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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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Until when we talk/read again; please use a face mask 😷 and stay safe 🙏



Yours in writing ✍

Olúbùkólá

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The Wait – Chapter 13

Ajoke eased into Kokumo’s car after his insistence to drop her at home. It was 9p.m and he did not want to risk letting her go home alone at that time of the night. There was still a lot to be discussed between them but this night was not the night. His heart was joyful and troubled at the same time. He had poured out all his feelings of the last ten years into the intimate moment with her. His heart had burst forth with joy and the ten-year burden on his soul had felt lighter with Ajoke in his arms. After their intimacy, they had stayed locked in each other’s embrace for some minutes; none said a word. Their naked bodies and their hearts had spoken. If he had his way, she would not leave his side again and forever. He held her hand as he drove with the other. “I don’t know if we should have done what we did in there.” He said looking at her. “I’m sorry.”

Ajoke shook her head as she sighed. “There is nothing to be sorry about, Kokumo. We both longed for it and I do not regret my actions.”

Kokumo took a deep breath. He also did not regret the moment they had together but he still felt culpable. The love he had for Ajoke was deeply buried in his heart and it only took seeing her again to awaken the love which still breathed. Ajoke is still married; I should have restrained myself. He sighed. “Ajoke, I want you to go back to school.”

“Why?” Ajoke asked as she looked at him.

“It was your dream to be educated even though your parents could not afford it. What is stopping you now?”

“I don’t know.”

“I will get you a GCE form so that you can write the next exams in October. I will also get you the syllabus compilations for all the subjects you will need.”

“But you don’t have to do this. You don’t owe me anything.” Ajoke said.

“I don’t owe you anything, Ajoke. You seem to forget that we shared our dreams years ago. I have achieved mine and I want you to achieve yours as well. You can still become that lawyer you always wanted to be. And as long as I have breath in me, I would do anything within my power to help you fulfill your dreams.”

“Thank you but I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

Kokumo looked at her. “Ajoke, you can’t and will never be a burden to me. You underestimate the love I have for you.”

Ajoke looked away as she sighed.

In a few minutes, Kokumo parked his car in front of Ajoke’s house. He smiled as he looked at her and traced her lips with his fingers. Ajoke closed her eyes expecting Kokumo to kiss her but he did not. He was in front of her house and her kids could be watching. He did not want to give anyone a reason to question her. He took her hand and squeezed it. “I will get the forms and the books tomorrow as discussed. Let me have your phone so I can save my number on it.”

Ajoke opened her handbag and brought out her phone. The phone had been held together by cello tapes in various areas. Kokumo collected the phone from her without saying a word. He typed his number on it and saved it before handing the phone back to her.

“Thank you for everything.” Ajoke said.

“Thank you for making my evening pleasant.” Kokumo responded.

Ajoke opened the door and eased out of the car. She walked to the front of her door and turned back. Kokumo had started the car but was still waiting. Ajoke waved as she opened the door to her house and Kokumo drove away after ensuring her door was closed.

******

Kokumo got home and sat on the sofa in the living room where he and Ajoke had been intimate some hours ago. He closed his eyes as he reminisced on their time together. Ajoke’s responses to his touch had been electrifying and he wondered if she had been touched by any man since her husband left. Knowing who Ajoke was, he reckoned she would have kept herself all these years. What exactly am I doing with her? He had no intentions of getting married to her while she was still married to another. What if her husband decides to come home? What if he had issues in the U.K that warranted the seven-year silence from him? Hmm….Ajoke!!! Kokumo could not deny the fact that he loved her and wished to make her happy; married to another man or not. He would go to the ends of the earth to make her dreams come true; even though those dreams were not inclusive of him anymore. He looked at the table clock on the credenza. It read 10.30pm. He needed to sleep to be refreshed for work tomorrow. He stretched out on the sofa and closed his eyes. Soon, he was fast asleep with all his thoughts on Ajoke.

The next day during his lunch break, Kokumo purchased the GCE forms, the textbooks and a mobile phone. He also went to a boutique and shopped for a few clothes and shoes. He went back to his office, happy with his purchases. When he closed at 6.00pm, he stopped at an eatery to buy food and drove towards Ajoke’s house. He parked some metres away from her house and placed a call to her.

