₦airaland Forum

Link to the first story: https://www.nairaland.com/1793545/choice-consequence-short-story

Hello folks I am about to start a new novel and it will run concurrently on my blog. Make sure to tune in. Calling everyone and my faithful readers from the ''choice and consequence'' story. Stay tuned for the first part tonight.

Adebolade: thank you! God bless you! I'm so contented [color=#770077][/color]

Thanks Ade u wer d first 2encourage me when I nearly gave up cos I tot I was just writing for myself. LOL when u ar writing 4d 1st time on Nairaland such encouragement is priceless!

kweenkong: Wonderful narrative, i swear ,it almost felt like i was an invisible observer in Ferdinands life.

Ohhhhhhh thank you that's the way I felt too. I nearly didn't want him to have d HIV but that's d reality out there. Very normal 'likeable' people have dt disease. LOL

This story is dedicated to everyone living with the virus, to those that are gone and those affected by it. Shout out to everyone that keeps taking risks but pray they are fine, shout out to the cheating folks and their partners who know (or perhaps don't know) but turn a blind eye. Shout out to the runs girls, who have refused to change but keep making plans to repent. Shout out to the innocent folks who have lived a seemingly innocent life but one day discover they are infected. Shout out to everyone who read and encouraged. As someone who began devoting time to my writing this year, every encouragement was like a rush of adrenaline. Later folks…
UOS

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It has been four years and the storm has long settled or so I'd like think. Every day I count my many blessings and try not to complain. Sometimes I wonder why God gave me another chance and I weep when I think of his grace. What did I do to deserve his mercy and the love of my wife Abike? I am more in touch with my spiritual side but I'd like to think I made this decision because I wanted to and not because of my status.

My daughter, Olasimbo is as healthy as a horse! We complained and nearly terminated the pregnancy but the doctors at the General Hospital were amazing. The support group was particularly helpful especially in the early days. I never believed it was possible to live with this disease but those people proved that it was. Abike's viral load was particularly low - so low the doctors said it was nearly undetectable. She was immediately placed on Anti-Retroviral Treatment and the result is a healthy child. Olasimbo was born negative and I cannot ask for anything else. We complain so much about our doctors in this country but the vast majority are brilliant and would actually do more, if only they are given the right tools and an enabling environment. Are these not the same individuals that go abroad and become a force to be reckoned with?

These days, I am not ashamed as I once was, but I can understand Abike's reluctance and respect her wish to keep a low profile. I volunteer at the support group and give lectures whenever I get the chance. I may turn down some lectures due to prior commitment and work, but there is one I can never say no to - NYSC orientation camp. I always attend and give my talk but at the end of the day, you can never force these young ones, you only hope they do the right thing when the opportunity presents itself.

My greatest joy is seeing the look of optimism in the faces of people who have just been diagnosed with this virus after a group meeting. To see that weary smile, the spark in their eyes, the determination to go on, regardless of their newly discovered status. That is the reason I continue to volunteer regardless of the stigma or discrimination. It is my hope that someday we would be a society that is less critical and more supportive. Until then, I take one step at a time. I strongly believe if I die today, I would be content with my life but Abike scolds me anytime I say this. Oh well, the doctor say our viral load is still low and we have nothing to fear if we continue like this. We have learnt to adjust to our new life style and everyday it gets easier. We are thinking of another baby but like nearly everything with our life, we have to plan, plan and plan some more. We don’t have the luxury to be spontaneous like most couples out there but again I would not complain.

My motto is simple: today will be better than yesterday. I have it on my windscreen, fridge and on the bakery door. Oh yes we own a bakery! Abike is amazing I must confess. Once in a while, she organises baking classes and we always record a full house. She comes up with the most amazing and intricate designs and leaves me to work on the account, bread, delivery and fondant - her least favourite job. I don’t do the hard work myself - goodness no. I allow the young men pull and stretch while I supervise. We have been on a few training courses abroad and I reckon it's time we got that fondant machine. There is not a weekend that goes by without an order but I make sure she never works like a beaver. I still miss the regular office job but running a successful business beats that I promise! Try it and don’t forget Ferdinand said so.





