BROKEN MIRROR Ep 15

Episode 15.
(Finale)

I never knew that there was a development on- going in the house, until that afternoon that I saw everyone packing their bags and baggages.

My parents paid aunty Mimi a huge sum of money to go and establish herself that her services are no longer needed. She cried and begged to know if she had done something wrong, but they said nothing at all.She packed her bags and in no time, a taxi came to pick her.

"Dad, you still haven't told me what's going on." I asked, trying to figure out why we were packing and where to.

The first truck came and carried some of our luguages. From the chairs to the fridge, book shelves and other valuable items.

We spent over 5 hours packing. After the last truck packed the remaining items, we took off to our new house. The area was newly developed and the construction layout is just like our former place.

I was enrolled in a tutorial center so I can be well prepared for my exams, but it is rather unfortunate that I kept failing the exams. My parents would always remind me that they have enough money to keep enrolling me till I make them proud. 

My parents would rob the failures on my face.Most especially my mother who had never really been there for me.

"If you have read the way you are eating, you would have made the best result." my mother said during a family dinner. I was angry and couldn't continue with my food. I left the dinning table to my room and cried my eyes out.

I reached out to Henry again after a long time. Henry, was in his year 2 in the university. He told me I need God to help me and I need to retrace my steps to God. I became even more angry this time, because that was not what I wanted to hear.

One afternoon, dad had gone to his business meeting and mom had gone to work, so I was home alone. Somehow, I stumbled on a particular brown file in dad's locker. I saw some affidavits and other documents surrounding my birth.

That was how I discovered that the man I have been calling dad my whole life was never my dad. I became weak that I couldn't move my legs for 30minutes.

I quickly took the files, ran to a cafe close by to make copies of the documents and return it before they got back home.

I made copies for myself and kept them.I returned the file and acted like nothing happened.

I reached out to aunty Mimi to ask her if she knows anything about what I just found out and she said she was aware by mistake, that one of the days she was cleaning the house, she found the documents too.

I was very angry and was just pacing around the house. I went into the kitchen paced around and picked a knife to stab myself. I felt  very empty and full of rage, but I realised that stabbing myself will not mean much like stabbing them.

Just in time, dad came home. I quickly  hid behind the curtain and as he entered the house,  I stabbed him multiple times till he could no longer breathe. I put a call across to the police station and told them what had happened.

My mother came into the house and saw her husband in a pool of blood. She passed out immediately and I didn't bother to move to close to her.

That was what happened before the policemen came into the scene. I was charged to court, tried and sentenced to death. Fortunately for me, while on death row, grace found me.

I gave my life to God in the cell and that is why I am sharing my story with you all today, that God still gives people second chance, regardless of how bad or messed up their lives may be.

Eventhough you may be as a BROKEN MIRROR but you can still reflect Christ everywhere you go.

"Number 008, 023 and 057" the warder announced as we matched out to the field, where our eyes will be covered and we'll be made to die by hanging as pronounced by the court of law.

My name is Oluwatomiwa Becky Atolagbe.

The End

No matter how far you think you have gone, there is still hope for you again.

Job 14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

List of stories by O'nezer
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. Sleevless
17. FOLA
18. The Leap Year
19. TANGLED
20. BUT
21. Thirty plus

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 14

 Episode 14. 

Mom and dad were seated in the living room laughing and discussing different topics. It was really shocking and weird, because I couldn't remember the last time mom stayed at home to have any family chat whatsoever. I stood at the door to be sure it was their voices I was hearing.

I entered the house and greeted them. Mom replied me cheerfully and even asked about my academics. I forcefully returned the smiles, because I was not used to her care. She picked up a nylon beside her and handed it to me. I hurriedly opened it to see what was in it.

"Wow, is this for me?" I kept on saying as I unwrapped the package.

"Yes. It is for you. Your dad and I have been discussing about getting you a phone for sometime now, and here you go." mom said.

"I hope you like it?" dad added as they both laughed.

I had always wanted a phone since I started seeing my friends flaunt theirs. They made it seem like you don't belong if you don't have a phone. Deep down, I wanted more than a phone. I wanted to have my family back; the love and the prayer time, but mom needed to make money and dad wanted to manage his business.

They have told me many times that the reason they run around and do all they do, is to give me the best life and make sure they do even better than their own parents. 

