THE LEAP YEAR Ep 15- Finale

Episode 15 (finale)

"I have to decide what I want for my child too mom, if you all had taken time to investigate well, he wouldn't have landed in cell for what he didn't do" and many more were the words coming out from the reception room in the prison.

"I could recognise my sister's voice, and I believed she was talking to my mother as I heard her saying mom. But I don't know who else was in the conversation" Peter said to himself as he moved closer to the open space. 

"I am glad to tell you that the State Government has revisited your case and assisted us through another investigative team which has proven that you are innocent" Lawyer Ebun had said as she stretched hand to greet Peter.

Peter couldn't hide his emotions, the tears flowed freely. Finally he was free after weeks of staying in the prison and suffering for a sin he never committed.

"Son, cheer up, you have been released and that's why we all followed the head of the investigating team, Mr Timilehin down here" Peter's dad said.

He noticed the unusual quietness between his mom and his sister but he couldn't place why. Well, maybe they have an unfinished argument... he thought to himself. But all that mattered most was he has been released from the cell. "Come here son" mom moved closer with her arms open for a hug. "I've missed you, we're sorry for everything" she said. My big sister also joined in the embrace. "I missed you more my darling, but you're looking thin" she teased. "That's because you abandoned me" I said smiling. We all laughed. 

It was a happy moment for us all. "Can we go home now?" Dad requested.

"Can I at least say goodbye to the guys in my room?" Peter requested and he quickly rushed back to cell 3. He hugged them all from Mr Yomi to the captain and then others. Tears of joy and sadness. Mixed feelings. He cried as he walked out of the cell room to join his family outside, they all waved him goodbye as some of them still had tears in their eyes. "Be a good boy" Mr Yomi said as he waved.

Few minutes later, they were set to drive back home. They started their journey and much word weren't said in the car. Peter slept almost throughout the journey to the extent that he didn't know when they got home. His sister had to tap him to wake up "Hey bro we're home". They all went inside.

It was an exciting moment as Peter could get back to the comfort of his home. The few weeks he has spent in the cell gave him another experience of life but most importantly, it drew him closer to God. He had given his life to God in one of their fellowship services.

He was happy to be back home but he still didn't know how they came about his release.

"Good afternoon sis, but how did it happen?" He asked his sister

"How did what happen?" Promise questioned in return

My release. I'm still surprised. I had given up hope since the judgement was made that day. 

Oh! My dear, let's just say it's God. Sit and I'll tell you. 

You know I shouldn't have been back now but something strange happened over there I wouldn't go into that anyways it's past now. But I believe God used it for this cause. So, I decided to return home. On my return, I was faced with the news of your sentence. I was confused on what to do especially as you have already been sentenced.

I heard mom's side of the story and it was obvious you were innocent but what could we do?...

I tried to see what I could do. I got to know Lawyer Ebun was in charge of the case. I went to her and fortunately it was Ebunoluwa Ladipo, my classmate from primary and secondary school. We went to the same University too but I graduated before her. We've long lost contact. I had long forgotten she studied law. The name didn't ring a bell to me then until I saw her in the office. It was a lovely reunion. 

She promised to help for old time friendship sake. We went back to the interview centre and luckily we found someone who took us to the manager's house. On getting there, the truth was revealed. You wouldn't believe. God is just great. 

After we introduced ourselves and stated our reason for being there, they started apologizing that they've been looking for a way to get to us for the past two weeks but they didn't know how to. 

"According to the manager's brother, someone who for reasons best known to him had entered the office to place the stuff on her seat and left. It was only unfortunate that you entered the right place at the wrong time. He came confessing two weeks ago and asked that the family forgive him. He died two days later.  We were shocked. Indeed God had been working in the background without us knowing. He promised to follow us to witness. And that was it my dear. Lawyer Ebun took it up from there. It wasn't very easy but God gave us victory."

Here you are today. Promise said smiling

Peter was shocked and speechless. He couldn't thank God enough.

Thanks for everything sis what could I have done without you... he said hugging her.

Lawyer Ebun was invited for dinner with the family few days later and he got the opportunity to thank her personally.

Life was normal again and they lived happily as a family until one afternoon.

There was noise coming from the sitting room while he was taking a nap in his room.

He moved towards the sitting room until he could hear the voices clearly.

"You see mom, let's take it a bit from the decision of forcing him to study Economics in school when you knew he is very much interested in music and should've done better there. On many occasions, I've stumbled on his note and found different songs he had written but none of you cared to listen or hear him out. Even after I pleaded with you, you still refused." Promise said.

"We wanted the best for him and the best we can do is to make him go to school and study a course that is professional and marketable not music. Musicians are beggars and we can't open our eyes and watch that happen" mom said but dad interrupted the conversation.

"Look at you now, you are working as a project manager at your firm, if you hadn't gone to school to study that, you may not have gotten the job and...."

"Daddy don't say that, I don't mean to interrupt you or to be rude. But it was in the process of him looking for the job you wanted that caused him to enter the interview centre that day, that got him into trouble and even landed him in prison." Promise said as she paced around the sitting room.

Peter stood behind the door eavesdropping on their conversation.

"You know mom, if not that I had gotten back when I did and met with Lawyer Ebun who helped for friendship sake and even went the extra mile, we wouldn't have known that a charm was placed on the woman's seat shortly before Peter entered. If he had stayed at home that day, he wouldn't have been accused of murder. But because you wanted him to have that job you desired, you got him into trouble and it almost ruined his life."

"See mom, dad, at this point, I think I need to make decisions for my son" Promise concluded.

"Son... which son?" Peter muttered behind the door.

"Excuse me, what's going on here?" He stormed out from his hiding. 

"You see what you have caused?" Mother said angrily. 

"Today, you will know what happened, take a seat" dad had said.

"On the 29th day of February, 1992, a leap year, was a day of both joy and sadness for us as our dear daughter here Promise whom we gave birth to after years of waiting on God gave birth to a child out of wedlock. You normally celebrate your birthday on the 28th but you were born on the 29th. We had no option but to cover the shame so, we took the child as our own and made people believe we gave birth to you. Only very few persons knew the truth and we warned them never to mention a word of it".

"Promise here is your mother, not your sister" dad said and shock was written all over Peter's face. He couldn't believe the person he had known as sister is his mother.

"I'm sorry my dear, I couldn't bring myself to telling you about this" promise said pleading

For this long? How long more did you plan to keep this away from me?? 

I'm very sorry. Please forgive me my child. We're sorry Son dad joined.

"Okay okay but, who's my father and where is him?" Peter asked to quench his curiosity. 

"His name is Yomi but popularly known as YC money, he is from a wealthy family. We met in school and we were friends or lovers I'll say. He was a cultist. I was pregnant for him back then before he was arrested and rusticated from school. Since then we haven't met. He may probably be dead or still in jail. I wasn't at his trial because he never wanted the baby. So, I didn't have anything to do with him again. I came home told my parents about it and with their help I was able to finish my final year without being disturbed by the pregnancy or birth" Promise said.

"Yomi Cole you mean? Is he the YC money back at school?" Peter asked surprised.

"Yes he is. How did you know him?" Promised asked as everyone was surprised that Peter knew his father.

Peter explained how he met him in the cell. "The story he shared with us and what you just said is same. He is the one" Peter said "But he is now a Christian and he led me to Christ too. His story was really touching not the way you said it. You didn't even know him much. He battled with a lot of things as a child. Well, thank God it's all over now" he added.

Weeks later, they all visited the prison; Peter went to cell 3 to say hello to his friends, he cheered them up and encouraged them. He then called Mr Yomi aside, introduced him to his family and as soon as he mentioned Promise Badmus, he remembered immediately. 

The same Promise Badmus? Mr Yomi was in shock. Promise too was shocked to realize he was indeed the one. "I'm very sorry, I'm sorry for everything, for abandoning you and the baby, for ....." he was still talking when Promise cut in "It's okay.. I'm very sorry too for not looking out for you and for not being present at your trial" It was a moment of Joy as the spirit of forgiveness hovered around them. They hugged each other and wept. It was obvious the love hadn't die. 

"True love they really say can never die". Mr Yomi apologized to Mr and Mrs Badmus and he was forgiven and accepted as a son to them. 