THE END

*****************************
I packed my car in the usual spot and slowly got out. It was 9.30pm and I had just returned from a hospital in another part of town. I was scared, confused and very worried but there was no way I was going to sleep without doing something about the information I received earlier. I had driven for an hour before I settled for this hospital. It was large, well lit from outside and it looked like a reputable place. A nurse on duty conducted a rapid HIV test where my blood was taken by a single prick on my finger and she confirmed what I had heard earlier. Thereafter she commenced another round of counselling but I didn’t hear a word. She advised me to return the following day when a more comprehensive test would be carried out. She smiled at me and spoke in a hushed tone. I could not detect pity in her voice, just concern and somehow that made me feel a lot better.

As I approached my entrance, I heard a neighbour call out my name in greeting. It was Baba Kasamu, the friendly pastor who always spoke Yoruba with Abike. He was a nice man but not one I would call an acquaintance, let alone a friend. However tonight, I felt like running into his house and pouring out my soul but I had to be sane here. I walked along the flight of stairs leading to our home and held the railing for support. It was something I never did because I didn’t like to think of the number of germs, left by people who touched it but today I didn’t care. I paused and stood outside my door for nearly 10minutes before I summoned enough courage and knocked but I heard nothing. I knocked again and again but was met with dead silence. Abike had not returned? Then I let myself in with my key and waited for the arrival of my wife.

Abike got home by 11.15pm that night. I sat on the couch in the parlour waiting for her return; she had never been this late but I already knew why. Coincidentally, she had her first major appointment today at the General Hospital. She pushed the door aside and turned on the light. I squinted and put my hand above my eyes. I noticed her eyes were blood shoot and puffy.

''I've been waiting for you all night'' I said slowly. ''I was sick with worry. This is Lagos and you can't be out on your own, walking around this late.

''I was at the church by the corner'' she answered. ''I needed someone to talk to; the pastor is good, very good.''

I began to panic; the only church by the corner was a white garment church and the wife I knew on a good day, would never ever make her way there. We are only on day one and see what depression and frustration has strolled in with? ''Abike we need to talk'' I said and motioned for her to sit on a chair.

''What is there to talk about again?'' she asked walking in my direction. She placed a piece of paper on the table and walked away. I didn’t have to open it because I knew the content. She returned with a glass of water and urged me on ''come on open it, go ahead and feast your eyes Oki. You know what, I think you are right. We need to talk. Yes, that’s right. How many girls have you slept with this man?''
I shook my head and tried to speak but something was stuck in my throat. I cleared my throat and tried again as hot tears poured down my eyes. She was never going to believe me even if a host of angels confirmed it.

''Save your crocodile tears Ferdinand and answer my question.''

''Abike, if I say I've only had sex with two women on earth would you believe me? Since I said my vows, I've known no other woman but you. I've been down this route with you a thousand times but how is this going to help us tonight? You and that lady from the village are the onl…''

She spat at my feet and cried out ''I loathe you! I despise you with all of my heart and with everything within me. I curse the day I set my eyes on you. I curse the day I agreed to be your wife. You lead me down the slippery path to hell and now an innocent life has been roped in. How do I get out of this mess? Look me in the eye and say something like a man!''

''I am sorry you feel this way Abike. I wish I could go back in time and change certain things. I am so sorry I caused this pain and I would never forgive myself if anything happens to our child. I would give my life to reverse your result, if only it will make this thing go away. I even contemplated suicide but how can I leave you with this burden and take the easy route? What sort of man would I be if I did that? What do you want me to do? You don’t want to know how my day has been. I lost my job on account of this and I've not being myself.''

She dropped the glass and it shattered to a thousand pieces. She moved closer and put her hands around my collar then twisted her hand around ''how your day has been? You think I care about that? You want to hang abi, stand on that stool and allow me kick it before your neck snaps. Step on the stool and be my guest then. I am the innocent person here…'' At this point she choked on her words and began to howl ''I am the one who stayed by your side playing the dutiful girlfriend and wife. I am the one who got married as a virgin on her wedding night and has remained faithful till this day. No man has seen my nake dness but you. And what do I get from you in return? You think I or my seed deserve HIV?'' She began screaming with tears streaming down her eyes.

