Tuesday 31 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Eighteen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 18

"If you insist, I'll tell you and that is because we're going back tomorrow. But promise me one thing?" he looked into my eyes.

"Anything, I'll do it" I couldn't get myself to stop looking into his wife eyes.

"Be calm!" he encouraged.

"I'll be calm" I feigned a smile within the tube.

"You see, that day Samson shot me, I passed out immediately and you remember the gun was at a close range?"

"Yes," I affirmed.
I shifted my attention from his wife to listen attentively to John.

It was a narrow escape and the bullet didn't hurt any organ beyond repair in my body. It hit a part of my stomach, but since the police arrived there on time, I was rushed to the hospital immediately. First aid was given and I had to be operated on. The surgery was successful and for 6months, I was in the hospital" he explained.

"Wow!" was all I could say.

"I had to spill a year, but I'm through and I'm working in Calabar in the government house and God blessed me with this queen who is the mother of my kids and someone I adore so much" John continued pointing to his wife who had been standing behind him for a while.

"What's her...?"

"They were caught!" John cut in with my words.

"Who were caught?" I asked.

"everyone of your gang back then. One Hardy implicated them, and they were arrested. I heard most of them are in Correctional homes though, but they are proving stubborn" John gave the full details and I heaved deeply.

"I remember when those guys came to our lodge back then" John's wife spoke in a whisper, but loud enough for us to hear.

I could recall that voice well. That voice that pleaded with me not to do what I was about to do. It sent chills down my spine back then and it was doing just that again. I could fight to stay alive and might even kill John again if it were possible.

"If I should see any of those guys, I'll skin him alive" now I knew she wasn't whispering, but that was her real voice and her last words snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Shhhsss..." John stood before her and locked his lips in hers.

He lifted her face and used his fingers to dry the tears. I could see the scar he showed me back then and I knew this is John for sure.

"Karen, let's leave the past where it belongs; behind us" John consoled his wife.

I need no one to tell me that my past was here visiting beside my death bed and it might just send me away early. Karen, my beautiful Karen. The only one I have been able to love.

"We have a pretty daughter through that and she has been a blessing to the family. So great a blessing" John continued.

"You have a daughter through that incident?" I asked feeling uncomfortable.

"Don't worry bro, she is my daughter and I love her so much" John turned to me as they asked to take their leave.

I had heard enough, and it was okay they leave. The doctor had warned I avoid anything that would make me worried, here I was feeling nervous. I now wanted to be fine than dead, so I obeyed everything the doctor told me.

John and his wife came around at least twice a week and I desperately wanted them to come around with their daughter, my daughter or that girl I saw with them, but they always came alone. Hospital environment isn't a place to bring children to often, I know, but I just wanted to see my replica.

A month later and I was fit to go home, but I must be in the hospital every two weeks for checkup, that was okay for me. I had plans to execute and I had a daughter to meet.

I got John's address from him when he came visiting in my apartment and I promise to return the visit the following Sunday.

"What if I kidnap the girl and run away?"
"Or I kidnap Karen and the girl and take them outside Nigeria?"
Different thoughts filled my heart. Despite the huge hospital bills, I still had enough money to sustain this plan if I was interested in executing it, but it made no sense.

Sunday was here, and I waited till afternoon before heading to John's house fifteen minutes’ drive away. I got there and met the lovely family playing in the open yard with themselves. A tear drop as I pressed my car horn to alert the gateman.

John was excited to see me, and I felt same with Karen. Their daughter, most likely my daughter, she had these eyes like my sister and a smile like my mother. I could only pray my secret won't be made known that faithful day.

We went into the house. A marble wall, well-furnished living room with white leather chairs. I had a meal with the family and we saw a Nigerian movie together. All the while my eyes on their daughter whom I now know as Boluwatife.

"The circumstances surrounding her birth brought up that name I guess?" I asked myself.

"I have something to tell the family" I said after the movie.

"Okay" John gave me a go ahead.

"promise me you won't take it personal" I looked into both eyes.

"We promise" they answered simultaneously with a smile.

"Karen was a girl after my heart in our first year in school." I explained how I saw her and how pretty she had always been, plus her friend not giving me more than her name and her course.

Karen smiled and blushed while John winked and coughed.

"So that day when we came to your lodge with Hardy, I was scared some other guys will have you and treat you harshly, that was why I picked you that day and it was really an awesome thing that it was my first time too" I said with a grin and my heads bowed.

"Do you know what it cost me?"
Karen was already biting and beating me with all the strength she had.

"I got pregnant amidst complications and I had to stay away from school, from my dream course forever" she hit further.

John didn't say a word, he simply picked the kids and carried them to his room.

"I told you, you will meet the fellow someday" John's voice back in the living room seem to make Karen calm, but I was in pain.

I groaned and collapsed to the floor where I was sitting.

"Bring the car key honey!" John rushed to me.

"Over my dead body!" Karen snapped breathing heavily amidst tears.

"Don't be so callous! Get me the keys, he's bleeding" John screamed and Karen ran off and back with the keys almost immediately.

I was bleeding from my nose and mouth and it was quite much.

"Stay at home with the kids" John sent Karen back from following us to the hospital.

I was received into the ER with an oxygen tube.

What next?
Watch out for what next
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Boomerang Episode Seventeen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 17

I woke up two days later and the Doctor explained to me that I was in shock and due to my weak lungs, my breathe was cut short and I began to choke.

"It was a great thing they brought you here on time" the doctor explained.

I looked around the hospital room. It must be a private room as I was the only one in the room with medical equipment making different sounds and an oxygen pipe fixed to my nose.

Everything was confusing until I calmed down enough to rehearse everything.

"John was the guy. He looked more mature and well built, but I can give all I have to bet that was John I saw. But he is dead, and that lady looks like someone I..."
"Good afternoon boss" Chidi, my trusted sales boy walked in cutting in with my thoughts.

"I'm glad you finally opened your eyes" he smiled.

"Thank God o" I tried to move, but I was in pain in my chest.

"You scared us o! You just went off like that because of that guy" he explained.

"That guy? Where is he now?" I asked quite nervous to know.

"He followed us here and came around yesterday. He said he would still be here before returning to his base. Though he wishes he could see you before he leaves" Chidi further explained.

"I'm awake now, he should see me when he comes around" I felt calm now.

"Hmm... I don't think so o boss" Chidi wore a sorry look.

"What do you mean?" I was practically confused.

"Your lungs are in bad shape due to much smoking and they would have to carry out a surgery. They would have done that, but they wanted you to be conscious first before they try any surgery on you."

The explanation of my plight seems to bring me back to the reality of the moment. I now understood the cough and chest pain I had been having. I sometimes have epistaxis, but I just wipe it off without telling anyone. Now I'm here in a bad state.

"Hey boss, don't think about it now" Chidi stood from his chair and sat beside me.

"The doctor will soon be here" he encouraged.

The doctor soon came around. This time, I looked into his dark eyes well. He seems to be a gentle man as he was soft spoken and explained every detail and the risk involved if the surgery isn't carried out now.

"Who will sign the documents for the approval of your surgery?" the doctor asked.

Chidi will" I replied.

"Is he family?" the doctor asked

"Yes, he is family" I smiled.

I desperately wanted to see John look alike and I also want to get relived from the pain in my chest. It could be John had a brother no one knew about.

Different thoughts filled my heart as Chidi came in with two nurses pulling a stretcher into the room.

"You are set for sugery" Chidi told me.

I watched as the nursed detached some equipment from my body and helped me up the stretcher.

"If he meets with you, please tell him to wait for me" I told Chidi as the door to the O.R flung open.
***

I think the operation lasted for about 5hours, I wasn't so sure, but that was based on what Chidi told me when I woke from anesthesia the following day.

"Did they come?" I asked still feeling dizzy.

"Yes they did and he promised to be here today"

I was okay with that and even if that would be the last thing I would get to know before I die, it was okay for me.

The effect of anesthesia soon faded out. I was now under thorough observation with different gadgets fixed to my body. Chidi had gone home to rest, so I was alone listening to the beeping sound from the machine beside me.

The door flung open in the afternoon and that elegant, dark and well-built husband and his wife were here again but this time without their children.

"Good afternoon Bode"

"So he now knows my name" I raised my eyes from behind the oxygen tube fixed to my nose.

"Good afternoon Mr..." I finally replied.

"Mr John Adetobi"

The beeping sound increased as it dawned on me that dead John was here lurking around me.

"The same John you know" John smiled and sat beside my bed.

"But... You... As in... You are dead! He shot you!" I stuttered.