"How about the child?" he asked Promise. Did you have it? 

"Yes I did. He is a boy" she said smiling. 

Oh thank God! Where is he now? In school, at home?? Mr Yomi asked further

He's standing right behind you. 

"What? Peter??? I can't believe this. You're my son? Oh you're my son!" He ran to him and threw his arms around him in a warm embrace. I'm sorry... I'm sorry I wasn't available for you. He pleaded.

"Don't mention dad... you know I know the story already" He said and embraced him too.

"Thank God I met my father. Thank God I met my son" They said locking themselves in an embrace. 

It was a wonderful moment of reuniting and Promise was excited knowing that Yomi is alive and now a Christian as well. She promised to accept Christ too. They chatted for as long as the visiting hours lasted before going home. 

They visited him regularly and kept praying that he stays strong for the remaining two years.

Months later, on the 29th day of February, 2016 the presidential pardon came and Yomi was among those that were released. 

His parents and sister were present to take him home as well as his new family.

They all went to Mr Cole's house. And Yomi introduced them to his parents and told them what had happened. He was pardoned. "My dear, Jesus has pardoned us, who are we not to forgive you?" 

The Badmus' were accepted and welcomed by the Cole's. It was a wonderful moment of family reunion.

A dinner/house-party was held for both family that night at the Cole's house.

It was another 29th February, a leap year and Peter was celebrating his 24th birthday. 

It was more than double celebration for them that day.

"Indeed it's a LEAP YEAR to remember" Mr Yomi Cole said as he raised his glass for a toast.

They all ate and merried as the DJ ended the party with cool joyous music. 

Promise and Yomi ended up tying the knot. 

The wedding party was very elaborate. From the bride's glamorous dress, to the elegant cake, to the decor of the event centre name it. Food and drinks were in abundance, wines of various brands. Good music. Nice environment. The air was serene. Friends, families and well-wishers from all over the world were present to celebrate with both families. Lawyer Ebun was present too.

The party came to an end.

Everyone says cheese as the cameraman took the family picture.

THE END.. 

NOTE: No matter how rough the journey may be, with GOD there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

List of O'nezer Stories. 

1. Pamilerin

2. The wedding reception

3. Last Sunday evening

4. End of the tunnel

5. Dark path

6. Adopted

7. Adebimpe

8. Facebook fiancé

9. Corper Wale

10. The Wait

11. Lily

12. Shattered

13. Boomerang (story of brother bode)

14. Beyond the shade

15. Happy child with many sorrow

16. Sleeveless 

17. FOLA

18. The Leap Year

If you miss any of this stories, you can read through on osunniranebenezer.blogspot.com or check Facebook: Osunniran Ebenezer

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 14

Episode 14.

Everyday of the week was always busy and everyone kept working tirelessly, there was no stopping until the work is done. There are targets to every week's work and only when that target is met would they be allowed to rest. Weekend was most often their moment of rest unless on weeks when they couldn't complete the week's target before weekend; they'll have to complete it during the weekend.

Everyone's excitement wasn't about the 4 walls of the cell but for the light of Christ that has shone in their way. 

One week later, it was on a Sunday afternoon, cell fellowship had ended and they all went for lunch. Shortly after the lunch, the captain reminded them of their story time. All cell 3 members responded with excitement. They all made way to their room, took positions as the answer to the captain's question was about to be answered.

"My name is Peter Badmus, a graduate of Ecnomics and the only son of my parents, I have an elder sister, Promise Badmus. My parents told me how it took them time before they were able to bear their first child, my sister. But I am yet to figure out why the age gap between my sister and I is that long. They never made mention of that and I didn't bother to ask".

"I love music, I started singing and leading choir groups in my church when I was in junior secondary school. Although I had learnt how to play drum while in primary school. I also went further to learn playing a guitar at junior school two. I had several songs that I wrote and one of the things that helped me was having a good music coordinator, Mr Akande. Even if your song doesn't make too much sense, he will encourage you first and mark out the places you need to work on before saying you should go effect the change cited and fine tune it". 

He has never for once thrown anyone's composition to the winds. 

"After my junior school certificate examination, I proceeded to the senior secondary class one, I attended all classes as that was the law in my school then. It was until senior class two before one can decide on a particular department to go into. 

My senior class one result was very okay. I could say I successfully passed average. My percentage then was 79.5%. "Well, this were new courses we were introduced to" I tried to encourage myself and promised to do better as I go along.

When it was time to choose a department, problem struck. I told my parents I was going for the music department. Severally, the question I was being asked was "how many people do I know who is rich today by mere singing". I wanted to mention names but the Information I had wasn't convincing enough to let them see I could do better being an art student and proceed to study music in the University.

"We are in an environment where every parent want their kids to be doctors, nurses, lawyers or an accountant. Even an engineer! So, of all these professions you didn't see anyone to choose and you're telling us music" my mother had said. "If you don't fall into these categories, then nobody will see you as being serious". She concluded.

"I wasn't an A grade student but I'm thankful to God that I wasn't repeating class too. In a way, my education moved kindof fast as I entered junior school at age 9 and when I was 15, I was writing the senior school certificate examination".

"Most of my parent's decisions were always influenced by our church people, once they say something is bad, my parents doesn't check it twice before believing it and this attitude has pushed many people to the wrong path"

"Also, the way we lived was more like a routine... how ones life must go was more like it has been patterned. you start first with attending kiddies school then to high school and tertiary institution, get a job, get married and start raising a family."

This chain is hard to break and every opportunity our parent had missed, they want to make it right using us as standard for their mistakes. It isn't bad per se but the way they go about it is bad.

"Since they wouldn't let me go for the music I wanted, I tried to select courses as will leave me on two sides Art and Commercial departments. It wasn't easy doing this but I had to since that was what my parents wanted."

I knew how many University entrance examinations I wrote before I eventually opt for Economics.  It became very bad that I was hiding from my friends when some of them were in their second or third year while some where already in their final year and there I was still fighting with my juniors on the queue of registration on campus.

"I wished they allowed me use my musical skill beyond church. I planned sending myself to a music school and if possible get a second BSc in Music but that would be after I had gotten my first BSc in Economics and start working to save money for it since my parents had concluded they won't sponsor anything music"

"My elder sister was already doing fine, she had finished her master's program too. she was working in a good and well paying organisation. She had once begged my parents to let me study music but all plea fell on deaf ears. I had to give up on getting a career in music till the best time I could."

"But you haven't mentioned what brought you down here" one of the inmate cut in...

"Let us enjoy the story please" the other inmate replied harshly. It almost resulted in a duel. Thank God the captain was there. He settled the drama before they start to draw unnecessary attention.

"Please continue" the captain said.

I finished with a good grade, I was expecting my parents to give me a bit freedom at least the freedom to make decisions for myself but NO! they were still monitoring everything I do. 

"My mother will always say we want the best for you and this is the best. You must do as we say. We can't leave you to chance, I can't watch you become one of those bad boys in the street." But down deep in my heart, I've had several experiences that they don't even know of. Yet she keeps talking of not leaving me to chance like she knows me more than I do.

"Don't forget there was a routine that after school, you get a job doing, work a bit and then get married."  I knew I wasn't ready for marriage; I was still very young... why will I want to jump into marriage at this early age?... I needed to work, keep working and enjoy my Bachelorhood till the time is right.

"A knock on the door and the warder came calling Peter that he has a visitor".

A visitor?

Who could it be?

Watch out for what next.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 13

Episode 13.

Mr Yomi was rounding off as he picked his yellow keg by the bed side and gulped water.

"What brought me down to the prison?..." he sighed and continued. 

"After my second attempt to get into the University, I was finally admitted to study Business Administration and that was where I could say my excess freedom started."

I was glad I could finally leave home and all that was attached to it.

"As an undergraduate away from home, I could be a man and cater for so many things myself I thought. I didn't stay in the school's hostel, I made sure my parents got me an apartment outside the school; it was self-contained which gave me a large opportunity to accommodate different girls at different times. It eventually made me forget about Rose who had started the whole thing with me" 

"In my first year, I won as Mr Fresh in my department. I was counted as one of the big boys in my faculty too. It wasn't surprising as my father's name was already all over the state. It went even more viral in the school. The name Cole gave me access to anywhere at any time but little did I know that it has its limitation too." 

