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The Wait – The story continues

Hi,

Keep calm; The Wait isn’t over yet 😁

I am glad you have followed this story thus far. This is Olúbùkólá saying thank you 🙏

I am sure you are eager to know what became of Ajoke after Kokumo put an end to their whirlwind romance 😉

I am also excited to let you read the full story 💃💃🕺🕺

The Wait has been published and you can purchase a copy on the Okadabooks app or on Amazon kindle.

Please click the icons below and you would be automatically directed to the book on either site.


If you have enjoyed this story, please drop a comment. Your reviews either positive or negative, keeps me writing and also helps me know where I should improve on.

I would love to hear from you.

***

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Yours in writing ✍

Olúbùkólá

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The Wait – Chapter 3

Ajoke sneaked out of her house through the path that led to the stream. She had been restless all day. She had missed Kokumo and wanted to see him today at all costs. She knew there was no way her father or her elder brothers would allow her pay a visit to a man but she had to see Kokumo. It had been about four months since she saw him. The last day being the day they had written their final exams. They had promised each other to keep in touch by writing letters but she had not received any letter from him in over a month. His last letter informed her that he had been offered admission into the University of Lagos and that he would be picking up his letter in a few days. She wondered if getting into the University had suddenly erased her from his memory. She had no idea of where his house was located but she was willing to make an attempt.

She took out the sheet of paper on which Kokumo had scribbled his house address. She smiled as she looked at his cursive handwriting. The same handwriting which many of their classmates had fallen in love with.  She quickly folded the sheet of paper carefully and put it in the pocket of her dress. She had saved up a little change by selling the garri processed by her mum a few naira higher. She reckoned that one day, she would need cash. Today happened to be the day and the few cash she had saved up was coming in handy.

*

As she sat in the public bus taking her towards Kokumo’s village, she thought about the good times they spent together reading, walking home and sharing the snacks bought by Kokumo. She hoped those University girls she always heard about in skimpy wears hadn’t diverted Kokumo’s attention away from her.

The bus arrived at the last stop and she disembarked looking around like a lost child. Who could she ask for directions?

“Excuse me, ma.” She said to an elderly lady who was about disembarking from the same bus.

“Yes.” The woman responded looking at her impatiently.

“Ë jò ó mà. Àlejò ni mí ní àdúgbò yìí. Títì Alábéré ni mò n lö .”
“Please ma, I am a stranger in this town. I am going to Alabere street.”

The woman looked at her and pointed to her left.

“Títì Alábéré nì yën bèun.”
“That is Alabere street over there.”

Ajoke curtsied to indicate her thanks before proceeding to walk towards Alabere street. As she got to the beginning of the street, she took out the sheet of paper again to reconfirm her destination. As she walked down the street, she thought about what she would tell Kokumo’s parents. What would be her mission in his house since he was in school? How would she introduce herself to them? She suddenly realized that she hadn’t thought about all these before leaving her house. Now that she was almost at her destination, she suddenly felt foolish that she had been spontaneous about her decision to visit Kokumo’s house.

She saw the number 23 glowing in red paint from afar and knew that she had arrived her destination. The modest house was built far away from the road. Compared to other houses, it looked modern. She stood on the road and continued to look at the house. She suddenly developed cold feet and wasn’t sure she had made the right decision. She was still contemplating on what to do when she heard someone whistling a song behind her. She would recognize that voice even in her dreams. She turned back and walking towards her was Kokumo. He was dressed in a brown Adire danshiki on loose trousers. He had rolled up the sleeves of the danshiki to accommodate a hoe which he placed gingerly over his right shoulder. His brows beaded with sweat and he looked like he had aged five years. Ajoke’s jaws dropped as she looked at him.

Kokumo stopped whistling immediately he saw Ajoke standing by the entrance to his compound. He used the sleeve of his buba to wipe his brow as he dropped his hoe on the floor. Was it truly Ajoke? He wondered. He stood still and bowed his head, expecting to be scolded by her for not going ahead to fulfill his dreams but was surprised when he heard her sobbing. He looked up in shock, unable to form words.

“Kokumo, why?”

Kokumo shook his head in confusion.

“You were supposed to go to the university, so we could have a better life together.” Ajoke cried.

Kokumo closed the space between them and hugged her. He had missed her so much but had felt ashamed to write to tell her about the change of plans. “Let’s go inside and talk.” He said.

He picked up his hoe from the floor and held her hand as they walked into his compound.

*

Kokumo entered into the house, kept the hoe in its place and retrieved a low stool. He put the stool on the floor in the front pavement of his house and asked Ajoke to sit down.

Ajoke shook her head. “I can’t afford to stay late. I did not tell anyone where I was going.”

Kokumo sighed. “I would not delay you, Ajoke. I need you to sit down so you can listen to what I have to say.”

Ajoke sat down reluctantly.

“My father is dead, Ajoke. He died on the day I received my admission letter from Unilag.”

Ajoke looked up at Kokumo, tears filling up her eyes again. “I’m sorry. I did not know.”

Kokumo smiled sadly. “Yes, I know. I couldn’t bring myself to write to explain everything to you. I had to defer my admission till some other time so I could earn a living.”

“How naïve I was to have thought you were getting distracted in school.”

“I love you, Ajoke. Nothing and no one can get me distracted from you. I was only ashamed that I had to forget about school in the meantime and go to the farm.”

“There is no reason to be ashamed.” Ajoke said as she smiled despite her tears. “I am proud of you.”

Kokumo moved closer to Ajoke as he pulled her up into a hug. They sobbed on each other’s shoulders as they stood together locked in an embrace. As Ajoke continued to sob, Kokumo lifted up her face and was about to plant a kiss on her lips when he heard someone cough. He stopped and looked in the direction of the interruption and was startled at his mother’s sudden presence as she stood watching them. In their grief, they had failed to notice that she had walked into the compound.

Iya Kokumo had decided to go home early. She wanted to rest as she noticed she was getting tired easily these days. She put the blame on her sleepless nights thinking about Baba Kokumo. As she trudged home, the only thing on her mind was her bed. She was therefore taken aback when she saw Kokumo in an emotional embrace with a young lady. He had never mentioned having any woman, so the sight before her had been shocking. He was about to kiss her when she knew she had to announce her presence.

“Màámi, ë káàbò mà. Ë kú àt’àárò. Ë mà tètè dé lôní?”
“My mother, welcome back. You are back early today?” Kokumo reeled out greetings to his mother as he stepped back from Ajoke.

“Ëkáàsán mà.”
“Good afternoon ma.” Ajoke said getting down on her knees to greet Iya Kokumo. She wiped her tears with her palm in quick motions.

“Káàsán o.”
“Good afternoon.” Iya Kokumo sneered as she looked at Ajoke and ignored Kokumo’s question.

Kokumo stood and watched.

“Ömö tani é o? Látì ibo lo ti wá?”
“Whose daughter are you and where are you from?” Iya Kokumo continued as she asked with sarcasm.

Ajoke looked up but swiftly bent her head again, still on her knees.

“Ömö Bàbá Àdìsá ni mí láti ìlu Ìpájà.”
“I am the daughter of Baba Adisa from Ipaja village.”

“Hmm……” Iya Kokumo grunted.

“Màámi, ë jé ka wölé.”
“My mother, let us go in.” Kokumo said to his mother, uncomfortable with the way she eyed and questioned Ajoke.

Iya Kokumo looked at her son, her eyes intense.

“Sé ìwö ni mò n bá sòrò ni?”
“Was I talking to you?”

“Rárá, máámi.”
“No, my mother.” Kokumo responded uneasily.

“Óyá ní ilé bàbá ë, ki n tó la ojú mi.”
“To your father’s house before I open my eyes.” Iya Kokumo closed her eyes as she pointed towards the entrance of her compound.

