₦airaland Forum

Polynek:

You hv said it all bro

Lol... Gracias.
So, which number you fall into?

dawnomike:
Title of the story: Oh! My Jessica!!!

Perhaps.
Thank you.

kingphilip:
Believe the fiction at your own peril

����

We didn't get to take pictures.

Different Kinds Of Students You'll Come Across On Campus (FUTO)

An Average Nigerian Institution admits over thousands of students yearly and these students comes from different race, tribes, states and different religious beliefs.
Below are different kinds of students you'll surely come across if you attended or perhaps attends school in Nigeria.

1.
The "I Know-Book" (Genius).
Hey! This set of people acts like they know it all. Their actions sometimes will make you rethink your desire to get education. Like why do you even bother? You'll be wondering if they're not Secondary School leavers just like you or did they attend bigger schools?
They have all the answers and will engage or debate topics with lecturer effortlessly while you stares and occasionally nods like Agama lizard.
�� Pele oo

2.
The Wannabe Politicians.
Chaii! This sets of people thinks they have made it in life once they have "Comrade" attach to their name. �
Even if it's a departmental post, faculty or SUG, they carry their shoulders high like soldiers.�
They're always on suit or cooperate wears even when the sun is scorching, they don't mind. �
They love to address students and feed them with all these "Aspire to acquire blah blah.�
Their accent suddenly change once they start addressing students.�

3.
The City Guys.
Once it's a new semester, you'll see them returning on campus with all the trending clothes and accessories.
They love to wear party clothes to lecture.� They can never appear to lecture looking simple.
You'll see them powl fresh students congested areas. They have a mission and they will do anything to get that number and everything that comes after it.� They love flirting with girls.
SMH...

4
The Student Celeb.
These sets are always forming Behind on campus. Unless you're in their clique, you won't see them talking or perhaps relating with you until it's time for party and shows, they start begging you to buy their tickets. ��
Student Celeb's priority is the social life in campus while their academics comes next. ��
Some of them are already seeing their selves as International Celebrities �
Most of them are upcoming artiste, models and the rest. ��

5.
The Religious Students
These are the godly students on campuses. They are always attending fellowship, going for evangelism and hosting programme. By their fruits, you shall know them or perhaps by their dressing. � They don't give a damn what you think about them, as long as you're not their God. �

6.
The Front Seaters.
These ones don't play with front seats, even when they're late to class, they still walk boldly to the front seats trying to discomfort the already seated students like they permanently own the seats. �
Some of them just attend classes because of fear of missing attendance.�
While some are first class students. Some are on glasses while others will tell you they can't see from behind. Until it's exam period, they rush to the back seats. ��
This Life no balance shaa.

7.
Non Academic Students
These ones are popularly known as Nasu.
They don't have time for lectures except it's time for test, quiz, practicals and exams. A few sporadic appearance on some days. �
They always miss impromptu test. ��
They're always busy with one thing or the other. While some are naturally lazy. This is where the upcoming yahoo boys fall into, they don't give a damn about lectures. �

8. Photo Freaks.
These ones are second version of Clarence Peter.�
They're always shooting � Everywhere they enter, they take selfie. They don't mind taking selfie with the lecturer even while class is ongoing. �
No day passed without a single shot. Posing and changing styles like they're in for a photo contest.

9. Business Minded Students.
Sometimes you wonder if this ones came to study or sell markets. To them, campus is like Onitsha main market and everybody they come across is a potential customer. �
They carry their goods to classes and while lecture is ongoing, their minds wandered off on how to make sells and buy more goods.� Awon business tycoon.

10.
The "I Don't Care"
(IDC)
These ones don't really know what they came to school to do. Everything academics don't interest them at all. They take everything for granted and feels reluctant about their results and grade. �
They're just in school waiting for four years to complete so they can move on with their lives.
They're the one sent to school by their parents. It's never their choice to be in school.�
They come to lectures any day they feel like, and they don't, they stays back in their lodges/ hostels meanwhile they're always the first to resume when a new semester begins. ��

There are more calibers of people on campus but these are the top ten in my list.�
I know you don't like reading long articles, more reason I stopped at number 10. �

Which number do you fall into? �





©️FrankWriter1

Twitter & IG: frankwriter1

�The Girl I Met On Twitter�

Lately, I have been addicted to the bird app, maybe because I have learnt more from the app lately than the regular data app on my phone.
Winks.

Two weeks ago, I was scrolling through my news feed to see more tweets. A popular Twitter influencer had a tweet asking poets to give the artistic picture he tweeted a poetic caption.
“I am not a poet” I said to myself as I jejely scrolled down but then I was moved to write something.

I quickly scrolled up again, my keypad was already typing something; a poem of four lines.
“Reply Sent,” I was notified shortly.
Two minutes later, my notification box signaled an unseen notification. It was “Likes” on my tweet. It already got 25 likes in the space of two minutes. I was wowed.

I had to reread and reread my four lines again. I guess it made sense… Yeah, I guess.
Just when I was about logging out, another notification popped up. It was a reply on my tweet and it reads:
“Wow, amazing. You just gained my follow.”
When I clicked on the profile, it was a feminine account, judging from the bio. She followed me and I did follow back instantly.

Long story short, she sent a DM. From there, we moved to WhatsApp.
We did introduce ourselves, chatted and flowed well. She also stays in Lagos too and so we planned for date.
A day to meet her came. We had planned to meet at the mall. I wore one of my best clothes, coupled with my heavy timberland boot. I wore the nicest perfume in my wardrobe before dashing out looking dapper and classy.

I was at the place before her. I played with the bunch of keys with me patiently waiting for her to arrive.
I threw momentarily glance at the door in order to take a view of the people coming in with thoughts and expressions that justify the question.
“Is she the one? Could she be the one?”

Moments later, I winked off where I was seated waiting for her. Not quite long, I felt a touch from behind.
I looked up but failed to recognize the person behind at any level until when she stood in front of me with a liberating confidence, “Frank, it’s Jessica.”

Damn! She was looking so different from all her pictures I had seen online. I guess the heavy makeover and eye lashes changed her completely. Jessica wasn’t looking bad, it was just her facial expressions that got me thinking how magical makeup changes one’s look completely.

“Oh! Jessica, you kept me waiting,” I quickly conjured a dim smile and embraced her.
Her smile instantly faded away. The look on her face was numb. A zoom on her face could tell how bad she looked. She seemed not excited on meeting me.

“You look troubled, what’s the problem? Is anything eating you up?” I questioned.
“Um, nothing really, I’m fine”, she replied forcing a deceiving smile.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Everything is fine, I’m okay,” she answered.

We later moved in to see a movie. An hour later, we had lunch (fried rice and salad with chicken with soft drinks). When it was time to pay, she insisted on paying since I paid for the movie, she refused me from paying for the meals. I was wowed. She amazed me.

We had a long gist and laughed out loud. She was so free with me, we talked like we had known each other for ages. We had numerous selfie and full shot too while we changed style.