The first academic session went very smoothly. Remember I wasn't the very brilliant type but I remained a "little above an average" student. I made friends daily, meeting a lecturer wasn't a problem for me. I could approach them at any time as most of them knew my father. It wasn't difficult for them to lend me their ears. I was the centre of attraction of most persons.

"I met Busayo in my first year but I hated her very much because she will always be on my neck about giving my life to Christ and living for Him. Though I have tried severally to pray away my addiction but nothing was forthcoming, I gave up trying and opted for messing up the more with different ladies".

You can trust the University to be a place you will succeed with whatever decision you make especially negative ones.

Finding girls just for sex and no meaningful relationship wasn't an iota of difficult. The money was there too which made it super easy. It wasn't long before I got over Rose. I had more than enough to satisfy me. 

"In my third year, Busayo still hasn't given up on me. She will always come around to warn me about the danger ahead and how hell is real for sinners like me. Well, I wasn't new to hearing all these... it has been the sermons in church since childhood. Many nights, I will be sort of scared whenever the thought of heaven and hell crosses my mind but it will only work on me for that moment, once I sleep over it, I moved past it". 

"At 300level, I joined a group with the name "Loyal Brotherhood" our slogan was "together we stand". We were 10 in number at Loyal Brotherhood. We had our way with whatever we wanted. We were violent too, committing all kinds of atrocity. We became the most dreaded sect on campus. Before long, we started breaking into houses to steal even while in school. I wasn't actually doing this because I needed the money that much, but I had to join the crew. I can't leave them. It was an oath we made.

I continued with this life style, my parents were completely shut out from all these happenings.

With all these, I know you should guess right that my academic performance was getting worse by the day. It was greatly affected. Soon, I resulted to paying lecturers to waive some courses. 

At first we started on a very lighter note; big boys trending on campus, commanding respect from students, enjoying our youth and our days as undergraduates as we thought and I thought it wasn't going to be more than that but soon we kept trying out new things; going deep into immorality, taking drugs and on and on we went.

You hardly find me walking without a girl by my side, inasmuch as I knew they were around me  for my money and popularity too I didn't mind because I too needed their company at least for the moment so, it was a case of "rubbing each others back". I kept throwing money around like I own the central bank to the extent I was nicknamed YC money.

There was a girl I really loved among my fleet of girls but we couldn't just stop sleeping with each other. Moreover, there was no such plans of marriage for us at that time so, we kept being sex-partners. They labelled us "best couple" in the department as we always wear matching clothes and shoes everywhere and at almost everytime. But one fateful day, she told me of not seeing her period for 2 months that was when fear crawled in. Thinking of me becoming a father at this stage. It wasn't even to be imagined. I wasn't ready for such parenting responsibility. I told her bluntly she would opt for an abortion but she wouldn't accept. I had to result to pleading with her. I promised to take her to a good hospital to have a legal abortion as I thought her fears may be falling into the hands of quack doctors. I also promised to pay for all it will cost. All my pleas fell on deaf ears. 

I talked with one of her aunts to help me convince her to go for the abortion. I promised to marry her after graduation and then we can start having children but it can't just be now we were still in school, one more year to go. All efforts to get her to oblige proved abortive. I left her to her decisions but one thing I knew was that I wasn't ready and I wasn't going to be a father at that time.

"A month later, we(the Loyal Brotherhood) planned to carry out an operation. We had long had this plan but we kept looking for a convenient time. I got a call that day "9:30pm same venue" the voice at the other end had said. I knew it was coming. Our plans had long being ready. we've strategized, all information was at our desk. We only needed to hear 'It's time' so we strike. 

What kind of operation was that?? the captain asked

"The operation..." Mr Yomi smiled.

We were to visit one of our lecturers that night. I believe you understand now.

I'll still explain. This lecturer stepped on our toe. He betrayed us and it was time for him to get paid. He was one of the lecturers we paid to get a good grade even when we wrote little or nothing. We do it for other lecturers too and they coorperated. 

We've heard stories about this particular lecturer though it wasn't our concern. We went to him and told him what we wanted we threatened him to avoid him opposing and he agreed. We gave him the money and left only for result to be pasted and we all saw something different. We were fiercely angry. It has never happened it was a slap to LB's face. So, we decided to pay him a visit and give him whatever present we had for him.

"I met Busayo during the day, I didn't have time to sit and listen to her talks so, she handed me one church tracts. I didn't bother to read it, I took it and kept it at my back pocket. Immediately, I left her. On getting home, I didn't bother to change my cloth before jumping on my bed and I slept off" 

"I had set my alarm clock to 9pm to avoid over sleeping and to afford me time to meet up with the others before 9:30pm. I quickly put on my black hood and shade when the alarm rang. The trouser I was wearing was black already, so I didn't bother to change it. I dashed out to join them".

Little did we know that the lecturer had gotten information about our coming that night, police and the area security officers had been on standby. We entered the lecturer's compound and took positions as agreed. we haven't spent more than 5 minutes before the police burst in on us, everyone started seeking a way of escape, I tried to jump the fence but I couldn't; someone had helped me earlier, now there was no one to help. I found a hiding place at the corner of the uncompleted boys quarters of the house. As I bent there in hiding from the police, the tract fell off my pocket, I picked it and glanced through the topic which reads "Christ is calling you today, will you answer?".

It imprinted a reasonable meaning to me at that moment and I started crying and pleading for forgiveness. I asked God for mercy and promised that if he could save me that night, I will forever serve him but it was too late. I was caught in my hiding, 6 others were caught while trying to escape. The remaining 3 fled. The school rusticated us and handed us to the police. Investigation begun and it revealed we've been operating for so long.

"My father's name couldn't save me that day. So, I found my identity in the cell here."

Before I stop let me add that my mother was fully restored. Well it wasn't easy but God knew best. The news of my rustication and arrest was too much for her to bear; she had a high blood pressure. She fainted when the news was told her and that was how she landed in the hospital. It took days before she became stable and responded to treatment. Well it finally ended with a partial stroke. The right part of her body was dead hand and leg. We feared total stroke or even death but thank God it didn't go that bad. After she was discharged from the hospital, she was brought home and Dr Bako, the family doctor continued from there.

She had an encounter with God through a street evangelism team and God gave her another chance. And the good news there is that she is completely healed of the stroke now. The last time she visited, she was super healthy. 

"After mom's restoration, Yinka told dad and mom all that has happened. It saddened them to know all that had happened under their nose without them knowing. Dad revisited the case with bro Andrew and the church took necessary actions. Rose was sent packing, Saka still had his job but he had to leave the staff apartment at our house. Yinka started a new life in Christ and same did I too here in prison. 

Thank God I got my family back-Whole and new. They were all present at the court the day my judgement was passed. I was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and I have 2 more years to go.

"My parents came apologizing. Thank God we are all good now only that I had to pay for my sins and that's why I'm still here" He said smiling.

I can't wait to end this term and go back home to my family.

"In all God forgave us and gave us a new beginning... So, no matter what you may have done wrong forgive yourself and accept God's forgiveness so you can start anew."

Mr Yomi rounded off his talk with asking if anyone in the room is willing to dedicate or rededicate their lives to Christ. Almost everyone was willing, they knelt down and Mr Yomi led them to Christ including the captain.

It was a revival-filled moment for virtually all of them. They all gave him a hug.

"Thanks for sharing your story" the captain said. "Indeed everyone has a story to tell" another inmate added.

"You, you have been here for few weeks now, I think we will like to hear what brought you down here" the captain said to the last new inmate that was sent to the cell.

"Don't worry, next weekend should be free I will talk about how I got here" he said.

"That will be fine" the captain said and switched off the light.. they all retired for the night.

Watch out for what next?

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 12

Episode 12.

It was already getting late and everyone who cares to listen to what Mr Yomi still has left to say couldn't move an inch.

"My sister requested for the toughest deal but before she proceeded to her request, she started with saying that she knows everyone has a secret they are not telling. I got quite uneasy. Wondering if she knew about me....