“Màámi!” Kokumo protested but Ajoke was already on the feet and running out of the compound.

“Màámi!” Kokumo said again as he looked at his mother in anger.

“Àfara sí inu’lé báyìí.”
“Into the house right now.” She commanded her son.

But Kokumo stood rooted to the spot refusing to heed his mother’s command.

“Sé ò gbó mi ni?”
“Did you not hear me?” Kokumo’s mother asked her son.

“Mo gbó yin Màámi, sùgbôn mi ò kín s’ömödé mó.”
“I heard you clearly my mother, but I am no longer a child.”

With that, Kokumo walked away from his mother. He ran towards the direction Ajoke had gone in a bid to catch up with her.

*

Ajoke was at the bus garage already when Kokumo found her. It was obvious that she had been crying as she still sniffed and wiped her eyes intermittently with her hands. A bus going towards her destination had filled up and was about proceeding on its journey. The next bus moved forward to take the space of the previous bus. Ajoke opened the passenger door and was about to board the bus when Kokumo closed the distance between them.

As she eased into the bus, Kokumo climbed in after her. She hadn’t noticed anyone was waiting and she was surprised as she turned to see Kokumo taking the seat beside her.

“Kokumo?” She looked at him with shock. “What do you think you are doing?”

“I meant it when I told you that I love you. Do you need me to prove it again?”

Tears gathered around the corner of Ajoke’s eyes as she looked at him.

“I promise that I would make enough money to go back to school. And when I am done, we would get married.” Kokumo said as he cradled her face.

The tears that had been threatening to spill made their way down Ajoke’s cheeks as she nodded.

Kokumo looked around him. When he noticed no one paid attention to them, he planted a full kiss on Ajoke’s lips.

Ajoke shivered and Kokumo laid her head on his shoulder.

The bus began to fill up with passengers. Ajoke raised her head and looked at Kokumo. “When are you going back home? The bus is almost full.” She asked as she looked behind them.

“I will return when I know you are safely in your father’s house.”

“You are what?” Ajoke shouted. “You can’t go home with me.”

Kokumo smiled as he held her hand. “Stop shouting. Other passengers may hear us. I have not said I am going home with you. I only said I will return when you are safely in your father’s house.”

Ajoke exhaled as the driver shut the door of the bus. The driver took his seat beside the young lovers as he kicked the engine of the bus.

The journey to Ajoke’s home began as the couple hugged each other. While other passengers chatted all through the journey, Ajoke and Kokumo stayed quiet savouring the closeness of their bodies and the familiarity of each other’s breath. Even though words meant a lot to them, no words were spoken between them till they arrived their destination.

——–

The story continues…..

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The Wait – Chapter 1

“Do you Ajoke Omolewa, take this man, Enitan Boluwatife to be your lawful wedded husband; to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, keeping yourself solely unto him, to honour him, submit to him, forsaking all others till death do you part? If so, answer “Yes, I do.” The minister asked again, this time with some humour.

Ajoke opened her mouth but was unable to form the words the minister, her family members and Enitan waited to hear. Her eyes were trained on the man who had just walked into the registry and sat quietly at the end of the hall. He had walked in unnoticed but Ajoke’s attention towards him was beginning to attract stares in his direction.

One by one, Ajoke’s family members comprising her father, her mother, her six elder brothers and her two teenage kids looked back to find out what had caught her attention. Enitan also confused at the sudden change in Ajoke’s mien looked in the same direction. He could not recognize the stranger and he wondered why the man’s presence had suddenly affected Ajoke. He turned to look at his bride and saw tears streaming down her made-up face. What on earth is going on?

All of a sudden, there was commotion in the hall. Ajoke’s aged father struggled to get up, his face taut and his jaw set but Ajoke’s brothers were faster. The youngest of her brothers tapped her father on his shoulders and slid his right hand up and down his chest. Their father took the cue and relaxed in his seat. His sons were capable of handling the situation. The six brothers stood up one by one and marched towards the end of the hall.

Ajoke, knowing what her brothers were capable of doing, left Enitan and the minister at the podium and started running towards the end of the hall.

“Ajoke!!!” Enitan called as he watched her break into a run.

She stopped to look back at Enitan, her tears now coming down her face in streams, staining and drawing black lines on her wet cheeks as a result of her smeared mascara. She looked at him, her eyes pleading but it only made Enitan more confused. Who was this guy whose sudden presence had stalled his wedding? He looked at Ajoke’s parents and searched their faces for an answer that didn’t seem to be there. Ajoke’s mother slumped her shoulders as she watched an imaginary being in her open hands while her father’s neck was stretched to the back as he trained his attention on the on-goings down the hall.

Ajoke reached the end of the hall just as her eldest brother, Adisa held the stranger by his tie, rough-handling him. The stranger coughed as Adisa held him by the neck. He refused to hold Adisa’s hand or make an attempt to stop Ajoke’s brother from strangling him.

“What are you doing here, you bastard?” Adisa asked.

The stranger only looked at Adisa without a word or a plea. Ajoke’s brothers had gathered round the stranger but none stopped Adisa from his bid to strangle him. Ajoke pushed through the circle and knelt before her eldest brother.

“Bòdá mi, ë jò ó, ë má pà á.
“My brother, please don’t kill him.”

“Will you go back to the front and continue with your wedding?” Adisa said to Ajoke, his eyes blazing.

“I will but please don’t kill him.” Ajoke said, her face totally in a mess now.

Adisa refused to let go of the stranger.

“Àdìsá, fi sílè.
“Adisa, leave him alone.” Their father said. He had trudged down the hall after Ajoke had broken into a run. He reached the end of the hall panting and sweating in the air-conditioned room. His wife had not accompanied him as she now stood, talking to the minister, the groom, his elder brother, his uncle and aunt. Her hands were clasped as she pleaded with them. They all looked at her confusion clearly written on their faces.

“Ehn, Bàámi kí lë sö?
“My father, what did you say?” Adisa asked, as he looked at his father with anger.

“Mo ní ko fi sílè.  
“I said you should leave him alone”.

Adisa squeezed his hands once more on the stranger’s neck, this time with an emergent strength making the man to gasp for air before releasing his grip. The man coughed once more as he loosened his tie and massaged his neck. His face was sober as he looked at Ajoke’s father. As the old man’s tired eyes met his, the stranger dropped his gaze. Ajoke’s father sighed deeply as he shook his head.

“Bàámi, ë jò ó, mo fé ba s’òrò”
“My father, please I want to talk to him.” Ajoke said to her father.

Ajoke’s father nodded to show affirmation and turned back.

“Alone!” She reiterated when her brothers refused to leave.

“You better know what you are doing.” Adisa advised Ajoke. “And as for you” – He said pointing towards the stranger – “I will still deal with you.”

Ajoke watched her brothers as they all filed back to the front of the hall; leaving her and the stranger alone. Her brothers however kept their eyes on them as they monitored their discussion from afar. As she turned to look at him, he knelt before her and tried to hold her hand. “Don’t touch me, Adejoro.” She said.

“I know I have hurt you greatly but please hear me out.”

“Hear you out? What could you possibly have to say? Hmm….Adejoro. What?”

“Ajoke, please…..”

“Adejoro, what did I do to you to deserve this? What was my offence? Tell me.” She sobbed.

“Ajoke, it is not what you think?”

“I gave up everything and gave you my all. But you trampled it under your feet and threw it back in my face. Just look down the hall” – She said nodding towards the front. “Did your children come here? Did they acknowledge your presence?” She asked.