I thanked them and went straight to my room. I had written some of my friends and classmates phone numbers at the back of one of my class note books, so i started saving their numbers. Thankfully, my mom bought me a sim immediately.

Henry wouldn't stop telling me how he and his family are praying for me. When he told me that his family was praying for me, i was angry that they were discussing me in his family.  After all, I only have multiple boyfriends and sex partners; nothing too serious. 

If not because he followed up and I also opened up a bit of my life to him, he wouldn't have known in the first instance.  He apologised for bringing his family into it but he didn't stop telling me that God still loves me and wants to have a relationship with me. 

Another session began. While Henry was in class 3, I was in class 2. I saw this new phase as another opportunity to enjoy and explore to the fullest.

Soon, I started missing school. I would leave home with extra clothes. Whenever my teacher asked me why I missed class, I would come up with different untraceable and unrelated lies that he won't be able to doubt.

My result for the first term dropped terribly, but my parents did not even have the time to check. Once they pay for my school fees, get the books needed for the term, they forget about every other thing. The last time they attended the parent-teachers meeting in my school was when I was in junior class and I can count the number of times all together. 

The second term started, yet my performance in school wasn't improving. I started losing concentration in class and school didn't excite me anymore. I just wanted to hang out with friends and enjoy life.

Aunty Mimi had now lived with us for roughly 4 years and she has gone past being a  stranger to becoming the house owner. She did whatever she wanted as long as my mother was not around or aware of her relationship with my dad. 

When the session ended and I saw my results, i felt sad and angry with myself. It was by sheer luck that i was promoted on trial.

Being in Class 3 meant serious business. Preparations for the senior school leaving examination was in top gear, so there was little to no time for play. All I wanted was to pass my exams and move to the higher institution so i can enjoy maximum freedom. 

Henry still didn't give up on me, even after he had graduated. He always kept in touch and calls to admonish me.

It was that time for the senior school leaving examinations. Everyone started running rat race, trying to make up for wasted years by getting serious over night, but it was about too late. 

My clique already know their ways of bringing in answers. If not that our surname starts with different alphabets, we would have been on same row. Yet, we were able to find a way to communicate answers to ourselves.

Many weeks later, our results was out and I didn't make some of my papers. I felt really bitter and sad that no school would want to admit me  with that kind of result.

"My dear, you will have to retake the exams." my mother said after seeing my result. 

Before the year ended, there was another shift in our family that eventually led me to police custody.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 13

 Episode 13.

"Yes, you wanted to say something about the new person you met." the officer said. 

"Oh! Henry. Thank you sir." I said.

I was getting very weak because I had not eaten anything almost all day.

Henry is an orphan, so he stayed with his uncle who happened to be the pastor of one of the big churches in town. 

As at then, most of my classmates were already in relationships, that some cannot even count the number of boyfriends they have within and outside school.

Henry was very friendly and hospitable to me, so I began to feel emotionally connected to him. Unknown to me, he only wanted friendship, while I already concluded in my mind that he wanted a girlfriend, just like every one else.

Henry was in senior class 2, so I was nursing the thought of flaunting a boyfriend in senior class, also, from another school. Day by day, my friendship with Henry grew deeper. 

I found out that Henry was a christian, but only had the look of a bad boy. It was along the line he opened up to me that the holy spirit had been impressing it on his heart to come close to me and help me  out of the mess I am in.

The first day he mentioned Jesus to me, I was  very angry. I wasn't angry because he mentioned Jesus, but I just didn't want to be cramped with any spiritual talk. 

"Please I want to enjoy my freedom and enjoy life" I said to him during one of our conversations when he wouldn't let me be.

"Whoever the son sets free is the one who is free indeed. You can only have a better life in Christ Jesus." He said so many things that day, but my mind was made up to continue faking christianity at home and living wild outside.

Aunty Mimi and my dad had now gotten so deep that they didn't even mind being caught. Dad even went as far as changing her wardrobe to make sure she dresses well. 

Sometimes, i just wonder what kind of parents I have. They go to church, get involved in so many activities, but are not genuinely born again. 

I know I am not in the position to judge, but obviously, they cared more about their work for God than their walk with God. That was  why my mother lacked the discernment to know that there was a crack in the wall of our family. 

Despite that dad was deeply involved with aunty Mimie, he would still force me into his room sometimes. If I refuse, he would  either lure me or threaten to stop all his fatherly responsibilities towards me, then i'd have no choice than to give in. 