Ajoke was in her shop when Kokumo’s call came through. She stepped out of her shop to receive the call as she did not want either her girls or her customers eavesdropping on her conversation.

“Hello.” Ajoke said.

“Hi Ajoke. How are you doing?”

“I’m well.”

“I am very close to your house. Are you at home or at your salon?”

“I’m at the salon.” Ajoke said. “What are you doing around here?”

Kokumo smiled. “I came to pick you up.”

“To where?”

“I don’t know. We can go anywhere around or just sit in my car and talk. Can we do that?” Kokumo asked hoping her response would be positive.

Ajoke sighed. “Okay. Where exactly are you?”

Kokumo gave his location and Ajoke went inside her shop instructing her girls on what to do for the rest of the day. She had gone home earlier to prepare lunch for her kids and she thought about calling Kokumo to inform him that she had to go and prepare dinner. She would let him know he may have to wait a while; she thought as she walked towards his location.

Kokumo watched Ajoke as she approached his car. She was wearing an Ankara blouse and wrapper. His heart fluttered at the sight of her. She is beautiful. Ajoke got to the car and Kokumo eased out and gave her a half-hug. “How is your day going?” He asked.

“Good.” Ajoke said. “I may have to take some of your time. I need to go prepare dinner for my children first.” She continued.

“Don’t worry about that.” Kokumo said as he stretched his hand towards the back seat of his car and picked out the plastic bags containing food. He handed it to her. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to leave without dinner prepared so I decided to bring dinner.”

Ajoke looked at Kokumo with surprise.

“Hey, I’m sure the children will be getting hungry. It is almost 7.00pm.” He said; stretching the bags towards her when he noticed she just stood looking at him.

Ajoke nodded, collected the bags and walked home.

Kokumo rested his back on the car as he watched her walking away. “Hmm Ajoke.” He said as he shook his head. He hadn’t called Adunni since he met Ajoke yesterday and he wasn’t sure if what he was doing made any sense. Ajoke was all that mattered to him now.

*

Ajoke was out of her house in ten minutes. She had changed into a long flowing dress and she looked even more beautiful. Kokumo did a quick mental check of where they could hang out without any disturbance. The village did not have any eateries around. He concluded he may have to drive back to town.

They hit the road and Kokumo asked after Ajoke’s children. She seemed happier talking about her children and he reveled in her joy as she gesticulated and made funny faces. They drove to an eatery on the outskirts of the village and he walked in holding her hand. He asked her if she wanted to eat but she took a rain check. He told her he had gotten the forms and the textbooks and that they were in the car. Ajoke smiled her thanks and he discussed her next plan which should be passing the exams, sitting for the next Jamb examinations and getting into school to study Law. He asked how she intended to take care of her kids once she was in school and she replied that she would employ a maid to assist her. He told her he was available and willing during the weekends to help her if she had any issues with any of the subjects.

Ajoke was grateful for everything and she told him so. Kokumo also handed over the plastic bag containing the mobile phone, clothes and shoes to her. Ajoke was shocked beyond words. She looked at Kokumo as they sat in the car after leaving the eatery. “What do you stand to gain in all this?” She asked.

“Nothing Ajoke. Absolutely nothing.”

Ajoke exhaled. “I really don’t know how to say thank you.”

Kokumo smiled. “You don’t have to. Can I take you home now?” He asked. “The children would be waiting.”

“Yes please.” Ajoke said.

They drove back to the village in silence. Kokumo parked at the same spot he had parked earlier on in the day. He switched off the ignition and looked at Ajoke. “If you can, please fill the forms this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest.” He said.

“I will.”

“Take care of you.”

Ajoke suddenly felt unhappy that she was leaving. She wished she could stay back. His presence in her life was like a soothing balm calming her soul. She removed her seat belt and stretched across her seat. She kissed Kokumo slowly and he returned her kiss. When she eased away, she smiled, bid him good night and stepped out of his car. Kokumo watched her till she had closed the door of her house before starting the engine and driving away.

——-

The story continues…

Photo Credit: http://www.wikihow.com

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The Wait – Chapter 4

Ajoke picked up the water pot she had hid in the bushes behind her house. She brought out a filled keg of water from the bushes and filled her water pot. She searched the bushes, retrieved a small wrapper, rolled it into a ball and balanced it on her head. She bent down to lift up the water pot and placed it gingerly on the wrapper on her head.