Adejoro looked towards the front pews and sighed. So those are my children? He placed his hands on his head and bowed his head in shame. His children did not recognize him. They did not know who their father was. Fifteen years was a long time for any man to abandon his family. He knew he had messed up but he wanted to make it right if Ajoke could give him an opportunity to.

As Ajoke looked at his bowed head, she remembered how she had fallen in love with Kokumo nineteen years ago. Both of them had attended the same secondary school in the Ayobo village. The village, a suburb in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos state, Nigeria; had mostly low-income earners as residents. Ajoke’s parents had struggled to send her to school as they barely had enough to eat with seven children. Her mother had given birth to Adisa, two sets of twin boys and another boy before having her. Her father tapped palm-wine for a living while her mother processed garri. The little they made from the sales of palm wine and garri was used to feed the large family.

As much as her father valued education, he had told all his children that the best he could do for them was to ensure they got educated up to the secondary level. After that, he encouraged each one of them to go learn a trade. Her elder brothers had all learnt one trade or the other but Ajoke being the last child and only girl, had been confined to helping her mother’s business so it could thrive.

Kokumo was named an Abiku child. His parents said he always died at childbirth and returned to torment his mother again, and again. To stop the scourge of death, the sixth child was marked before burying, a normal tradition in South-west Yoruba. Even though, Kokumo did not return with the mark (as it was believed would happen), he was still named Kokumo – meaning; will not die again. After his birth, his mother decided to give child bearing a wide berth. Kokumo’s father was a peasant farmer while his mother sold seasonal fruits which were planted and harvested by her husband.

Kokumo and Ajoke attended the same secondary school but only became acquainted with each other in their senior secondary class. They were both in the Art class and having to do the same subjects brought them closer to one another. Ajoke’s parents had been unable to afford to buy her textbooks, so Kokumo was always on hand to assist her with his. They became reading partners and within a short period of time, love found them.

Each day, they both trekked a distance which took them about an hour to get home from school. Kokumo lived in the next village to Ajoke’s and the forked junction before their villages served as their end point before each faced the journey home alone.

Ajoke looked at the man before her, her husband of three years and father of her children. What a wasted life she had lived married to him? She and Kokumo had been denied of their young love and she had been married off to Adejoro. Her father, her mother and her elder brother had thought him man enough to take care of her.

As the tears began to make their way down her cheeks again, her mind is forced to go back in time to when Kokumo meant the whole world to her.

——–
The story continues…..

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Here we go again 🤸‍♀️

Hi,

I hope you enjoyed the last series served here titled ‘Yesterday Lives’ 😁

Did you follow through to the end? If you did, let’s share 🤗🤗

If you didn’t, it is not too late. Click Yesterday Lives in the menu and have fun reading 🤝

Another series; not entirely new to ardent followers of Olubukola’s Thoughts, starts today 💃💃and will be dropping in the next hour.

Please stay tuned and follow me on this journey. Don’t forget to use the share buttons at the end.

I would also love to hear from my readers.

Your comments spur me to keep doing this. Please drop one as you read.

Thank you 🙏

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Yesterday Lives goes live

Hi,

If you are here, it probably means you have been following this story for the past 22 Chapters.

I would like to say a big thank you for following me thus far. You have made this journey interesting 😊

It is because of you that I keep writing.

Yesterday Lives has been published and the concluding chapters can be found on Amazon.

I know you love this story and desire to know what happened to Ayotunde, Ayorinde, Aderemi and Grace.

Please click any of the images below to get a copy of Yesterday Lives on Amazon or Okadabooks.

I would also love to know what you think about this story. Would you be kind to leave comments?

Buy-On-Amazon

*

Are you wondering what I have talking about all through? 🤷‍♀️

Then, it means you are here for the first time. Thank you for coming 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

You would need to catch up on all the previous chapters of Yesterday Lives. Please leave me a comment after each chapter. I would love to know what you think about this story.

*

If you would like to send your comments or reviews by email, I can be reached on naomie2debra@live.com

If you encounter any issues with getting a copy of my book on any of the platforms, please feel free to send me an email.

*

This is where I sign off. Thank you all for staying with me as we walked through Yesterday Lives together. If you enjoyed the story, please share with your contacts on social media.

A new story starts next week; same time, same place.

Till then, please stay safe 🙏

*

Yours in writing ✍

Olubukola

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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 22

‘Did you girls have fun?’ Alex asked; looking back at the girls who were seated behind. He was riding shotgun as Jide drove them back to campus.

‘Yeah, I loved the movie. Grace has good taste.’

Grace smiled. ‘It was fun.’

‘So will you oblige that we do this again sometime soon?’

Grace looked at Ayotunde. ‘Of course.’ Ayotunde danced to an imaginary sound.

‘Thank you. I will be glad.’

Jide parked the car in front of the girls’ hostel.

‘You both made my day.’ Alex smiled. ‘Please think about somewhere else I may like to see. A tourist attraction or so.’ He said looking at Grace.

‘I will.’

‘Thank you Alex. We would call you when next we are free. For how long will you be in naija?’ Ayotunde asked.

‘I’m hoping I can conclude my project in a month.’

‘Okay then. Thanks once again.’

‘No, you and Grace deserve the thanks.’ He said as he smiled at them.

*

As the girls eased out of the car, Chinwe saw them from afar. She began to run towards them. Jide was about driving away when she got to them. ‘Hiiiii Alex.’ She said breathlessly.

Alex looked at her and smiled. ‘Hi Chinwe. How are you doing?’

‘I am good.’ She said as she patted her face. ‘Are you taking them out now? I thought we agreed that I would show you around Lagos. I kept waiting for your call.’

‘We had no agreement Chinwe. I said I would call you if I needed help.’

Chinwe faked a laugh. ‘Okay. So should I expect your call soon?’

Alex shrugged as he waved his hand and asked Jide to continue driving.

*

‘So this is what you girls want to do. You want to snatch him from me, abi? Your plan will never work.’ Chinwe shouted at the top of her voice.

Ayotunde and Grace looked at her with shock.

‘You cannot talk now, abi? Dem put padlock for una mouth?’

Grace began to walk away but Chinwe dragged her back.

Ayotunde hit Chinwe’s hand hard and she lost her grip on Grace. Chinwe became furious and started moving towards Ayotunde.

‘Chin-we, Chin-we, you no know me. Go ask them who Ayotunde be for Ajegunle. If you try touch Grace again, I go show you who I be for this campus.’ Ayotunde said as she stood nose to nose with Chinwe.

Chinwe stepped back and hissed. ‘So na common Ajegunle girl you be? Shior!’

‘Yes, na Ajegunle girl I be and I no shame to talk am. You just try me for this campus and I go show you say I no be butter.’

Chinwe started walking away. When she got to where Grace stood shivering, she looked at her from top to bottom and spat on the ground.

Ayotunde walked furiously towards her and Chinwe broke into a run. ‘This girl don craze.’ She said as she ran.

‘Let’s go inside.’ Ayotunde said as she held her friend by her hand and led her into the room.

*

‘Thank you.’ Grace said; tears gathering at the corner of her eyes.

‘Hey, what are we friends for? No one messes with my bestie and goes free.’

Grace wiped the tears which were now spilling on to her cheeks. ‘Did you truly live in Ajegunle?’

‘Yes, I did.’

‘Is that where your parents are? Ayorinde doesn’t like talking about them.’

Ayotunde shrugged. ‘Because there is nothing to talk about.’

‘Don’t you miss them?’

‘I miss my dad. I talk to him once in a while.’

‘And your mum?’

‘What are we having for dinner? Let me get something for us to eat.’ She said ignoring the question. She was about to step out of the room when she looked at Grace. ‘Don’t mention what happened this evening to Ayorinde, please.’

Grace nodded. ‘Okay.’

Ayotunde smiled. ‘C’mon cheer up.’

