₦airaland Forum

PrudySara:
Wow!
Happy ending for Kemi and Sandra.
Thanks for this story!

welcome

Adeola25:
Thanks for the wonderful story. God bless you

Thanks and God bless you too

Khriztarl:
wow. Interesting till the end.

Thankssss

QueenBeeHive:
nugget filled the long wait is over for Kemi nice

Affirmative

Taniaa:
Thumbs Up,keep it up

Thanks loads

Kenneygirl:
clap clap

Thanks tons

Ann2012:
Happy ending
Thanks for this interesting piece

Thank you

Humbleness:
Wow, thanks for the update.

This is the type of friend one needs in life. Sandra !!!

You're right about that

enirock:
Thanks for this piece laced with so many golden nugget.

Thank you

centmanuel:
Thanks for the concluding piece. The story is a replica of what happened to me. thanks OP

Wowww I'm glad , welcome

shesawesome:
Happy ending,thanks OP

Welcome

That's the final chapter, thanks for following everyone

Chapter 11
For the first time in a few years, Kemi woke up with a smile on her face, happy to face the new day.
She had moved back in with her parents few months earlier and was on her way to becoming a professional stylist and designer, all thanks to Sandra's advice.
She was starting to feel real fulfillment daily.
She imagined what life would have been like if she had rebuffed Sandra's advice and stayed back at her rented apartment in hopes that one day she would finally catch a break and get a white collar job. She would have wasted more years sinking into depression, becoming a shadow of herself and most of all wasting precious time, but fortunately she had an epiphany, one she was going to pass on to others- You can have a university certificate, and also have an acquired skill. We all don't have to work in offices.
If someone had told Kemi many years ago that she would be a fashion designer, she would have laughed at the prospect of that, but now she wanted nothing more than to garner enough knowledge of this art. She yearned to be a connoisseur of fashion one day and she was determined to achieve that.
Sandra had called her she had gained admission into the university and Kemi was elated for her.
The university was in the same town as Kemi so rather than spending money on hostel accommodation, Kemi had suggested Sandra moved in with her and her parents.
Sandra gladly accepted and would be moving in within the month. She would be seeing her after so many months, she was eager to see kemi's progress and had already gotten few Ankara materials for Kemi to sew for her.
She would model them for her and post on Instagram and other social media platforms for prospective customers to see and patronize.
As a gift she got patterned materials like floral, polka dots and stripes for Kemi to try her hands on.
She wrapped it in a bag with an inscription that read "TO NEW BEGINNINGS"
Weeks later when Sandra moved in and handed her the gift, Kemi was overwhelmed with joy , She jumped with surprise and happiness.
Kemi was happy she would finally get to repay Sandra for her kindness.
While schooling Sandra was taking designing lessons from Kemi on the side and within a year and half she was well trained and sewing clothes effortlessly.
Kemi trained other people too who would also in turn pass their knowledge to other people.
One way or another she was contributing to herself and the society at large.
Months later Kemi and Sandra set up a business partnership that blossomed over the years.
Kemi repaid Sandra's kindness in kind after all one good turn deserves another and for Kemi the long wait was over at last.

centmanuel:
Wow!!! What a friend, Sandra is her angel in disguise, her strength and encouragement. I hope the friendship go stronger.



Thanks for the update OP but this chapter is rather than brief.

Yea , rounding up and thanks

PrudySara:
Friends like Sandra are rare!..
Thanks for the update OP!

shesawesome:
Thanks for update

Thanks for being here

enirock:
The Sandra's of this world are constantly becoming rare as black diamonds. In a world where we all are engrossed in personal gains, we forget to pick up/help those friends and neighbours/strangers, and they suffer. How much we must learn and relearn- giving makes you(giver) happy(as far as the giving comes unconditionally). Thanks for the update.

You couldn't have said it any better. Thanks Eni

syluck:
This is an interesting piece. Thanks for this

Thanks and happy birthday to you, long life and prosperity ��

Missyajoke:
Okay, you're good at what you do, don't let anything stop you from doing what you love be it protest except you're busy with something . I love your story please finish it.

I love the story .

I'll keep that in mind thank you, it's appreciated

Ann2012:
Sandra is a good friend
Thanks for the update

Welcome

Humbleness:
Thankfully ,she has been fed. Thank for the update

Thanks and welcome

Missyajoke:
Sorry to say this if you're not consistent with your story you'll start losing audience.

Sorry,took a break cause of the protest

Taniaa:
Tag me next time

Tagged

enirock:
Somehow a lot of graduates have gone through Kemi's plight, some are going through it ,and if our collective voice be neglected, many more will still go through it. Thanks Tymami for putting in our hearts why our struggle is important, and thanks for this piece.

Thanks tons

centmanuel:
Many graduates like Kemi have given up because the system is frustrating.
Thank God for someone like Sandra in her life

Thanks for the update. Beautiful piece unfolding. I will be following up bumper to bumper.