As she walked the short distance to her house, she smiled as she thought about the kiss she had shared with Kokumo. She had never been kissed before and it made her ecstatic and wanting at the same time. Kokumo had turned back at the junction that led to her house. She had hoped he would kiss her again before leaving but she knew he did not because he had to be careful. Anyone could be watching them and later report her to her father or her elder brothers. She prayed in her heart and hoped he would not get into trouble with his mother when he got home.

Ajoke placed the pot of water in the small kitchen and walked to the front of the house to look for her mother. She met her bent over a basin of garri which had just been fried.

“Ëkú’ròlé màámi.”
“Good evening, my mother.”

“Ibo lo lö lát’àárò?”
“Where have you been all day?”

“Mo lo pön omi ló’dò.”
“I went to fetch water from the stream.” She lied.

“Lo wá pé tótó yën?”
“And it took you so long?”

“Ë má bínú. Mo rí àwön òré mi, a wá n sòrò nípa ilé ìwé. A ò mò pé àkókò ti lo.”
“Don’t be angry. I saw my friends and we started discussing about school. We did not realize time had been spent.”

“Kò burú. Sáré lô gbé óúnjë sóri iná fún bàbá ë àti àwön ègbón ë.”
“Okay. Go and prepare food for your father and your brothers and be fast about it.”

Ajoke placed her hand on her chest, wiling her heart to be still as she turned to go into the kitchen. She knew she could not afford to do this again but she was glad her journey today had been successful except for her encounter with Kokumo’s mother. She sighed as she thought about her. She hoped the woman would be more receptive to her the next time they met.

***

Kokumo walked into his compound and saw his mother seated outside on a low stool in the veranda. As she saw him walking in, she stood up and entered into the house. Kokumo sighed deeply as he took quick steps into the house. His mother was in the kitchen when he walked in.

“Màámi.”
“My mother”. He called.

She turned to look at her son.

“Kí lo fé?”
“What do you want?”

“Ëni tí mo fé fé nìyën.”
“That is the person I intend to marry.”

Iya Kokumo looked on without a response.

Kokumo closed the space between them and held his mother’s hands.

“Màámi, nítorí ömö yën ni mo sé n tiraka ki n lè lö sí ilé ìwé gíga. Ti bá ti se tán, mo ma fë.”
“Mother, I am doing my best to go to the University because of her. Once I am through, I will marry her.”

“Sé baba ömö náà mò é?”
“Does the girl’s father know you?” Iya Kokumo asked.

“Rárá mà.”
“No ma.”

“Kí ló wá fi é lókàn balè pé to bá se tán ní ilé ìwé gíga, o yì ma ba l’ómidan?”
“What gives you the assurance that when you graduate from the University, she would still be single?”

Àdéhùn t’émi àti è jö ní ni.”
“That is the agreement between us.”

Iya Kokumo took a deep breath as she removed her hands from her son’s grip.

“Ölórun á bá ë sé o.”
“God will do it for you, I hope.” She said as she walked into her room.

Kokumo continued to till his father’s farm day and night with a mission – he hoped he would not have to defer his admission beyond one year and he worked towards achieving his objective. God smiled on him and the harvest season was bountiful. His mother had more than enough to sell and had to employ a sales girl to man another table of fruits for sale in front of their house. Iya Kokumo was overjoyed and she sang praises to God each day for not putting her to shame. She also praised Kokumo’s hardwork and told him often that he had made her a proud and happy mother.

***

Another school year was approaching and Kokumo was elated. He went back to the University of Lagos and he was re-offered his admission to read Accountancy. Since his house was a distance to the school, he knew going home every day would be a herculean task. He employed someone to manage his farm during the week while he went home every weekend to see to the day to day activities on the farm. He quickly made friends in school and asked one of his course mates who had a bed space if he could squat with him. His request was accepted and he put his few belongings in a corner of his friend’s room.

Once he was settled in school, he wrote a letter to Ajoke informing her of his admission. He told her it was only a matter of time. In four years, they would be joined together as husband and wife. Ajoke received the letter a month later. She read the letter over and over, smiling each time she read it. She put it under her pillow and kissed it every night. She imagined that as she kissed it, she was kissing Kokumo wherever he was. Since she shared a room with her brothers, she was careful not to allow her brothers see her anytime she read the letter.