Everything was going pretty well and I was enjoying the moment. One thing led to another, I confessed my love and feelings, I guess she felt same too but she was too shy to admit. She just smiled but words failed her.

Long story short, when finally I got home, having removed me timberland shoe, I slumped tiredly on the bed as I recalled how beautifully my day went; the whole scene reenacted itself on my head.

“Call her and tell her you have gotten home safely." A voice rushed through my head.
I quickly picked up my phone and dialed her number.
“Tuum tuum…. tuum tuum” it rang. I turned it on speaker as I waited to hear her angelic voice but none came through. I called severally, “No answer, called ended.”

When finally it was picked, I heaved a big sigh of relief but then the voice that came through shrank my heart.
"What exactly do you want? Your sim card or memory card?” it was a masculine voice. He hanged up thereafter. I was dumbfounded and couldn’t utter a word.

When finally I rebooted myself like a corrupt system, I dialed her number again but unfortunately this time, it was switched off and didn’t go through.
Your guess is as good as mine, Jessica’s phone was no longer in her possession. There was no way I could reach her again. I called severally yet it wasn't going through.

Everyday I open my WhatsApp and Twitter hoping to see a new account indicating to be Jessica but since then it had just been a mere thought that didn’t manifest.
Jessica and I didn’t connect with any other social media except the above mentioned data app.

My Jessica could be on your list, help me share this post till she sees it. ��
Share this post till we connect again. �






©️FrankWriter

�***Splitted***�

Episode 2


Chioma’s hope of calling Obiora later that morning failed when her mom came telling her that she would be going with her to get the goods she ordered at Ikeja to restock her Supermarket.

It was around 9:30am when they dressed up and dashed out to the street, Pooh…Pooh, signaled a coming vehicle.
The conductor popped up his head through the door.
“Where?”
“Ikeja,” Chioma and her mom chorused.
“Oya make una enter, madam abeg shift for them,” ordered the conductor who was on dreadlock with two rolls of tattoo on his arm.

Chioma and her mom hopped in and sat at the back seat.
Throughout the time they were inside the bus, Chioma’s phone was still on airplane mode. She knew Obiora might still call, so she intentionally left it that way.
She knew her mom wasn’t convinced yet. She needed to avoid any form of call from the male folks in her mom’s presence or else she might be in for queries.

Obiora was in his room hoping to hear from Chioma. He hoped she called him, even with his blind phone, he waited patiently. Obiora waited for hours but not even a beep call came through. A lot of thoughts was going through his head. He felt Chioma had found him unworthy to be with after one year, that she had to do this on their one year anniversary. He felt broken, betrayed and depressed. He had been on his bed since morning.
______________

When Chioma and her mom arrived Ikeja, the sun was peeping out from behind the morning clouds. The early morning market sellers were making their way to the stalls in single file, their various bundles tied and balanced unwaveringly on their heads.

Chioma and her mom were busy checking their orders. Her mom would read from the receipt while she counted the goods before pushing them to the blue and white painted bus they hired. This they did repeatedly until all the goods were cross-checked.
Chioma and her mom leaned against the vehicle and refreshed their selves with a bottle of coke each, while they waited for the driver’s arrival.

Chioma sighted the driver from a distance. A potbelly man in his late sixties with grey hairs. He had gone to take snuff by the corner while they were loading the goods.

“Mom, he’s coming,” Chioma announced.
“Erm, check if there’s anything we are leaving behind.

Chioma searched through but then, everything was well arranged inside the bus. Nothing was left on the ground.
“No, we’re not leaving anything behind, they’re all inside the bus,” she answered.
“Chioma are you sure? Please check very well.”
“Mom, I have checked well, nothing is outside.”
“Madam, una don arrange am finish? Make we dey go?” Questioned the driver when he arrived.
She turned to look at Chioma who nodded head in affirmation.
“Yes sir, we can go now,” Chioma’s mom responded.
________

On their way back, Chioma was constantly dozing off and waking up once they hit a pothole, until she hit her head on the side of the vehicle.
“Ouch!” She yelled.
Her mother turned and whispered something to her discomfort.

“Next time you learn to leave your phone and always sleep at night.”

Chioma felt bad that her mom would never stop reminding her of being a phone addict. She had caught her several times late in the midnight still up with her phone but yet Chioma couldn't help it. She would rather sleep during the day just to stay awake with her phone late at night. She's nocturnal in nature.
Not quite long, she winked off again.
For the second time, she hit her head on the bus. This wasn’t going well with her, she was bored and needed something to keep her from dozing off again till they get home.

Chioma recalled she was yet to stream the latest EP from Cheque. She had seen so many folks hype the EP on Twitter and Instagram, especially the hit track "Zoom Zoom"
She quickly slot her left hand on her back pocket, nothing was there, same she did on all the four pockets on her Jean trouser, yet she couldn’t find her phone. Chioma was already sweating, fear gripped her; her heart was pounding faster, she wished she could shout but then she was dumbfounded.
Telling her mom who was at the front side of the bus was the last thing in her mind. She carefully searched through the vehicle but yet her phone was still missing.

“Chioma kee ife i na acho? What are you looking for?”Asked her mom who turned to see her daughter sweating and panting in fear.
Chioma felt a sudden shock on hearing from her mom. She knew there was no point covering up, she desperately needed to get her phone or stand to lose numerous important files on her phone.

“Mom, my phone… my phone, I can’t find it again. Ah! I’m finished,” she said sobbing. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
“Where did you keep it?”
“I kept it inside my pocket, it’s not there again…,” Chioma cried.
“Check well, e fit don fall on those goods,” suggested the driver.
"Are you sure you didn't leave it there?" Asked her mom.
"Mom, I don't know...," Chioma sounded like one crying.

Chioma’s mom brought out her phone, searched through her recent calls, Chioma’s number was the second on the list, she quickly dialed it.
Chioma stares at her mom hoping to hear her phone beep anywhere inside the vehicle.
“Your line is currently switched off,” Chioma’s mom announced with regret. Her face was numb.
Chioma’s heart skipped on hearing this from her mom who stared confusedly at her.

“Have you forgotten your phone is on airplane mode?” a voice rushed through her head.
Chioma recalled she had switched her phone to airplane mode and calls won’t be enable.
She remembered while she had done this, she thought about Obiora, she thought about her phone. It seemed like she was dreaming.
"Don't worry, you'll check well when we arrive," said the driver to her comfort.
Chioma was optimistic about it, she hoped to see her phone among the goods. She can't just afford to loose it but then her mind was troubled, she was restless.
The dizziness instantly flew out of eyes.
______

Obiora later went about his daily routine. Obiora was a serving corper who had few days remaining before he leave Lagos State, back to Enugu.
Obiora is young, handsome and diligent guy. The last among six siblings. He graduated from Abia State University, having studied Sociology.
His path crossed with Chioma right there in Lagos, and since then, the two had been a story of two love birds before the incident.