She raised me to my feet and we spun around like two idol worshippers dancing to a feverish tune. It was the beat of calamity and the unseen drummers played the drums with such fervour. She continued sobbing while I starred on with tears flowing freely down my face. Finally, I held her wrist and pushed her hands away ''I am sorry I brought this on you but it's not like I hid it from you - I swear on the grave of my father. I would never do this knowingly and you know it.''

''I know nothing!'' She screamed shattering the still night. ''I don’t know you or what you are capable of doing. However, I know one thing - Oki, you have ruined me. You promised me heaven on earth and though I have seen more of hell, yet I stuck by your side. You pulled me down from a high pedestal, ripped out my heart and blessed me with HIV. May God judge you harshly for the wrong you have done to me.''

''Abike, I am sorry but don’t forget I heard about this today just like you. Apparently this thing has been there without my knowledge. I may be many things, but I never dragged you down that aisle. I loved you, I still do and I believe you loved me in return. You could have walked away after the incident at the village but you chose to remain with me. You did that because you believed in what we shared. You fought for our relationship and decided to stay put; now we need to work together as a family and forge ahead.''

She stepped back like she was about to leave but then lunged forward with a sound slap and a doomsday announcement.

''I will be returning to my parents first thing tomorrow and woe betide you if you come after me.''

miss universe: OMG!
dis is a dream,yes;t must be a dream


or maybe i'm nt reading clearly
Touch dear,plz remind me to read ur update directly above myn wen its dawn

LOL, you've given me a nice idea. I can wake him from a nap but erhh its not my thing. I'm more of a dark and somber writer. I'd rather kill his character sef. Lol

There was a pause from the other end before he spoke up ''Ferdinand, it has nothing to do with your reference. I shouldn't be saying this but I would speak to you like the brother you are. I am going to try and make it clear without talking too much. Guy, it is the medicals. I want you to go to a reputable hospital, preferably a Government Hospital and run some tests. I hope you understand me?

I was quiet for a minute ''are you there? Ferdinand are you there?'' I heard Charles ask a second time. I am a Nigerian and I was not born yesterday. I've heard tales like this and it only meant one thing. It was a surreal experience; I was transported to a land far far away. I was on La La land, on a meadow somewhere and birds were flying around my head and chirping in my ear. The grass beneath my feet was green and soft and I could hear the voice of children yelling in a distance. I wanted to sink my knee on the grass, lie down and rest my weary legs. Suddenly, my knees hit the ground and I was back in my living room, clutching my handset while sweat poured out from my palm and my face.

''My brother I am here o, I nor run enter anywhere. I am going to ask one more question and I beseech you to answer me'' I said, fighting the tears until I was done with my business. ''Charles is it the big one? My friend, please don’t lie to me, is it the big one?''

''That is what they are saying'' he answered with a note of finality. I could hear the sadness and pity in his voice. They reached out from his end and hugged me in a tight embrace. What am I going to do? Where did this come from? What would I tell Abike? I am dead!

''Thanks Charles. Say me well to your Madam and the baby.''

''Ferdinand please listen to me, I can't stress this enough, you must take the test again. There are stories of people's results being mixed up. Can you hear…''

I hung up and stared at my hands, they were shaking badly. My life flashed before me in a second as I remembered every reckless act I had been involved in, that would have lead to me here. I thought about my wife, my unborn child, my aged mother, my brothers who were still relying on me, and even my late father. God save me, I hear this disease has no cure but can be managed, if treatment is commenced on time. How long have I had it? What year did I serve again? God help me, I am just 34years old. Suddenly, something on the ground caught my eyes and an idea formed in my head. I picked my red tie from the floor and eyed the ceiling fan.

********************************

9

All afternoon, I tried to speak with either Charles or his father but it was an exercise in futility. Finally by 6.45pm, I was able to reach Charles. He sounded out of breath like a jogger who just finished a course. ''I apologise my brother, I got your message and you can trust, I've been on this issue ever since.''

''Charles, it's still like a dream'' I cried out in frustration. ''The annoying aspect was her refusal to expatiate on the unfavourable referee. It's not fair now, you check am.''

''I can imagine how you feel but you must realize there is a limit those people can cross. She may wish to tell you more but at the end of the day, she has to play by the book. If she misyarn, she is on her own plus popsie has to be careful too because there is conflict of interest'' he concluded.