The sound were now becoming more irregular and John's wife walked up to him and whispered to his ears.

"I don't want to disturb you now, I'll explain everything to you in detail" John held my hand close to him.

"I can take it now, even if that's the last thing I'll take before I die" I was too desperate to hear his story.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Monday 30 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Sixteen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 16

I bought enough small chops to accompany my journey. I couldn't sleep as I was deep in thought about everything.

"Where do I start from now?"
"What will my parents feel?"
"What if they found me?"
I felt bad and I would have cried again, but people were around. I missed my cigarettes and only a bottle of gin was with me and I didn't want to sleep for any reason.

I wanted to call my parents, but I feared the call from Sharp or anyone.

"I'll get a new sim card and call them when I arrive Calabar" I encouraged myself.

Calabar is a beautiful place and the mid-afternoon sun that shone on the buildings and art works made it awesome. I walked around a bit to find a shop where I can get some clothes to one, I'll be there for a while so I don't need anything expensive. change.

I asked around for hotels and their cost. I was soon directed to an affordable

I called my parents the following day and told them they could only reach me with that number.

"My phone was stolen" I lied.

Daddy believed and even sent me money for a new phone.

Two weeks into sleeping in hotels and buying food, I knew my money will soon be empty, I had to find something else to do aside smoking and drinking in the hotel room everyday. I didn't want to go back to my old life either, so I was careful to make a right choice.

I now walked around more often. I made friends and gradually learned their language. A month now in Calabar and I got a room self-contain somewhere in town. I had some business strategies and with the 300hundred thousand left in my account, I spent 250thousand to get a shop and established a wine shop somewhere close to the hotel I lodge at my arrival.

Business was blooming and I soon forget my fears save for my parents who were desperate to see me at home. I miss them too, but Segun and my other friends knew my house and they could kill me for killing Samson if I showed up at home. That was the rules! And I believe they knew I killed him because he killed John.

I wasn't on any social media again except WhatsApp with my new number. I didn't want anyone to know about me and I was soon becoming the youngest business man in that area.

Five years down the line and I had three different shops in different locations. Two for wine and one for fabrics. I had boys managing the other two branches for me. I already bought a house of my own. A 3bedroom flat with 2toilets and a spacious, well-furnished living room.

I was living well and most times gave to the less privileged and mostly orphanage homes. Two of my elder siblings got married already and despite pressures from my parents, I didn't go home. I got their account number from Tobi and sent them money always, but it got to a point they pleaded with me not to send them money again.

"If you won't come home to us, hold your money!" daddy voice on phone spoke of anger.

My elder brother and my elder sister tried all they could to make me change my mind or tell them what must have happened, but I wasn't ready to tell anyone I was a cultist and I killed someone.

I had all I wanted, but there was a challenge, despite the women who flocks around me during parties and at times just driving down the street, I wasn't interested in any lady.

I tried dating a girl Blessing as directed by one of my friends there. Blessing was pretty, she had the right shape to turn any guy on. She was a good cook and a fresh graduate, but the relationship only lasted for a year. I couldn't cope with her.

Relationship was absurd to me and the only meaningful relationship I had was with my cigarettes and alcoholic drink. It gave me great relief even though my teeth were now becoming dark from the smoke and sometimes I get into fits of cough that leaves me with a painful chest for days.

It was during the year end festive season. Sales were high, and I had to stay back at the shop to assist the boys working there. They could be dubious during this season and though I don't mind, I still want their stealing from me to be minimal.

I do swipe between the shops and this day, I was in the wine shop close to the hotel when I saw a couple approaching with the wife holding a child by the hand and the husband carrying another child, still a baby to his chest.

We sell alcohol and none alcoholic wine, so it was normal for anyone to bring his family to the shop. There were not the first of its kind, but their demeanor caught my attention from a distance.

The way they held hands could make a spinster or bachelor run to get married. The daughter, which the wife held by the hands was about 8 or 9years old and she was as cute as her mum, same with the baby boy the husband was holding and from the look of their daughter, I felt they were not young or newly wedded couples.

I shifted my attention from them and continued with what I was doing while one of my boys attended them.

I ran into them as I was rushing to make it to the other shops before the close of the day.

"John!" I screamed.

"What is the meaning of that?" he quizzed.

As of now, I was already collapsing to the floor and two of my boys were there asking what happened.

"He only screamed John" I heard his voice faintly.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Boomerang Episode Fifteen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 15

The morning sun shone so bright the next morning and the ray of it into my eyes forced each lid open.
"Where am I?" I cleared perspiration off my eyes and looked around.

I remember running so much during the night that I felt I would pass out. On sighting this building with the deem moon ray upon the earth, I walked into a room and sat there to rest. My rest turned to a sleep.

"So John is dead?" I bit on my thumb nail as I recalled the previous night ordeal.

I stretched my aching back and pulled my sandals off my feet. I still couldn't believe I shot Samson too. I stared at my hands and I began to cry. I cried so much that my stomach ached and tears failed to flow at a point.

I was weak, tired and hungry. I wasn't sure where I was or what I was going to do now. Only my jean, my shirt, my ATM and my phone.
"My phone!" I repeated.
"I have to turn it off" I searched through my pocket and placed it on flight mode.

Pulling myself off the ground, I dusted every dirt on my body and looked out the window of my roofless abode. I was in a village, but I wasn't sure how far or how near I was to the school.

I found my way out of the house and after ten minutes’ walk, I could hear voices of children and some adults. I checked my pocket and I found a five hundred naira rumbled note. A smile plastered all over my face.

I walked further, and I could see houses, mostly thatched roof. They were speaking their dialect and I knew that would be a barrier and another challenge.

Everyone stared at me as I staggered like a drunkard. Some even said some things to each other and shook their head, but I couldn't hear a word of what they said. I soon saw a young boy of about 13years old. I wonder why he wasn't in school, but that wasn't my worry. I stomach begged for food at each step.

"Good morning boy" I greeted waving him to stop.

"Good morning" a teenage hoarse voice replied.

"Someone understands English" I muttered.

"I want to buy food, where can I get a good restaurant?" I asked.

"Not far from here. I can see you're a stranger here, follow me" he beckoned.

I would have run if he asked me to. Food was my greatest concern now.

"Is the place neat?" I asked maybe to strike a conversation or to just say something, I wasn't sure why I asked.

"It is the best around here" he affirmed.

We got to the restaurant and like every other roof in the town or village so to say, the restaurant was thatched roofed to. It had plastic chairs and plastic tables here and there. I was surprised at the sight and I sat comfortable at a corner pleading with the boy to wait and eat something. I had my ATM in case I couldn't pay in full.

I ordered fufu and egusi soup. He placed the same order too with meat. The soup was delicious and satisfying and I was surprised again that all we ate was only 450#

"One more thing please," I pleaded with the boy who was all ready to follow me to the ends of the earth.

"You will take me to the ATM machine and you will also take me to your motor park"

"The ATM machine is very far from here. It's like heading for the neighboring town" he explained not quite coherent this time and from his accent, I guess I was in a TIV settlement.

We had to walk for a distance before we got a bike that was almost 30minutes to the ATM boot. I was praying I won't end up going back to where I was coming from.

I withdrew enough money to sustain me. Paid the bike man and gave the boy five thousand naira. He couldn't stop thanking me as he boarded the same bike back after giving me description to get to the motor park.

I was watchful. I felt Sharp will send the guys after me. I had to watch my back with all caution and when I got to the park as described, I realized I was in Kebbi State. How I got there from Niger state was a surprise.

It was late in the afternoon already and most buses were filled. Here I was eyeing a bus heading for the south-south region. Calabar was my target and I boarded the bus, a night bus.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Sunday 29 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Fourteen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer
Episode 14

Going home during the holiday had was a challenge. I was so addicted to alcohol and drugs just to keep me in check, but reverse was the case as the effect made me more arrogant.

"When did you become like this?" my mom cried.

My dad seem unconcerned, but the first day he called me to his room to have a word with me, my dad knelt down before me where I was sitting on the bed.
"Please Bode..." was all my dad could say as he couldn't fight back his tears.

If anyone had told me my dad could cry, I'll tell them how impossible it is. Here is my dad holding on to my feet and wailing like a little baby. He had more to say, but only the tears could be uttered.

I knelt down and picked daddy up looking into his eyes.
"I promise I'll change" I felt all emotional seeing my dad's red eyes and dripping nose.

I cleaned up his face for him with my hands and my shirt. I could see the pain in his heart boldly written on his face, but I was far gone in this and there's no turning back. I just had to give them my words and tried as much as possible to be composed whenever I'm at home.