Just before the second semester exams, Kokumo wrote to Ajoke that he wanted to visit her. He told her he was aware her father may not allow her receive male visitors, so he proposed a date, a place and a time where they could meet. The venue was in-between the two towns, on the way to their secondary school. He figured that picking that venue would give Ajoke a sense of security and douse any fear of anyone seeing her and reporting to her father.

Ajoke wrote back responding in the affirmative. With that agreed, the wait began and both of them looked forward to the day with excitement. Ajoke had a little diary which she guarded jealously. She had written down the day she received her first kiss from Kokumo. Now, she wrote down the date she was to meet the love of her life after many weeks of being away at school.

Kokumo finished his exams and packed his few belongings into his travel bag. He had stopped shuttling between home and school just before the exams started so that he could have full concentration on his studies.

As he boarded the bus that would take him home, thoughts of Ajoke filtered into his mind. He smiled as he imagined how she was going to throw herself on him in a hug. He had missed her so much and he couldn’t wait to see her and have her in his arms.

Iya Kokumo was still in the market when Kokumo arrived home. The Ayobo market was a haphazard conglomeration of stalls. Most of the stalls had only a table where food items were displayed in varied quantities. The market women sat on low stools behind their tables as they called out to customers passing by in a bid to advertise their wares.

Kokumo was still a few metres away when the woman in the next stall to his mother’s shouted;

“Ìya Kòkúmó, ömö yín kó ló n bò yën ni?”
“Kokumo’s mother, isn’t that your son coming?”

Iya Kokumo was wearing a black Ankara buba and iro which had lost its colour and looked more white than black. She looked up from the fruits she was arranging, loosened her wrapper revealing a sparkling white long lacy underskirt and retied it again. She began to dance to an imaginary song on seeing her son.

“Ömö mi ti dé o.”
“My son is back.” She lifted up her hands as she continued to sway her hips.

Kokumo closed the distance between them and prostrated.

“Ë kú ìròlé, màámi.”
“Good evening, my mother.”

“Kú’ròlé, ömö mi. Báwò ni ilé ìwé?”
“Good evening, my son. How is school?” She asked as she pulled up her son from the floor and embraced him.

“Ilé ìwé wà dada.”
“School is fine”. Kokumo answered smiling.

The other traders stretched their necks to catch a glimpse of the University student. One tapped the other and both of them sneered at the display of affection between mother and son. Another sat behind her table as she smiled and watched; while another hissed, clapped her hands sideways and turned away in disgust. Some others gathered in a corner as they gossiped about Kokumo’s fortune – A University graduate in the making regardless of his father’s demise about a year ago.

Kokumo greeted the traders as his mother began to pack up her left-over fruits into a basket. A few of the traders smiled at him and asked about his wellbeing while some others faked smiles and others ignored him.

“Se ti ta öjà tán ni?”
“Have you finished your sales for the day?” Kokumo asked his mother when he noticed she was packing up.

“Öjà wo ni mo tún fé tà, nígbàti ömö mi ti wálé?”
“What else am I selling when my son has come home?” Iya Kokumo responded as she opened her palms.

“Ó da nígbà yën. Ë jé ki n bá yin palèmó.”
“It is okay then. Let me help you pack up.”

Fifteen minutes later, mother and son walked home with Kokumo carrying the basket of left-over fruits on his head. Iya Kukomo would stop after walking a few metres, place her palms on her chest and take a look at her son in awe as he smiled at his mother. She would then sway her hips, loosen her wrapper, retie it and begin to dance. They stopped to greet a number of villagers who were also excited to see the University student.

***

A week later, Kokumo told his mother he needed to see a friend while Ajoke told her mother that a friend from her secondary school just came back from Lagos and wanted to see her. The two mothers told their children not to stay out too long. Iya Ajoke reminded her daughter that she needed to get back home in time to prepare dinner for her father and her brothers.

Kokumo arrived the venue of their meeting ten minutes early. The spot was a woody area off the road and not easily visible. He sat down on a log of wood and waited patiently for Ajoke. She arrived about five minutes later than the scheduled time. As she strolled into the woods, she looked out for Kokumo. He whistled and Ajoke looked in the direction of the sound. She ran towards him, hugged him and held on tightly.