He still anticipated to hear from Chioma but his phone never rang. He constantly stared at his blind phone and hisses regrettably. He wished he never smashed his phone, at least he wouldn’t loose two things at a time.
He kept hearing voices telling him to move on.
“Chioma has moved on, don’t kill yourself in this pool of regret, she didn’t call back. So, was this what you expected from someone you said you loved on this special day?” a voice rushed through his head. He was going through pyramid of thoughts.

After about forty five minutes drive, they arrived FranPhil Supermarket, Ogba.
Owned by Chioma’s late father and her mother.
"FranPhil" is a compound name gotten from Francis, Chioma's late father and Philomena, Chioma's mom. The supermarket has been in existence for a decade and still booming, even after Chioma's father kicked the bucket.

The driver applied brake gently, the bus moved a little bit further before it halted.
Chioma was the first to come down.
He didn’t wait for the driver’s assistance before pulling the door backward.

“Nne nwere ya nwayoo, take it easy. You'll see your phone," said the driver who came to open the boot so they could offload the goods.
Chioma was busy bringing everything down, while she desperately searched for her phone.
Jide and Henry, two among the staff that worked in the supermarket joined her, while Chioma’s mom went inside to have some rest.
"Welcome ma... Welcome ma," the other workers greeted her when she worked in.
She just waved to them and walked straight to the rest room.

Few minutes later, the vehicle was emptied. They had packed everything inside the Supermarket. Then it was down on Chioma that her phone was gone. She couldn’t help it. Tears trickled down uncontrollable.
She stood still and stared unblinkingly. Her heart seemed shattered. The pains of letting your phone go without notice. Her pictures, videos, contacts and important files got her thinking.

Chioma watched the driver hop in, ignite his bus and zoomed off without realizing he had been encouraging her to pray it falls into the hands of a good Samaritan. She wandered off in thoughts.
She found it hard to believe her phone was gone – like she’s not gonna come across her Samsung Galaxy S7 again. This thought shrank her heart and left her moody.

Throughout the day, she felt unusual and depressed. Chioma got pissed off at any little provocation. She shouted at her siblings, which was unlike her.
She couldn't even eat her dinner. All her mind was on her lost phone and how badly he had treated Obiora earlier that day.
There was no way he could reach him to explain how it all happened. That night, while her brothers and mom were at the Sitting room enjoying an interesting program, Chioma locked herself up in her bedroom and mourned her lost phone.
The thought of seeing Obiora at church the following day being Sunday, made her sick.

To be continued...


©️2022
Franklin Chinonso Okoligan

Twitter & IG: frankwriter1




Encourage me with your comments, so I'll post the remaining episodes.
If you're following, drop a comment. ��

***Dreams & Tears***

Falling in love is awfully simple but falling out of love is simply awful.

Martins and I have been in an open relationship for two years now. 'Open relationship' in the sense that everyone on my Facebook and WhatsApp list knew about us. We were popular on social media like Temi Otedola and Mr. Eazi

Every now and then, I posted his pictures on my status, and sometimes with a long epistle; describing how much I loved him –and how caring–and loving he is. He reciprocated. Most times, my picture always appear last on his status with the caption, “Goodnight”.
We were so obsessed with each other, sending love texts and voice notes on WhatsApp.

I was really hopeful Martins would be my final bus stop, after my dealings with several guys.
I’m Sonia. A graduate. Born twenty years ago in the family of four. The second child of my late parents.

Martins and I got to know each other through a radio program (a hookup show). It was one of those late night hookup programs I love listening to before going to bed. That fateful night, he sent a text to the anchor, requesting for a lover between 23 – 25 years. Tall and hard-working kinda girl.
In that same text, he described himself, his location, height and what he was into.
I was attracted by his mindset. So, I took his number but didn’t have the zeal to call him that night. Later in the morning, I dialed his number, we talked and laughed like we have known each other for years. Two months later, we met –and the rest was history.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Martins sent me a message, asking if we could chat later on Facebook. It was the first time he initiated a chat after a long quarrel we had.
“What's up?” I hopped on the chat with the phone in one hand and a cup of tea in the other hand. I walked towards the couch and – looked forward to seeing his reply.

"Can we be ordinary friends?" that was the response that popped up on my screen.
“What? What did I do wrong? Are you kidding?” I presumed he was joking.

I soon realized he was not.
This was the same man who not long ago asked me what would I like as my birthday present, because my birthday was the following day.
He had promised to introduce me to his entire family on my birthday. It was the best thing I ever had him say. I was filled with joy and happiness. But, here he is, trying to tear my world apart.

He seemed not happy with the relationship anymore. I could see it written boldly on his face. He walked restlessly round the corner of the house. And, finally he decided to open up.

“You did nothing wrong. It’s chemistry. I don’t think we’re compatible,” he declared.

His words sank down my bone marrows. It seemed my intestines were being cut off my belly. My stomach churne. I felt my heart beating faster than normal. I was dumbfounded and couldn’t utter any word. My heart bleeds unknown to him.

“Go talk to your friends, you will be fine. Enjoy your birthday tomorrow.” He said and left.

I wanted to call him by his name but my mouth was heavy. I couldn’t make a move. I stood still like a tree and watched the love of my life walked out on me.

When finally I couldn’t see him again, I ran back to the bedroom and cried out. I wished I could shout down the building, so everyone would know my heart was broken, but I couldn’t. I cried quietly on my bed. Tears trickled down uncontrollable. My mouth felt the salty tears but I was unbothered.

He couldn't even wait till after my birthday or could this be the birthday present he was preparing for me all along? I asked myself. Martins was not just my partner, he was a friend, a lover, my philosopher and anything I could think of. Many thoughts rushed through my head.

Then and there, I professed to myself you are so unlucky with relationship.




©️2021
Franklin Chinonso Okoligan

Twitter & IG: frankwriter1

#storyteller

�Top Ten Life Lessons From 2021.�

Over the past twelve months, I have faced new challenges and things I’ve never experienced before. Many of them were terrifying and threatening.


Last year, I learned a great deal about other people, the world and myself. Now, not all of these are going to be sunshine and rainbows, many of them are going to sound a tad depressing at first but they’re real, and I wouldnt give a full detail of it, just heading.

But, as always, I choose to focus on what I can learn from each of these hard moments and become stronger, smarter and better for them.

Below are my top 10 life lessons from Twenty Twenty-one;

1. Nobody would love you like your mother.

2. Prioritizing my mental health.

3. Challenges made me think differently.

4. Life is highly unpredictable. Don't be too quick to give up.

5. Being too nice would land in you in some shits you barely expected. Staying a bit wicked would save you a lot (I know what I'm saying).

6. To always Invest what I can afford to loose. (Lol. Shit happened but we move)

7. Becoming Optimistic; I used to be a pessimistic optimist. (Expecting the worst—hoping for the best).

This year changed me to become an optimist. (Yes. My optimistic spirit is f**king high)

8. I'm far stronger than I thought I was.

9. People are going through a lot in silent. (You'd never know until you have a chance)

10. Trust ish; I trust myself and I.
Lol, I have trust issues now.

There might be other lessons but the above seemed to be my top ten.