*******

Alex spoke with Grace and Ayotunde every other day on the phone asking about their studies. He told them his project was proving difficult but that he knew he would definitely overcome. Ayorinde also made sure he called Grace every night. They talked for hours on the phone until Grace dozed off with the phone to her ear. Most times, Ayotunde removed the phone from Grace’s hand while she was asleep and kept it by her bedside.

A week later; Alex, Grace and Ayotunde visited the Lekki Conservation Centre. Grace almost had a seizure on the long canopy walk. When they got off the canopy, Ayotunde laughed out loud. She told Grace that she needed to have more guts.

They decided to take a rest and Ayotunde asked to be excused. She needed to use the restroom. When she was gone, Alex smiled as he looked at Grace.

‘You were really scared up there, right?’

‘Yeah!’ She said raising her eyebrows. ‘Ayotunde is a crazy girl. I don’t understand how she isn’t scared of anything.’

Alex laughed. ‘She is truly one tough cookie. You know I like you girls a lot. You have made my stay here worthwhile.’

Grace blushed. ‘Thanks.’

‘And I really like you.’ Alex said as he moved closer to her.

‘Erm….don’t you think you are seating too close?’ Grace scooted away from him.

‘I’m serious Grace. I think I am falling in love with you.’

Grace coughed. ‘I’m sorry? You said what?’

‘C’mon Grace, you heard me the first time.’

‘Oh goodness, this is not happening.’ She said as she put her hand on her forehead.

‘Why?’ Alex asked as he removed her hand from her head.

‘Alex, I have a boyfriend.’

‘So? Is he serious with you?’

Grace frowned. ‘Yes, he is serious. And just so you know, he is Ayotunde’s elder brother.’

‘Oh wow!’

‘Yes, wow! So I am going to pretend this conversation never happened. Okay?’

‘But…..’ Alex was saying when he was interrupted.

‘Guys, so where were we?’ Ayotunde said walking up to them happily.

‘We were ready to go home.’ Grace said as she stood up.

‘So early?’

Grace looked at Alex. ‘I thought you said you were ready to take us back to school.’

Alex sighed. ‘Yes.’ He said as he stood up.

******

When they got to the hostel, the girls waved at Alex and Jide drove off. The expression on Grace’s face was blank while Ayotunde was all smiles.

‘Grace, what happened while I was away? You changed towards Alex all of a sudden.’ Ayotunde asked as they walked into the room.

Grace looked at Ayotunde without giving a response. She lay on her bed and turned her back to her. ‘I told you hanging out with him was a bad idea.’

‘I don’t understand.’

Grace faced her friend. ‘The guy was talking about falling in love when you went to the rest room.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Yes. I just knew hanging out with him wasn’t a good idea. But my friend was excited and made us do it.’

‘C’mon don’t be dramatic. We both had fun hanging out.’

Grace sat up. ‘Yes, we did but I love your brother. Don’t you get that?’

Ayotunde smiled as she stood up and hugged her friend. ‘I love you too.’

******

 Aderemi called her sister later that evening.

‘Hey sis.’

‘Are you alone?’ Aderemi asked.

‘Yes, why?’

‘Where are your roommates?’

‘Ayotunde went for an evening tutorial. The others went for a party outside campus.’

‘Okay. I just wanted to be sure you are alone.’ Aderemi reiterated.

“What’s going on sis? Is Daddy okay?’

‘He is fine. I called because of your boyfriend.’

‘What about him?’

Aderemi took a deep breath. ‘He was the one that attacked me years ago at Kingsway with a gun.’

‘What? I don’t understand what you are saying.’

‘You were still little and there was no need to bore you with the details the next morning. I’m sure you remember Folake, my friend.’

‘I think so.’ Grace hesitated.

‘I went to her send forth party. I was robbed that night by your boyfriend. He was with someone else who was much younger and sincerely, I don’t know if it was your friend. They took my bag, phones, everything at Kingsway bus-stop at the traffic light. I had nightmares after that incident. Thankfully, it stopped after a while. Since I came back from the U.S, I have been having those same nightmares again. And it started after I met your boyfriend. Daddy was a little worried and wanted me to see a therapist but I refused. Last night, I had the same nightmare again and this time, I saw your boyfriend clearly. I mentioned to you that his face was familiar but you did not believe me. I knew I had seen those eyes before. It was so clear to me this time. I’m sorry Grace. You have to stop seeing him. He is not the person he claims he is.’

Aderemi thought the call had dropped as Grace was quiet.

‘Grace, Grace…..’

‘Yes sis. I don’t know what to say. I find this hard to believe.’

‘I know you do but you have to believe me and stop seeing him.

‘I can’t sis. I love him. I’m sorry.’

‘Grace, have I ever done anything to hurt you?’

‘No.’ Grace sighed.

‘Then believe me. He is no good for you. Stay away from him.’

‘I…..I can’t.’

‘Then, I would have no choice but to tell Daddy.’

“Sis, you promised!’ Grace cried.

‘I’m sorry too Grace. The situation is different and I want the best for you. I love you too much to allow you fall into a ditch while I watch.’

‘Sis, don’t do this.’

‘Good night darling.’ Aderemi said as she cut the call.

The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives – Chapter 21

‘Hey.’

‘Hello?’

This is Alex.

‘Hi Alex.’ Grace said as she looked at her phone screen and adjusted her ear buds. She was lying in bed reading a novel when the call from Alex came in.

‘I was thinking maybe we could hangout sometime soon. You know maybe show me some fun places in Lagos.’

‘I thought Chinwe was doing that already.’

‘Hmm…well, I ain’t so comfortable with your friend.’

Grace took a deep breath. ‘My course mate.’

‘Yeah, your course mate. So the three of you are studying Drama in the University of Lagos?’

‘No, just Chinwe and I. Ayotunde is studying Guidance and Counselling.’

‘Oh wow! That’s cool.’ Alex said.

Grace smiled.

‘So what do you say to us hanging out together? Jide will take us.’

‘I’m sorry, Alex. But it is a No.’

‘Why? It is just a harmless hangout over food and drinks. And it ain’t just you and I; Ayo inclusive.’

‘I will think about it.’ Grace said; willing the call to end.

Alex smiled. ‘Please do. And save my number. I will look forward to your call. My regards to Ayo.’

‘Okay.  She will hear. Bye.’ Grace said as she ended the call.

She dropped the phone on her bed and continued reading.

*

Ayotunde walked into the room tired. She slumped on her bed and looked at Grace. ‘You have been reading that book since I left for lectures.’

Grace shrugged. ‘What do you want me to do nau? Nobody to gist with. You and the others all gone for lectures.’

‘I’m famished. Do we still have that concoction rice that we cooked?’

‘Yeah, I left some for you on the stove. It is there.’ Grace said as she pointed to a corner of the room.

‘Urgghhh! Thanks. You are a life saver.’ Ayotunde growled as she picked up the pot and started eating directly from it.

‘Madam, we get plate oh.’

‘Leave plate. Belle no know the difference.’ Ayotunde ate hungrily.

‘Alex called.’ Grace said as she put down the novel and sat up.

‘Hmmm..mmm.’

‘He said he wanted us to hang out with him.’

‘Why? I thought Chinwe was doing that already.’ Ayotunde said as she finished the food and dropped the pot on the floor. She picked up a sachet of water from a full pack by her bed. She bit into it with her teeth and gulped.

‘Ahn…ahn, na so you hungry reach? See as you dey behave.’ Grace rolled her eyes.

Ayotunde ignored her and finished the water she was drinking. She squeezed the sachet and dropped it into the pot. ‘Haaa!’ She exclaimed. ‘A hungry man is truly an angry man.’

Grace shook her head.