While I appreciated all these explanation, it was doing nothing for me. ''But you be my person, so I expect you to be honest with me'' I said in anger. ''Which referee be that?''

I placed my hand on the table smiling at her ''was there a problem with any reference madam?'' I asked. She raised her head from the table and locked eyes with mine. ''Unfortunately you just hit the nail on the head. One of your references has returned with an unfavourable response and I'm afraid as per Company procedure we would have to withdraw our offer Mr Oki.''

''Really!'' I replied in disbelief. My heart was beginning to beat faster and I held the edge of my seat. Immediately I began to calculate in my head. I had worked in two places in all my life and I didn’t have issues with either of them. I had no problem at the bank (I used a close friend who worked at the HR department as my reference). I didn’t think the school principal or anyone else at the village had any problem with my time during my service year. I single-handedly formed the debate club from scratch and we went on to win competitions around the neighbouring villages. I would be shocked to learn if anyone ever followed up on a reference request in that local school. My final reference was from my Uncle and I could beat my chest to say he would have done an excellent job recommending me to any reputable organisation. So where was this coming from?

''Is it something I can address? Is it a reply you are still expecting? Do you need me to chase up a particular referee?'' I asked in despair.

She shook her head slowly from side to side like a frustrated teacher. ''Mr Oki, this is not a case of an unresponsive referee, this is an unfavourable one as I explained earlier. I am afraid the company is well within her right to withdraw any offer of appointment in the event of an unsatisfactory reference. It is clearly stated in the contract which you were given before you resumed. I still have a copy of the signed document which you agreed to. Would you like a copy to refresh your memory?'' She asked trying to reach for a drawer.

''No, no erm that’s fine but you can understand the state of my mind Mrs erm… You understand how confusing this must be for me, for anyone in my position?''

''I am sorry Mr Oki but this meeting is over.'' She stood up - a clear indication the meeting was indeed over.

''Oh my God, I think I am going to faint'' I said struggling to get up from the seat.

Table top continued unperturbed, ''I'm going to have to ask for your ID card and the key to your locker. You will need to return any personal property of the company which you may have in your possession. It includes but is not limited to laptop, handset…'' I stopped hearing what she was saying at this point. She reminded me of a cop reading a criminal his Miranda rights. I was jolted back to reality when she stood at the door waiting for me to leave. However, she was not done with me.

''You will need to sign out at reception one last time Mr Oki. I'd see you to the door.''

''Just like that, just like that'' I mouthed as I stumbled out. ''Abike, Abike, my God help me.''

''Watch your steps Mr Oki, please take it easy. She pleaded, placing a hand on my shoulder. I was not sure what this was meant to do. She was adding to my burden by even laying a finger on me. She called out to a colleague who also worked in the Personnel Department. I immediately recognised the slender man with the timid voice. ''Sule, please assist Mr Oki to the reception desk.'' She stepped aside but followed at a respectable distance monitoring my movement till I was out of the building. At the reception, the friendly guards smiled at me but I had a tried look on my face. I signed out one last time and placed the pen on the book.

''Do you need help to your car?'' Table top asked.

''I'm fine. I can manage from this point on.'' The words were barely out of my mouth when Mr Sule scurried off. I didn’t blame him, it was indeed a dirty assignment for anyone to undertake.

''Good luck Mr Oki'' Table top said while stretching out an arm to shake me.

I looked at her outstretched arm and walked away without a word. When I got to the revolving door, I turned around and noticed she was still starring ahead, waiting for me to exit the final door! I walked out and sat on the long flight of stairs outside the building. I wanted to buy a pack of cold pure water and empty it on my head or better still buy the entire bag and pour it over my body. The revolving door swung around nonstop. It reminded me of what my life had become - an endless stream of pure drama! I saw all manner of shoes walk by. It should have been me but here I was, on the floor like a mad man. I was the perfect picture of a candidate for Uselu or Yaba left! You know the type of mad man, decked in a fine suit, but rambling to himself.

I saw the long dark coloured trousers worn by the men and a few women. I saw beautifully shaped legs and stocky ones as well. I heaved and tried Abike's number again - still no answer. She had an appointment at the General Hospital but that was hours ago. Next, I tried Charles number again but it went straight to voicemail. Finally, I dragged myself from the floor and headed for the car park. It dawned on me that no one had stopped to ask what the problem was. Louis Armstrong recorded the popular song 'What a Wonderful World' in 1967 but it could also be a cold and desolate place!