I had wanted to revenge by exposing to my mom, all my dad had been doing to me and affirm that dad truly molested my cousins; Bukola and Busayo, but mom who was always busy wouldn't even have time for any rant or report. 

The session was over and we all went on the long vacation.That was another opportunity for me to hang out with my cliques. 

Since Henry's school wasn't far from mine, he intentionally told his uncle that he would like to have his summer lesson in my school and his uncle agreed. 

"There is a way that seem right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death." Henry warned me again one day when he saw me and my clique bullying some junior students.

Deep down, I knew I didn't choose to be like this and I didn't know how to feel about the way my life was headed.

I got home from summer class one evening to meet a surprise.

BROKEN MIRROR EP 12

 Episode 12. 

"You are here to see your friend, isn't it?" Adaobi's mother asked and I replied affirmatively.

I was told that she and her elder brother were sent to a boarding school, so they can face their studies squarely, because their results for the last session was not impressive. 

I felt heartbroken hearing the news. I was not happy to be separated from my friend, but I believed that whenever there was a break from school, we would all get to see again. Once in a while, I stopped by their house to check if they were back. 

I started getting close to Victor and in no time, we became 5 and 6. We were always together, in and outside class. Our classmates used to call us husband and wife. I was not the type to make friends easily, but if I have any friend, I am very loyal to them.

Gradually, I started introducing innocent Victor to all I had learnt over the months; kissing, romancing and all.  Sometimes, I would get angry that he couldn't help me fill the emptiness in my heart and meet my emotional needs.

We would sneak to an hidden part of the school to carry out our immoralities, until we were caught one day at the back of an empty classroom. The teacher that caught us was very shocked seeing us in such shameful act, especially for Victor, who was known to be serious with his academics.

 We were taken to the staff room and given 3 options. The first is that we should bring our parents to school where they would be informed of our vice.

The second is that we would be flogged on the assembly ground the next day, which was a shameful beating. 

The third option is that every teacher that enters our class will flog us and this would go on for the rest of the week.

None of the options given to us was favourable. I knew that our parents must never hear of our actions; the consequence would be severe. Also, i couldn't risk being flogged on the assembly ground in the presence of all the students. If i should opt for the third option, i don't pray it should include our mathematics or into tech teacher. These two teachers can beat a dead child back to live and a living child to death.

After much consideration, we were handed over to our class teacher to receive 12 strokes of the cane each. Also, we were instructed to always come to the staff room every day to spend our break period for the rest of the week.

Victor stopped talking to me because he didn't want to get into any problem again. Later on, Victor was taken to another desk and I was all by myself. 

After much search, my parents eventually got another maid instead of a house boy. Aunty Mimi was raised in a french speaking environment but she could communicate a little in English and Yoruba.

Having the maid distracted my father a little, but he didn't stop touching me. I noticed he began to withdraw from me. I was already used to him, but he was becoming unavailable.

I assumed it was because his work was becoming more demanding. Somehow, i discovered that he had introduced the new maid, aunty Mimi into the whole escapade. 

I was angry and jealous that he substituted me with a maid who had barely stayed 3 months with us. Mom on the other hand was not available to know all that was going on.

It was a whole lot of me, but I had to keep pushing through all the phases.

Days ran into weeks and weeks into months, the Junior class final examination was over and we were all asked to choose the department of our choice. My interest in finding solution to people's problems made me choose science department, with the thought that I would someday become a doctor.

I was doing pretty fine academically, so I was encouraged to go for the sciences. I often got distracted as I found it hard to restrain myself from touching my body or looking for ways to relief myself of my sexual urges.

I wanted to be among the most powerful in my set, so i did everything and anything possible to stand out. There were cliques in every class and set, so i had to look for those who fit into my lifestyle. Also, i made a lot of  male friends. 

I was forced to join the choir in church even though I had no interest. My parents wanted me to function in church, especially in a conspicuous unit like the choir, being a child of renowned members.

A family that used to pray together became so busy that we went months without praying. subsequently, i came to believe that it was not prayer that provided those things I needed back then, but that my parents could afford to get them.

My orientation about so many things began to change until a time when one of the cliques that I moved with started introducing me to students outside our school.

That was when I met Henry.

"Please I need to urinate, I will continue when I get back" I quickly told the officer. I didn't know they would have so much time to listen to all my rants. I was escorted to the toilet in  handcuffs.

"Where did I stop sir?" I asked as I took my seat.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 11

 Episode 11.