‘Ehen! What were you saying about Alex?’

Grace hissed.

‘Tell me nau. Don’t be angry.’

‘He was asking that we hang out with him. I also asked him the same question about Chinwe. He said he wasn’t comfortable with her; that his taxi driver will take us to wherever.’

‘Hmm….well, he looks like a cool guy though.’ Ayotunde replied.

Grace rolled her eyes.

‘What?’ Ayotunde gesticulated. Is there anything wrong with us hanging out with him? Well, as long as it is somewhere in public sha and in broad daylight.

‘I don’t like the idea. I told him no.’

‘Babe, loosen up jor. You too dey cack up. You know you never see life reach me o. Let’s hangout with him. We could go see a movie with popcorn and drinks. Something different from this regimented life on campus.’

‘What about your brother?’

Ayotunde raised her shoulders. ‘What about him? I don’t understand.’

‘I’m dating your brother, Aunty. Why should I be hanging out with another guy?’

“Uh…uh…’ Ayotunde exclaimed excitedly. ‘You didn’t tell me that. So Ayorinde is now doing things behind my back. Hmmm….hmmm?’ She put her hand on her chin and bobbed her head.

‘C’mon babe. I just agreed to date him a few weeks ago.’

‘Ehn, a few weeks ago but without him telling me anything.’

‘You are impossible’ Grace laughed.

‘I know. I’m happy he is happy.’ Ayotunde lifted her fingers in the air, snapped them and dramatized with her body and hands.

‘You missed your calling, you know. You would have done better in Theatre Arts.’

Both of them burst out into laughter.

‘Okay, seriously. Call Alex and tell him strictly daytime activities. We can go watch a movie. Let me check my time-table. Hmm….do I have anything tomorrow? I know you are free till next week.’ Ayotunde said taking charge.

Grace shook her head as she lay down on her bed to continue reading her novel.

*******

Aderemi walked into the kitchen yawning. Her father was already having his breakfast of toast and tea. He looked up from the newspaper he was reading.

‘Good morning Daddy.’ She bent down to kiss him on the cheek.

‘Good morning my Princess. Hope you had a restful night.’

Aderemi sighed.

‘Still having nightmares?’ Adeleke asked as he dropped his mug on the table.

‘I don’t understand anymore Daddy. Some nights are okay but some nights, I wake up sweaty and all.’

‘Should we see a therapist?’

‘Dad, I’m not crazy.’ Aderemi said giving her father a side look.

He shrugged. ‘I didn’t say you were. I am just worried and think we should understand what could have triggered this series of nightmares.’

‘I will be fine.’

‘It has been how many weeks now?’

‘I know.’ Aderemi sighed. ‘Since I came home almost 2 months ago.’

‘I think it has lasted for too long.’

‘Dad, I will be fine. Trust me.’

Adeleke took a deep breath. ‘Okay.’

‘Away from all this, when are you leaving for the workshop?’

Adeleke looked at his wrist watch. ‘About ten minutes.’

‘Can you make that thirty?’

‘Okay?’

‘I have been working on a project for some time.’ She yawned. ‘I don’t think I have been getting enough sleep. That – could even be why I am having nightmares.’

Adeleke looked on.

‘Anyway, back to what I was saying. I’m thinking of using the empty space inside your workshop. When you are done with your client’s cars, you always have to get one of your boys to get the car washed two streets away.’

Adeleke nodded.

‘So, I want to turn that empty space into a car wash, so that you don’t have to take the cars out of the premises any longer.’

Adeleke opened his mouth to speak but Aderemi raised her finger.

‘I know what you are thinking; the space is small.’

Adeleke smiled.

‘I thought about that and that’s why…..’ Aderemi yawned again. ‘I was at the workshop three weeks ago to take measurements.’

‘You were?’ Adeleke asked; shock clearly written on his face.

‘Yes.’ Aderemi laughed. ‘You were in the office upstairs and I told the guys not to bother you. I took measurements and came up with the perfect solution. Some of the areas around the workshop are not properly maximized. We would have to breakdown some places, partition some areas and viola we have a larger space to take a car and all the gadgets for a car wash.’

‘Architecture plus business. I definitely did not waste my money.’ Adeleke clapped. I’m glad you came back home.’ He said pulling his daughter into a hug.

She moved close to her father as she hugged him back. ‘I wasn’t going to leave you all alone with that little brat.’ She laughed.

‘Talking about her; have you heard from her?’

‘Yes, we spoke about two days ago.’

‘How is she? I spoke with her last week. She said they were practicing for a show.’

‘She is good. You spoilt that girl.’

Adeleke laughed. ‘You are my Princess. She is my Angel and both of you mean the world to me.’

Aderemi shrugged. ‘Give me thirty minutes. Let me take a quick bath. I will show you what I have been doing the last one month.’ She said as she ran down the hall.

‘Okay Princess. Should I make a toast for you?’ He called out.

‘Yes Daddy. Thank you. No onions please.’ She shouted from her bedroom.

Adeleke laughed. ‘Yes, your Highness.’

The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives – Chapter 20

Alex picked up his luggage from the airport baggage carousel. He looked around and smiled; it was good to be home. He rolled his luggage beside him and walked out of the airport. He hailed an airport taxi and reeled out the address of the Airport hotel.

‘No worry, Oga. I know where you dey go.’ The cab driver said as he stepped out of the car. He opened his boot quickly and dumped Alex’s luggage into it. ‘Go sit inside moto, Oga.’

Alex eased into the car deciding to ride shotgun. He was fascinated by the high rise buildings and he nodded and smiled.

‘Oga, na your first time be dis?’

‘Yes, it is.’ Alex smiled as he looked at the driver.

‘Ah, Oga. This our country na fine country. Just that our leaders no good.’

‘Hmm…’ Alex nodded.

‘We don reach the hotel.’ The driver pointed as he collected a parking tag from the security at the gate. The gate bars were lifted and he drove to the front porch of the hotel. ‘Make I give you my number. Just call me anytime you wan go out. I go come carry you.’

‘Okay?’

The driver reeled out his number and Alex punched it into his phone. He had bought a sim at the airport and he decided to test it. He dialed the number given to him and the driver showed it to him. ‘I don see your number, Oga. Quick quick, you don collect naija number.’ He said excitedly.

‘Yes, I got it at the airport. How much is my bill?’

‘Na just 5k sir.’

‘Wow, isn’t that a lot of money for a short journey?’

‘Ha Oga!’ The driver laughed. ‘Na airport taxi oh. Instead make you just dey waka waka inside airport, na premium service I give you wey I come carry you for front of arrival terminal with car wey get AC. You know you no suppose feel our naija heat.’

‘Hmm…’ Alex grunted as he pulled out his wallet, took out some five hundred and one thousand naira notes and scrutinized them.

‘Na that one wey dey your right hand be one thousand naira. The one wey dey your left na five hundred naira.’

Alex looked at the driver and smiled his thanks. He pulled out four more pieces of the one thousand naira notes from his wallet. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Jide.’

‘Okay Je-day. Thank you.’ Alex said as he handed over the cash to him.

A porter was already waiting to receive Alex’s luggage. Jide pocketed the cash and eased out of the car quickly to open the booth. He took out the boxes and handed them over to the porter.

‘Thank you Oga. No forget to call me oh.’ Jide called out as Alex eased out of the car and walked into the hotel.

******

‘Where you wan go, Oga?’ Jide asked Alex as he sat in the taxi the next morning.

‘I just want to go sight-seeing. I don’t have any place in mind.’ Alex replied.

‘Hmm….make I carry you go beach. We get fine beach for Lagos and maybe you go even try our food sef. You fit chop pepper?’

‘A little.’