She started with Saka and I wasn't so sure if she was about to tell me what I know already. She mentioned the first night she figured out that Saka was coming to Rose's room, she said she needed to pick a novel she found in my room but on getting there she couldn't find me, she looked everywhere for me but yet she didn't find me. The moment she knocked on Rose's door, she hasn't stayed for too long before she saw someone coming towards the door, she had to crawl behind the chair and watched... It was then she saw Saka as he entered the room".

"Deep down, I was troubled whether she knew I was also in that room that same night or not I needed to know but I didn't want to interrupt her as I wanted to know all she knew before I will decide whether I want to accept the deal or not. A part of me would want to report to daddy at least but I didn't know if that willl change anything anyways".

I was still thinking when she interrupted my thoughts..."Then coming down to Mom, she continued; I know there is a man friend that do hang out with mom. I also know they have a usual hotel where they stay in town and that's why mom spends weeks even months outside sometimes before coming back home. 

"It was one of her classmate's parent who knew the man mom was going out with; they had mentioned that at their family gist during dinner one day and her classmate got to know and started making mockery of her in school".

"The moment she mentioned that mom's part. I knew the game was almost up. Little did I know that my younger sister has known all these all along. I had always thought happily to myself that she was safe and secured but now I know better. 

Knowing this, I hated my mother so much the more that I never wanted to have anything to do with her anymore as she has not only ruined my life, now my sister... she has caused more damage beyond repair in the family."

I asked if that was all about what she wanted to say so we can have the deal right away. I was very curious. I just wanted to know what she was up to.

She told me she knew dad had been faithful both in church and home, she appreciated the fact that dad in his little way was trying to stay strong for the sake of we his children. Very many things she said about dad but the only thing and most important was still missing and that is that he doesn't have full time for us to know what we are facing or passing through, our challenges, our fears, our life generally especially as mom was totally out of the picture. 

"Of a truth we lacked good parental care and upbringing. Dad was just concerned about putting food on the table, giving us a comfortable stress-free life like he claimed and that was all. But that isn't all there is to parenting. I wished all these never came to be. I wished they were much available for us all along. I wished there can even be a change now but has things not gone beyond changing? Are they even seeing a need to change and start afresh? I don't think so."

"It was surprising that at such tender age my parents didn't even know what we do, who we move with, how we fared or are faring with our personal lives. God should just help our generation" Mr Yomi sighed heavily. 

"So our deal?" she interrupted my thoughts again. Yes, the deal? What is it? I asked. 

"Now that we both know we all have secrets, I want that you don't mention this to dad or any other person. Do you agree to this or not?" 

I was surprised and indecisive. I called it a tough deal because I didn't know whether to accept it or not.  Accepting will mean we want to keep keeping all these as secrets. And I didn't think that was good enough. Secondly, not accepting will mean I was ready to report to dad but then where and how do I start? How do I bear such news? Was I also ready to report myself and Rose or just my sister and brother Andrew?? Honestly, I didn't know what to make of her deal. 

"Immediately a thought flashed across my mind... It seemed she didn't know about mine. I was quite excited. If it was only about Saka and Rose she knew, then that will be fine. We can tell dad about it too and request that Aunty Rose leaves in that case I'd be free. I promise myself to try to get over her. To me, If that was the case, I won't accept the deal. I'll find a means to mildly and if possible indirectly bring this to dad's knowledge. I don't wish to leave my sister in this state. I know and understand that a lot has gone wrong but I'm hoping that dad will be able to talk to her and watch her more closely when he finds out."

"She interrupted my silent excitement as though she had heard all that was being said in my mind with asking if she should add that I do sneak in to Rose's room too, immediately I heard that, I knew the game was up. My head was banging, I developed a cold feet and my palms were sweaty already. 

I asked for how long she had known that I do sneak into Rose's room, unfortunately, she had known for a long while but kept silent about it.

"I felt very ashamed, I couldn't explain how much damage this has caused and how much we have been battling with for so long a time." 

I asked for how long she has been doing this with the lesson teacher... "About two months... This is the 5th time... I'm sorry brother I couldn't tell you about it" she had said. I totally understand you dear sister, I know how it is. I'm sorry I couldn't be a better example for you.

Back to the proposed deal...

"I told her right away that we don't have to make any deal, so much had really gone wrong and escalating the issue will only be more problem for the family and we don't even know how daddy will take all these news or how he will feel about it"

So, we both concluded we won't talk about it again to anyone but then the lesson teacher won't be coming again, we agreed to tell our parents we were very fine now and won't be needing any lesson teacher. 

True to our word, all these were kept between the both of us and we never mentioned it to anyone.

"I tried my best possible not to go to Rose's room for that period, though my body still craved for it but I had to fight to actually let go and start working on a better distraction"

"Stopping brother Andrew as we've agreed wasn't a hard task to do. Luckily for us Mom came back home on Sunday evening so we tabled our request. Dad objected at first since we couldn't give a reasonable reason why we wanted him to stop taking us home lesson but as long as mom was around and we knew she will take our side we pressed further and she agreed. Dad was left with no option but to accept it too. He was paid off for the month and was asked to go.

 "But... but... what brought you to the cell?" the assistant captain asked.

"We're getting there... I'm almost rounding off anyways"  Mr Yomi said as he rubbed his palm together"

What happened next?

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 11

Episode 11.

Mr Yomi returned from the toilet as he apologised for the break.

"I may need to skip some part and rush the story so we can go to rest as tomorrow will be busy for everyone" he said.

"No.... No, we need to hear it to the end" one of the guys in the room had said. One way or the other, they already knew if he doesn't finish the story that night, they may all not get the chance to come back to the story or activities may not let them get the chance to have everyone around in that room.

There is a guy in cell 3 whose days were fewer than everyone else in the cell. He has served in the cell for almost 7 years already and that month actually marked the last month for him.

With all these factors surrounding them, no one want to really miss any part of the story.

Okay, I'll just continue. Mr Yomi said.

"As I mentioned earlier, one Saturday morning, dad had gone to church for briefing and Head of Units meeting. I guess by now you should know that mom will not be home since it's Saturday, we are already used to not having her around. 

Rose was alone in the house with my sister, I went to the field at the 3rd street after our street to play football. Though the field is at the 3rd Street but it's not far from the house because there's a shorter route as we don't have to pass through the main roads or streets just passing beside and behind people's houses will get us there in few minutes. The field was very large and guys always play there every Saturday morning. 

I have some of my friends from school too that always come there, as early as 8am the field was already packed full we all play together and when it's about 10am or latest 11am, everyone will start going back to their houses" only very few stay back till noon. Then we will return in the evening by 4pm. I don't get to join them often though I only steal out to play whenever dad isn't around. And that Saturday was one of the days I went out to play since dad wasn't home. 

"The lesson teacher was supposed to be at our house by 11am that Saturday to take myself and my sister but my sister needed the lesson more since she was going to be writing some of the GCExam from senior class 2 but I already have all my papers, it was only the university entrance exam that was delaying me. I am fond of entering the house without knocking and that day wasn't an exception, I was tired to be knocking or acting all official in my house".

"I opened the door to the sitting room, I found books on the rug scattered everywhere but I assumed that it was either my sister was reading there before and stepped into the room or maybe she just kept the books there in readiness for the supposed class with our lesson teacher".

"I didn't bother to go to my room, I wanted to see Rose to ask for my breakfast as I have left for the field that morning without eating and maybe if we can quickly have our moment as usual. Ever since she introduced me to everything, I am not sure there has been a break for too long, a week will not pass without us making out but my parents weren't even attentive or sensitive enough to observe all of this".

"I opened her room but I didn't find her there, I was wondering what may be wrong. My mind flashed back to how my dad had accident a while ago and the feeling of something bad might have happened that made everywhere quiet and rough at the same time. I rushed to the kitchen and found out that the food had been dished into my favourite warmer, I opened it and it was pap and akara. I wasn't expecting anything else as we know it was one of our Saturday's meal"

"I was hungry and I wanted to start eating straight away forgetting my search for Rose but I didn't know why I suddenly felt strange about how everywhere in the house was. I wanted to start screaming my sister's name but something asked me to be quiet and rather go check her up in her room. I moved from the kitchen to the dining room and dropped the warmer there while having one of the akara in my mouth"

"I opened my sister's room without knocking too and I found the shock of my life. Brother Andrew on the bed with my younger sister!"