As the year just began, each of us is bound to encounter a fresh set of challenges that will test us, push us to the brink and bring fear, doubt and uncertainty into our lives. But, it will also bring so much joy, laughter, love and excitement too. No matter what comes my way, I’m thankful I’m better prepared because of everything I learned this year.
Rather than fearful, I’m stronger than ever before and after what looks like a challenging year, I'm certain I can handle whatever next year may bring.

What did you learn last year?

I wish you all a prosperous new year. 2022 will be greater.
Cheers to better days coming.



©️2021
Franklin Chinonso Okoligan

Twitter & IG: frankwriter1

#storyteller

***Married To The Enemy***


Toochi was one of those girls who walked down the aisle while still in school. She was in her third year in the University when her status quo changed from Miss to Mrs. Among my course mates, Toochi was the least everyone expected to tie the knot then–but life happened, she left the singlehood.

I could remember vividly the days Harrison, her lover then, and now husband was visiting her in school. I won’t forget in a hurry that particular day he met me at Toochi's apartment. Hell almost got loose.
Harrison got flared up even without enquiring whom I was to Toochi, and why I came to see her. Before Toochi could talk, he already concluded I was one of those her 'sidechick’ that won’t let her concentrate on her studies. The look on Toochi’s face spoke volume of violence. She hissed and talked off. I couldn’t stand the embarrassment, I took my leave immediately.
The truth is, Toochi and I were very close to the extent that people who saw us regularly presumed there were strings attached. Hey! There was no shit!

4th September, 2017 was the day I helplessly watched my best friend marry the love of her life. Nothing stopped me from being live at Coal City, to witness the holy matrimony of my dear friend and course mate. Few other course mates were present too. The bond between Toochi and I was really strong, and somehow I felt bad she was transiting from singlehood to the other phase. Don’t get it twisted. I was never a witch, I was really happy for her but I knew exactly what her new status meant to our friendship – no more causal visit and rest of the friendship stuffs. Toochi knew my pain too but best friend got no option than to embrace fate.
The wedding was a huge success. There were more than enough to eat and drink. I remember walking close to Toochi and whispering something into her ears. She was all smiles. Aside from the departmental gifts we came with, I presented my own personal gift. She did appreciate my kind gesture.
____

The following year, we bagged our first degrees and left the University. Then, She already had her first child, Zikora. Toochi and I still talked, but it was once in a blue moon. The last time we talked, she told me about her husband’s departure from the country.
“Harrison is now in Cameroon. He mostly visit Nigeria once in two months,” she said and I paraphrase.
Toochi has always felt safe sharing everything with me – even after she got married. She might probably not trust me – but she knew I wouldn’t betray her. She really liked me then on Campus, but she was older than I. There was lesser chances of us ending up together too. Poor me, I never had the courage to even ask her out, I knew it might ruin our friendship. So, I kept my cool and enjoyed what we shared.

Then, when Harrison came with the marriage proposal, she told me she wasn’t ready. But her parents wanted her to get married, prolly because they were financially unstable to source her school fees and that of her siblings. Her intention was to marry after school but the pressure from her father, coupled with Harrison who was desperate to settle down.
____
Two years later, Clarion call came, I was posted to serve at Delta State. The first thing that rushed through my head was the opportunity to meet Toochi again. Toochi and her kids were residing at the same local government area I was posted. It was a stone throw from my apartment, Okpanam, precisely.
When we talked over the phone, she told me when it would be convenient to pay her a visit. I was really excited, patiently counting down till Sunday evening.
It was drizzling when I got dressed and left my apartment. I wore my recently sewed “senator” material, a brown shoe and a leather wrist watch. It didn’t take long before I located their apartment, not far from Midwifery junction.

She was very happy seeing my face again. The feeling was mutual too. Toochi looked like she came out of a hole when she opened the door. Her dull eyes brightened into a smile as she welcomed me. I reached out for the sofa and sat, while she drew the curtains and opened the windows, light illuminated in the sitting room.
Physically, Toochi really metamorphosed; she looked pale and worn-out. The Toochi I knew back in school was gone. What could be the cause? I pondered. Maybe because she now has three kids – I said within, while my eyes roved round the room. There were different coloured portrait of Toochi and her husband hanged on the walls. Another had Zikora's face. The interior design of the house wasn’t looking bad. The smell of baby powder filled the room.

“Corper Frank, what will you like to drink?” asked Toochi.
The “corper” attached to my name made me laugh, and she knew I was going to laugh over it.
“Erm, just give me anything soft.”
“Hmm, so, you haven’t changed? When will you start taking alcoholic beverages?”
“Probably, when I turn eighteen.”

We both laughed over it. Toochi reached for the freezer at the dinning, and returned with a chilled Malt. She sat beside me and teased me about growing taller and growing beards too. I was all smiles. A slight whining of the door caused me to turn back. A girl walked in with a black nylon, possibly containing foodstuffs.

“Good afternoon ma; good afternoon sir,” she uttered in one breathe.
“Welcome.”
“That’s Cynthia, my sister’s first daughter. She has been my helping hands,” Toochi announced.

Moments later, after we talked and gossiped about some of our course mates and old school gist, I asked Toochi how her marriage life had been so far. She was mute for seconds. I never knew the gravity of the question I asked until she started crying. My heart skipped the moment I saw tears.

“Toochi, what happened? Why are you crying?” I was puzzled.
She couldn’t stop, even when she tried to hold herself. A shiver ran down my spine as I scratched my wet hair.
“Mummy, why are you crying?” Zikora asked, almost crying.
“Toochi, can you just stop? Your children are looking at you,” I pleaded.

Silence.

She later went in and returned with a dry face. I heaved a big sigh of relief. When she finally sat and cleared throat, Toochi began to share her hellish conditions in the name of being married to Harrison. Toochi wouldn’t have shared her story if I was a regular friend, but she opened up because of the bond we had.

“Ever since Harrison and I got married, it has been one problem or another. Even before he left the country, he treated me like I was a nobody. No love. No compassion – all he did was find fault in every single thing I did.”

Silence.

My stomach dropped. I was dumbfounded. All I did was stare confusedly and dissatisfied with her story.
“The worst was after I gave birth to twins, I had several complications with my body system. The doctor had advised I stopped doing much work, so as not to cause me more damages. He further advised I close birth chapter, if I really want to live.”
“You mean the doctor said you stop having babies?” I adjusted vehemently.
“Yes. He actually advised. The last operation almost cost my life,” tears dropped from her eyes.
“So, what was your husband’s reaction? What did he say?”
“Hmm, Harrison? He said the doctor was stupid for telling him how many kids he should have.”

I thought I would have any tangible advice to give her after my years of reading Marriage and Relationships related books by famous authors. Here, I was lost. I didn’t know what to tell my dear friend. Her 'situationship' seems so complicating.

“Are your parents aware of this?”
“My mother is fully aware. She was here some months ago for my Omugwo. But she travelled to Abuja last week to be with my sister, who was delivered of a baby boy two weeks ago. Before she left, all she kept telling me was to endure and pray for him always. I’m tired already.”