“Ajoke mi.”
“My Ajoke.” Kokumo said endearingly as he pulled away from her grip. “I have missed you so much.” He said touching her cheeks lightly with his thumb.

“Not as much as I have.”

“You think so?”

“Prove it.” Ajoke said smilingly sheepishly.

Kokumo pulled her close and kissed her. When he eased away from her, Ajoke’s eyes were still closed and there was a smile on her lips.

“Why are you smiling?” Kokumo asked laughing.

“Because you make me have these tingly feelings anytime you do that.” Ajoke said opening her eyes.

“I love you and would love to make you have those tingly feelings all day long.”

Ajoke’s smile grew brighter like the sun.

“Not today.” Kokumo said as he held her hand and sat on the log of wood pulling her close beside him. “How have you been? What has been happening in my absence?”

Ajoke shrugged. “Nothing much.  The same routine as usual.”

“How is your father?”

“Baami is fine. Broda Adisa has been helping him with his palm wine tapping anytime he has no customers to mend shoes for while the others are doing one job or the other. I still help Maami to sell her garri.”

“So have you been reading? You know, just to brush yourself up.” Kokumo asked as he traced his finger on her cornrows.

“I try to but most times, I listen to the radio. Baami has a small radio that he just bought. I listen to the news.” She said smiling. “How long is your holiday?”

“Just two weeks. I should be back in school by the next weekend.”

Ajoke’s smile faded. “So, I won’t see you again before you leave for school?”

Kokumo blew out air from his mouth as he pulled her close. “No. I won’t be able to come back here. I need to monitor the farm and make sure everything is in place before I leave.”

“How long do I still have to wait?”

“Three years.”

“It’s a long time, Kokumo.” Ajoke said as tears gathered at the corner of her eyes.

Kokumo cradled her face in his hands. “Three years and it will all be over. Please wait for me.”

A stray tear traced its way down Ajoke’s cheek. “My friends are beginning to get married.”

“Don’t worry about your friends.” Kokumo said as he wiped the tear with his forefinger.

“I overheard Baami talking about marriage with Maami but she refused. She told him she still needed me at home with her.”

Kokumo nodded. “That’s good. Just try and convince them that you still need to be with your mother to help her.”

“Okay. I will.”

“I love you so much Ajoke.”

“I love you too.”

Kokumo took her lips in his again; this time he kissed her slowly and passionately. He was leaving in a few days and he wanted to have sweet memories of their last time together.

——

The story continues……

Photo Credit: http://www.clipartfest.com

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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…..

Photo Credit: http://www.wikihow.com

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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…..

Photo Credit: http://www.wikihow.com

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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 17

“Mummy, are you sure about this?” Ayotunde asked again.

Mrs. Taiwo looked at her adopted daughter. “How many times will you ask me, Ayotunde?”

Ayotunde shrugged. “I’m just not interested in having a graduation party. We still have university ahead of us. Besides, would my friends be comfortable coming to the proprietress’ house?”

“I never said I was throwing a party. I said call a few of your friends for lunch and drinks to celebrate your straight A’s. And your friends would only be scared of coming here if they have sinned.”

“Okay mum; you win.”

Mrs. Taiwo laughed. “It was never a contest. By the way, have you spoken to your father this week?”

“Yes ma. He is doing well.”

“And your mother?”

Ayotunde sighed. “Still giving him trouble as usual.”

*

It was a Saturday morning and they were seated in the living room. They had just had breakfast of pap and akara which had been prepared by Ayotunde.

Mrs. Taiwo’s phone began to ring.

“I’ll get it for you.” Ayotunde said as she stood up from the couch. She picked up the phone from the centre table and looked at the caller ID. “It is Ayorinde.”

Mrs. Taiwo smiled as she collected the phone from her daughter. “Ayorinde!” She stressed his name as she tapped the green button on her phone. “How are you and how is business doing?”

“I am fine ma. The salon is also doing well. How are you too mummy?”

“I’m fine. The Lord has been good to me.”

“We bless God ma.” Ayorinde replied on the other end.

“Has your sister told you about her WAEC results?”

“Yes mummy. She sent me a message last night.”