"I'm always praying for you and the devil has lost the struggle over your life" my dad had prayed for me.

"Amen..." I smiled knowing how successful the devil has been.
"There is no escape out of this daddy" I muttered.
***
Money wasn't an issue for me and I had it in plan to get myself a car by the end of our third year. I won't take it home to save my parents from having more negative thoughts about me.

I could save really well and when the likes of Segun, Samuel and the rest were complaining of being broke, I always had more than enough in my account.

Another operation was here and this time, it was at the Rectors apartment.
Samson, my sworn enemy had a thing against the rector and he wanted revenge.

"What if I plan a revenge against you too?"
"See how he is speaking confidently like he is a saint" those and many more were my thoughts as he spoke.

I had always disliked Samson and I preferred to call him Samson to a point I forgot his nickname. Samson hated my guts, and he knew I had something against him, and our rapport was minimal.

My furry didn't permit me to hear a word of what his grievances was about, but I was attentive to the plan as Sharp gave the details. He will be in our company this time around and his words sent hails from everyone to fill the room.

Two days later and it was time to head for the school rector, Mr Aguda residence. We know him to be a strict man and his lanky physique was somehow intimidating. I guess that was why Sharp followed us.

Two space buses were made ready. We were fifteen heading there and each one had his task. 11:30pm and we set out from Sharp's mansion.

Silent chants filled each bus, but the smoke from each stick in everyone's mouth was thick enough for a locomotive engine smoke.

"Everyone remember your duty!" Sharp said as we approached the house.

As the leader of my own crew, having the privilege to be in the same car with our overall boss, which to me was normal, to others, they held me in high esteem.

The plan was to beat Mr. Aguda to pulp and then beat his wife minimal, and anyone in his house too. We were not permitted to touch the children or kill anyone except the police or security service of the school comes to disrupt our plans.

Mr. Aguda residence was a fenced bungalow. And the compound was decorated with flower plants here and there to make the place look beautiful and it was sure beautiful.

The fence wasn't too high for a climb and like we planned before, one of us will jump in, someone will knock, the gateman will try to act funny and the one inside will lead him to open the gate without foiling the plan.

It was successful! The gateman was tired down and his mouth gagged as we made for the main building.

Our cars were neatly packed in a corner to avoid any security patrol from suspecting anything.
Two guys were at the gate within the compound in case of emergency. One at the backyard should anyone want to escape from there.

Sharp had instructed we bring everyone from the boys’ quarter into the living room to prevent any eventuality. We only found three guys in the boys’ quarter of about 7rooms and my heart sang when I saw John. We were masked, and I guess Segun, and others who knew John had to act professionally.

Sharp rained curses on Mr. Aguda who was faced down on the tiled floor of his living room. His wife was shivering and pleading beside his two beautiful ten and eight-year-old daughters respectively, but Mr. Aguda was unmoved.

Sharp raised Mr. Aguda to his feet and hit him with the side of the gun.
The scream from Mr. Aguda made the three boys of which one of them was John, look up. I could feel their pain, but I guess they were powerless because we held a gun.

Mr. Aguda was pulled to the ground by a kick from Samson behind. At that moment, John stood up from where he was and he rushed Samson some blows not minding the many pointed gun.

John must have had a sharp object with him as we saw blood gushing from Samson's shoulder and an immediate gun shot from between the two guys who were seconds ago exchanging blows.

"Everybody retreat!" Sharp screamed as he made for the door.

Mrs Aguda and her kids already gave a loud cry at the sound of the gun, and every one of us made for the door already.

Samson pulled John's blood drenched body away from him. Samson had shot John during the wrestle and John only gave Samson a deep cut on the shoulder, he was bleeding profusely. I wanted to walk away and join the crew outside while Samson came behind me.

I turned around, aimed at Samson and fired two shots at him. The loud cry filled the house again and I knew better to escape at that moment.

Running outside the house, I could hear the police serene approaching the residence. I took for the backyard and hopped the fence for my lucky escape.

I walked ahead, and I saw a deserted area. I hid my gun in a place and with the help of my phone torch, I was able to sort some grass to cover it up. I ran to my apartment, picked my ATM card and began my race to an unknown place.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Boomerang Episode Thirteen

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 13

We got back to school and life had to continue where we stopped, our atrocities rather.

Daddy didn't take me to school this time around, and that is due to my mom's health. He had to assist her with quite several things.

I had always thought about Karen and the eventuality of we two seeing again and getting her to trust me without having any link to what I did to her.

"What about your friend Keren?" I asked my course mate who was only kind enough to give me her name.

"She is yet to resume" she answered.

That was it for me. I couldn't go near her house and she is away from school, what a life.

"Several guys were arrested as suspect to the crime you committed" Sharp explained during our first semester meeting.

"Hardy was almost caught and for now, he is on the wanted list and we had to have him undercover to save his ass"

It wasn't much of a worry for others, but for me, I knew what Hardy being caught means. We will be sought after too. But Sharp said he was undercover and I feel I should rest on that.

From looting houses, to kidnapping both students and most especially lecturers, I was always in the crew, but as much as possible, I tried to avoid any plans linked with rape. Not seeing Keren again after that one time made me full of guilt and hurt, I just wanted to see her.

First year gone and we were in the second year first semester holiday. Instead of heading home, I stayed back in school and filled my parents with lies. I know I missed my mom, but I was getting addicted to this way of life of being rough and always arrogant.

During the holiday, we took our exploits beyond the school premises. Political leaders houses, business men and what have you were not exempted from our plans.

It was such a moment and though the school authority did all they could to height security in the school, we had our way of escape and our identity was unknown. We were always in mask and Sharp scarcely followed us on any operation.
We had been properly taught how to have our way around the school, still without being noticed. Everybody say us as just rich, spoilt kids who are just enjoying their lives. We would hurt anybody who offended us to as small as just not helping with signing time sheets in class while we were at the eatery enjoying ourselves. I became so addicted to drugs.

What next?
Watch out for what next
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Saturday 28 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Twelve

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 12

My heart was racing and uneasy was an understatement to what I was feeling now. Other guys had been hailing Hardy as he struggled with the girl on the couch.

"Bros, he get one wey I wish to pick o" Santa, as we call him teased, pulling on the south of his trousers.

"What if it were Karen he is referring to?" I thought quickly.
"No, I'll never forgive myself and I will kill him"

I couldn't get my eyes off Karen as she looked so innocent, yet beautiful in her golden nightie that exposed some of her curves right there on the ground.

"You can take anyone you want but make it snappy" Hardy heaved satisfied as he pulled out from the girl.

Everyone excitedly picked a girl of their choice and dragged them to different corners of the common room. I kept praying Karen won't be touched, but I couldn't help myself from being positive about it.

Hardy was now standing pointing a gun at the two girls left on the floor and he kept making remarks about their body shape.

"It would be better if I do this than having to wait for Hardy or one of these guys to touch her" I quickly dragged Karen off the ground to a lone corner close to where I feel should be the corridor.

"So you are even interested? You will be acting like an innocent baby" Hardy chuckled, but I didn't wait to respond.

I pinned her to the wall and her eyes were focused on mine behind the mask. Each eyes pleaded for mercy as the knife I was holding seems to have made her mute.

I have been in search of her for over a month now and I had even forgotten her at a point, but this was and still not what I felt for her. I had watched Hardy from the beginning of his act to the end and I saw how violent he was, but I wasn't going to do that here.

I kissed Karen who was unresponsive to the kiss and I did what I had to do, I raped her despite her plea.

"I'm sorry" I whispered into her ears on the floor and I wish I could help her clean the little stain of blood around her.

"She is a virgin!" I tried not to feel guilty as I approached the common room and Hardy was already raping the same girl again and two of us hailing as Hardy beamed with satisfaction.

Segun must have really tried. I can imagine his patience for a whole hour alone outside while we were in there making spots of the poor girls.

"How could she still be a virgin?"
"She is too pretty to be one!" I felt I screamed that out, but even if I did, the noise in the car won't make my words known. Everyone except Segun had something to say.

It was my first sexual experience too and I couldn't get it off my head for a long while. I would have gone to or around the house, but we were warned by Sharp never to set foot there for any reason.

"Any guy around that area is a suspect, so watch it!" he warned.

The warning and the semester break made it impossible for me to break the rules. Sharp had also wanted us to stay behind during the break, but we the newly initiated explained why it was impossible.

First semester and we were all going back home, but without John. He had kept his distance from us and we did the same. He had found new parents and family and he seems to be happy there, that's what we believe and we let him be.