Thanks loads

Chapter 10
Kemi's laughter resonated round the shop.
She was feeling much better already. Another word to describe her is resilient.
She was a hard nut to crack.
"Let's talk about what happened to you today and why you looked desolated" Sandra said on a more serious note
"I've just been really struggling these past couple of years...the allowance I saved from youth service was used in renting an apartment for myself so I don't remain with parents as a graduate. I had high hopes and expectations, felt I was going to get a job pronto, but it's been chaotic. Currently penniless, can't renew rent , jobless and in despair" Kemi explained, while staring into space. It felt good to say it all out, like a partial weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"I'm sorry to hear that, I can't relate because I'm not a graduate, but I know how tough the job sector can be. My aunt struggled for years to get a job and guess what? She never did get one. Life you rightly said, life had other plans and she decided to sit back, relax and watch life work its magic on her.
Many years later she's fulfilled and happy. Ask me how" Sandra said
"How.....?" Kemi asked
"She stopped trying to get a job and rather used the time in learning a skill, now she's gainfully self employed and has also employed others to work with her, thereby creating job opportunities. In her own little way she has contributed to the labour market" Sandra paused
"I think you should consider that. We all have different paths in life" Sandra added
Kemi thought of Sandra's advice, she has never considered acquiring a skill because she felt she didn't need it with her certificate.
A white collar job was what she has always wanted all her life. To earn salary monthly.
She has always had passion for fashion, but had never considered going into designing or styling
"You have a point" Kemi replied
"Think about it and get back to me. Meanwhile I can help you with your cashless problem so you can get some food stuffs and also have some change left with you to move about,
I just got paid yesterday so like I said earlier, you're in luck" Sandra beamed
Kemi was flabbergasted, she was short of words to thank Sandra, she couldn't thank her enough, but she didn't want to be a bother either, she would find a way to pay her back as soon as she could.
"You don't have to pay me back, I'm glad to be of help" Sandra grinned like she had heard her thoughts .
"You're always cheerful and happy, like your life is worry-free" Kemi pointed out
Sandra laughed at the idea of that.
Her life was definitely far from perfect.
She has got issues of her own.
"My life is not worry-free, but worrying has never solved anything has it?" Sandra quickly glanced at her wrist watch and continued "You just have to live life one day at a time. You think I enjoy being a sales girl here? No but for now I have to till I'm able to save up enough for school, which is really soon. By next year I'd be sitting for JAMB and be on my way to the university, it's never too late to apply and being optimistic is my strong suit"
Sandra said brightly and Kemi was amazed at her wisdom and perception. She had really underestimated and undermined her, being a sales girl. She was glad Sandra is friends with her.
Her positivity and optimism is something Kemi needed in her life.
"Don't just stare at me, let's make a transfer to your bank account so you can go withdraw and get the foodstuffs" Sandra reached for her phone
"You've done more than enough for me today and-" Kemi started, but was cut short
"Don't dare reject my offer" Sandra nudged
"You're really a good friend and whenever you need me too I'll be there" Kemi promised
"No qualms, number please"
Kemi called out her bank details to her
"Done, now go" Kemi reached to hug her
"If you're feeling stronger you could come around tomorrow" Sandra continued
Kemi was ecstatic and thanked Sandra appropriately.
On her way home she thought of everything Sandra had said about acquiring a skill and her positive outlook towards life.
Kemi admired that quality in her.
Sandra was right. Worrying solves nothing, but every little step towards change makes a difference.
She stopped at an ATM to make the withdrawal and bought a few foodstuffs.
When she was home she called her mom and they had a lengthy conversation about kemi's advice to learn a skill.
Her mom was supportive of the idea and gave her blessing. She encouraged her to come home soon and start the acquisition.

Chapter 9
An hour later she was on the verge of passing out, tired and weak, but she was so close to home and that was a consolation.
"Kemi!" She heard someone call out her name or was she hallucinating?
"Kemi!!" She heard again, this time louder.
She was in no mood to talk to anyone.
She ignored the voice and kept walking.
Moments later she felt a tap on her shoulder, she reluctantly turned around to see who it was.
It was Sandra, her friend that works in the shop down the street
"Girl!! I've been screaming your name for minutes now, why didn't you answer me, you look really pale and distraught, what's up with that? And what's that smell?" Sandra moved to sniff her clothes and Kemi retreated from her
"Ummm.....I'm really tired.... can we talk some other time...." Kemi said and turned to leave
"No, you won't use that tone on me, no way, not today. Let's go sit inside for some minutes. You could really use some water and I mean that literally and figuratively" Sandra smiled
"You mean I stink" Kemi stated
"No, I just mean you could really use some water" Sandra said, smiling some more.
The sarcasm in her voice was apparent. Kemi knew she was really a sight to behold. Her whole world has felt obliterated today. She had woken up in a gloomy mood, gotten hopeful when she received the phone call from Tolani about a job interview, hours later she had sunk into another gloomy episode, worse than the one she had woken up with.
"Hello, snap out of it" Sandra interrupted her thoughts
Kemi frowned and grudgingly accepted to go with Sandra.
Moments later Kemi was eating and drinking, thanks to Sandra.
"Feel better now?" Sandra asked. She sounded genuinely concerned
"Yes I do, thanks loads, it's more than appreciated....I've had a really long day" Kemi's voice sounded shaky.
She really felt like sleeping.
"Sorry, you'll be fine. Relax then we can talk.
Would you like to shower and change out of your clothes?" Sandra gave her a look that said she couldn't stand the smell any longer
"I would love to, but I have nothing to wear if I do.. so I'd just go home and do that. Thanks for all this, can't express how grateful I am" Kemi got up to leave
"Ehm, sit back down... don't rush." Sandra prompted her "You could have these new ones I bought from a woman today, it's your lucky day because she passes here everyday and tries to make me buy some , but I don't. Today for some reason I was interested in buying. Sandra added.
"Today is her lucky day"
Kemi thought of the irony in Sandra's statement, the day had been anything but lucky for her. It's been the direct antithesis of that.
She felt a pain in her chest, unwilling to recount the events of the day.
"I wouldn't want to bother you" Kemi said finally
"It's not a bother... Why are we friends?"
Sandra's rhetorical question was followed by silence
"Okay, thank you again..." Kemi smiled
"Yaaay, is that a smile I see there? We're making progress" Sandra clapped her hands together.
Kemi grinned in response, she was a little relieved she won't have to go home looking like that.
"Use the bathroom on your left, on the way to the backyard" Sandra told her
"Okay" Kemi nodded
"Oh and do take your time" Sandra teased
Kemi understood what she meant and gave her a hand gesture that was followed by laughter.
Kemi made her way to the bathroom, feeling slightly lighter. Food would do that to a person, she thought to herself.
She could really use a listening ear right now and Sandra seemed like the ideal person to talk to.