‘Correct!’ Jide laughed as he drove out of the hotel premises. ‘I go carry you go chop. You go chop pepper soup, correct buka iyan with efo elemi meje, nkwobi, suya……

‘Am I eating all this today?’ Alex asked cutting him short.

‘Ha, if your stomok fit carry all, why not?’

‘We’ll see when we get there.’ Alex said as he took out his camera and started capturing shots of the city.

*

The traffic on Ikorodu road was a long stretch and Jide decided to take a shorter route. ‘I wan pass inside Yaba. Dem don talk am for radio this morning dat traffic dey third mainland bridge. I no even understand wetin dey cause traffic for this Lagos. You go reach front, you no go see anything.’

‘Is that right?’

‘Yes oh. Nothing go dey front, meanwhile traffic go dey. Lagos traffic no dey get sense.’

Alex laughed. ‘Is that a University?’ He asked pointing when he saw students walking in and out of a campus.

‘Yes, na Unilag be dat?’

‘Wow! Can I have a look?’

‘You wan make we go inside?’

‘Yeah, I just want to have a look and see how a University in Nigeria looks like.’ Alex shrugged.

‘Okay.’ Jide replied as he did a detour and faced the University of Lagos.

As they drove in, Alex picked up his camera and began to take pictures. He asked Jide to drive slowly so he could capture the beauty of the environment.

‘Wow, look at that.’ Alex said as he pointed to the area overlooking the lagoon. ‘I want to go there.’

‘We no go reach beach today oh, Oga.’

‘Don’t worry, we will. Park here.’ Alex instructed. He eased out of the car, walked towards the seating area and starting taking shots.

He was about walking back to the car when he saw some students performing a drama at a corner. He noticed they were oblivious of his presence so he decided to watch them and capture a few shots.

‘Okay guys.’ Let’s call it a day and meet tomorrow same time. The guy dressed in a black tee-shirt on a pair of washed jeans who seemed like their leader spoke. He shook the hands of the guys and gave the ladies a high-five. The three guys who had been acting plus their leader dispersed in groups of twos in different directions, leaving three girls behind.

The girls chatted excitedly and Alex smiled. He was about to walk away when one of the girls looked in his direction. He was immediately struck by her beauty. He looked at his wrist watch. The time read 3:30pm. He shrugged as he decided to walk towards them. If he couldn’t make it to the beach today, he would go tomorrow.

‘Hi.’ Alex said as he got to where the girls were seated.

‘Hello.’ The girl who had looked in his direction responded.

‘I was watching you all and I must say I loved the acting. It was beautiful.’

‘Thank you.’ Another girl responded.

‘My name is Alex.’ He said as he stretched out his hand. ‘I am visiting Nigeria for the first time.’

The girls looked at each other. ‘My name is Ayotunde. Welcome to Nigeria, Alex.’

‘Thank you. Ayot…’ Alex hesitated.

Ayotunde laughed. ‘Ayo is fine.’

Alex smiled and looked at the others.

‘I’m Samantha.’ The second girl stretched her hand as she smiled at Alex. Her friends looked at her with shock on their faces.

Alex took her hand. ‘Hi Samantha. You act good.’

‘Thank you.’ She replied as she held on to his hand.

Alex looked at the third girl and tried to pull his hand from Samantha’s grip. Ayotunde noticed and jabbed her with her elbow. Samantha faked a laugh as she dropped Alex’s hand.

Alex stretched out his hand.

‘I’m Grace.’

‘Grace. That is a beautiful name.’

‘Thank you.’ Grace replied.

‘I hope you are having fun in Nigeria. Where have you been to? Which country are you from? You look Nigerian.’ Samantha bombarded Alex with questions.

Alex laughed as he looked at her. ‘Hey, one question at a time.’

‘Okay. We are all ears.’ Samantha gesticulated.

‘I just got in yesterday and was actually on my way to the beach.’

‘Nice. Do you have company?’ Samantha asked.

Ayotunde and Grace shared a glance.

‘No, I don’t have company. The taxi driver decided to take me there.’

‘Can we join you?’

‘Chinwe!!!’ Ayotunde and Grace shouted at the same time.

‘Chinwe? Is that also your name?’ Alex asked as he looked at Samantha.

‘Yeah, kind of but I don’t really use that name. It’s just on my birth certificate. Everyone calls me Samantha. Sam for short, if you like.’ She laughed as she touched Alex gingerly on the arm.

Ayotunde rolled her eyes while Grace hissed.

‘I don’t mind the company though. Someone else apart from Je-day to show me around.’

‘Who is Je-day?’ Grace asked.

‘Oh, the taxi driver who picked me at the airport yesterday. He is waiting around the corner. I told him I just wanted to capture some shots.’

Grace smiled. ‘I’m sure his name is Jide, not Je-day.’

‘Ji-de.’ Alex tried to pronounce the name just like Grace.

‘Yeah, better.’ She laughed.

‘So are we coming with you?’ Chinwe asked.

Ayotunde stood up. ‘It was nice meeting you Alex. I’m sure you would have fun in Nigeria.’

Grace stood up and picked up her bag. ‘Welcome to Nigeria, Alex.’

‘Ahn…ahn…are you girls going?’ Chinwe asked.

‘Erm…..Ayotunde and I have something to do in our room.’ Grace replied.

‘Yeah. Besides, I only came to watch your show. I have work to do and lectures later today.’ Ayotunde replied. ‘Goodbye Alex.’ She said as she waved at him.

‘Can I at least have your number? I understand if you girls are busy.’ Alex asked trying to fall in line with the duo who were already walking away.

Grace looked at Ayotunde. Alex stretched out his phone and Ayotunde collected it, punched in her number and handed the phone back to Alex.

He dialed the number, tapped the red button and stretched the phone to Grace. ‘Yours too, please?’

Grace did same as Ayotunde and handed the phone back to Alex.

‘Thank you ladies. I appreciate.’

Chinwe was already by his side. ‘I’m ready. She said as she flicked her weaves.’

‘That’s fine. The taxi is somewhere around.’ Alex said as she looked at the two girls walking away.

*****

‘When did she become Samantha?’ Grace asked Ayotunde as they walked towards the cafeteria.

Ayotunde stopped walking and looked at her friend. ‘Ask her nau, sebi she is your friend?’

Grace stopped walking. ‘She is not my friend. She is my course mate. Understood?’

The two girls looked at each other with serious faces and suddenly burst out into laughter.

‘Just see the way she was shaking like someone wey neva see man before.’ Ayotunde shook her body like someone who had a fever.

‘As in, Samantha nko, Samanja ni.’ Grace laughed. ‘I almost didn’t believe it was the same Chin-we, Chin-we.’ She said stressing the name.

……….

The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives – Chapter 19

After much persuasion, Mr. Johnson agreed that his daughter, Grace apply to the University of Lagos to study Theatre Arts. Classes began in earnest. Grace and Ayotunde made efforts to get the same room and stuck to each other when they were not having lectures. Even though Mr. Johnson’s intention for Grace was not to live on campus, she convinced him by telling him that her best friend was living on campus. Grace also informed her father that she felt she would be more focused while in the campus environment. Mr. Johnson agreed reluctantly.

*

In about four months, Aderemi was ready to return to Nigeria. A flurry of activities began to welcome her back home. Grace sought the help of her best friend to organize a mini welcome party. Knowing that her sister wasn’t going to be so excited about the party, she decided to make it one for only family and a few friends.

Grace and Ayotunde went to the airport with Mr. Solomon to pick up Aderemi. Grace mentioned to their dad that Aderemi not seeing her at the airport would raise suspicions. Aderemi was glad to see her sister and her friend. Both girls chatted with Aderemi asking her questions after questions until they arrived home.

