About the book:
Danielle was a very beautiful and intelligent medical doctor who assumed the only problem she had was choosing between two potential suitors until she noticed signs of the same illness that killed her mother.

Will this serve as the true test of love? Will she end up begging to be loved or will she be open to receive love?

PROLOGUE
25th May 1993, was indeed a dreary day for everyone seated at our family residence especially the Macaulay's and the Roger's; but for me what seemed like a dreary day was looking a little brighter. This was not because I was neither a Macaulay or a Roger, it was because I had one of my best wishes come through on that same day.


EPISODE 1

Flashback to two weeks earlier, I was fascinated about this new book my mum read to me whenever I was going to bed. It was a really nice story with very creative graphic designs. Amongst all the designs, what caught my attention the most was a particular princess dressed in a stylish white dress. I wanted this dress so badly that I often had the image flashing before my eyes even while I slept.
My dad had promised me that I was going to wear that dress on this particular day and I could not wait. Immediately I woke up, I ran to Aunt Risi’s room. My mum had travelled and asked her to get me the dress by any means possible and she did. How sweet an aunt she was! Aunt Risi was my favorite aunt. She always came bearing gifts unlike others who would rather ask about your school results and start up unsolicited counseling sessions.

I wore my dress with so much excitement while my aunt tried to comfort my dad assuring him this was a phase and with time he will feel better. I was just five years old. How much of the laws of life could I possibly understand? Probably none! Now I can understand why everyone else was heartbroken but me. It was not because I was a schadenfreude, it was my mum’s funeral but I was too young to understand what had just happened.
My mum had passed on the previous week from advanced breast cancer. From her expressions on the last night she read the story to me, I should have figured there was a problem but then again, I was just an innocent child.

From that time until I became an adult, I would answer everyone who asked about her that she was in heaven.
I remember my dad raising his voice at me for the first time when I told him I will love to join her. He screamed at me never to say that again. “Dad, it is a beautiful place, why can't I visit? I asked innocently. You are going nowhere. You will be right here with me. I cannot lose you too.” He said as he lifted me up the chair I was sitting and gave me a warm hearted hug.

From that day, I knew there was something about my mum being in heaven that just did not sit right. I had never seen my dad in that mood. It was a bit scary and one thing was sure; I never wanted to see him in such mood again. From then, I decided I was never going to talk about my mother or heaven anymore. The need to find answers to my questions struck me right after and I began the journey.
I remember asking my primary school teacher about breast cancer and why people had to leave their loved ones to be in heaven. She gave me the same answers I was getting from every other person. They all said she was in a better place, she needed to rest and I will definitely see her again someday. So when is this “someday?” Anyway, I was willing to wait patiently.

On this particular day, I woke up with tears in my eyes after seeing my mum in my dream. She was crying so much that I had to get her several wraps of tissue paper to wipe her face.
It was not the first time I was seeing my mum in my dream but it was the first time we ever had a conversation. “If heaven is such a beautiful place, then why are you crying so much mum?” I asked. I was confused but happy at the same time because I finally got to speak with her.
“Mummy I am happy to be with you” I said gleefully giving her a doting hug. I had no plans of letting her go. It felt so real but this reality was cut short as my dad woke me up to prepare for school.

“Good morning, my darling.” He said as he opened the curtains and bright light shone directly on my face. It was funny how my dad was still waking me up at age 16. I had gotten so used to it that if he did not wake me up, I was never going to be up early no matter how many times my alarm rang.
Is he not just the sweetest dad? I jokingly always called him my alarm. He found it very funny and teased me about being a big baby and how sending me to boarding school was going to be the perfect solution. I despised being in boarding school because boarders often felt like the school was an empire they owned because they spent more time in school. I just could not understand how they could be so proud despite all the difficulties they faced with bullying and the likes. I never wanted to be in such a situation.

“So it was a dream,” I whispered to myself as my dad called again and pleaded with me to get out of bed. Lagos traffic was really terrible during early hours of the day and he hated to get stuck in it. “I will dad” I said as I stood up reluctantly and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.
While in the shower, I could not get the scene from my dream off my mind. My mum was in so much pain. She was heartbroken. “Why did she not answer my question?” “Why was she not happy that she finally found rest like everyone else thought?”
I had no answers to any of these questions but I was more determined than ever to find the answers. I hurriedly put on my school uniform and shoes as I tried to catch up with my dad. I did not want to be the reason why he would be caught up in traffic.