My mom had prepared beans coupled with corn. It was my favourite and I had put a call through that I'll be home that day.

Daddy had offered to come pick me up at school, but I felt too big for that and I practically begged to take a bus.

Home was welcoming. Daddy gave me his best hug. Tobi now looked taller for his age and mummy seem to have developed a sudden arthritis as she now walked quite awkwardly than what I had known her to be.

"Mummy, what is wrong with your leg?" I asked as I walked beside her and daddy into the house.

"My son," my mom smiled.
"I think old age is beginning to tell on me"

"Sorry ma" I smiled back.

"This one that I am becoming old before your father, I just pray he won't find someone else that is younger to replace me" my mom gave my dad a face.

"Far be it from me to replace my ever-shining beauty" daddy winked and we all laughed including Tobi who was just coming back from taking my bag inside.

I missed home, no lies and I couldn't hold back my question on the changes I saw at home.

"When you're through eating and well relaxed, you can ask all your questions" daddy cautioned me as we sat to the beans and corn combination.

My elder brother was in his service year and my sister was now working with a mobile telecommunications company in another state.

We only had four weeks and I intentionally stayed at home with family, ignoring my friends call and text. I wanted my parents to feel I'm still that good boy they know. I even led family devotion some other days and I'm always the first to get ready for Sunday and weekly activities in Church.

I guess Tobi was giving them a hard time with youthful exuberance as they always used me as an exemplary figure to him. Sadly, that was the last time they would see the best of me.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Friday 27 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Eleven

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 11

My experience with Samson heightened my anger towards my past.
"Did I suffer that and had to change school just because of that boy?" I brushed my hand through my hair as I paced around my room.

I planned out a revenge, but a part of me said it wasn't necessary.
"Now I'll have to work together with the guy who messed up my life from the beginning."

"If he didn't do what he did, I wouldn't have met John"

"Now talking about John" I hit my door with a punch.
"He is now acting saintly after manipulating everyone" I moved to my bed and collapsed on it for the night.

Our semester exam was scheduled already, and I had to get busy with study, but not without visiting Sharp whenever his message popped up. It was mixed feeling two weeks into our exams as I had to shuffle between the two places.

We were yet to have our first operation and it will be the last week of the school exams. Hardy, by name Musa as he introduced himself at our initiation, he had talked about a girl he likes, but the girl was forming 'hard to get'

"Guys, I need your help to help me get her" he had explained to us at the last meeting.
of her, you should understand me now" Hardy shrugged indicating what he meant.

"Do you want us to help you woo her?" Sharp’s question, had threw us all into fits of laughter.

"Get serious guy" Hardy felt bad.
"I want to have her. I just want to have a taste
"Bad guy! See crazy move!" Samson laughed so hard that others joined in the laugh too.

I have been exposed to louts for a long time, but I've never for once add rape to my escapades. I left there feeling so low and I had to light a cigarette one after the other till I was exhausted. The exam I had the following day was out of it. I only wrote just to write and submit, that's all.

The day of the plan was here. Just three days after the thought had been made known to us.

Sharp wasn't going to follow us. He claimed he was too big for such an unreasonable task. Hardy, myself and 4 others were given different ammunition each. Knives and axes to each of us. Only Hardy was given a gun.

Off we went to the house of Hardy's victim in the space bus I have always believed to be Sharp's. He had quite several cars in his compound and only those close to him could tell which is his.

Hardy already told us what to expect. A quiet lonely house with 6 rooms that housed 8girls. One of us was to stay at the door while others stay as a guard to shut other girls up while Hardy did what he had to do.

Everyone was smoking in the car as we went, and I couldn't help but light up my stick too. Different thoughts filled my mind as everyone raised a topic or the other which I only grinned to.

"Here we are" Hardy who had been the driver halted a distance to a building that stood alone in a deserted area.

I looked around and I could see some other buildings at some distance away, but why anyone, especially ladies could choose such place was a wonder to me.

Hardy reminded us of the plan and our roles.
"Please, don't mess this thing up!" he pleaded.

We knew better not to mess up, so we signaled to each other as Hardy led the crew to the door.

"Who is there?" a feminine voice asked at the second beep of the doorbell.

Hardy pressed the button again and we waited, resting ourselves on the wall in such a way that only Hardy could be seen.

"What can I do for you?" the lady at the door asked as she turned the knob with a frown.

"Just be calm and no one will get hurt." Hardy gently pointed his gun at her as he pushed her into the house.

We followed suit from where we were and only Segun was left at the door in such a hidden place that only we who saw him could tell.

The door was shut and the keys locked by Hardy to be secured as we all pulled our mask to our face.

Hardy sat with the girl who opened the door in the living room or where I think should be the common room and played with her hair, gun still pointed at her as we all made our way to each room.

It was 12:30 midnight and some were sleeping while others were busy talking or reading in each other’s room.

I met two girls working on some paper on the only table in the room. The room had a glamorous look, but I couldn't wait to take it in as my heart pounded in my mouth for the fear of being caught.

"Everyone, step outside as quietly as possible and no one will be hurt." I winked them playing with a shining knife at hand.

They were obviously scared, and I wasn't surprised to meet 8girls cowering on the floor as they quietly pleaded for mercy.

I was too nervous to concentrate, and I just wanted Hardy to do what he had to do so we could get going, but Hardy seems to be having a time of his life as his victim was kneeling and begging him, while he mimicked each action.

The common room had some couch that I didn't take note to count and it had a tilted floor which now served as a bed for the girls.

Hardy pulled the girl to one of the couch and made her fall on her back. She gave a loud cry which made other girls raise their head.

"Karen!" my eyes shone as I saw her crying.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Boomerang Episode Ten

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 10

"Say after me" Sharp beckoned as we stood in between some hefty guys.

We had submitted our forms the next day after John's arrival. Sharp's had tutored us and asked us to be brave. We were taken to a bush where some women were stacked to a stalk and we were asked to shoot. Sharp's and one other guy accompanying us.

We never saw this coming and we never imagined us killing anyone, but Sharp's kept ringing the words "no turning back" to us.

"At the count of ACTION you shoot" Sharp roared into the dark night.

The gun given to me felt like ice. I imagined myself turning around and shooting Sharp just to escape from this moment, but I couldn't even bring myself to believe I could do such.

My heart beat was now in my mouth as I imagined one of those women could be my mother or my sister.

"Now shoot!"

The voice seem to click a clock on each of us as we fired almost immediately after the command. That was what Sharp told us
"If you don't fire immediately, you will be fired and your dead body will rot here"

I guess we thought about this and fired as many shots as possible even as we fell to the ground.

Sharp and the other guy burst into a fit of laughter as they mocked us to scorn. We were crying and they were laughing, we cared less not until they calmed down and called us to the stake

"Dolls!" we all exclaimed and they took to another round of laughter.

Now we were led to another house different from Sharp house, well furnished and having the air of affluence as stench of cigarettes and marijuana filled the air.

We were led to a room aside and here we were welcomed by ten other guys of different heights. We matched into a circle and had our clothes off as someone brought out a hot knife and pierced it into our hips. We groaned and some cried.

"This is to make you stronger, to make you a man!" Sharp who had now changed into the clothes the other ten guys wore exclaimed at each piercing.

I wished all this was over soon or we could change the whole schedule, but here I was, feeling hurt from my hips.

We were led into the living room after the oaths and some incantations, there a glass of wine was poured for each of us.

It was such a night and despite the smiles at the cheers we made, all I wanted to do was to go home, go to my parents and never come back to school.

"What if it was a real human I shot?" I snapped my fingers in my imagination.

"Now, each one of us will introduce ourselves to you the new members" Sharp stood up from his seat and made the first introduction and the other ten guys hailed him.

They all stood up to introduce themselves with cheers and laughter from others and it was getting interesting to me.

"I am Cancer, but my certificate will read 'Samson Ezenwa' so you can just call me Cancer" he was the ninth person to introduce himself and something about that name made me look closer into his eyes.

It had been many years since we left primary school and I couldn't decipher if it was the same Samson who was my friend or not.

Their introduction was soon over and it was our turn to introduce ourselves to them. I was the leader of my friends and I had to come first. I introduced myself just as my name 'Olabode Joshua' and no nickname attached.

"Bode Joshua?" Cancer who had earlier introduced himself came up to me.

I thought he was greeting me or so, but I realized there was more to it.

"I know you!" he exclaimed, and the rest of the room looked on in surprise.

"Holy Child School, you remember your friend and your bunk mate?" he held on to my hand.

"Yes!" I screamed.