Tears trickled down as she blinked her eyes.I couldn’t even sip the drink in my possession anymore. My dear friend was in for “endurance marriage” like, how long would she endure all of this? It was absolutely not the kind of vibes I expected from Harrison. I left Toochi's apartment feeling so traumatized and disappointed. Life happens, but my Toochi deserves better.

The last time Toochi and I spoke, she was crying over the phone, and when I asked what the problem was, she said she was two months pregnant. Additionally, she revealed she saw a WhatsApp conversation between her husband and a supposed home breaker whom he saved her number as 'Love of my life'.
“In case she dies, like her doctor said, you’ll become the mother to my born and unborn child.” A part of the conversation she read to my hearing.

Damn! Toochi is in a deep shit. Her heart is shattered, and she now lives in fear of the unknown. Would she make it out of the labour room after nine months? The thought that always filled her mind. The supposed love of her life had turn to be the enemy of her life.






©️2021
Franklin Chinonso Okoligan

Twitter & IG frankwriter1

#Storyteller

bluebay:
You nor well o

Lol...
It's a short story �

***This Dude Called Williams***

(A Short Story)


He could stay indoors for 72 hours, and went about his daily routine without talking to anyone. He was what you call a certified loner or perhaps, a perfect loner. He was always doing his own things at his own pace.

Even when we had departmental meetings and social gathering, dude would always isolate himself like a quarantined animal.

His name is Williams, and arguably the only information few people who crossed path with him knew about him. I felt he's an introvert but damn, dude is so weird.
You would easily identify him with the aid of his headphone, which he goes about with, except during classes. It was always around his neck or fixed on his two ears. I guess he was a lover of music.

Willie, as he was fondly known as, was my course mate. He was fair and tall(He was taller than myself). He had dimples on his face and, overall, he was cute but f**king weird.

Well, my name is Kambili. I'm from Anambra State, but I chose Futo as my first choice prolly because my family lived in Owerri.
Good thing was, I didn't regret my actions. I got admission on merit to study mechanical engineering. We're just eight girls in my department. A class of hundred plus.

Fast forward to 200L, I left Hostel D and relocated to Umuchima. I was really tired and done with Man' O war and their troubles, and coupled with few challenges I faced in hostel D. It was quite a hellish experience (Story for another day).

Towards the mid of the semester, surprisingly, I realized Williams lived directly opposite my apartment. He stayed in the first floor while I occupied the last floor of my lodge. I could see his balcony from my windows.
Oftentimes, I saw him at the balcony 'jacking' (reading) at night. I doubted if he knew I lived so close to him, and even if he does, nothing would have happened.

Williams was too good to live a dull and lonely life; he never had friends nor visitors. His lodge mates could testify how antisocial and a private person he was. He would rather meet you outside his room than allow you step into his room. Funnily enough, he doesn't give a damn about any m***erfucker! So, whatever you say or feel about him, becomes your own headache.

Dude was so weird that I couldn't think of going to ask him anything as per course mates. I once had thought of going with a plate of food and knock on his door, and see if we could be friends but on a second thought of getting embarrassed before his lodge mates, I quickly perished the idea.

Sorry, I forgot to tell you Willie was a guru. Well, he was one of the best in my department after we checked our year one results.

Weirdest rumor I heard about him was being an atheist. I never believed, even as it wasn't a new thing for someone to be an atheist, but from the perspective I viewed him.
One thing I admired about Williams was his commitment towards his academics, and how he stayed up late at night to read. He was a bookworm. Library was his second home.
He quite motivated and inspired me from afar, even without his consent.

I was always watching him every night through my windows. And I couldn’t but ponder how he coped being a loner in a world population of 7.9 billion people.

But something strange happened towards the end of the semester. Willie wasn't coming to the balcony to read again neither did I see him anywhere around campus, not even in lecture hall. I couldn't say if he travelled or moved out of his lodge. His lodge mates too, had no knowledge about his whereabouts.

I became more worried when it was exam period and I didn't see Willie. It was unusual and unlike him. Of all the eight days we wrote our courses, nothing close to Williams appeared at the hall. He always sat at the front seat and was never invisible during exams. Some of my course mates too, became perplexed and confused just like myself.
His number too, wasn't going through.

No one knew where he is or might have happened to him, neither was anyone to ask his whereabouts. Nobody has his information except his name and reg. number. Not even the course rep could say anything about Willie.

Even now that mostly everyone has traveled, I still watch my window every night and day, hoping to see a glimpse of him but nothing of such has happened.

Just last night, after seeing a movie with my system, I moved towards the windows to draw my curtains close for the night, I saw the light from his room. I was startled for seconds. I stared focused, just to be sure the light was illuminating from William's room. I watched to see if he would come out or walk round his room. At least, I would see his shadow if he moves, but nothing happened.
I was going to scream his name but it was past seven. I waited till 12:30 am to see if he would show up but the light gradually went down and nothing else happened.

Tonight, I'll be up again, hopefully the light shows up again, then, maybe I will scream his name this time, but till then, what really happened to Williams?


©️FrankWriter1
#storyteller

***Rebellious Daughter***

Ruth wasn't that kind of girl who you think has her life figured out. She was clueless, break down as soon as she was alone. There were days she didn't leave her bed nor showered. Some nights, she didn't sleep at all. She yelled whenever she's mad and quiet when she's sad.

She came from a good Christian home, where everything was done according to "God's will" Yes, that kind of home where you seek God's face before doing anything.

Her parents were members of the workers in one Pentecostal church in the neighborhood, but Ruth was just opposite of her parents. Despite both parents being devoted believer, she had this negative mindset about Christianity and religion entirely.

For her, Christianity was brought to Africans by the whites, and the bible too, was a product of mere man and wasn't inspired by any holy spirit.
Sundays were her worst days, because she would have to be in the church to hear the usual "Repentance" message from the preacher. She hated to hear the pastors condemn the things she secretly admired and desired to do. (If only she had the opportunity but her parents were extremely strict on her).

Oftentimes, Ruth would pretend of having cramps on Sundays just to miss service and her mother would be kind enough to consider her unlike her father who would insist she come and receive healing from the Lord.
This was mostly the reason she preferred her mother to her overprotective father. She neither hated her father, she detested how much of a religious person he was.

One fateful Sunday in the church, her father watched her from the men's corner and was baffled while others came out to drop their offering in the box, Ruth was seated instead.
When finally he got home, she queried what she used her offering money for.

"I gave it out to the beggar at the street while I was coming," she answered, staring into her father's eyes. He was furious but couldn't say anything further. He only hissed and walked away. She felt she did the right thing and wouldn't mind repeating it again and again.

Ruth is 21. The only surviving child of her parents. Two had come and gone before finally she came into existence. Ruth lived with her parents in Uyo.
Physically, Ruth looked boyish. She was what you describe as being chubby. Though her boobs were smaller, which made her appear like a boy.

She had written Jamb twice but never got the course she applied for. Her father was of the opinion she writes one more time and see the wonders of God. Things like this pisses her off — like what if the third time nothing changes? At her second attempt, she wanted to go against her father's wish but she slept over it and found out she really didn't like the course she was offered, so she kept her cool.
The thought of knowing most of her classmates were already at various higher institution of learning always made her feel her life was messed up.