We had a driver but I always wanted to be in my dad's company. The daily nuggets he shared with me always had me looking forward to our time together. I was not going to trade the daddy-daughter moment for anything in the world; besides, he was my best friend.
While we were on our way, I was not sure if it was a good time to speak to my dad about my dream. It did not seem like the perfect time because all he could think of was escaping the already built up traffic. It was one of those times when I felt like I was in a car James Bond was driving in one of his movies. Afterall, it was my fault and I did not want to remind him I was the reason we were presently in that situation.

After a while, I summoned up some courage. “Daddy, I saw mummy in my dream last night” I said adjusting my seat belt. It made me feel uncomfortable and I wanted to be very comfortable while we had this conversation.

Next Episode drops on Thursday

Chinese propagandists have taken over nairaland.
Nigerians should beware

alpharoyalty:
Chinese propagandists have taken over nairaland.
Nigerians should beware

How? Who?

Episode 2

He suddenly stepped on the brake and that gave a loud screeching sound that drew attention from everyone in the cars around us. “Daddy!!!” I screamed. I thought we had been involved in an accident.
My heart skipped several beats at once. “Daddy, are you okay?” I said as I took off my seat belt gently patting his back. “I am sorry daddy, maybe I should not have brought up the topic.” I was sincerely sorry.

“Oga move your car na. Wetin happen?” The bus driver directly behind us shouted at the top of his voice while other vehicles kept honking.
“Put on your seatbelt honey.” He said calmly. I obeyed immediately, still in shock. We were both speechless from that point until we got to my school.
I felt guilty for putting my dad in that mood but I was not sorry. Am I the only one who thinks my dad and the rest of the family owed me some explanations? I knew my mum died of breast cancer quite alright but no one was saying anything else. I deserved to know the circumstances in which it happened, how it happened and every other important information.

Bringing up the topic with my dad always somehow ended in a drama. I was going to give him some time but we definitely had to talk about it.
When we got to my school, I apologized again for what had happened, but my dad, addressing me by my first name, said I did nothing wrong and there was no need for an apology. My dad hardly ever called me by my first name and this threw me into more confusion. He usually called me darling, sweetheart or any other endearing name.

“Alright dad, I will see you after school.” I said as I alighted from the car.
“Okay Danielle. See you later.” He replied calling me by my first name again.
I got down from the car slowly expecting he would call me back and just say something but he did not.
I stood and watched him as he drove off. He had never dropped me off at school without giving a peck or a hug at least.
I wondered to myself if this was enough to cause me any concern or maybe I was just being a spoilt brat.
I sat down all through the day wallowing in self-pity. I was absent minded all through my lectures and could see through every teacher who stepped into the class.

I was about writing my mock exams for the Senior School Certificate Examination and I still had no idea what I was going to study. I was confused. I was not sure if I wanted to be in business and a lawyer like my dad because he was my role model, or a teacher because being a worker in the children’s unit at my church was the best thing that happened to me at that time.
My vice principal stepped into my class right in the middle of my thoughts to announce that the deadline for submission of forms was the following week. This meant I had roughly a week to choose my career path.

Earlier that week, some professionals had come to give us a career talk. After the lecture, only the last sentence from the facilitator stuck with me. It was one that said, “know your strengths and continue in that line.” It was true but this made me more confused. I was the best in every subject and I absolutely enjoyed every one of them. I was not scared I was going to miss it, I only needed some more time to figure things out.

Continues in the episode on Saturday...

Episode 3

It was a Wednesday and being the secretary of the school’s health club, I needed to set up the classroom for health club meetings but I was not feeling up to it. I was also responsible for making sure at least two representatives from the school’s clinic were present in our meetings for facilitation, so I left for the clinic.

When I got to the clinic, I sat down patiently waiting for the school nurse. She had given me a signal as soon as I stepped in to hold on a bit as she was busy. She was speaking to one of our teachers who was crying bitterly. I stretched my head a bit to get a glimpse of who it was. After minutes of doing this carefully so as not to get caught, I found out it was Mr Kalejaiye.