"What? Brother Andrew, the lesson teacher?" One of the guys interrupted with a shock written all over him. 

He was half naked as his blue coloured T-shirt was on the floor as well as his trousers too. I didn't know when the akara that I was yet to swallow made its way out of my mouth. I wanted to shout but I couldn't find my voice.

"I can explain... I can explain... was what he was repeatedly saying but I was so angry and confused at the same time that I couldn't stand the sight of what I saw. I love my baby sister very much. It's a pity I couldn't protect her that much because of my insufficiency too. Our parents are never available to really know what we are going through."

"The only thing I could say that day to brother Andrew was that he should leave the house and never bother to come back because I may kill him if I ever set my eyes on him again especially in that house. I went close to my sister, I saw the naivety in her eyes, I saw fear and also shame written all over her".

"You won't tell dad right? I know you are disappointed in me and I know dad will be more disappointed in me as well... she pleaded with me but I was really lost on what to do about the matter. I wanted to erase that I ever saw our lesson teacher with my sister in bed, but the more I tried to fight it, the harder it gets" I didn't know whether to accept her plea or not. I just stared in confusion.

"The way that hunger I was coming with disappeared in a second, I couldn't explain how I got filled and lost appetite at the same time. I wanted to really know for how long they have been doing this but I also had fear of what If she had known all along that I do sneak into Rose's room almost everyday... Now what will happen? Will she report me to daddy too or will we both keep silence about all that has happened?" I was more confused.

"That moment, I just reconfirmed that we all have secrets we all are not telling. Rose met with brother Andrew on his way out and she was wondering why he had to leave that early when he hasn't even done anything for the day". She had no idea what was going on..

"There is something I want to say but before then can we make a deal?" 

This was the question my sister asked me and my heart skipped for a moment, my head had started over calculating everything.

"A deal??? What could it possibly be? What does she want? Can I accept this? Will I accept this?"... and many more questions where popping in my head.

"Before you will ask anything, let me ask you....for how long have you been doing this with bro Andrew? I asked my sister that morning but she only said to me that she won't say anything until I am ready to strike a deal with her". 

"A deal? What will now be the deal?" The captain asked.

What is it going to be?

Watch out for the next episode.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 10

Episode 10.

"I had stayed long at Jibola's place as we played football after school's closing time and I asked my sister to go home that I will join her when I am done. Everytime I would want to leave, my friend will keep on persuading me that I should play just once more. One more set kept extending to many more and by the time I checked the time, it was already past 5pm"

"During examination periods like that, my school doesn't allow us close late. On normal teaching days, the school operates from 7:30am till 4:30pm but they allow us close as early as 2:30pm on exam periods and if it's Friday, it can sometimes be 12:30pm or 1:00pm. 

That afternoon, I already knew I've stayed past my time. I had to start running home so they don't begin to worry about my whereabouts"

Well, I know it's most likely my parents won't be home. But then I couldn't be too sure. Because dad can come in at any time. And dad must not get to know that I left my younger sister to come home alone while I stayed back only to come home much later.

I'll have to explain the reason why. And I don't have any reasonable lie to tell. My sister already knew no teacher asked us to stay back so my staying back was of my own accord. I just had to rush home.

"I rushed into the compound. It was surprising the gate was not locked. I entered and the sight I saw frightened me. I saw few elders in the compound. I was wondering why there were elders at our place. What could have happened?. Everyone was looking so serious and unhappy, I tried to ask what's happening but no one replied me. Immediately I knew the only person I could get a reply from was going to be Rose. I quickly opened the door to Rose's room, I couldn't find her. 

In a minute, I paused and started mind calculation"

Wondering, confused and disturbed... I know something bad has happened to Rose. But what could have happened?. I know you're thinking what I was thinking then... Did she die? What happened to her this time. I quickly remembered Aunty Naomi and immediately I tried to wash off my thoughts about Rose's death.

"Something bad mustn't happen to Rose. Soon I was told Rose went out to get something. That brought much relieve knowing Rose was alright.... I was a bit calm that she's fine and nothing is wrong with her" but then what's the problem? The elders outside with their dull faces... the whole air wasn't just feeling right. 

Where's my sister, my parents (if they're back home), where is everybody?.

"I opened dad's room and that was when I knew there was going to be more to what's on ground than I could imagine. "Daddy", I screamed. I went close to him and tears just poured out freely from my eyes. My little sister was crying too, dad had an accident while coming from one of his meetings and he was badly injured".

"I tried to put myself together realizing I'm older. I asked where my mother was because since I got back I haven't seen or heard of her and I was told they haven't been able to get in touch with her. This incident happened on a Friday and it was just very obvious why Mom wouldn't be at home. 

At the middle of the night, dad couldn't sleep, the pain was getting much, Rose was running round the house to bring one thing or the other. We don't know how the pain was like but for the first time, I saw my father crying like a baby. Feeling restless.  I couldn't stand it and I didn't know when I joined him crying. My baby sister had gone to bed and didn't get to hear the groanings from daddy's room"

"The night was longer than we expected it to be, I had to stay with Rose as she was taking care of dad. I didn't know when I slept off. Rose managed to drag me to sleep. 

The first week passed and my mother didn't come home, church members had been coming around to greet my daddy as his absence in church was already being felt".

"Dr Bako, our family doctor couldn't count how many days he had stayed in our house as he comes around every day to treat my father... Sometimes dad feels better and other times, the pain just get very serious again. As time went by, it was said that POP will be needed to balance the fracture he had, this broke my heart because dad won't be able to do anything on his own without the help of someone and sometimes he manages to help himself with the help of his crutches when it was getting milder".

"A month later, my mother showed up out of no where and at that time I had started my secondary school certificate examination. My time table was well spaced, I may have an examination today and the next may be in 2 days time.

Mother showed up and I was very angry at her for abandoning not only me and my sister but also my father.

"She came back looking all fresh and pretty, it's obvious she has been enjoying herself to the fullest wherever she might have been all along. While we were here worrying about her. She wasn't totally surprised as I had expected when she got to the house seeing the situation of things. Daddy narrated how the accident happened to mom and I could see the pain in my father's eyes. One thing about my father that I don't know whether to say I like it or not was the ability to be calm in any situation, as frustrating as my mother was, my father always kept his cool and avoid the drama".

"Well, like the saying goes; to life there are various phases. This was just one of it for us."

"I did my first university entrance examination, I had good grades but i wouldn't know why i wasn't admitted.  I was angry and in no time, my sister who was in senior class 1 had moved to class 2 and I couldn't bear to see her meeting up with me. My kid sis is an 'A' grade student who always come first in her class and at the time she was getting promoted to senior class 2, she was the overall best student in the school".

"I tried my best possible the first time but I wasn't admitted, my parents enrolled me for another lesson and even extra lessons so I could meet up and not fail a second time. I was reading despite all the family drama and distractions because I also needed an escape route out of my addiction with Rose and also the problems beclouding the family generally..."

"Mom never changed, in fact she became worse than ever before and she cared less about my dad's health. 

Thank God he was getting better with the help of God, Dr. Bako and Rose"

He soon stopped using a crutch for assistance and could move freely himself without any assistance. I was happy to say the least.

"Until that Saturday morning"  Mr Yomi said as he quickly excused himself to use the toilet...

What happened?

Watch out for what next

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 9

Episode 9.

The knock on the door shifted everyone's attention. They all didn't check the time to know it was way past lunch time. The breakfast they were supposed to eat by 11am was late due to the long praise and prayer session. So, lunch was extended to 4pm that day instead of the usual 3pm. 

Everyone in cell 3 was lost in Mr Yomi's story that they didn't remember to check the time to know it was already 04:30pm and lunch time was almost over.

"It's lunch time, we noticed we haven't seen anyone from this cell room in the dinning hall" the warder that knocked said.

No one out there knew that there is a story going on in our room. Not just a story but an interesting story that is taking us all in to the extent of forgetting our meals.

"We will join you soon" the assistant captain replied.  

"Maybe we should go and eat, then when we get back we can round off the story to a reasonable level" Mr Yomi suggested.

Though no one wanted him to stop, but he had to because the disadvantage of getting to the dining late may result to either eating with the annoying part of the fish or meat or even eating without any fish/meat and it can also be a cold food already.