"I wasn't sure you were the one that's why I kept my mute" I continued as I looked him up properly.

"Mheeennn! We are now men and not small boys anymore" Cancer who I had known as Samson complimented.

"I never saw you again after that time, but I always remember how you were so kind to me among the rest"

"Oh... You still remember all that?" I quizzed looking into his eyes.

"How can I ever forget the guy that saved me from being expelled?" he now loosed his firm grip off my hands.

"I'm sorry," he continued.
"You see those things found in your bag, I put them there and only came to take them when I needed them. You were not so used to opening your box and I knew you would never see it there, but I never knew there would be a search that will implicate you" Samson completed looking all sorry.

I had my fist clenched and I would have hit him on the face, but the fear of others made me keep my calm.

"What a show to compliment the night" Sharp laughed and the rest gave a humorous grin.

I couldn't get my gaze off all through the night and he kept looking at me from his seat too. I couldn't even think of forgiveness at that moment and I wasn't sure I would forgive.

My heart kept pounding fast as we left for our different homes that night. I wish I knew what to do, but I couldn't think of anything. Just anger and revenge as I thought about the day experience and opened my hips wide enough to allow air cool off the stinging pain I was feeling.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Thursday 26 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Nine

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 9

I already saw the clenched fist as he aroused himself from the ground and I knew I was up to something big. I was obviously at fault for not focusing on where I was heading.

"Bode!" the fist hung in the air.

"John!" I exclaimed, and we rushed into each other embrace.

We released to have a proper view of each other and we continued our hug from where we stopped.

"Where have you been?" I asked, so happy to contain my joy.

"You guys couldn't even ask after me?" John frowned.

"Come on, we tried calling you severally to no avail and we had to settle for the thought that your aunt found you and took custody of you" I explained as I took John in from head to toe.

"No, she cares less about me" John looked around and back into my eyes.

"I had an accident that almost claimed my life" John explained, pulling up his long sleeve shirt to show me a scar.

"Oh mine" I exclaimed
"We never imagined that" I looked at the fresh scar that had half of his left arm from the elbow downward.

We got talking and I led the way to get a cab back to my room.

"When did you arrive?" I asked as I turned the knob of the door.

"Just Thursday" John replied as he came in behind.

"I have been hoping I meet anyone of you after my registration" he explained as he took a chair by the table to sit on.

"Wow! They still allowed you to register?" I asked knowing the registration was closed two weeks ago.

"Yes, I came with my medical reports given to me by the school rector who was part of the rescue team that helped my partially burnt body to the hospital.

"So good of him" I smiled as I rolled over the curtains to ventilate the room.

"He said I can live with him for as long as I wish and he will cover my school fees till I'm through" John continued as he picked a paper from my table.

"That's good News bro!" I exclaimed staring into my phone on my bed.

"Let me inform the guys that you are here" I said happily as I placed my phone over my ear to inform Segun before the rest.

"You shouldn't read that!" my smile turned to a frown as I snatched the paper with the heading 'Gracious Enough Fraternity Brothers' that was my form left carelessly on my table.

"So soon?" John wore a confused look.

"We were so worried about your disappearance and we had to find a means as the guys were almost going broke" I tried to explain as I put the form in a safe place in my traveling box.

"Going broke?"

As much as I was excited, being rhetorical was the last thing I wanted to do right now.
"You heard me well!" I vented out.

"But we all had enough money to last us a whole year, how come with being broke in just two months?" John felt disappointed.

"I wasn't broke and I'm not still broke, but the guys were, and they came to me explaining how they had spent it on girls and all that. Segun now gave us this option and reminded us of our plans to form a cult group when we get to the University" I tried to be calm and explained in detail.

"I'm sorry I said that, but my words are no longer valid, please don't do this" John was almost on his knees.

"There is no turning back bro. So, said Sharps who gave us the form" my words met with John's eyes almost in tears as the door opened with Segun bagging in first and the rest behind him.

Segun knew better to bring the rest along and I was excited they showed up at the right time. They were in tears, hugging and celebrating as John gave us the details of his ordeal all the while.

"It's so nice to see you again" Segun held on to John's hand for a long while.

The day was far spent and they all had dinner in my apartment as we collectively made the dish. We ruminated on our escapades as we ate our meal.

To our surprise, John was the first to say 'goodbye' and we all wondered what came over him. We all concluded he had to leave and refused to take alcohol because he was living with the rector.

"Did you tell John anything?" Segun turned back to ask when it was time for him to go.

"What comes up here dies here" I recited Sharp's words in a much worried tone.

"I trust you to know better" Segun winked as he said goodbye for the night.

I heaved a deep sigh as I was all alone now. I thought about the previous day and how each event unfolded. Now today and my initial journey to find Karen and how I met John who now seem like a ghost of himself
"or could he be a ghost who came back to warn us about what we’re trying to do?" I shivered at the thought and hastily beg sleep to take over my eyes.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Wednesday 25 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Eight

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 8

"Good evening" Segun who was at the forefront greeted back.

"What can I do for you?" the lady quizzed looking over Segun's head at the rest of us.

"Let them in" a voice from the inside beckoned.

"I've been waiting for them" he continued as we marched into the Mable wall, well-furnished living room with a plasma TV showing a music video from MTV base.

The trip to this house was a 30minutes drive from my place. It was situated quite a distance from the School and most likely one of the 'for rent' apartment. It was a twin flat, but this spelt of luxury.

"You're welcome. Do make yourself comfortable" the voice welcomed us in as he stood before the TV hand in the other.

He was a lanky young man who was well built and neatly groomed. He had a little baldness on his forehead, but his hair cut seems to cover for it.

"It's nice to have you here" he continued now settling into a chair right beside the TV gadgets.

"My name is Lekan, but you can call me Sharp" he introduced himself and beckoned on us to do the same.

We all did and Segun introduced me as the Leader. With my heart in my mouth, I nodded, stretching out my hand for a shake.

"It would be nice working with you guys. You all look bold for your age." we gave a naughty grin at his compliment.

Segun must have learned so much from John, else, how did he come to know a cult guy?" I reasoned within me.

We had plans to set up our own cultism group as we have heard people say 'only Cultist could make it through with immoral behavior through any tertiary institution' we had it all planned out but having John yet to resume in the 9th week of resumption, we have to settle for something else and Segun paved the way.

Lekan, as he had earlier introduced himself went in and brought out some forms for us. He explained in detail what to do and how to fill it in.

"You came here of your own will and you must be ready to abide by the rules without giving us any headache" Lekan who had warned us to call him Sharp or we don't call him again explained.

"You will meet other members and we will tell you our meeting days" Sharp concluded.

"Everything that happens here stays here and die here. Not a word to anyone out there, not even your friends" Sharp explained each word of this with strictness and it sank in that we must keep it a secret.

The drive home that day was a quiet one. I remember Samuel telling us he was left with only ten thousand naira and how he dared not call his parents to ask for money because they gave him more than enough. I still have more than five hundred thousand with me and I can't but wonder what extravagance came upon them to spend so much within a little time.

"Just two months" my mind calculated.

I know I had made the suggestions and supported Segun in searching for someone to guide us through, but I just didn't feel right with what we were getting ourselves into. Most especially being the Leader, but I knew that there was no turning back like Sharp had warned us.

The night was a long night as I kept turning in bed with different negative thoughts.
"My first year in the University, I'm already into cultism" I rolled over to my table to get a bottle of vodka to calm my nerves.

I soon slept off and the shouts from my neighbors woke me up the following day. I looked up at the time, it clicked 10:00am and I stretched wiping perspiration off my eyes.

My mind calculated that I had a program for that day, but I couldn't figure it out. I racked my ached head and I couldn't find an answer.

"Where had the thought of Keren traveled to? Oh mine" I jumped out of bed

"I have a girl to stalk" I smiled making my way to the bathroom with my form, laying helplessly on the table.

I found my way to the department of Law and I roamed aimlessly around the place. I tried to find a place where I could sight anyone coming in and at the same time, anyone going out. I finally did and as I moved away to go, I bumped into someone and accidentally pushed him to the floor.

"Which kind guy wey no get muscle like this?" those were my thoughts as I bent to apologise and help the guy up.

"Father Lord!" I exclaimed as he made a move to hit me.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Tuesday 24 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Seven

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 7

As new Students, there was always that distinction that told us off that we were new, we knew nothing and with our naivety we bragged about and did things 'extraordinarily' we were all in a world of our own.

We were not comfortable with John sudden absence.
"Did he change his mind about school"

"Or maybe his aunt found him and took custody of him"

"I still saw him three days before coming to resume. His phone is faulty, but he told me he would be resuming the next day" Segun, the closest among us to John explained and that was the umpteen time he would.