Mr Kalejaiye was my Biology teacher and my favorite teacher because he was very smart. Whatever made him cry this much had to be something very serious. I decided to stand up and move towards Mrs Ranti, the school nurse but she asked me to go back immediately I stood up. I was usually not that inquisitive but for some reason I was bent on knowing what exactly it was they were discussing.
15 minutes later she was out and apologized for keeping me waiting. “It is okay ma. Can we leave now?” I asked politely. “Of course Danielle” She replied. I picked up the club guide and attendance register and immediately walked behind her.

Mrs Ranti seemed to be in deep thoughts as we walked together. I spent about two minutes giving her a brief of the last meeting and what we intended to talk about that day, telling her how excited I was. We were going to be discussing and practicing First Aid. It was a topic I had always been interested in. There was no response from her and that was a bit strange. I moved closer to her and noticed she was mumbling to herself.
“Why would he prefer to take her to a village for treatment rather than go to the hospital to take out the lump early enough, even after I told him it could progress to breast cancer?” She said as she folded her arms standing and looking far away.

“What did you say Mrs Ranti?”
“Oh Danielle, never mind, I was just thinking out loud.” She said as she walked into the class and apologised to the students who had been waiting.
All I could think of throughout the club meeting, were the words Mrs Ranti mumbled to herself. I thought Mr Kalejaiye could not have been telling her he had breast cancer because he was a man. Of course I was young then and had no idea men could have breast cancer too. It must be his wife and I really hoped she was not going to die too.

The meeting was over in no time and I could not wait to see my dad. I wondered how he fared all day after the incidence in the morning.
As soon as I stepped out of my classroom, I found my driver. “What are you doing here?” I asked him as I looked around to find my dad.
He replied saying my dad needed to rest so he asked him to come pick me up from school. I got into the car very upset. My dad knew how much I did not like Sulaimon coming to pick me. Why then would he have sent him? I asked myself.
On getting home, as soon as I stepped into the sitting room, I saw dad with my former nanny, Miss. Adesuwa. “Interesting” I said to myself. This had to be some kind of definition of rest I never knew about.

I greeted them casually and walked into my room. I could not bear the thought that my dad refused to pick me up from school because of Miss Adesuwa. How convenient. I was staring out my window, deep in thoughts, when my dad knocked asking for permission to come in.
I was quiet and did not say anything. He came in, asked me to sit down and I obeyed.

“There is something I want to speak to you about Danielle.”
“I am listening dad,” I replied expecting an apology.
“I think it is time to take a new wife. You need to have a mother figure in your life.” Immediately shivers ran down my spine. I was wrong. He did not come for an apology.
“I do not need a mother dad. We are fine just the way we are” I shouted.
“No, we are not, Danielle. I am stressed and lonely. I have done everything to please you all my life. Now I think you are all grown up and I need to take a break and live my life too.” He said firmly, looking away.

“Dad how can you say you are lonely? What about me? It is bad enough that you did not come to pick me up from school today. You barely said a word to me after the incident and now I come home and you welcome me with the news about taking a new wife. You cannot be serious”
“Danielle you are taking this the wrong way.” My father said moving closer to me.
“Oh really” I replied as I stood up. “How else do you expect me to take this dad?” I asked. “Okay Daddy, I am happy for you.” I said sarcastically. “Before I forget, I have not asked who this new wife is.”
“It is…It is….” He stammered as he struggled to give me a response.
“It is Adesuwa. Isn’t it?” I asked hoping I was not right.
“Yes Danielle but…” My father stuttered.
“No but Daddy. You have always wanted this. You can get a wife but please before you do, kindly give me the much needed explanations about my mum’s death. That is all I need from you. I will like to be left alone now please” I asked politely.
“Danielle I am truly sorry” He pleaded.
“Daddy, please I need to be left alone.” I asked again as I grabbed my pillow and teddy bear trying to hide the outburst of tears.

Miss Adesuwa was my nanny growing up. My parents were responsible for her education right from the time she moved in with us. My dad sponsored her through school until few months before that time, when she graduated with her masters’ degree from a school in London. Now years after my mum was gone, she is getting married to my dad.