Everyone dashed out of the room to the dining, they walked into the dinning looking like celebrities that others have been anticipating their coming.

There is no timetable to what they can give them to eat at the prison, they just cook as they feel and serve what they think is perfect for each moment. 

The food combinations in the cell can make someone throw up from the tasteless tea, not well cooked rice, undone moimoi and even the eba sometime seem so hard that to every swallow you take, you escort it down with plenty water. The life there isnt fun filled at all and the worst part is people are already used to it over time. Thats after they have purged severally.

That afternoon, we were expecting something like swallow but they served us one annoying beans like that.

The table is always filled up when it's the food that majority loves. Some days that they bring beans, they may end up taking the remaining one with them to only God knows where because it's only a few people that loves to take beans, others always try to force it down their throat with the company of garri and to the lucky ones who get to take it with pap.

They joined the queue with their plates in one hand and the other hand was holding a.cup with garri inside.

They were the last people to get to the table and they were all rushing to finish their food so they can go back to the cell room and finish the story with Mr Yomi.

 A few people saw and could read the closeness that has happened over a night sleep between everyone in cell room 3. 

Everyone was rushing their food and keeping an eye on Mr Yomi to know when he will be done with his own... So they can all return to the room to finish what they've started. 

The lunch was over and everyone started leaving the dining hall. Though the prison isn't a place to be but the memories people are making lives with them forever.

Many inmates came broken and over time, they had good relationship with people in their rooms and in the cells generally. It makes them feel light and the service they do hold on Sundays had drawn more people to God than ever before.

"All captain should wait for few minutes because there is an instruction for them" one of the warders had said.

If the captain is not back, Mr Yomi won't like to continue the story. As the captains were waiting for the instruction, others were going back to their various room. 

The meeting with the captain wasn't long as all they were told was how the schedule for their week will be like and the task that will be allocated to everyone.

The prison has a very large bushy field beside the staff quarters there. It's as large that they can't exhaust it. No one can really tell if the field was intentionally reserved to punish the prisoners or not.

Many days, all inmate will be sent to the field to work, the men will be clearing the clearing while the women will be packing and getting to burn the dirt. 

 "Sorry guys, I hope I haven't missed anything yet" the captain said as he closed the door behind him.

"Well, we waited for you so you don't miss any part of the story" Mr Yomi said.

"You stopped at something unexpected happened that afternoon" one of the guys replied. 

What happened next?

Watch out for next episode

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 8

Episode 8.

"Well done guys" the captain entered with his assistant. They were ready to listen to the story as everyone wants to know what and what had happened and how he ended up in the cell.

"That morning, the door was opened and we were wondering who it could have been, I was already calculating how to hide in case its someone that must not see us together" Mr Yomi cleared his throat as he continued.

"Dele, the gardener was the one that rushed in saying that dad sent someone from church to bring a document that has some report and receipt of church related matters for him. Rose quickly moved out to help with the search for the documents and handed it to Dele who left immediately".

"That was a second narrow escape of me almost getting caught with Rose but you know, addiction is one of the hardest thing to get over. It takes grace, I mean extra grace"

"I remember one weekend dad was away for men's prayer in church. Mom came home that night drunk. I was angry and sad at the same time, I was angrier getting to see mom being dropped home by an unknown man"

"What will a married woman be doing with another man, at that time of the night? I was beginning to dislike my mother. Or maybe not beginning but an hatred for her was beginning to build up. 

"I will come back and talk about that unknown man but you wont believe that mom threw up at our sitting room that night, she had taken too much of the drink that actually made her throw up. Few minutes after, she fell on the sofa at the sitting room and she slept off"

I was about picking a fight with her but when I realized it will yield no fruit I just retreated.

Someone that was drunk and even unconscious of her environment, what can I possibly say that she will hear. I left for my room.

"My sister has been distant from everyone in the house even me and we didn't even have an idea of whatever she might have been battling with or going through but we knew or rather I knew she was unusually quiet and not wanting to relate with anyone. Once she was done eating, she pick on her assignment and sleep after". 

"You haven't told us your younger sister's name and don't forget that unknown man too..." One of the guys interrupted.

"I am coming there, let me start with the man, the man has been keeping my mother company for over a year before that day that he followed her home. The man goes by the name Jimi, Jimi was one of the clients in our company. My mother is the co-founder of dad's company although she has a clothing line and boutique to her name too. She has been going out with him unknown to my busy father and she was already contemplating on switching to the man's church since she has long stopped going to church with us" 

"Mom woke up the following morning to ask what had happened but the shame couldn't let any of us talk. She wanted to know and insist we talk, alas Rose told her all that happened"

She didn't look remorseful, she just said Oh! she sighed and then carelessly said sorry about that and straight way she left us.

"The only grace that weekend was the fact that dad didn't sleep home due to the men's prayers that he had to attend that Friday night" 

"I can't even tell my dad about what happened when he was away and it was looking like everyone in the house has something the next person must not hear, we kept on acting all good"

"3 years down the lane, I was already in senior secondary class 3 and I was preparing for my final secondary school exams and the government exams too. Aside the fact that school organised classes for us, my parents didn't stop changing our lesson teacher. 

My mother being the type that was hard to satisfy when it comes to some certain things.

"She could sack any staff at any slight provocation which makes people to prefer my calm father to her both at work and in church back then.

"Oh, I almost forgot. My baby sister.

"My sister's name is Yinka Cole and she was 14 while I was 16 years as at the time I was in senior class 3, she was in senior class 1.

When you talk of brilliancy, you'd call her name first before mine. She was extra ordinarily intelligent, wise and sharp. She always come top in her class. Her average performance has never gone below 75%. 

I remembered when we were still much younger and close then. Anytime we engaged in a competition at home or a game she'll always beat me hands down. It was only at football I had an upper hand. She only enjoys watching football she's weird at kicking a ball but I always made her try playing. Well, she had to because she was my only playmate then. She was fast in learning but she couldn't catch all the skills of football. 

She had very many collection of books. So, it wasn't very surprising when she speaks. She's vast in knowledge too.

"Well, finally, a brother from the church agreed to be coming around to assist us with home lesson. At first it didn't seat well with my mother based on her anger and hatred for the church already, it took a while before she agreed to the brother coming around to take us"

"Brother Andrew was one of the calm and easy going brothers in church. He works at the church's school as a part time staff and also in some other schools in town. The church we attended also have a school but mom was against us going there so she opted for another private school" 

"Rose and I haven't stopped all we do together for about 6 years now, and I could say I was never going to stop because it has become a part of me. I see it to be a way of life already. If I'm not at Rose's room, I'll be in my room reading erotic novels and masturbating or reading magazines which I collected from my friend. I now have enough books and magazines that can be of help at any time".

"One afternoon, the unexpected happened" Mr Yomi said but a knock on the cell door interrupted them.

What happened?

Watch out for what next.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 7

Episode 7.

"Who started it? Who planned this out?" One of the warder was asking but the head of warders came in to the scene and asked them to explain what really happened. 

All the while, when those in cell 3 were listening to Mr Yomi's story, those in cell 8 had 3 people who weren't sleeping. No, they weren't listening to any story but they were planning on an escape route.

Patrick was the master planner. He had arranged with Ben and Chris.

The dinner was served and they knew there was one of the warders at the first gate. Tho they all worked in shifts. Morning and evening.

The warder on night shift that weekend had been studied over time that he likes to take palm wine. They had arranged with someone from outside after a visit as a family member a week ago to help them bring in drugs that can not only make someone sleep but also make them unconscious for long.

Chris tiptoed towards the keg of wine close to the security door and added the drugs. The warder had not only taken the palm wine, but he shared with 4 others that loved to merry. 

Minutes later, they all slept off so they tried to pick the gate key.

The prison yard has 3 doors, two doors and the main gate. They had successfully opened the first, on opening the second, a warder heard sounds and moved to the direction immediately he saw them he signalled to another warder not too far away but alert and before they could attempt opening the main gate they were rounded up. 

They raised an alarm having their guns cocked too. Tho the gun was just to scare them and also a means of protection but no intention of shooting them. The 3 of them feared at the sight of the gun which made them surrendered and handed over the keys back.