Grace led the way as they got home. As she got to the front of the main door, she opened the door and asked her sister to go in.

‘Welcome home’ rent the air as Aderemi walked into the house. Aderemi was both surprised and happy. The living room had been decorated with balloons which had the welcome home inscription. The balloons were in her favourite colours of blue and black. Two of Aderemi’s friends were in attendance and they were excited to see her as they hugged her tight.

Aderemi saw her father smiling at a corner of the room and she squeezed herself out of her friends’ grip as she made a beeline for him. He hugged her as he kissed her on her forehead.

‘I’m glad you are home, my Princess.’ He said, his smile reaching his eyes.

‘I’m glad to be back too, Dad. I feel like I was away for too long.’ She laughed as she hugged her dad again. ‘This was Grace’s idea, I’m sure.’ She said spreading out her hands round the living room.

‘Your sister is as strong-headed as you are.’

‘Daddy, I hear my name over there.’ Grace said as she walked towards her father

‘We are just admiring your party.’ Aderemi shrugged.

‘Thank you, thank you.’ Grace curtsied. ‘Come and meet my friends.’ She continued as she dragged her sister to introduce her to two of her course mates from school.

After the introductions, she whispered to her sister. ‘One more person you need to meet.’ She danced excitedly.

‘Hmmm….the one?’ Aderemi snickered.

‘Sis c’mon, you would love him.’ Grace tapped her sister on the arm playfully as she led her away from her friends.

As they approached where Ayorinde was sitting, he stood up. ‘Welcome home, Aderemi.’ He said as he stretched out his hand.

Aderemi took his hand and her eye twitched.

‘Thank you.’

‘Sis, this is Ayorinde, my boyfriend.’ She held him by the hand and whispered the word ‘boyfriend’ to her sister.

Aderemi nodded. ‘Hi Ayorinde. Have we met before?’

Grace laughed. ‘Sis, I’m always talking about him, so you know; you kinda met already in the spirit.’ She gesticulated with her hands.

‘Oh o-okay!’

‘Ayorinde, my sis and I need a lot of catching up to do.’ Grace said as she dragged her sister again; away from Ayorinde.

About 2 hours later, Aderemi thanked everyone for attending her welcome party which she warned her sister against. Everyone laughed and in another thirty minutes, it was just Aderemi, Grace and their father as it had always been.

******

The girls retreated into Aderemi’s room for the night. ‘Your boyfriend really does look familiar.’

‘Really? You’ve been away for a while. Where would you have met him?’

Aderemi shrugged. ‘I don’t know but I know I have seen that face before.’

‘I’m sure you haven’t sis. Your mind is playing games on you.’ Grace laughed. ‘He never had the opportunity to attend a Uni, the reason why I am sure you couldn’t have met him.’

‘He didn’t? So what does he do?’

‘He’s a hairdresser. He has a big salon for both men and women at Gbagada.’

‘And you think your father will allow you date someone who didn’t attend a Uni?’ Aderemi asked, eyebrows raised.

Grace moved closer to her sister. ‘That is why I need you on my side, sis. I know dad is suspicious ‘cos he kept looking at Ayorinde all through the party. I think he relaxed a little when I mentioned that he is Ayotunde’s elder brother. But you know your father, the questions will come soon and I want to be prepared when they come.’

‘I don’t know about this Grace. It is going to be difficult to convince him that you want to date a hairdresser coupled with the fact that – I think you are still too young to be getting yourself involved or worried about men.’ Aderemi put her right hand on her sister’s cheek. ‘You are in 100 level darling, you have a long way ahead of you. Bury your head into your books now.’

Grace sighed. ‘Sis, I need you. You can’t do this to me.’

‘Grace, you are just eighteen, for crying out loud. You still have the world ahead of you to conquer. Leave boys alone for now.’

‘Nineteen in a few months and in love.’

Aderemi burst out into laughter. ‘Okay baby sister in love, I need to go to bed. I am tired. I have had a long day.’ She said as she turned her back to Grace.

Grace knelt on the bed as she clasped her hands in a prayer mode. ‘Just say yes sis.’

Aderemi turned to face her. ‘Yes to what? Continuing a relationship? Capital N-O.’

‘Please, please, please sis. Please!!!’

‘Oh goodness gracious!’

‘Sis, you know I love you. Sis, please, please.’

Aderemi threw her hands up in the air. ‘Okay, okay. Just leave my room.’

‘Is that a yes?’ Grace got up from the bed smiling.

‘Whatever! Shut the door after you.’

‘I love you sis.’

‘Love you too.’ Aderemi grumbled.

******

Aderemi woke up with a start. She had beads of sweat on her forehead. She sat up and turned on her bedside lamp to the lowest setting. She couldn’t understand what was going on. The last time she had nightmares was years ago. She looked at the clock beside the lamp. It read 2:00a.m. A sharp pain hit at the right side of her head and she swung her legs off the bed gently. She knew the first aid box in her bathroom would be empty since she had been away for a while. She got up and padded down the hallway with slow steps.

She got to the kitchen and flicked on the light. A wave of pain hit her again and she grimaced as she held her head. She walked quickly to the kitchen cabinet where they kept over-the-counter drugs. She pulled out a pack of Tylenol and took out 2 tablets. She was trying to get a glass cup from the kitchen counter when her hand missed it. It rolled down the counter and fell with a loud shatter on the floor.

‘Oh shoot.’ She cursed.

She bent down to pick up the shards on the floor. As she got up, she saw her father running into the kitchen.

‘Just leave it. I will clean it up.’ He said as he got the broom and dustpan behind the door.

‘I’m sorry I woke you up.’

“It’s fine darling. What’s wrong?’ Her father asked as he bent down, swept the shards carefully and dumped them in the bin.

Aderemi looked at the tablets in her hands. ‘I have a pounding headache.’

Adeleke signaled to his daughter to sit at the kitchen island. He got another glass cup, filled it with water and gave it to her.

‘Thank you Daddy.’

He pulled out another chair and sat facing her.

‘Jet-lag?’

She downed the tablets and the water. ‘Nightmares.’ She said she placed the tumbler on the table.

‘You still have nightmares?’

‘It stopped.’

‘So when did it start again?’ Adeleke asked looking worried.

‘This night or should I call it morning.’

‘That’s strange. What triggered it?’

Aderemi looked at her dad. Her mind flashed back to the conversation she had with Grace last night.

‘Aderemi…Aderemi!’

‘Yes dad. I’m sorry, did you say something?’

‘Are you okay? You were sitting right here in front of me and totally lost.’

‘I’m sorry Daddy. I guess the stress of the long flight must be making me disoriented.’

‘Okay, you should go back to bed then.’

‘Yes.’ She stood up and kissed her dad on the cheek. ‘Thank you.’

Adeleke watched as his daughter sauntered to her bedroom. He put his hand on his chin deep in thought. The last time he remembered Aderemi having nightmares was after she was robbed about seven years ago. What could have triggered it this time?

He stood up, switched off the kitchen light and went into his room. However, sleep eluded him. Thoughts of Aderemi struggling with nightmares every night as a child when she lost her mother besieged him. His mind also took him back to the night she had gone to her friend’s party, the way she had sobbed uncontrollably on his shoulders and the nightmares thereafter.

He took a deep breath as he lay on his bed. He looked up to the heavens in the dark as he said a prayer. ‘Oh God, please help my daughter again.’

……..

The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives – Chapter 18

About two weeks later, Grace called Ayotunde. “Hey babe.”

“Wassup?”

“Nothing much. Bored to death in this house.”

Ayotunde laughed. “Watch movies, read a book, take a stroll. That’s all I have been doing.”

“Same here. They can fix weaves at your brother’s place, right?”

“Yep.”

“I think I should go there today. Can you help me call your brother?”