I was not sure how I was ever going to come to terms with this unfavorable change.
Would I have felt differently if it was someone else? Not sure I have the answer to that question either. It was all tears through the night until early hours of the morning when I finally fell asleep.

Next episode drops on Tuesday

What do you think about Danielle's reaction?

Episode 4

The next morning, I woke up from the disturbing sound of the alarm. My head felt very heavy as I struggled to put off the alarm. It was 7:00am. I jumped out of bed immediately as I thought I was late for school. I had almost gotten to the bathroom before I realized it was a Saturday. I sure needed more sleep. I moved back to my bed and tried to go back to sleep but it was difficult. I kept tossing and turning in bed. “Maybe I should just say my prayers.” I thought to myself.

I grabbed my bible just beside the alarm clock, read a few psalms and suddenly I felt this inner strength come upon me. It was magical. I felt the inner peace that had since vanished in the last 24 hours. I immediately knelt down by my bedside and said my prayers.
After my prayers, I got up and had a shower. In about 15 minutes, I was all dressed up and ready to have breakfast. Just a few steps from the kitchen, I noticed a piece of paper on the dining table. I decided to walk in that direction to get a glimpse of it. It was a note my dad left me and it read;
“My darling, you were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake you up. I know yesterday was a bit awkward for the both of us. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to school to pick you up. I’m sorry I’ve been too much on my own lately and I am again sorry for breaking the news of marrying a new wife to you in that manner. Trust me it is best for the both of us. I made you toasted bread & omelet. You can add baked beans if you want. See you soon. Daddy loves you.”

Hmmm! I sighed heavily. Daddy has a way of always making me feel better. I remember holding the piece of paper closely to my chest saying “I love you too daddy” with a broad smile. But then again I thought of how long was all that love and affection was going to last since he was taking a new wife? I hoped it lasted forever. Now that was me intentionally refusing to be pessimistic.
Still wallowing in deep thoughts, the landline rang. I turned and asked myself, “who could be calling at that time?”
“Hello…Hello….” I heard the caller say almost immediately I picked the call. Still trying to place the voice, I replied “Hi, Good morning. This is the Macaulay’s residence. Danielle speaking, how may I help you?” I asked politely.

“Oh my darling Danielle, this is your Aunt Margaret. How are you doing sweetheart? You must be a big girl now.” She said.
Aunty Margaret was my dad’s eldest sister who had been in Manchester, United Kingdom for as long as I could remember. I had only met her once at my dad’s 50th birthday. It was indeed a huge surprise to be speaking to her after many years.
“I am doing very well ma. How is your family doing?” I asked her.
“We are perfect sweetheart. It has been a while I heard from your dad so I decided to give him a call. Where is he?”
“He is doing very well ma. He just stepped out not too long. He will be back soon. You can call back in an hour. I am very sure he will be back then and very pleased to speak with you.”

“Hmmm! Daddy’s baby. I bet you both are still very close and loving up. You both were quite inseparable way back. You will never let anyone carry you but him.” She joked.
So, “why is she going on and on about this?” I thought to myself and just in time she dropped the bombshell.
“Ehen Danielle, there is something I will like to discuss with you. What do you think about having a mother in your life? You are growing into a beautiful woman and very soon you will need someone to take you through the rudiments of becoming a woman. What do you think?”
“Ma, I appreciate your concern. I mean I am doing very well. I do not think I need a mother now. My aunt gives me all the advice I need and yes I can cook. Thank you for your concern Ma.” I replied with a very soft voice.

“ Do you really think so? she asked after going silent for about 10 seconds. That is okay but Danielle…”
“Oh what is it again” I mumbled taking the phone as far away as possible to eliminate her chance of getting to hear my complaints.
“How about your dad? Do you not think he needs a companion?”
“Companion?” I repeated after her. “Ma, I think that is his decision to make, besides am I not a companion to him?” I asked pretty disappointed with her choice of words.