“I’m very proud of her and of you too, Ayorinde. Both of you have not given me a reason to regret taking you in six years ago. I’m sure your father would also be proud of you. You should inform him about your sister’s result.”

“Thank you mum. I called him last night immediately I saw Ayotunde’s text. He was overjoyed. He said I should let you know that he is indebted to you.”

“He should give thanks to God. We are all indebted to Him.”

“Mummy, I called to let you know that I want to expand the salon.” Ayorinde said.

“Okay, what are your plans?”

“I want to open a hairdressing salon by the side of the barbing salon. We usually get a lot of requests from ladies and there is really no established hairdressing salon in this area.”

“Okay, why not come over and let us talk about this?”

“Okay mummy. I will be there tomorrow morning.”

“What should we make for breakfast?”

“Mummy?” Ayorinde laughed. “I will make my breakfast when I come.”

Mrs. Taiwo yawned. “If you say so.”

“How is Nana and her husband doing?”

“Oh, they are fine. They finally settled down.”

“I hope the weather isn’t too cold over there.” Ayorinde asked.

“Well, they decided to settle for Canada.” Mrs. Taiwo said as she shrugged. “They don’t have a choice. They will have to get used to it.”

Ayorinde laughed heartily. “Okay mummy. See you tomorrow morning.”

“By God’s grace, Ayorinde.” Mrs. Taiwo said as she cut the call.

******

Ayotunde’s graduation party was fixed for two Saturdays after. Ayotunde called her father to inform him and wished he could be present but Ayo declined. He prayed for her on the phone and told her she had made him a proud father. He also prayed for Mrs. Taiwo and asked her to send his regards.

At about 2:00p.m, a few of Ayotunde’s friends began to arrive. She had invited only six of her friends. She insisted she wanted a very small party. When Grace arrived, Ayotunde walked out to greet her father. “Good afternoon sir.” Ayotunde said as she curtsied.

“Good afternoon Ayotunde. Congratulations on your result. Grace told me you had the best result in the school.”

Ayotunde smiled. “Thank you sir.”

“What time should I pick her up?”

“Daddy, I said I would call you when I am done.” Grace smirked.

“Your call should not come too late, your royal highness.”

Ayotunde laughed. “No sir. It won’t be too late. I’m sure anytime from 7:00p.m should be fine. I also don’t want to disrupt mummy’s sleep pattern.”

“How is she?”

“She is fine sir.”

“Extend my regards to her.”

“I will sir.” Ayotunde said as she held her friend’s hand and turned towards the house.

*

The aroma of finger foods filled the air. Mrs. Taiwo had made arrangements for a caterer to make bite sized snacks, finger foods and chapman for Ayotunde’s guests.

They were watching the movie “Lemonade Mouth” when Ayorinde let himself into the house.

“Where is the new graduate?” He asked.

“Ayorinde!” Ayotunde jumped up as she ran to hug her brother.

“Congratulations.” He said as he handed her a wrapped gift.

“I can see you and your friends are having fun.”

“Good afternoon sir.” The children chorused.

“You have only six friends? Four girls and two boys?” Ayorinde looked at his sister in mock surprise.

Ayotunde shrugged. “I don’t really have friends.”

“This is Grace; my best friend.”

“Oh Grace, I have heard so much about you.” Ayotunde said.

Grace smiled shyly. Ayotunde went ahead to introduce the rest of her friends.

Ayorinde asked them to feel at home and inform him if they needed anything.

*

By 6:00pm, the guests began to leave and thanked Mrs. Taiwo and Ayorinde for their hospitality. Mrs. Taiwo said she hoped to hear good news from each one of them concerning their admission into the University. She told them to keep in touch and promised to call their parents to confirm that each one had arrived home safely.

Grace was the last to leave. She sat with her friend and they began to discuss about their plans for the University. They both decided they wanted to go to the University of Lagos.

“I doubt my dad will allow me attend a University outside Lagos. My sister really wanted to go abroad to study but daddy refused.” Grace said.

Ayotunde smiled. “I understand. My brother is also very protective of me just like your dad is. He may not also be willing to let me go out of Lagos. Besides, mummy is the only one at home, so it makes sense for me to stay here in Lagos.”

“Is it your brother that owns that big salon in Gbagada?”