"or he had an accident?" different ideas filled the room which had now become everyone's central room.

All five had lodged in my room on their first day before they found an accommodation. I now seem to be the leader, but the only thing I was good at was organizing a smoking spree or a night out for drinks.

We were on a high level of spending money and we knew if we continue like this without a replacement, we would soon go broke within our first semester. Some had their money on girls, but mine was on alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. I never really got attracted to a girl, so I thought or let's say, I didn't take my time to assess a girl the way others did.

That was soon a past tense as I met Karen, a definition of tall, well-groomed and black beauty model. She held me spellbound with her appearance as I sighted her walk past my faculty administration hall along with some female friends, who I knew well in my department.

Like a magnetic force, I found myself standing abruptly from the corridor where I had leaned on. I hurried to meet up with the girls, but they were way faster and ahead of me. I kept my cool,
"I know what to do" I encouraged myself as I walked back to where I was before.

Agnes, a very fair lady with a long face that shone through her deep, dark long hair, who was one of the girls I saw with Keren said she would help me, so I planned to have a talk with her the following day.

"Yes, Karen I guess. She was wearing a purple blouse on a flowery skit when you saw her?" Agnes quizzed to be sure who I was asking after and I nodded affirmative.

"She is in the faculty of law and you know how busy they can sometimes be" Agnes gave me a naughty look that says 'I know it all' but I cared less.

"Help me out to meet with her" I adjusted feigning ignorance of her funny smiles as she stood balanced before her desk.

"If you want to meet her, go through the stress. She’s worth it" Agnes pulled away from before me to join her friends who were waiting at the door.

That was enough help, I brushed my hand through my hair and my mind planned out how to meet Keren

"Such a beautiful name" I gave a wry smile as I stepped out of the hall.

It was a Friday and I imagine how I'll get in touch with Karen at her department since it was a weekend.

"She most likely will be in her hostel or off campus" I tried to rationalize where to find Keren before the week was over.

"And how department is quite far from the other. Social Science to Law, she won't come around again and most likely Agnes would have told..."
"Guy! You are here?" Segun bagged into the room cutting in with my thoughts.

"Don't tell me you are not yet ready?" he continued with Samuel and some other guy coming in behind him.

"Ready for what?" I rubbed my face with my hands as I sat up in bed finally out of my thoughts.

"See this guy o!" Segun motioned to the rest and now all my friends were in the room.

"Oh ooo!!!..." I screamed.

"you just came in here and started saying something without explanation" I sat up well, now leaning my back against the wall.

"Oh, poor guy had been sleeping" Samuel smiled as he paved way to sit close to me.

"We discussed last week that since John our leader is nowhere to be found, we will find an alternative and you as our leader will take care of the task from where Segun stopped."

"Okay, that?" I rubbed my hand against each other as the reality of the moment dawned on me.

"Remember we will be heading for the place Segun suggested and we concluded we would be there this evening?" Segun explained as he brought out a match stick with a lighter.

"I remember now. Give me some minutes and by 8:00pm, we would take our leave" I explained looking into the wall clock that now clicked 7:05pm.

"Are you sure of what you're doing?" I asked Segun as we approached the house we were to visit that night.

"I'm very sure of this. Trust me guys" Segun walked closer to the house door bell and pressed the button.

"I choose to trust you" I gave one long drag from the cigarette with me before throwing it under my sandals and putting the light off, I stared at the other five behind me and looked at Segun who was standing before the door.

"Good evening" a lady with an air of her mid-twenties greeted with a confused look.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Monday 23 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Six

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 6

John was the brave one among us. Out spoken, broad chested, well-trimmed beard that gave his age away and a hoarse voice that made him sound mature than us all. John has an idea of almost anything and he was always five steps ahead of us with any information; even information that were related to our education.

John was a boy adopted by his aunt at an early age. John's aunt, a mother of two kids who were way older than John lived in the ghetto area of the town, but even with the rough life that greeted everyone with the lout life, John's aunt still thought it wise to maltreat John.

He had started smoking cigarettes way back before I even made it to the Government Secondary School and he knew every nook and cranny of the town because any safe abode was his sleeping mat since he ran away from his aunt place. We were never sure his aunt searched for him, all we knew was that, John was the smartest among us and he was always after getting more money. Unknown to us, he had been living alone for four years and had responsibilities to shoulder all by himself.

We had a special regard for him and he was such a breath-taking leader all through our operations which if numbered should be a ten in just a year. We were all awaiting admission and those who were living with their parents had Samuel's house as an excuse to go read, but some nights, we were outside the town entirely.

Our school leaving certificate was out and yes, despite our perverseness, we were all sound academically. We had good grades and our options of choice of University were the same, only different courses. Luckily enough, our names made it to the admission list and we had to hibernate for a long while because there were no lies of exams to read for anymore.

We all resumed into School on different days. I guess our parents, though they knew us all, but they were less interested in us resuming on the same day.

I knew my way around the school to a fault, but daddy who happened to be my Chauffeur for that day wasn't having any of my options.

"Daddy, you know I came here for my post UTME already now" I tried to caution at a point when I felt frustrated.

"Don't worry," Daddy said
"I am still older than you and I once resumed a tertiary institution like you before" daddy continued as he showed me how to comport myself with obvious description and there were many students passing by.

"You see my son" now I wanted daddy to shut up and get going.

"I'm your father and this was how I helped your sister and your brother when they resumed too. You and Tobi won't be an exception as far as I am alive" at those words, I had to accept my fate as I watched daddy running around and helping me with what I should have done on my own.

Even down to my accommodation, my dad sought it out and the moment when he said 'goodbye', I became so emotional and our parting hug at the entrance to my room lasted for more than five minutes.

"Finally!" I heaved a deep sigh as I collapsed into the family size bed daddy had gotten for me.

The next morning woke me up to the reality of my new life. I had always had someone cook for me and even my days at Holy Child Secondary School, I woke up to a meal. Now I must set the stove and make a meal or better still, go out there and get some food, but I still felt stressed out and I resorted to the former.

Flipping out my mobile phone, new and still unique to me as I consumed my meal, I put a call through to Samuel to ask when he would be resuming, and I felt relieved I won't be starting from the next day alone.

I stared at the phone in my hands, I started to remember all the advice daddy and mommy had given me before handing the Android phone to me.

"Don't use it for anything that would bring shame on you" mommy warned her motherly caution.

"You are a child of God and you shouldn't use this to get involved in anything negative" daddy completed.

My friends had been using an Android phone and all there was to me was a small phone that could only make calls and send messages. I was too used to this device than their seeming caution. I smiled as I recall all that had happened, and I flipped the phone to the bed to empty my bag.

Daddy had paid some fees and he gave me the balance of others he couldn't do. Money was already transferred to my account and everything was in place, but here with me is a sum of seven hundred thousand.

"It's a working day, so Bode, freshen up and let's head to the bank" I danced as I picked my towel heading to the bathroom.

It was a room self-contain my dad got for me, and bathroom and kitchen were going to be all alone to myself. Each room of the long building had its own facilities.

I made for the bank and I could see the staff attending to me staring into my eyes like I was a criminal or something I wasn't sure of.

"Where did you get this money?" she asked in her serene voice that complimented her look.

"I got it from home because I need it in school" my brow furrowed.

She did the needful and I was at least at peace that I didn't have to keep that much with me again and most especially, my parents never knew anything about it. All thanks to Samuel.

The next evening welcomed three other friends including Samuel to school and for them, their parents dropped them off without spending much time with them and one of the three came in a commercial bus.

We were eagerly waiting for John, whose number was and had been out of reach.

What next?
Watch out for the next episodes
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Sunday 22 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Five

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 5

"What if we do something more than this petite business?" John, a mate of mine from the State school whom we had gone out together with other clique, said as he slipped his right hand into his back pack that was now crossed to his chest.

We had been together for our outings at the market from the beginning and we had now formed a trusted clique with those who cared to be one of us.

"What do we have there?" I innocently moved closer to have a view of what made others smile at the sight.

"I'm sorry," I exclaimed

"I cannot be a part of this…" my words met a surprise on the seven other faces that wore a smile some second ago.

"Wetin dey do this one naw?" John hit my shoulder from where he was standing.

I was already up and ready to move away from the broken-down fence we all sat on.

"Where do you think you're going to?" John pulled back my hand and it would have been a great fall except for the leg of Jason who helped me out.