Timothy3113: Welli done. You are different from other nairaland writers, ask me how? You update regularly and lenghty. I pray you can continue with that.

Thanks for d kind words

candy: I read the whole story on your blog but I hope you will improve on it here. For starters bro, you didn't end it well, story line too short and more like an abstract and not the full story.

spot on, u mirrored my thots. I was left panting for more. Op u did well though for keeping me spellbound.

************************************
I was two weeks into the new job and I was loving every minute of it. It was nothing like my boring and repetitive banking job and best of all, there was career progression with this company. I could almost cry out of relief and joy. The pay was excellent, holiday entitlement, welfare package and office hours were all on point. My new role at the Pension firm suited my career aspiration just fine. The previous member of staff had just relocated and the Team Manager had gone on maternity so there was an urgent need to fill the void. I could not thank Charles and his father enough for without them, I knew I would not be here. I was still undergoing training and my team mates were great. Initially, I was confused when they kept asking me what department I came from. It was later I discovered it was supposed to be an internal recruitment. Now that’s what I call 'manipulation in high places' - the very embodiment of 'who know man syndrome' stretched to a breaking point.
It was going great until the 'table top' woman approached my desk before the close of day. It was 4.45pm and I was beginning to tidy my desk when she walked to my side and whispered into my ear.

''Got 10 minutes to spare Mr Oki?''

''Sure'' I replied pushing my chair backwards and walking behind her.

As I approached her office, I saw some directors and senior managers (including Charles father) engaged in fierce discussion along the passage. ''It makes no difference.'' I heard the only woman amongst them shout. ''Who is being affected here, tell me? It is not a medical facility or a food factory? ''Gentlemen you disappoint me.'' I heard Charles father add.

''Good evening sir'' I yelled out. But he retreated into a nearby office.

We walked through a door with the inscription 'Human Resources Department' written on it. It was a wide expanse of office and I could see a few individuals scattered around. The walls were white and the air condition was on full blast. I wanted to spread a mat and just lie down and go to sleep. Table top motioned at an empty chair and sat opposite me. I was barely seated before a male voice boomed from the far end of the room. I looked up and saw a burly man addressing a slender man.

''Incompetence and nothing more! This is the foremost pension administrative firm in this country and I should not be hearing such.''

''There was an overwhelming demand to fill…'' a male voice could be heard explaining. The voice sounded tired but the booming voice was relentless.

''Fill it at the expense of our reputation - I think not! This is the reason we have set rules, so we don’t fall into a ditch. Where there is an exception, I have to approve it. The bulk stops at my desk! Did I give my approval in this instance? Did I minute on any document?''
I could see Table top was clearly upset but trying to contain herself. She got up, pushed her chair aside and excused herself. ''Give me a minute Mr Oki.''

''It is being dealt with it.'' The timid voice continued.

''Gentlemen, I don’t think you realize it, but I am trying to have a conversation with a member of staff. Can we keep it down please?'' Table top could be heard pleading in the distance.

''Go handle your business efficiently. I hope you know you are not free from this and we shall have that conversation at the right time? I report to the directors before the close of day and its 4.57pm already'' the booming voice spat out.

I heard Table top reply in a fierce but low tone. I trust that woman jare, she was certainly not a pushover. Suddenly, I could not wait to leave this environment. I heard the sound of her high heel against the tiled floor as she approached. Finally, peace was restored and Table top returned to her seat. ''I'm sorry about that Mr Oki, can we continue please.''

*********************************************
I walked out of my room and saw Petra packing her things with a frown on her face. I had not seen her since the day Abike beat her up. I heard she had moved to the city and was living in an apartment the Senator rented for her. Kingsley swore it was a lie and claimed an oil magnet was responsible for her upkeep. He went further to add she was completing the reminder of her service year in an oil servicing firm courtesy of her new benefactor.