“Yes, he owns it.”

“Wow!” Grace exclaimed. “You never told me. I usually see the advert on TV and I was wondering why his face looked very familiar.”

Ayotunde laughed.

“Can they make my hair for me?”

“Why not? I will let him know.”

******

At exactly 7:00pm, Mr. Johnson arrived.

“I think I can hear my dad’s car.” Grace said.

Ayotunde looked at her wrist watch. “It’s 7:00pm already. Where has the day gone to? Your dad must be an accurate time keeper.”

Both girls burst out laughing as they walked out of the house.

“I hope you girls had fun.” Mr. Johnson asked.

“Yes sir.” They chorused.

Grace eased into the passenger seat beside her father. “We would talk on phone to conclude our plans.”

“Which plans?” Mr. Johnson asked.

“Women talk, Daddy!”

Mr. Johnson shrugged. “My regards to your mum, Ayotunde.”

“Yes sir.” Ayotunde waved to Grace as the car sped away.

*

“Did you enjoy your party?” Ayorinde asked as he walked into the living room.

“Yes, I did. Thanks for the gift. My friends were wowed.”

“Anything for my little sister.”

“I ain’t little anymore.”

“Okay sis.” Ayorinde lifted his hands in surrender.

“Grace wants to make her hair at the salon.”

“Okay, when is she coming?”

“She did not say but I will let you know ahead.”

“She seems like a really good girl.”

“Yes, she is.” Ayotunde said as she picked up the remote to play a video she had initially paused.

“So what are your plans for Uni?”

“Grace and I were discussing it. We both want to go to Unilag.”

“Okay. Which course?”

“Guidance and Counselling.”

“Really? Have you discussed this with Mama T?” Ayorinde asked.

“Yes, I have. And she gave me her blessings.”

“Okay then. If she is cool with it, then it is fine.”

“Thanks.”

Ayorinde coughed. “About your friend.”

“Which one of them?”

“Grace.”

Ayotunde dropped the remote and looked at her brother. “What about her?

“I just want to know about her.”

“You want to know about her?” Ayotunde smiled sheepishly.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No oh…..” Ayotunde laughed. “The look in your eyes says it all.”

“What do you mean?” Ayorinde asked as he rolled his eyes.

“You can’t even pretend Ayorinde. Every time you came to ask, if we were all okay, I knew you were coming to steal looks at Grace.”

“Was it that obvious?”

“It was to me. I think I should have an idea when I see love in my brother’s eyes.”

“Oh c’mon Ayotunde. You are making this look really bad.”

Ayotunde burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” She stilled from her laughter and made a serious face. “What do you want to know about her?” She asked grinning.

“Anything.” Ayorinde shrugged.

“She’s a good girl. She has one older sister who is doing her Masters in the U.S. Her mum is late. Died while having her. So she is extremely precious in the eyes of her father.”

“Wow!”

“That’s her story.”

“When did you say she was coming over to the salon?”

“She did not say. She just wanted you to know.”

“That’s fine then. Just let me know when she is coming.”

“Hehehe….my brother is in love.” Ayotunde began to sing.

Ayorinde threw a cushion pillow at her. “Don’t tell her anything.”

Ayotunde put her hand across her lips to signify a zipped mouth.

The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives

Dear Reader,

You know our love is forever and this union of ours is tied to words.

I write to you again today. As you know, the story; ‘Yesterday Lives’ is already in its 14th Chapter and we have come to the end of Part 1 of this series.

What if I told you I have mixed feelings about continuing the story.

Wondering why? Well, my mind tells me that not everyone is following this story. And OMG, you know you should 😊

I would love to share this story in its fullness with you, but I also want to know that you are following the story carefully and intriguingly.

Well! If you are enjoying the story, Leave me a comment.

Do you think the story isn’t worth your time? Drop me a comment still.

It should delight you to know that reviews; whether good or otherwise spur the author to keep writing for you, for the world.

So let me know what you think about ‘Yesterday Lives’ so far.

If you are here for the first time, I am glad you came. Whoop! Whoop! 💃💃

Binge read on all the previous chapters of ‘Yesterday Lives’ and let me know what you think.

Thank you for reading. Please come out of your ghost mode 😁

.

.

Yours in writing ✍

Olubukola