"I don't have the grace to partner with you in this" I tried to say each word one after the other just to make the words sink into them in case I'm being quoted wrong, but they were unyielding.
***
Our first operation as an official thief or let us say armed men was an operation well planned out. I never had to overwork my brain that much even during exams. Every minute left me wondering how I would handle the role given to me without having it flopped.

"What if we get caught?" I asked aloud as I made my way home that evening.
"Daddy will skin me alive" I smiled knowing what will become of me if this fails.

Why we need to rob a house was not much of a wonder. You know, we must live our lives to the fullest. When we get to our tertiary institution, our parents will not be able to punish us, even if they do, we are secured.

The night came for us to visit Mr Oladele, an average looking man who two weeks earlier had been selected as the new local government party chairman of the party he belongs to. We knew he must have been given quite a sum of money and we had started out our plans since then. It was about 12o'clock into the night when we got there. It was a rural area and though they had a security post at the gate entrance, we had no issues as the Security Officer were nowhere to be found.

"You two…" John explained.

"You will be at the gate and in case of any emergency, just whistle and I'll be out" John pointed to myself and Dele, one of us who was just as petite and of a scary look as me.

The house of Mr. Oladele, our victim was a wired fenced 5-bedroom flat, with a large compound. That was all I noticed from the security light streams to illuminate a good percentage of the compound.

The gate of the house was quite broken down and all we had to do was push gently and we were in. Like a flash, John handed each one of us a butcher axe and he himself pulled out a gun from his bag. No one of the seven could ask him where he got the gun from since the day he showed us and none dared to ask, I assume.
Dele and I hid behind the gate as we looked around for signs of anyone approaching with our hearts in our mouths.

John and the other four came out rushing with smiles and a mini traveling bag reveled by the security light beaming at them as they hurried out of the house and we knew better to hurry along behind them.

My mind was a bit at peace, but not until we got to Samuel, the house of one of us whose parents seems to live a nomadic existence and always leaving their only son and child Samuel behind.

I had told my dad I was going there to read, and he had no dispute as our Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was fast approaching and Samuel had proven to be a well-trained boy to my dad whenever they met at my house for the obvious, reading.

The money was counted, and it was a million naira to my surprise since I had not seen such a huge sum before.

"That is how they will be hoarding our money!" John exclaimed.

"This man said he was only given 5hundred thousand naira two weeks ago at the election o!" John continued as he cursed Mr Oladele and his supporters.

We all were not sure of what he was saying, but we were sure excited with the money before us in Samuel's living room.

The money was calculated and divided equally between us before we went into different rooms of the house to pass the night and if we so wish, we read.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Saturday 21 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Four

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 4
My first day at State Government Secondary School sent chills down my spine.
"Is this a school or what?" that was the first thought that crosses my mind as I stepped out of daddy's car.

Daddy had brought me my school uniform and some notebooks the Friday before. That Monday morning meant so much to me as I would have people to relate with. From the form I filled, I know it wasn't a boarding school.

"Daddy, is this the school?" I asked as I walked closely beside my dad towards the Principal office.

The School was a large compound school with about 35classroom estimate. It had a wide field and a pitch for volleyball. The School walls looked old as the paint was gradually fading away. It looks like a structure that had been up for let's say 20years...

"Write your name and signature here" the Principal, a lanky young man with the air of thirties beckoned to me and that brought me out of my observation and I gently searched through my back pack for my pen as I bent over the file filled table of his to write as instructed.

Sadly enough, I had to start all over again from Jss1 and this fueled up my anger.

I was pissed off by the silent treatment at home and only the consolation of Tobi my younger brother defiling all odds, else I would have gone nuts, but I decided to go nuts now. That was what they wanted.

I now had to walk 30minutes walk home every day. My brothers were in private schools, Primary 6 and Ss3 respectively. And the school bus conveyed them home every day.

Daddy was now less mean, and Mummy was her caring self, but it all felt strange.
"Why are they doing this now?" I questioned myself.

I got aligned to the School system during the second term. I had friends and I had those I disliked. It was a wonderful time as we could sneak out of the school compound which had no reasonable fence and no security guard. We went into town with our uniforms in our back pack while we help market women with their luggage and earned some money from it. For me, it was an extra pay to my lunch money from home.

I really didn't have any problem coming up with good grades. I was naturally brilliant, and I was not repeating same class. Daddy seem proud of me and Mummy was happy with the grades and how gentle and composed I was at home. Sometimes I even woke the family up for devotion, I always looked forward to going to school every day and weekends were sad moment for me.

It's been 3years and I knew my parents would have it in plan to return me to a good school, but oh no, I wasn't ready for that and I feared the new transferred Principal who seem strict than strict itself, but we wouldn't let him deter us and we used the lunch break period for our rendezvous plan.

Unfortunately, we were caught one day when we were haggling the price of a conveyed luggage with a Teacher and this was unknown to us until we got to school the next day to meet our suspension letter.

"How do I present this at home?" my thoughts as I walked home from school half way through School hours.

Daddy was disappointed as expected and Mummy wasn't left aside.
'Why I choose to be the black sheep of the family was unknown to anyone and it was not known to me myself'

I completed my Junior Secondary School in the Government school, but the holiday was spree of deliverance sessions and many fasting and prayers before I resumed into Tobi's School. Tobi was now in Jss3 and I was resuming into Ss1. My elder brother was in a tertiary institution and big sister was working with a pension funds firm.

This new school opened me more opportunities of going out of school immediately after school and I initiated other Students from the school to this. I met with my former classmates and we continued from there.

Mid-way into Ss2, I already learned to smoke, and I had a girlfriend too. Tobi would have told on me, but I bought his words with enough money at intervals.

I graduated against all odds so to speak and my parents were proud of me.
"God bless the day I had Bode!" Mummy held her stomach as she rained praises on me as daddy drove us home making boast of how I took after his intelligence.

"Tobi," Daddy called out.

"You see how much gifts your brother got today?"
Tobi nodded the affirmative.

"I want you to imitate that and possibly do more and better" Daddy encouraged Tobi who I silently prayed won't imitate me.

I now had the little freedom I always wanted and now I could step out of the house without much questions. I just had to name a reasonable place I was heading to and mom who was always at home would give me the go ahead.

It started with myself and my clique from secondary school stealing goods from shops and picking pockets. We were smart and being caught was the last thing that will come true.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode.
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Friday 20 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Three

Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 3

"I welcome you all to this emergency meeting" the Principal, Mr Stephen addressed us parents and students as we were all made to sit in the college hall.

"I'm sorry for summoning you here for this emergency meeting, but it is for our good"… the Principal continued.

I stared on with my heart racing as I could now see my father from where I was seated.
"It should have been mom" I thought as I prayed we weren't called for what I supposed.

"Each one of you here was called in because we cannot send your kids to come home on their own and we cannot contain them in this school anymore"…. these words caused uproar in the hall and each parent was curious to know what went wrong with their ward.

"Your ward was caught with harmful substance ranging from codeine, tramax, cigarettes, marijuana and dry gun and all these are too deadly for their health and they are way too young to be involved in such" this sent more uproar into the air and as a person I craved so much to pee at that moment, but my dad would see me and I was still a bit at peace that he hasn't located where I was.

"Some of them hardly stay in class or in their hostel. They are bringing a bad reputation for Holy Child Secondary School and you know all we do here is to instill morals and values. They have all been expelled and a letter will be passed around to you all" the Principal signaled, and a staff stepped forward with a pack of letters in hand.

"Please, kindly step forward for your letter and follow your child to his or her dormitory to pack their bag. Their stay here has been exhausted" the Principal completed and signaled the staff to call out each name addressed at the back of each envelope.

It was a terrible moment trying to stand up from my seat to meet my dad as I heard his name.
"How will I explain this to daddy?" that was my only thought at that moment.

Every Student that was a culprit were all in the hall. Maybe they had return from their outing or whatever they were off too and noise of parents beating their child, children swearing they were innocent and some pleading with the Principal filled the air outside the hall.

I had stood a distance from my dad as he walked up to collect the letter disappointedly. I knew better to walk behind him and I took each step like the next should bade earth farewell for me.
"If you don't hurry up to bring your bag here now, I promise I'll leave you here and you will walk home" like a speed of light, I found my way to the hostel and watched as everyone including Samson looked on at me with an air of regret.

I didn't know what they were thinking of me and I couldn't wait to confirm, but it sure wasn't positive and I paused as Samson called out my name and walked up to hug me.
"I'll miss you" I whispered.

"I find it hard to believe you could be involved in this" Samson whispered back and I withdrew from the embrace.