The Senator had heard of the debacle and wanted nothing to do with her. The Local Government Chairman had asked her to leave immediately because she had not only embarrassed the Secretariat, but most importantly she was cheating on him with a 'common corper'. If Kinsley's story was anything to go by, Petra had won at the end of the day. However, I still felt a twinge of guilt just remembering how I was responsible for so much chaos in her life. It was definitely over between us but this girl had a small place in my heart. I didn’t want her name to leave a sour taste in my mouth so I decided to smoothen any rough edges left behind.

''Petra are you leaving?'' I asked feigning ignorance and surprise at the same time.

''What does it look like'' she fired back.

She was tugging at a mattress and I ran up the steps and tried to relieve her of the burden.

''Here, let me help with that'' I offered.

''That’s fine, I got it covered'' she replied panting like a puppy. I ignored her and lugged at the mattress. It brought back old memories and made me sick to the pit of my stomach. I carried it outside and followed her into the small room.

''Anything else?'' I asked starring at the empty shell I once yearned for. I saw the familiar wall paper and the curtain by the window. I noticed the red rug on the floor and remembered the crazy sessions that took place on it. I swear Petra should have been a gymnast; those long legs were not for nothing.

''It's just the drawer left'' she said pointing at the small furniture I knew too well.

''You bought way too much for a Federal Government child'' I said trying to make small talk. I strolled towards my next challenge. I was trying to make light of the situation but I could see she was not in the mood. ''I've been trying to reach you for the past few weeks'' I said finally cutting to the chase.

''Phew don’t start now!'' She begged raising her well manicured nails to the sky. She was still wearing the gold bracelet and I noticed her nails were painted a pale yellow. I loved that colour, it was my favourite. She reached for a blue bucket and the cover slipped out of her hand. She bent to pick it and I got a good view at her behind. She was wearing a blue pair of jeans, our white Corp shirt with a black high heeled boot. She was such a beautiful girl and it's a darn shame she had chosen to live like this.

''Thank God he is here'' she announced clapping her hands in delight. ''What took you so long?'' she shouted as she advanced towards a red jeep that just drove in.

I raised the drawer and carried it out into the arms of a young man dressed in a blue uniform. An elderly man in flowing agbada stepped out of the car and look at her properties littered around. He was an imposing man with white beards and a white agbada to match. I also noticed he had white hair on his head. Suddenly I was confused, I didn’t know if he was that old or one of those men who were blessed with a white crown. In any case, he was not my mate or in my league.

''Good afternoon sir,'' I heard myself say but the man didn’t seem to hear or perhaps he chose to ignore me for reasons best known to him.
Petra ran past me and return with a set of cooking pan.

''Is that your father?'' I asked.

''Before nko'' she whispered brushing against my shoulder as she made her way down the steps. I shook my head in disbelief. I knew when she brushed past me to get my attention and when it was done in anger or spite.
The elderly man was shaking his head like an international observer who was forced to witness an abhorring situation. ''There is no need for that!'' He cried out pointing his finger at her pot. His gaze swept across Petra's bits and bobs. ''There is no need for half the things here and I will not put them in my car. You don’t have to pack every little thing; most of these things are rubbish in my opinion. I don’t have the space sef. Driver, take the boxes and nothing more.''

''Ahhh! You are joking oh! My small properties bought with my sweat in the course of my service to my father land. Daddy I beg you oh!''

I stood aside observing them like a spectator being entertained at the market square. I was watching their body language to see if this was indeed her father. I liked to believe in the goodness of the human race after all. I could see them arguing; Petra was waving her hands around while the elderly man shook his head from side to side.

The elderly man seemed impatient. ''Yes, I promise to give you the money to furnish your new apartment. Are you happy now? Ok get into the car and let us leave. I'm nearly done no thanks to this weather.''

Petra laughed and poked her head in the car before dashing out again. She opened the earlier discarded drawer and reached for something I could not see. She was a few feet from me and I could still smell the whiff of her perfume. She was the chapter of a book I would not forget in a hurry. Perhaps someday our paths would cross again like a tributary running into another river.

''Good luck Petra!'' I yelled waving, but she continued on without a backward glance. As the tail light grew smaller, I saw the two figures at the back seat lean closer for a kiss and I laughed out loud - daddy indeed!

Ok i could no longer contain myself, so i went to your blog and read the rest of the story. Ok just stunned how it all went down. Good job though, it was quite captivating.