Right from childhood, Ruth was that person among the crowd who was always invisible to others. Her parents being overprotective and scared of loosing their only surviving child to the "World"

Ruth would always lock herself in her room. Her social media accounts were boring too, with no messages coming in.
So, one fateful day, something unexpected happened, and what looked like sweet experience suddenly turn into a nightmare. Ruth decided to take a picture of herself revealing her cleavages and some part of her skin.

She went ahead to post them on Facebook— and she was amazed by the lots of folks that complimented her look. Messages came in too, and she felt special for once. The pictures attracted folks who never chatted her before, she gladly snubbed them while accepting new friends. That was when he accepted a friend with the username, Tobenna Okorie.

Tobenna went through her Facebook wall before hitting her inbox. He equally noticed she lived in the same city (That's if her profile is same as reality).

Ruth saw his messages but left them unread. Two days later, she went back to reply, and that was how they got talking.

Tobenna introduced himself as a model and a photographer. He made mention of Ruth's recent uploads while he told her she could do well in modelling.
That word 'modelling’ got into her head, and she felt special again. She was getting hooked as they conversed. She hadn't engaged with the opposite sex on media like she was vibing with Tobenna.

They chatted for good three hours and she was able to tell him the kind of family she came from and how his father would beat her up if eventually he comes across those pictures. She prolly uploaded them because her parents were not social media kind of people and she never accepted friend requests anyhow. Hence, most of her Facebook friends were mere strangers.

Tobenna could hold conversations for long without getting to bore her, more reason she didn't hesitate to give out her WhatsApp number when he kindly asked for it.
Gradually, they became close friends–texting each other every day on the green app.

Tobenna kept pressuring her for a photoshoot but she would always remind him the kind of home she came from(Not like she wasn't interested in trying out something new, but the fear of her parents kept her away from so many things, and she she couldn't wait to leave the house when finally she gets her desired course).

Ruth got busier with her phone and her father soon noticed how engrossed she suddenly became with it. But when asked, Ruth said she was always practicing past questions online.

________

To some people, Tobenna was a spoilt son who had been over pampered. To others, he was simply a sassy fellow that was fun to be with. He was good with words and got a sugarcoated mouth too. He had his own photo studio and he eventually did everything possible to bring Ruth to his studio for a crazy and naughty photo shoot at Uyo.

Ruth was glad on meeting Tobenna after weeks of chatting. They embraced each other, and after having a good time, they went into the studio for shots. Not the usual kind of pose, but tempting and striking ones. The type that would cause more traffic on her Timeline. Tobenna equally did some collaborations with her, just to update his social media accounts with something crazy. Don't forget, he's a model too.

Ruth and Tobe had a good and memorable time in and outside the studio before she left home.
I'm sure you must be wondering how she managed to leave the house. That was the week her father travelled for a business trip and she was able to convince her mom she was going to see her primary school friend who hadn't been in the country for years. That was convincingly enough right?

Six days later, Ruth was at the backyard washing her mother's clothes. It was a Saturday morning, and Saturdays were her most hated days. There were always lots of chores to do, and it would always remind her of being the only child.
She hoped to do excellently in her next Jamb and post utme, so she could get admission to study her desired course and get the hell out of her father's house. She really couldn't wait.

Back inside the Sitting room of three bedroom apartment, her mother was reading some chapters of the bible. Ruth's father was not back yet, it was just Ruth and her mom in the house.
Somehow, Ruth forgot to pick her phone from one of the seats in the Sitting room after morning devotion with her mom. It was unlike her, she normally goes with her phone to wherever she went, but sometimes, things like this happened.

After some moment, her phone rang. Her mom felt undisturbed at the first time, so she ignored it. The second time, she looked towards the direction of the phone, but yet remained unmoved. It continued to ring, even for the fifth time, and the persistence of the caller got her attention. She stood up and reached for the phone. She saw the caller was saved as Tobe.

"Hmmm... who could this one be, shey it's Tobe abi Tobi? She quickly swiped right to answer the call.

"Hello?" She said carefully and faintly.
"Hello babe, I just sent you the packages on WhatsApp. Go check them out. They're really amazing, and do let me know what you think about it." He laughed briefly over the line and hanged up.

"What sort of package is he talking about?" She was bemused. So, she decided to find out. She placed her forefinger behind her (Ruth's) phone censor and it unlocked. They all have each other's fingerprints registered on their respective devices.

She soon clicked on Tobe's messages on her WhatsApp, and her eyes pooped out in surprise by the contents of what he sent.
"Oh! My Goddddd... is this Ruth?" Sge clicked on the second photo and down to the ones she took with Tobenna in romantic pose. A total of eight naughty pictures of Ruth, exposing her cleavages and skin.

Subconsciously, her hands were shaking as she held the phone. She never saw it coming and didn't look at the pictures again. The urge to read her bible died instantly. She felt the wrath of God was already upon her for raising a child who would not only bring shame but also bring reproach to the family. Lots of thoughts clustered on her head saying this and that. Her heart was pounding faster.

She wanted to go to the backyard and pounce on her but thought it wise to wait for father's arrival.

In less than fifteen minutes, she heard his car beeping outside. She heaved a big sigh of relief and quietly sat down.

"Welcome. How was your trip?" She embraced her.
"It was very fine. Thank you." He kissed her forehead.

She could barely wait for him to settle down before showing him the contents on Ruth's phone.

"Jesus! What on God's name is this? He zoomed the pictures to be sure the faces were that of her daughter.
"How on earth did she get to this stage? Who did you say sent her all these?" He uttered in one breathe.

"His name is Tobe abi Tobi? He sent it through her WhatsApp. This girl has killed me." She said like one sobbing.

"And where is she?" He thundered. He was brimming in anger.

Ruth inaudibly heard the slight commotion going on in the Sitting room and she decided to find out what was going on.

"So, you've been messing around," her father said, upon sighting her.
"Who's Tobe you have been committing all kinds of nonsense with?"

"Which Tobe? I don't know what you're talking about, " Ruth tried her usual tactics but it seemed it would fail her today.

"Oh! Wonderful. You don't know Tobe? How on earth can you deny this?" He shoved the phone to Ruth.
"Explain these pictures."

Her mother was dumbfounded. He just stood there and watched the duo.
Ruth collected her phone from her father and it was finally dawn on her she had nothing to hide anymore, but instead, she just scrolled the pictures like they were photoshopped and she probably knew nothing about it. Her father still glared at her.

"Stop pretending like this is your first time of doing this kind of stuff with that boy!"

"It's my first time," she replied speedily.
"And you think I will believe that? And what is the purpose of these Godforsaken pictures?"

Silence.

"Who paid for the pictures? I'm sure you did?"

Silence.

"I see you don't want to talk. I know what to do too."

"You are going to delete those pictures and delete that son of a devil from your phone. Henceforth, you must further stop this ungodly relationship with him. As for your phone, I'm going to seize it till you finally gain admission into the University.