“No, Danielle you are not. Your dad needs a wife. You are almost done with secondary school now and I think it is time for your dad to take a wife.”
“Okay” I replied almost immediately hoping she was going to drop the call as I was becoming irritated.
“Your dad told me recently you have been kicking against his taking another wife.”
“Really,” I replied, this time taking away the phone to laugh silently. I thought this woman just said she had not spoken to my dad in a while and that was the reason she was calling. Not exactly Ma. Like I said earlier, it is daddy’s decision to make. If that will make him happy, why not?”

“Good girl.” That is what I want to hear. O Kare Oko mi (good of you, my daughter in Yoruba language)
“Thank you for calling ma. Speak to you some other time.”
“Alright, my darling, Bye.”
“Bye Ma.” I said with a huge sigh of relief and just I dropped the call, I heard my dad walk in.

I admire the fact that you could come up with a story to create more awareness about breast cancer.
You have taken a step in the right direction.
Welldone.
God bless you.
Keep up the good work.

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words

Chinnems:
I admire the fact that you could come up with a story to create more awareness about breast cancer.
You have taken a step in the right direction.
Welldone.
God bless you.
Keep up the good work.

Episode 5

I moved towards him asking him about his day. He replied he had a lovely day and just as I was about to ask him for details, he started explaining. He told me he first went to the mechanic and then dropped by the church for a brief pre-marriage counseling with Adesuwa.
“Oh nice, I said smiling pretentiously. It seems like you had it all planned already before mentioning it to me last night.” I said folding my arms and looking straight into his eyes.

“Danielle, it is not what you think.” He replied.
I replied telling him I understood perfectly. “You have sacrificed a lot for me already and now you need a companion isn’t it?” I asked in the words of my Aunt. He looked at me speechless and confused. I then told him that I had just gotten off the phone with my aunt telling him about our conversation highlighting the part where she said he needed a companion and I was not fit to be his companion anymore.
“Danielle how can you even say that?” He asked moving closer to me. You are and will always be my number one companion. I love you but I also want what is best for the both of us.”

“Okay” I replied with my eyes filled with tears. “I really hope this is for the best. I said hugging him and crying uncontrollably. It just dawned on me he had made up his mind and his decision was never going to change. My dad was getting a new wife and the earlier I got used to it, the better.
As I pulled out of the embrace, I felt like I needed some air and the best place to get one that was refreshing was with Aunt Risi. I asked him if I could visit her at the clinic where she worked and thankfully he agreed. He called the driver and asked him to take me. I could not have been any happier.
I asked for a minute from the driver to pick my bag as I rushed into my room. While on my way out, I met Adesuwa.

“Danielle, where are you going?” she asked sternly.
“I am going to see my aunt,” I replied.
“Your aunt? So, I guess you do not have any assignments from school?”
“I am done with it.”
“Hmmm she said taking a look at me from head to toe probably thinking of a good enough reason to keep me at home. Is your dad aware you are leaving?”
Yes of course. I replied smiling
“So…”
“Oh please Miss Adesuwa, I cut her short right before she asked another question. Can I go now, So I could return on time?”
“Yes you can.” She replied pushing me to the side as she walked away.

On my way to see my aunt, I kept on thinking to myself; “what did I ever do to Miss Adesuwa to deserve the kind of treatment I was getting from her?” My dad said it was for the best. I have always trusted him and I was not going to stop. If he says it is for the best, I will trust him and believe so.

Enjoying the story so far? Share your thoughts...

Episode 6

I snapped out of my thoughts as soon as I heard a loud cry. It was a woman crying by the bank of
a small lake just by the estate gate. Immediately, I asked Sulaimon to stop, came down from the
car and started walking slowly towards the woman who was now sitting on the floor with her son
on her laps crying bitterly.

In no time, a lot of people gathered and it became a scene. A bit scared to go close, I asked two
women who were having a discussion about the incidence trying to know what exactly the
problem was. Not minding me, they took a good look at me and turned away to continue their
conversation. Obviously I was not considered enough reason to stop their conversation.
I turned around in an attempt to go back to the car when I overheard the ladies say, “These little
children never listen. Do not go close to the lake. They would not listen. I hope this teaches my
children a lesson.” Then I understood what had happened.

