came out and told her something in Yoruba language, an argument ensued. After some minutes Granny began to raise her voice at Dupe and pointing fingers at her face. Dupe started to cry; she knelt down and started to beg Granny but granny walked out on her back into her room. She came back to me while wiping off her tears and whispered; Look Omo Ibo! If anything happens to my relationship with Ayo, I swear by my life you will feel my venom. I did not bulge.
When the Family was complete at night Granny came and told Mummy and Daddy what transpired in the House between Dupe and me. The only thing I could capture from what Granny said was; Omo dada ni Omo Ibo yi! (This Ibo Girl is a good girl).
Captain went mad with anger, he called her on the phone and dared her to come to his house again , he promised to shoot her if she ever comes around him again. Mummy was also visibly angry as she called Dupe’s Mother and told her to tell Dupe to stay clear of our house! Yes our House! I dare to say.

That was the last I heard of Dupe! Or so I had thought, I won the War, but I did not know that the Battle was yet to be decided.
The Ife visit came to an end after eighteen days; we had planned to spend two weeks. But it was worth it. Captain’s siblings Segun and Joke visited briefly and went back to their businesses. Segun is a manager at Zenith bank Asokoro branch Abuja while Joke the last born is at Lagos business school lecturing; she has a Doctorate degree in philosophy. I was so comfortable with the family but I had an internal challenge; I need to go back to School so I can measure up in such a family of academia. They thought I was in U.N.N. so U.N.N I must go!
Our Car was filled with food stuff on our way back from Ife, several friends and relatives brought gifts of farm produce to me. We could not carry all of the gifts.

CHAPTER 11
Back to base
We came back in the first week in March 2003 to face the Challenges of Easter rush, my siblings and my paid employees. I was so amazed at the rate of reformation in Chinedu, it was tremendous! Chinedu is a natural, a workaholic and a brave Lad, he wakes up at 5:00AM and does all the Chores in the House, he prepares breakfast for the House then prepares for School; At 3:00PM he returns to the Shop and helps out with ironing of Clothes while learning how to sew too. Chinedu participates actively in the catering activities we carry out and his input was immeasurable.
Silvia had been too busy, she traveled often to various shows and events and she was happy, it is really good to do what your heart desires. Silvia drives a brand new KIA Saloon Car given to her by Delta Soap as their ambassador. They rented a House for her too but she declined so they paid her cash equivalent. She used the money realized from Delta to rent a Shop that became vacant at the stadium premises, three Shops from mine; she sells beauty accessories of all sorts. She employed two ladies to manage the Shop for her while she goes about her shows. Chinedu doubled as the accountant of the Shop simply called “SILVIA” Chinedu reconciled the account every day and takes the proceeds to the Bank. Junior was just sixteen and in JSS 2 but behaved like an adult, he never disrespected any of us and he was very willing to learn and take corrections readily. I always see my Father in him.
Amara and Tochi were preparing for their examinations, JAMB and SSCE so we excused them from many activities, they were attending preparatory Classes. Silvia and I also find time to attend preparatory classes. Though Captain paid for a personal Teacher for me, I do no keep to most of our Coaching appointments.

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