Ruth suddenly looked up and gave him that uneasy look. Their eyes got locked in contact, but she quickly averted hers.

"Have you deleted the pictures?" Her mother finally broke the silence.

"Give me that phone!" His father grabbed it off her hand and walked angrily inside the bedroom.
"See what you have done to yourself," her mother added and stalked off.

Ruth felt terribly embarrassed. She wished she could wake up to realize she had been dreaming all day. She was mad at herself for leaving her phone behind. And she badly wished she could beat her father up and get back her phone. If only wishes were horses, beggars would surely ride.
Angrily, she went into her room, slumped on her bed. The thought of not getting her phone brought tears to her eyes. She knew her father wouldn't change his mind. She had known him for years.

____

Tobenna noticed Ruth had read his messages, and obviously, she must have downloaded the pictures too. So why didn't she say anything? He grumbled. He dialed her number and was surprised when the service provider informed her phone was switched off. "It could be her phone is flat," he said.
He redailed after an hour, still same result. Hope there's no problem shaa? He shrugged.

The following day, same result, and it continued like that until he got tired of calling.

Ruth stayed without her phone for months and it did affected her mental health. Her life alone was boring. You could imagine her life without a phone. At every slightest thing, she gets provoked.

Fast forward to when finally her Jamb result came out, she performed woefully. One of the worst thing that ever happened in a short time. Her parents were disappointed at her. They blamed it on her for having a fruitless and ungodly relationship with Tobe. Ruth got mad at both for thinking she failed because she met Tobenna while her father had been the cause of her failure.

She fearlessly blamed it on her father for being overprotective, and for being the one taking decisions for her, and while she screamed on top of her voice, tears trickled down her cheeks. She ran back to her room and cried. Her mother came knocking, but she refused her in by not opening the door. At this point, her parents suddenly became lenient and caring but it seemed late already.

Every day, Ruth would wake up with regrets and pains. Her dreams of furthering her studies seemed like a big mountain for her; the shame of having written Jamb over and over again. She couldn't help it.

The concept of freedom varies with a lot of people. To Ruth, it was having who wouldn't query her at every slightest thing, going out and coming anytime she wanted. She felt she was no longer a child to be treated the way she was raised. Seeing her parents every day worsened her trauma and that made her took a deadly decision.

One night, when her parents had gone to bed, she took few of her belongings and zoomed off.

Who marred Ruth’s life?



©️ 2021
FrankWriter
#storyteller

***Rebellious Daughter***

Ruth wasn't that kind of girl who you think has her life figured out. She was clueless, break down as soon as she was alone. There were days she didn't leave her bed nor showered. Some nights, she didn't sleep at all. She yelled whenever she's mad and quiet when she's sad.

She came from a good Christian home, where everything was done according to "God's will" Yes, that kind of home where you seek God's face before doing anything.

Her parents were members of the workers in one Pentecostal church in the neighborhood, but Ruth was just opposite of her parents. Despite both parents being devoted believer, she had this negative mindset about Christianity and religion entirely.

For her, Christianity was brought to Africans by the whites, and the bible too, was a product of mere man and wasn't inspired by any holy spirit.
Sundays were her worst days, because she would have to be in the church to hear the usual "Repentance" message from the preacher. She hated to hear the pastors condemn the things she secretly admired and desired to do. (If only she had the opportunity but her parents were extremely strict on her).

Oftentimes, Ruth would pretend of having cramps on Sundays just to miss service and her mother would be kind enough to consider her unlike her father who would insist she come and receive healing from the Lord.
This was mostly the reason she preferred her mother to her overprotective father. She neither hated her father, she detested how much of a religious person he was.

One fateful Sunday in the church, her father watched her from the men's corner and was baffled while others came out to drop their offering in the box, Ruth was seated instead.
When finally he got home, she queried what she used her offering money for.

"I gave it out to the beggar at the street while I was coming," she answered, staring into her father's eyes. He was furious but couldn't say anything further. He only hissed and walked away. She felt she did the right thing and wouldn't mind repeating it again and again.

Ruth is 21. The only surviving child of her parents. Two had come and gone before finally she came into existence. Ruth lived with her parents in Uyo.
Physically, Ruth looked boyish. She was what you describe as being chubby. Though her boobs were smaller, which made her appear like a boy.

She had written Jamb twice but never got the course she applied for. Her father was of the opinion she writes one more time and see the wonders of God. Things like this pisses her off — like what if the third time nothing changes? At her second attempt, she wanted to go against her father's wish but she slept over it and found out she really didn't like the course she was offered, so she kept her cool.
The thought of knowing most of her classmates were already at various higher institution of learning always made her feel her life was messed up.

Right from childhood, Ruth was that person among the crowd who was always invisible to others. Her parents being overprotective and scared of loosing their only surviving child to the "World"

Ruth would always lock herself in her room. Her social media accounts were boring too, with no messages coming in.
So, one fateful day, something unexpected happened, and what looked like sweet experience suddenly turn into a nightmare. Ruth decided to take a picture of herself revealing her cleavages and some part of her skin.

She went ahead to post them on Facebook— and she was amazed by the lots of folks that complimented her look. Messages came in too, and she felt special for once. The pictures attracted folks who never chatted her before, she gladly snubbed them while accepting new friends. That was when he accepted a friend with the username, Tobenna Okorie.

Tobenna went through her Facebook wall before hitting her inbox. He equally noticed she lived in the same city (That's if her profile is same as reality).

Ruth saw his messages but left them unread. Two days later, she went back to reply, and that was how they got talking.

Tobenna introduced himself as a model and a photographer. He made mention of Ruth's recent uploads while he told her she could do well in modelling.
That word 'modelling’ got into her head, and she felt special again. She was getting hooked as they conversed. She hadn't engaged with the opposite sex on media like she was vibing with Tobenna.

They chatted for good three hours and she was able to tell him the kind of family she came from and how his father would beat her up if eventually he comes across those pictures. She prolly uploaded them because her parents were not social media kind of people and she never accepted friend requests anyhow. Hence, most of her Facebook friends were mere strangers.

Tobenna could hold conversations for long without getting to bore her, more reason she didn't hesitate to give out her WhatsApp number when he kindly asked for it.
Gradually, they became close friends–texting each other every day on the green app.

Tobenna kept pressuring her for a photoshoot but she would always remind him the kind of home she came from(Not like she wasn't interested in trying out something new, but the fear of her parents kept her away from so many things, and she she couldn't wait to leave the house when finally she gets her desired course).

Ruth got busier with her phone and her father soon noticed how engrossed she suddenly became with it. But when asked, Ruth said she was always practicing past questions online.

________

To some people, Tobenna was a spoilt son who had been over pampered. To others, he was simply a sassy fellow that was fun to be with. He was good with words and got a sugarcoated mouth too. He had his own photo studio and he eventually did everything possible to bring Ruth to his studio for a crazy and naughty photo shoot at Uyo.