It was out of fear that Ben confessed that they had drugged the other security men who were supposed to be on duty there.

Everyone was amazed with all that happened and the head of warders dismissed everyone  instructing that the 3 of them  be put in the underground cell where they won't be able to see the sun or day light.

The underground cell was always not in use except for cases like that. The place is disgusting and very small, you can't really stay too long there. Although the cook had been ordered to keep serving them food there but they are not allowed to come out till the head of warders decides to release them.

"I hope this will serve as a warning to you all; if anyone should make any funny attempt, he will join them in the underground cell" the head of warder said as he made his way out of the open space to his office.

The day kept on crawling as every cell 3 member was counting down to when they'd continue their story.

The Sunday fellowship started, some of those that stayed up late in the night was half awake and half asleep. The fellowship always lasted for an hour and 30 minutes and this day too wasn't going to be an exception.

Service was from 9am to 10:30am while breakfast was always 11am on Sundays. 

They started with some selected worship songs and then praise songs, word of admonition and prayer.

Every Sunday brought different pastors and ministers of God.

There were only few times they have repeatedly sent same pastor but on other times, they meet with new faces.

The fellowship was always a time to reflect, praise and pray. Many times some of the pastors will ask them to fast and pray. 

"There is no place you cannot fulfil purpose, God may use your prison experience for someone else's healing some day" one of the pastor that was sent once said.

The total number of prisoners should be around 350 both males and females. They didn't have a hall to contain such a number at once so, they use the open space for fellowship. 

The guest pastor for that Sunday, talked about praising God in trying times, he used different bible character to explain better but he was more emphatic relating with Job in the bible. 

The word of admonition brought tears to many people's eyes, some started praying and speaking in tongues while some others were rolling on the floor. It was obvious most persons had rededicated their life to Christ that Sunday.

The prayer session went on and on that almost everyone forgot they hadn't eaten. The fellowship that ought to have ended by 10:30am didn't end until about 12:00pm.

After the service, it was no longer breakfast they had but lunch. Everyone made their way to the dining hall.

It was a terrible salty hard rice with watery tasteless tea that was served. Everyone ate with displeasure. 

Since Sunday was the only free day, they all moved to their different cell room after the meal.

"Can we continue the story now" one of cell 3 inmates said.

"Of course yes, let others come in and I will tell you what happened from where we stopped" Mr Yomi had said.

What's happening next?

Watch out for the next episode.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 6

Episode 6.

Everyone in the room wanted to know who it was. 

If only they could get a remote control and fast forward Mr Yomi they'd gladly do it. 

"Brother Saka one of my dad's favourite drivers that lives in one of the rooms in the flat behind our house. 

I couldn't explain how I got to the wardrobe. I was thinking of what to say.

On a normal day, Saka doesn't come to our rooms and even when he comes to our apartment, he doesn't stay in long. Once he delivers whatever message they sent him, he will go back. Not even a minute extra"

"I told him a big lie that I didn't know where it came from.  I told him I was doing hide and seek with my sister and since I couldn't hide again I decided to come out and go check on her"

"Hide and seek kè? By this time?  you don't know what the time says"

"It is already past 2, he said and sent me to my room that night. 

It was indeed a narrow escape but not totally. I tiptoed back to my room, I was so happy that I wasn't caught up in an act like that.

"I was wondering for how long Saka has been coming to Rose's room. 

Conversation led to it one way or the other, It was then I knew Rose always intentionally leaves the back door opened and whenever they like, they meet up and catch up..."

"Days went by and I stopped going to Rose's room though I couldn't help the urge so it led to me masturbating. I became addicted and also a full time masturbator, if there is any word like that"

"On the other hand, Saka wouldn't stop coming in and out of our house unnoticed and this time, they were almost taking over the house as my mother now goes from one place to another and have reasons not to come home to even sleep while dad on the other hand has been appointed as the Head of Welfare Unit giving him more responsibilities in church"

"I am not saying church doesn't select ministers based on the spirit of God but I felt being rich was also part of their criteria. They knew that dad carries two-thirds(2/3) of most project in church while the church take up the remaining part from the church's offering and tithes"

So, it wasn't difficult to appoint him as the Head of Unit (Welfare).

"Since my parents wanted us to graduate with good grades in school despite not having our time personally, they kept on changing lesson teacher for us like someone changing cloth. Once in a blue moon my parents get to see the result from school, and once they do so, they always felt like the lesson teachers were not doing enough and then the search for another begins".

"Days when mom won't sleep at home, Rose was the one playing the mother role in the house but what pisses me off often was the fact that Rose was always intentionally being harsh on me maybe so that no one would suspect anything going on with us but I didn't like it. Though I didn't know it was intentional, I was feeling I wasn't doing enough compared to Saka.

I obviously became jealous.

"I had a friend in school, Jibola, he was an exposed and experienced guy that started moving with his elder brothers to visit motels and he read many ungodly books. The shame of who I've been sleeping with and who I've become generally couldn't let me open up to him but I stylishly asked him to give me some of his erotic novels and magazines"

"Since there was no one at home to check my schoolbag or reading locker, I was safe. They didn't know I had so much I was hiding. All these books increased my urge to masturbate, it got to the level where I will run out of class sometimes to the toilet to masturbate and quicky go back to class"

"I was dealing with this for as long as I could remember and I couldn't tell anyone about it.

The secondary school I went to was a mixed of boarding school and day school. There was this fellowship we do have every Friday, I will come out every Friday to give my life to Jesus and then lost my life to the devil later in the night when I get home from school" 

It was pathetic. 

There was a knock on the cell room door, that made us checked the time and it was already past 12am. We have never stayed up that late before because everyone was always going their own way. The only time we talked closely was either during food or when working on the field. 

"You people no sleep bah? the warder that  knocked said but since the captain of our room was one respected and responsible prisoner, he told him we were all having men's talk and the warder left.

"Where were we?" Mr Yomi asked.

"Anyways, one of the weekends that my parents wouldn't be around, I heard mom giving instructions to Rose on the things she needed to get from the market to stock up the house which will last for a while"

"Dad on the other hand was having a pastor's and head of unit conference that will last from Friday till Sunday that weekend. So it was so certain that we will all be left to ourselves alone for that weekend. I was excited that I will still get a moment with Rose as I've read books that has boosted my ego and made me believe I can do better than Saka"

"I was happier because dad will be travelling with his driver, Saka and it was so sure I would have the whole weekend to enjoy Rose to the fullest but what broke my heart was when dad said the church had arranged a bus that will take them to the first location before they will go to the airport to take a flight out of the state". 

"One way or the other, I ended up in Rose's room that night and all the fun and play started in no time. I don't know where Rose got her strength from, she's never tired or satisfied. I slept off some minutes later".

"Rose didn't lock the door to the main entrance of the house and whenever that door is opened we will always know because of the noisy sound that accompanies it.

"It was past 6am that morning when we heard the front door opened" Mr Yomi said but he suggested they all go to sleep that he will continue from there after the Sunday fellowship. He was feeling tired and sleepy already.

Everyone climbed their beds and bunks that midnight and they all decided to wait for what will happen next after the Sunday fellowship.

The morning came faster than they thought, they slept late afterall and they all didn't have enough rest but still they had to get out of bed that morning.

It was a noise from outside that woke them all up that morning.

What happened in the cell?

Watch out for the next episode.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 5

Episode 5

"A knock? who could it be?" One of the guys interrupted and everyone drew closer to know what happened.

Mr Yomi wanted to stop talking after checking the time knowing well that it's late already and everyone was expected to be sleeping by 11pm.  

The light out is 11pm and this day was a Saturday. Every Sunday, there was always a fellowship in the prison.

Sometimes, people are sent from different churches to come and share the word of hope as well as pray with them. This tradition has been on going for several years. And it was really good and helpful.

They had to wake up early do the little clean up and prepare for the fellowship. So, he was thinking of stopping since it was already late so they could catch a little sleep before dawn.

"No, continue Mr, we are enjoying you" the captain said. 

"Yes! please go on...." Others replied.

As long as the instruction was coming from the captain, it was enough excuse to give for not sleeping when the warders come around to check.