“Okay. I will. Who’s taking you?”

“Mr. Solomon will drop me off and come back later to pick me.”

“Okay then. I will call Ayorinde now.”

“Thanks babe.”

***

Ayotunde called her brother immediately. He wasn’t in the salon but he said he was around the corner and was going there right away. Hours later, Ayorinde parked his white Toyota Corolla in the premises where his salon was situated. He picked up his mobile phone from the center console and was about to dial his sister when he saw a car drive in. Mr. Solomon parked the car and Grace stepped out.

Ayorinde put his phone into his pocket and eased out of the car. “Hi.” He said as he walked up to Grace; his smile reaching his eyes.

“Good afternoon.” She replied Ayorinde. She looked at Mr. Solomon. “Please, come back in….” looking at her wrist watch; “Three hours.”

Mr. Solomon nodded and put the car in reverse.

“Ayotunde called me that you were on your way here.”

“Yes.”

“So what would you like to do?” Ayorinde asked as he looked at her hair.

“I want to fix weaves.”

“Do you have yours with you or do you want to buy?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you also sold weaves.”

Ayorinde smiled. “Yes, we do. Let’s go inside”. He said as he signaled for her to walk ahead.

*

Ayorinde personally attended to Grace. In an hour and half, he was done. “Do you like it?” He asked her as he looked at her reflection in the mirror opposite.

Grace smiled. “I love it. I love this look.”

“I’m glad you do.” Ayorinde looked up at the clock above the mirror. “You still have about an hour and half left to wait.”

“Oh goodness.”

“Can we go to the café downstairs for a drink?”

“Okay.”

*

Grace decided to order an ice cream while Ayorinde ordered a bottle of malt. As they sat at a table of two, Ayorinde asked; “So what are your plans for the University?”

“I’m interested in Theatre Arts but my dad hasn’t given a go-ahead. He says the course is a no-go area and that I should think of something else.”

“So have you thought of another course?”

Grace shook her head. “I don’t want to study another course. I want to study Theatre Arts.”

Ayorinde sipped from his glass and looked at her. “So how do you intend to convince your dad?”

“I haven’t thought about it sincerely. It makes me tired having to fight over something like this.”

“What do you mean?”

Grace shrugged but refused to give an answer. Even though, Ayorinde was her best friend’s brother, she wasn’t sure of how much information he knew about her and she wasn’t willing to give him more than he probably already knew from her friend.

Ayorinde noticing the change in Grace’s body language decided to change the topic. He told her he would be glad if she could introduce more of her friends to his salon.

Grace smiled. “I would love to.” She said. She flicked her weaves and it bounced around her shoulders. “How did you get to make women’s hair so perfectly?”

Ayorinde laughed. “I never got the opportunity you have now.”

Grace looked at him confused.

“To go to the University. So I decided to do something else. I always loved to see a head with lovely hair on either a man or a woman. So I told Mama T I wanted to go to a beauty school. She registered me at one and the rest is history.”

“Wow! That’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

“I always wanted to ask Ayotunde. She also called your mum Mama T anytime she talked about her and you just did the same now. Is there a particular reason why?”

“We met her some years ago when we were down and out. She made us what we both are today. We called her Mama T then, I guess it stuck.” He laughed. “We call her mummy at home though.”

Grace finished her ice cream and pushed the cup aside. “I don’t understand. What do you mean by met her some years ago. She isn’t your biological mum?”

“She’s our guardian.”

“And your parents?”

“They are fine.”

“They live in this Lagos?”

“Yes. They do.”

“This is strange.”

“Don’t worry your pretty head over it. It’s complicated.”

*

Grace looked outside and noticed Mr. Solomon was back. “I didn’t realize we had spent over an hour here already.” She said pointing to the car. “I have to go.” She stood up.

“That’s fine.” Ayorinde said also standing up.

“Thanks for the ice cream and the company.”

“The pleasure is mine. I enjoyed the company as well.”

As they walked outside, Ayorinde asked; “Is it okay if I call you sometime?”

“Okay.” Grace replied as she reeled out her number.

Ayorinde punched the numbers on his phone. “See you around.” He said as she eased into the back seat of the car.

***

That evening, Ayotunde called Grace. “Babe, so did you like your hair?

“Like or love? I love it. Your brother personally attended to me.” Grace laughed over the phone.

“Hmm…..that’s nice.”

“Your brother is a cool guy.”

“So I hear from everyone who meets him.”

“You don’t think he is?” Grace asked.

“You’re kidding, right? I love my brother to bits. He is the definition of cool.” She laughed heartily.

“I like him.”

“Hmmm……”

“What? Is he out of bounds?” Grace sneered into the phone.

“Meaning?”

“Does he have a girlfriend?”

Ayotunde guffawed. “My brother is as clear as the sky.”

“Really?”

“What are we friends for? If he was tied up, I would have told you.”

“Okay then.”

“Erm….what does that okay mean?

“Nothing.”

“Grace!!!!” Ayotunde stressed her name.

“Oh girl. You always have a way of getting things out of my mouth.”

“Spill it. I’m all ears.”

“We had some time to chat at the café downstairs while waiting for Mr. Solomon. He took my number as I was about leaving. I just wanted to know where to place the boundary when he decides to call.”

“Well, it looks like you guys are getting along pretty well without me.”

“Oh c’mon, don’t tell me you are jealous.”

“Jealous? No way. As long as my brother is happy, I am happy.”

“Okay girl. I have to go. I need to make dinner for my dad before he gets back from work.”

“Okay. Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

******

Ayorinde called Grace two days later. His calls became frequent and Grace began to look forward to them. They talked for long hours on the phone. Ayorinde made sure he called her every morning and every night before he went to bed.

Grace called her sister, Aderemi every weekend by video call and on one of their calls, she decided to voice out her feelings to her sister.

“Sis, you should meet him. He is such a sweet guy.”

‘Really? How long have you known him?’ Aderemi asked; as she beat an egg in a bowl.

‘About two months now.’

‘And you said he is Ayotunde’s elder brother?’

‘Yes sis.’ Grace said as she adjusted the ear buds in her ear.

‘Okay. What does Daddy think about him?’

‘I haven’t told Daddy yet oh. Ah! Before he will say; is that what you should be thinking about now?’ She smirked, gesticulating with her hands.

‘But he would be right to say so, don’t you think?’ Aderemi turned to look into the camera.

‘C’mon sis. I’m not too young to have a boyfriend.’

‘I never said you were Grace. I am only saying having one could be a distraction. You just got admission into Uni. I think you should focus on your studies and leave men alone.’

‘Sis, have I ever disappointed you with my grades?’

Aderemi ignored her question and poured her beaten egg into a fry pan.

‘Sis! Sis, answer me nau.’ Grace said waiting for her sister’s response.

Aderemi breathed deeply as she switched off the fire under the fry pan.

‘No, you have never disappointed me Grace. I just want you to be careful, that’s all.’

‘I will be sis. That’s why I love you.’ Grace smiled.

‘I love you too baby girl.’

‘When are you done with your course?’

‘In about 3 months.’

‘So we having a homecoming party in three months. Woohoo!’ Grace clapped excitedly.

‘No homecoming party Grace.’

‘But why? Aren’t you happy to be coming back home?’

‘Of course, I am but I don’t want any party.’ Aderemi said matter-of-factly.

‘I doubt you can get out of this sis. You refused to have a graduation party after your first degree. I doubt Daddy will let you get away with this one. I will personally see to that.’ Grace winked at her sister.

‘Ha! Grace, you can really be a pest atimes.’

‘I know sis and that’s why you love me.’ She replied bursting out into laughter.

Aderemi shook her head as she waved at her sister and ended the call.

The story continues…