The boy had drowned in the lake. “Oh poor boy” I said with so much pity looking at the woman
who was earnestly crying for help but no one seemed to be able to help her.
Suddenly, I remembered what I had been taught in my health club about CPR(Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation)and rescue breathing. We had been taught how both methods could be a life saver
in such a situation. I pushed through the crowd to get to the lady. While I was at it, I thought to
myself what if I could not help the situation? Maybe I should give up on this rescue mission and
just continue my journey but then again, I remembered my teacher saying “the difference
between doing something and doing nothing could be someone’s life,” and that gave me all the
courage I needed.

When I finally made my way through, I reached for the boys pulse. Thankfully he still had a
pulse but was not breathing.
I immediately put him in rescue position and started rescue breathing. I asked the closest person
to me to check if he was breathing. “No he isn’t,” He replied. “Oh my God! What do I do now?”
I whispered.

I went ahead to give about 30 chest compressions and rescue breaths interchangeably with the
help of the same guy who was next to me. On the last try, he jerked and water came out of his
mouth and nostrils and he began breathing.
“Yaaaay, everyone shouted. He is alive! He is alive!!”

The mother gave me a very firm hug, thanking me repeatedly as she tried to catch her breath.
I informed the boy’s mother and the boys beside me who had been very helpful that I was on my
way to the hospital and pleaded with them to help move the boy to the car.
“Sulaimon open the car, open the car!!!” I screamed as we approached the car.
He sluggishly opened the door as they tried to fit the boy and the mother in quickly.
“Sulaimon please hurry we need to get to the hospital in time.”

As we prepared to take our leave, people kept on trooping to the car to thank me for saving the
young boy’s life.
I was so happy I was able to help. My day was becoming brighter after all I thought to myself as
I lifted the boys head onto my laps.
“Sister, thank you so much. God bless you.” She said with tears rolling down her eyes as she
held my hand firmly.
“You are welcome.” I replied silently with the movement of my lips.

As soon as we got to the clinic, I jumped out of the car to call the nurses. In no time they had a
stretcher out to take the boy straight to the emergency ward.
“What a day!” I said as I looked around to find a seat.
“Danielle, Danielle!” My aunt shouted as she ran out of her office. “Are you okay?” She asked
really scared.
“Aunty, I am fine.” I replied holding her and trying to calm her down.
“My colleagues said you brought in an emergency case. Who was that?” She asked panting.
“It is nothing to worry about aunty. He is fine and I will be fine too.”
“Who is he?” She asked again still in shock.
“Is your dad okay?”

“Of course he is fine aunty.” I responded with a smile.
“It was a boy who almost got drowned in the lake by the estate gate. Fortunately, I was right on
time to administer CPR. He started breathing right after and we brought him here.”
“Oh my! My colleagues almost scared the hell out of me.” She said as she took a seat beside me
still panting and holding her chest.
As I continued trying to calm her down from the shock, the doctor came out. “Who brought in
the little boy?” He asked.
“I did” I replied same time as the boy’s mother. The doctor looked at us confused. “Who is the
mother of the boy?”
“I am.” His mother replied looking at the doctor with so much fear and anxiety in her eyes.
“Doctor is he okay?” She asked shivering. “Is he going to be fine doctor?”
“Please say something,” I added immediately.
“Yes he is fine and stable now.” He answered.
“Oh yea!” I screamed as I hugged the doctor. It was a bit awkward but I did not mind. I was so
excited I played a major role in saving a life.
The doctor smiled back at me as he turned to take his leave, while on his way, he paused turned
back and asked; “who performed the CPR?”
“I did.” I responded still very excited.

“That was brave! I must say. Where did you learn that?”
“My school’s health club just last week.” I replied.
“Amazing” he said as he moved towards me and asked; “what do you want to study in the
university?”
“I am still trying to make up my mind. I am pretty good at a number of subjects and that is
making it difficult to make a choice.”
“Do you want to save more lives?” He asked.
“Yes of course”
“Do you have questions on your mind about health and life in general?”
“Yes I do.” I replied rather calmly as the need to get answers to the illness that took my mum’s
life flashed through my mind

“Then I think you should consider being a doctor like me. You will definitely get answers to a lot
of questions and eventually save the world.” He said smiling confidently. “If you need any
advice, do not hesitate to drop by. Have a wonderful day.” He said as he walked away.