"As I said earlier, it was just 5 minutes into all the play and tickling when we heard a knock on the door. I was scared so much that I wasn't even thinking of the way out. Rose's room was not as big as other rooms which made her room to have just one window and one door,  not like my sister's room that has a door leading to the parlor and another leading to the store room and my own room has a door leading to the dining and the other to the laundry room" 

"The knock came again and this time we knew the game was up. It was over. I was silently praying and wishing it was just wind that was touching the door and not human" Mr Yomi smiled and continued. 

"I was analyzing who it could be in my mind,  my father must not meet me there, it will result to so many punishments that will not only affect me but Rose too but it couldn't have been my mom, I thought further.. she doesn't even move her body when she sleeps, that's how tired she can be. And my little sister too, must be fast asleep by now. Who could it be?

"But who could it be?" Someone repeated after him. 

"I was already thinking if it was my sister, we can tease her and paint the story to be like she was sleep walking and couldn't know where she was going or what she saw. 

Rose suggested that I hide inside her wardrobe, she opened the wardrobe and quickly pushed me inside, she covered with more cloth as well. I couldn't breath so well under those cloth and almost half of the clothes were sweaty dirty clothes she had planned to wash by weekend"

I wonder why she kept them in the wardrobe anyway.

"I was there choking with smell and was also running out of breath. Rose finally summoned the courage to go to the door. I couldn't see the person since I was hiding inside the wardrobe but I could hear Rose telling the person that she thought the person wouldn't come that night again" 

Ah! "I tried to open the wardrobe to see who the person was but it was quite difficult because it was dark already and the light in her room was off. We could only see the rays of light flashing through the window from outside"

"Our compound was a very big one, my father built a 2-bedroom flat behind our house, same compound for some of the staffs working in our house". I could hear the person inside the room telling Rose that he is taking his turn that night and it will be fun all through. "Have you set the alarm? Remember I have to be awake on time before I will get caught".

"I was inside there still calculating in my head what may be going on and how I will survive the rest of the night inside the smelly wardrobe that I was hiding".

"I never knew time had gone, I was already feeling sleepy and dizzy, I was beginning to feel uneasy and felt like throwing up too. I knew if I come out, what has been going on with me and Rose would be known. As much as I hated what I was introduced to at 10, I was naive then but then, I was already enjoying it so much that I almost couldn't go a night without a touch here and there".

"I didn't know when my eyes began to close and I mistakenly dozed off, it was when I hit my head on the plank that was used to demarcate the wardrobe that I quickly opened my eyes"

"The man in the room asked,  what's that sound coming from your wardrobe? 

Rose was smart enough to convince him that there was nothing and that it might just be the plank that was stretching"

"Waoh! That was the first time in my life I will hear that plank do stretch. I wanted to laugh but I had to cover my mouth with one of her gowns. She was able to make him ignore every sound and any form of distraction.

"Not long after, I hit my head on the plank again and this time around, it was louder than the first time, this was an evidence that the plank wasn't stretching but that someone was inside the wardrobe".

"You know one thing about lying is that, when you say one, you will keep looking for one more to cover the first one, she was able to convince him again, my heart skipped faster thinking the man in the room will come to the wardrobe and open it. 

This third time, I was already deep in sleep that I didn't know when i fell on the door of the wardrobe, it was when I landed on the floor I woke up, and then I realised I was out of the wardrobe finally.

"Yomi, what are you doing here? The man said. 

"Who's the man?" Someone asked and another replied "We don't know yet".

Who is the man?

Watch out for the next episode

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 4

Episode 4

You know that moment when you can't just assume or guess what might happen next? That's the exact way everyone was feeling as Mr Yomi shared his story.

They were all curious and same time happy. Cell 3 has never been this relatable. Thank God for the new guy who made Mr Yomi shared his story.

As busy as the captain in the room always seemed to be and everyone else too. They were all beginning to pay rapt attention to the story as it was getting more interesting and deeper.

Also an advantage they had for that day was that they were a bit free from all activities and they could choose to stay awake all night but staying awake all night won't be a totally good option as the warders will come very early in the morning knocking on each cell door. And they will all have to get up because defaulters or disobedient inmates will always be punished.

"Rose was with us alone that afternoon, he continued... it was about 8 months that she has joined the family. So far she was playing her roles well, my parents didn't see a reason to doubt her or anything she does. My mother already trusted her so much that she doesn't even go to the kitchen at all to check out what she was doing?"

"My mother is a boss lady that can always get away with anything or command anyone to do anything for her at any given time. It was still a bit better in the time of our first maid. That time mom will still be the one to serve dad but now, everything is in the care of Rose"

"Dad left home very early that morning so he could catch up with his flight to Abuja for a business meeting and to close a contract deal while mom left the house without much words. As at this time, mother has stopped following us to church as the only time she had to rest was on Sunday after the busy weekend"

"All her attitude was already affecting dad but his business has being the biggest distraction for him not to feel the space that much. Dad had tried his best possible to make things work out but all to no avail now he has left everything to God himself to come and work on my mother's heart".

"Come here, where is your sister? Rose said to me that afternoon, and as I'm talking with you tonight, her voice is still ringing in my head. She asked me to come to her room that she had something to show me. I followed her without thinking twice".

What would I even think? Small me? I was very much innocent. I was barely 10 years old.

"Our house was a big one, she has her own separate room, dad's room was different from mom's room and mine isn't same with that of my sister too. There was also a small room close to the dining where we do have the family worship. My father doesn't joke with family worship as busy as he was". 

"Rose invited me to her room and when I entered, she told me that being a man starts from age 10 and that it wasn't a big deal in her state, she told me how much the society expects from men and how they must be strong, she talked and talked and kept talking till I was sleepy but I found it rude to tell an elderly person to shut up, the one that was most painful was the inability to walk out on them due to the respect you have for them".

"My baby sister was sleeping at that moment and the whole house was quiet a bit aside the neighbour's dog that couldn't stop barking at intervals. I didn't understand all she was saying. I kept looking still at her. She drew my trousers down and started caressing me but I had no clue of what she was doing.

"I couldn't say I enjoyed it but I knew everything was strange and feels so weird but since there was no one to talk to or ask about it. I was 10. I kept silent."

The captain shouted Ah! "10 years old boy, that's way too young, that lady is evil" 

"This kept on going for 3 years and I was already used to the molestation and all the escapade that Rose introduced me to. My parents were getting busier day by day and the business was blooming making dad to be away more often than usual"

"I overheard dad talking to mom during one of their late night talks about how she should try and be more available for us since he was trying to be out there so as to make more money and keep us all in a comfortable stress-free life but mom didn't even see a truth in what daddy said. She concluded that we're big enough and moreso we have Rose with us all day.

"But Rose is not their mother" Dad thundered. Please spare me that, so, I should become a nanny all over again because I have children?? Please and please enough of this talk my children are doing just fine can't you see how healthy they look? Moreso, if you feel there's any drawback you can step in or are you not their father again? She retorted and walked out of the room.

"Almost every night, once we are done with our evening devotions, I sneak to Rose's room. I am always waiting for the devotions to end quickly so I can go to her. I hardly pray but keep looking at the time.

Mom on the other hand had long lost her spiritual sense. I can't count the number of times mom had missed the night devotions as she was always coming home late and tired. On few occasions that she joined us, she was always half way sleeping and half way awake. There were times when we already ended the prayer, but she will remain on her knees until dad screams in Jesus name we pray in her ears then she'll start saying Amen Amen repeatedly. It was obvious she was long gone in sleep.

"The days kept on moving with different new lessons from Rose and yet my parents wasn't noticing the closeness between us at all, they were not even sensitive to have noticed that something was going on under their roof"

"After the devotions one night, I tiptoed to her room as usual, she will always put on a transparent night gown that reveals her body. She always looked so catchy that anyone who sees her fair skin through the cloth won't be able to resist her"

"To save time, I always made sure I sleep with only my short on so I won't be stressing myself pulling up cloth when I get to her room and that night wasn't different, I was on a short without a shirt"

"I got in and we started playing and talking, she pushed me to the bed and started tickling me, I tried my best possible not to make any loud sound since everyone was at home".

"About Five minutes later, there was a knock on her door"

Who was at the door?

Watch out for the next episode.