Daddy was sure waiting for me and I waved Samson briskly as I rushed to meet my dad who was standing hand akimbo were I had rushed off behind him.

The drive home was quiet. I didn't utter a word and daddy didn't say a thing. Sleep tried to play on my eyelids, but I was strong enough to fight it off.

It was getting dark when we pulled into our compound with Aremu, our gate man opening the large gate and greeting my dad in his usual accent which daddy was not ready to reply.

"Good evening ma" I greeted my mom prostrating as I met her at the door and she in like manner greeted my dad refusing to respond to my greeting.

I greeted again to be sure and this time, my eyes met with hers and it spoke of displeasure.

Walking into the living room, I saw my sister who I felt should be in school. She was already in a tertiary institution and she was the least I expected. My brothers were staring gracefully at the TV show they were watching. None of them seem to notice my presence, but dad's presence made the difference; they all greeted.

It had been a long day for me and I knew it would be a long night so I pulled my bag into my bedroom which was as intact as I had left it 5weeks ago at resumption. I collapsed into my unlaid bed and calculated the day experience, it was a bitter-sour and nothing sweet experience and it soon took me on a trip to dreamland.

"Bode!" a known voice startled me out of my sleep and I looked around,
"it was the time" I whispered as I brushed the remnant of sleep off my eyes.

"Do you know you are a disappointment to me, yourself and this family?" those words accompanied a slap which brushed off every sleep and my hands were permanently stuck to my left cheek as I stared on.

Every word of accusations and disappointment was fired at me like a gun from daddy's mouth that night. He called me a waste of investment and how miserable I was to the family.

"But daddy..." I stood up to defend myself when another slap sent me packing back to my former state. It was then I realized mummy was at the door all the while.

It was mid-term into Jss 2 and no school would admit me, so I had to wait home till the next school year that was months that seems like forever as I became an alien at home.

Daddy never talked to me and same with mummy. My greetings fell on their deaf ears and same with my siblings. I felt like a stranger and this made me choose my room as an escape route from all the drama. I was always missing at devotions and no one bothered to call me in. My meal was always left in the kitchen while the rest of the family savoured the dinning moments together.

I was just 11years old and I found it hard to understand such treatment. I know being expelled was a bad omen for the family, but common, they never bothered to hear me out.

***
"Get ready, you are resuming into school" daddy said as he walked into my room throwing a form to my bed.

A new school year had began and daddy had obviously gotten me a form into a school I didn't know anything about. It was such a relief to hear daddy speak to me after many months of silent treatment.

I picked up the form and filled in the necessary details. I picked up the form immediately and took it to daddy in the master’s bedroom.

"Do you think that is the best choice of school as it is now?" I had Mummy speak.

"It's just to discipline him a bit" I had daddy reply in a solemn tone.

"But don't you think this is too much for his age?" Mummy seem to be begging and I knew it wasn't right eavesdropping, but I wanted to know what they were up to.

"Woman!" daddy's voice had a new tone
"You don't tell me what to do to my kids!"

I walked back to my room with the form in my hand.
"What school is this and why is my mom opposing it?" I was curious to know and I kept thinking about it all night.

What next
Watch out for the next episode
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

Thursday 19 July 2018

Boomerang Episode Two

Title: Boomerang
Story by O'nezer

Episode 2

Holy Child Secondary School was all shades of difference! The school had been operating for ten years. The school Principal addressed the new students as they assembled in the school hall looking lost in a corner of the room.

It was a school with the standard of a University or let us say a College. Apart from the strictness, Students love the school. New students were required to make an oath to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school and that kept each student put, so I thought until I got to Jss 2.
***
I had a friend whose name was Samson. It was a Christian school and it was normal to expect every child to be a Christian.

Each morning was like what I faced at home; devotion, take your bath, clean up, eat and get set for class. That was what my first year in school was like and Daddy was excited to know that I was always ready for devotion whenever I'm home for holidays.

Samson was just like me, he was from a strict home with every action of the family been detailed. “Don't touch, don't play, don't and many don’ts” was what his family was all about. All the freedom he had was in school.
We got so close from our Jss1 second term and he was like my younger brother Tobi. Loyal and collected, my bunk mate became like a shadow to me and all because we became classmates.

No School, no matter how perfect it seems still has its itches. That was the case for Holy Child Secondary School. Each time the School bell, which is situated at the center of the school compound was rung by a senior Student who always seem to be the clock himself, there was a change of class or we were to head to the dining hall for our meal.

While we the junior ones trooped towards the dining hall to enjoy our scheduled meal of bread and a watery tea in the morning, pap and moi-moi in the afternoon, and eba and okra for dinner, some senior Students, both male and female seem to have their dining set apart as they never joined us at meal, but we were less bothered. Our stomachs were contended with what the dining hall fed us with.

Soon enough, I noticed Samson withdrawing from being my shadow that he has always been. He was missing at meal some other days and all I could imagine was that “Did we have a fight? No, we never fought”. I could not say for sure and I could not bear to ask him.

Now we were in Jss2, the cool-headed Samson had become so bold and a Lion would bow for his kind of boldness. Approaching a Teacher was not a big deal to him and all that matters were 'his way' and anything that tried to get against him must be rebelled against.

Between our last school vacation and the resumption, Samson’s growth was rapid, and he looked more matured than everyone in his class. Well, I thought I was still his friend due to our little conversation as classmates and bunk mates, but it was always casual as he was either in a hurry to attend to something I wish I know or he wanted to sleep.

I would not have been bothered much with cutting ties with him until when our hostel Patron came in alongside the Principal. They started their search from Senior Patrick and Efe's bunk. Each bed was a two-bunk side by side in the School dormitory.

"Everyone," the Patron screamed "step outside and don't go out with ANYTHING!" he completed stressing the last word and we all obliged and found our way to the dormitory door staring in at what they could be searching for.
Some packs of cigarettes and rolls of weed that seems to have had maybe one or two draws were found in Patrick's bag right beside the bunk. Further search brought out more substance from different Student bag and some, under their mattress. Interesting enough, most of the culprit were away for their usual unknown adventure.

"This Student has turned another leaf entirely" the Principal said in a perplexed tone as the search continued.

They soon got to my bunk, well our bunk as the case is and my heart skipped a beat for Samson. I knew he was into something shady, but I was never able to place what it could be.

Samson's bag was searched and emptied on his mattress like others, but there was nothing.
"Thank God for you!" I heaved silently and turned away. I knew my bags were free and I had nothing to worry about.

The names of the Students that were not in the dormitory was written down and we were all asked to go back inside and arrange our clothing with immediate effect.
"Some of you are returning to your parent’s house before you turn this place to a slum", the Principal cursed out loud.

They made for the girl's hostel and the Principal placed a call from his mobile cell phone to count heads and write the names of all the Students in the library or those in class.

We all went in arranging our clothes that was littered on the bed. We all said a thing or two in aloud as we condemned those who we saw substance being brought out of their bags
"Even dry gun!" One of us snapped.

"And some will even be forming gentle and innocent" another boy shook his head as he dragged his bag in place to arrange his clothes.

I knew I didn't have any offence, you know pure and holy personality and I joined in the discussion until about half an hour later.

"If you hear your name" the Patron, a stout man with the look of a man in his late forties blared from the dormitory door
"Step aside and don't even try to make any funny move" he continued standing by the door like he was aimed at stopping any and every entrance as he called out names.

"Joshua Olabode!" I felt a something like an eruption taking place in my belly.

I had been sitting on my bed, holding a book I was obviously not going to read since he stood there calling out names, but I was unperturbed as I knew I was free from such, but it seems everyone else was expecting to hear my name already as they gave a deep loud sigh that sent the hostel into a quiet mode.

"Is he also not in here?" Mr Patron as we fondly call him cried out, now more provoked as only three names from the names that read more about 25 had stepped out.

My limbs failed me as I stepped out from my bed searching aimlessly for the slippers that was right before my feet.

"That must be a wrong list" I silently encouraged.
"It might not even be what we think" I shook my head as I stepped beside the 3 Students who kept their cool beside the door as pointed out by the Patron.

"Or could this be why other Students gave a silent response to all my words against those who something was found in their possessions some hours ago" I couldn't process what was going on as I had turned away from looking at the outcome of my bag search.

We were all matched to the Principal office alongside some numbers of girls and to make it more worse, some parents were already waiting at the Principal door, while some were pulling in at the parking lot.
I really didn't know what to think, I just walked on.

What next?
Watch out for the next episode.
Osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com

The Beautiful Scar Ep 8

Lakunle smiled and that left me with much confusion and questions in my head. "Could it be that he lost his brother?" "Could ...