Thank you prudysara, millieademi, makuazini, missymossy and everyone

Chapter 8
"Jeeeez!" Kemi screeched as she alighted from the bus, entering into the heavy rain, she immediately felt a cold chill down her spine and remained frozen on the spot. She looked round in search of shelter, but there was none in sight,
she tried to force her legs to run, but failed woefully so she walked briskly as the rain poured down on her with anger.
She soon found a bench in front of a closed shop and heaved a sigh of relief, she walked towards it and sat , shivering from the cold. She wrapped her arms around herself like that would make a difference. Her clothes were drenched already. She tried to rub her palms together for warmth, but didn't get the desired result. She gave up trying and sat still, cold and weak.
A young girl holding an umbrella appeared in front of Kemi a while later, she looked shocked when she saw Kemi and almost tripped when she took a step backwards too quickly.
Kemi told her sorry and was about to ask if the shop belonged to her mother, but the little girl had already vanished out of view.
Kemi knew she must be an ironically wonderful sight to behold with her tousled hair and dirty clothing and pondered if her dishevelled appearance had scared the young girl away or it was just the shock of seeing an unknown person in front of the shop that most likely belongs to her mother or someone else she is familiar with.
Kemi imagined her running home to report what she had seen and they'd return with her to see for themselves.
Hopefully the rain would have subsided by then and Kemi would have been gone, but the lightning in the sky said otherwise.
She rummaged through her wet bag in search of her phone, but found the fifty naira note she thought she had misplaced earlier on while she was getting chased. She beamed with happiness. She could afford to get a tricycle home for the remainder of her journey.
She smiled to herself, ecstatic about her discovery.
Her phone was switched off so she had no idea what the time was and with the cloudy weather it was hard to guess the time.
Her throat felt dry and she needed to get water soon.
She would have to share an umbrella with anyone she sees.
Like an answered prayer a young boy in his late teens walked past, he looked impatience, but Kemi decided to try her luck, she quickly grabbed her bag and ran after him
"Excuse me! wait" She panted
He turned around with a frown that slowly dissolved into a smile when he saw her.
"Sorry for disturbing you, I need to get water so I can please walk with you to the nearest shop?" She pleaded
"Ok" He said simply
She thanked him earnestly and got under the umbrella with him. He smiled sheepishly while they walked, making Kemi wonder what was amusing him.
When they got to the shop , Kemi thanked him and hurriedly asked for pure water.
"It's bottle water we have" The attendant answered
"How much?" Kemi asked disappointed
"Fifty naira" The attendant told her
Fifty naira was all she had left on her.
She planned on using it for tricycle home, so it was either the water or the tricycle. She had to make a choice fast.
She felt like she was hibernating already so she chose the water to revive herself a bit.
She gulped it down her throat within few seconds, water had never tasted so good.
She was still not sated and wanted more water, but that would have to wait till she gets home.
She had already spent her last fifty naira on water.
She turned to leave and the boy was still standing there.
"You're here. Where are you headed?" She asked him, the rain was still dropping hard
"Anywhere you're going" He responded
"Huh?" She pretended not to have heard him
"Nothing. You can have my umbrella. My friend stays in that house" He pointed at a turquoise coloured house.
"No, I can't possibly do that-" Kemi began, but was cut short
"Don't refuse. You look like you need the umbrella more anyway" He smiled "I've already gotten to my destination, but I assume you haven't gotten to yours, so don't worry, but if you feel the need to return the umbrella then you can leave it with the person at this shop,I would surely get it" He added
"That's appreciated, I'll be sure to return it. Do take care" She smiled at him as she walked away.
Her legs felt weak, but she would be home soon and that was her solace.