Ruth was glad on meeting Tobenna after weeks of chatting. They embraced each other, and after having a good time, they went into the studio for shots. Not the usual kind of pose, but tempting and striking ones. The type that would cause more traffic on her Timeline. Tobenna equally did some collaborations with her, just to update his social media accounts with something crazy. Don't forget, he's a model too.

Ruth and Tobe had a good and memorable time in and outside the studio before she left home.
I'm sure you must be wondering how she managed to leave the house. That was the week her father travelled for a business trip and she was able to convince her mom she was going to see her primary school friend who hadn't been in the country for years. That was convincingly enough right?

Six days later, Ruth was at the backyard washing her mother's clothes. It was a Saturday morning, and Saturdays were her most hated days. There were always lots of chores to do, and it would always remind her of being the only child.
She hoped to do excellently in her next Jamb and post utme, so she could get admission to study her desired course and get the hell out of her father's house. She really couldn't wait.

Back inside the Sitting room of three bedroom apartment, her mother was reading some chapters of the bible. Ruth's father was not back yet, it was just Ruth and her mom in the house.
Somehow, Ruth forgot to pick her phone from one of the seats in the Sitting room after morning devotion with her mom. It was unlike her, she normally goes with her phone to wherever she went, but sometimes, things like this happened.

After some moment, her phone rang. Her mom felt undisturbed at the first time, so she ignored it. The second time, she looked towards the direction of the phone, but yet remained unmoved. It continued to ring, even for the fifth time, and the persistence of the caller got her attention. She stood up and reached for the phone. She saw the caller was saved as Tobe.

"Hmmm... who could this one be, shey it's Tobe abi Tobi? She quickly swiped right to answer the call.

"Hello?" She said carefully and faintly.
"Hello babe, I just sent you the packages on WhatsApp. Go check them out. They're really amazing, and do let me know what you think about it." He laughed briefly over the line and hanged up.

"What sort of package is he talking about?" She was bemused. So, she decided to find out. She placed her forefinger behind her (Ruth's) phone censor and it unlocked. They all have each other's fingerprints registered on their respective devices.

She soon clicked on Tobe's messages on her WhatsApp, and her eyes pooped out in surprise by the contents of what he sent.
"Oh! My Goddddd... is this Ruth?" Sge clicked on the second photo and down to the ones she took with Tobenna in romantic pose. A total of eight naughty pictures of Ruth, exposing her cleavages and skin.

Subconsciously, her hands were shaking as she held the phone. She never saw it coming and didn't look at the pictures again. The urge to read her bible died instantly. She felt the wrath of God was already upon her for raising a child who would not only bring shame but also bring reproach to the family. Lots of thoughts clustered on her head saying this and that. Her heart was pounding faster.

She wanted to go to the backyard and pounce on her but thought it wise to wait for father's arrival.

In less than fifteen minutes, she heard his car beeping outside. She heaved a big sigh of relief and quietly sat down.

"Welcome. How was your trip?" She embraced her.
"It was very fine. Thank you." He kissed her forehead.

She could barely wait for him to settle down before showing him the contents on Ruth's phone.

"Jesus! What on God's name is this? He zoomed the pictures to be sure the faces were that of her daughter.
"How on earth did she get to this stage? Who did you say sent her all these?" He uttered in one breathe.

"His name is Tobe abi Tobi? He sent it through her WhatsApp. This girl has killed me." She said like one sobbing.

"And where is she?" He thundered. He was brimming in anger.

Ruth inaudibly heard the slight commotion going on in the Sitting room and she decided to find out what was going on.

"So, you've been messing around," her father said, upon sighting her.
"Who's Tobe you have been committing all kinds of nonsense with?"

"Which Tobe? I don't know what you're talking about, " Ruth tried her usual tactics but it seemed it would fail her today.

"Oh! Wonderful. You don't know Tobe? How on earth can you deny this?" He shoved the phone to Ruth.
"Explain these pictures."

Her mother was dumbfounded. He just stood there and watched the duo.
Ruth collected her phone from her father and it was finally dawn on her she had nothing to hide anymore, but instead, she just scrolled the pictures like they were photoshopped and she probably knew nothing about it. Her father still glared at her.

"Stop pretending like this is your first time of doing this kind of stuff with that boy!"

"It's my first time," she replied speedily.
"And you think I will believe that? And what is the purpose of these Godforsaken pictures?"

Silence.

"Who paid for the pictures? I'm sure you did?"

Silence.

"I see you don't want to talk. I know what to do too."

"You are going to delete those pictures and delete that son of a devil from your phone. Henceforth, you must further stop this ungodly relationship with him. As for your phone, I'm going to seize it till you finally gain admission into the University.

Ruth suddenly looked up and gave him that uneasy look. Their eyes got locked in contact, but she quickly averted hers.

"Have you deleted the pictures?" Her mother finally broke the silence.

"Give me that phone!" His father grabbed it off her hand and walked angrily inside the bedroom.
"See what you have done to yourself," her mother added and stalked off.

Ruth felt terribly embarrassed. She wished she could wake up to realize she had been dreaming all day. She was mad at herself for leaving her phone behind. And she badly wished she could beat her father up and get back her phone. If only wishes were horses, beggars would surely ride.
Angrily, she went into her room, slumped on her bed. The thought of not getting her phone brought tears to her eyes. She knew her father wouldn't change his mind. She had known him for years.

____

Tobenna noticed Ruth had read his messages, and obviously, she must have downloaded the pictures too. So why didn't she say anything? He grumbled. He dialed her number and was surprised when the service provider informed her phone was switched off. "It could be her phone is flat," he said.
He redailed after an hour, still same result. Hope there's no problem shaa? He shrugged.

The following day, same result, and it continued like that until he got tired of calling.

Ruth stayed without her phone for months and it did affected her mental health. Her life alone was boring. You could imagine her life without a phone. At every slightest thing, she gets provoked.

Fast forward to when finally her Jamb result came out, she performed woefully. One of the worst thing that ever happened in a short time. Her parents were disappointed at her. They blamed it on her for having a fruitless and ungodly relationship with Tobe. Ruth got mad at both for thinking she failed because she met Tobenna while her father had been the cause of her failure.

She fearlessly blamed it on her father for being overprotective, and for being the one taking decisions for her, and while she screamed on top of her voice, tears trickled down her cheeks. She ran back to her room and cried. Her mother came knocking, but she refused her in by not opening the door. At this point, her parents suddenly became lenient and caring but it seemed late already.

Every day, Ruth would wake up with regrets and pains. Her dreams of furthering her studies seemed like a big mountain for her; the shame of having written Jamb over and over again. She couldn't help it.

The concept of freedom varies with a lot of people. To Ruth, it was having who wouldn't query her at every slightest thing, going out and coming anytime she wanted. She felt she was no longer a child to be treated the way she was raised. Seeing her parents every day worsened her trauma and that made her took a deadly decision.

One night, when her parents had gone to bed, she took few of her belongings and zoomed off.

Who marred Ruth’s life?



©️ 2021
FrankWriter
#storyteller

Nice story.
I really enjoyed it.