There is this seat partner I had in JS1, she's a little older and more mature than I was. Adaobi is her name, but we called her Ada.

She always talked about certain novels and magazines that her brothers bring home. She told me a lot of things about the novels and magazines, that I got so curious to know more. 

One of the days before the end of the session, she brought 2 of the novels for me; erotic and romance stories. I started getting interested in reading and knowing more. 

I had to find a place where no one would see me to consume the novels. I knew my dad would not give me breathing space so I had to lie that i had extra classes. All thanks to Ada my professional liar and seat partner who taught me how to go about it.

I always followed Ada to her house before going home, since her house is just a few poles away from school. Her parents were full time business owners and always at their store. Ada's older siblings were always at the store to help out, so Ada stays at home alone most of the times.

My father believed me and since I would still come home, he would be able to do all he wants again and again. I told the extra classes lie for the rest of the session. 

It was time for the summer lessons as the school went on break. My father initially felt that employing an home lesson teacher would be better, instead of going to school, but my mother felt that the school environment would help me to develop and learn faster. 

They both concluded and allowed me go for the summer lessons in school. Many days, I don't attend the lessons, instead i find a place to read the novels and erotic magazines. 

I continued like that and no one noticed how sensitive I had become. Everything that had happened between me and dad, alongside the books I read, exposed me to more sensual information and further triggered my sexual desires.

The summer lessons were over and preparations for a new session began.

Mom was still in the search for a maid, so she spoke with one of her friends in church, Mummy Jeremiah that she needed someone to help with house chores and errands, as she was not always around and would not want my dad to continue buying food from the eatery. 

Although my dad can cook and do house chores, but he believes since he is married, he  shouldn't be doing all that again.My mother and father would argue and argue over this decision many times. 

"I didn't leave my former work to come and be cooking at home, I left so I can manage the business." dad said one day.

"Is it not to cook for only yourself and your child once in a while when I'm not around?" my mom asked back. 

As long as they were giving me money for my breakfast and lunch, I was fine. I knew that whenever dad was coming back from his meetings, he would surely bring food home. 

We had lived almost 3 months without having anyone to help around the house.

A new session began and it was the beginning of a new beginning. New class, new seat partner and this time around, it was a boy, Victor by name.

For whatever reasons, I stopped seeing Ada in school. I wondered what could have happened to her.

" could it be that she changed schools or she wasn't promoted with us?" and many other questions played In my head. 

I know she didn't attend the summer classes with us, but she was always at home and once in a while, she went to the store with her parents. I was more confused cause all the times I was with her, she never mentioned anything to me.

At the close of school, I decided to stop by her house to find out what was happening.

What happened?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 10

 Episode 10.

"Since you want me to talk, I will talk and clear the air once and for all." aunty Labisi said while adjusting her Ankara blouse. 

"In the space of 6 months, I have recieved 2 letters from Bukola and Busayo here." 

"Letter? For what?" My mother cut in.

"Yes letter. Sister me, I trusted you enough to allow my children live with you and be of help, but is this what I ought to get in return?" Aunty  Labisi asked.

Everyone was confused. Well, aside from Bukola and probably Busayo, because it's their mother talking and they must have said something about the family.

"Your husband has been trying to get my daughters here laid and all this was happening under your watch?" 

"Get laid? I am lost" my mother said.

"Me too, I don't understand." Daddy said also, trying to ease his confusion. 

"Don't even pretend please. You see why I'd  rather not talk, but just take my children and leave? I know you won't believe me and even if you do, you will still want to defend your husband." These and many more were the words that came from my aunt. Her tone was increasing and the scene was becoming dramatic. 

She also added that my dad had been molesting them, without minding if anyone would see him. It was when it was getting out of hand that they started finding ways to send letters across to their mother that they can't stay with us anymore.

"But my husband is a child of God, a minister in church and very active in the service of God." my mother added. 

"Child of God my foot!" aunty Labisi said as she laughed out loud, clapping her hands.

My father became very angry and asked aunty Labisi to leave the house with her children. My dad concluded that they were trying to create enmity within the family and he will not stand and watch the allegations tear him and my mother apart. 

Aunty Labisi left our house angrily that day without saying goodbye. Busayo and Bukola also left with her. 

This really changed a whole lot of things for us. Mom and her younger sister stopped communicating. My mother felt that my cousins should have discussed with her instead of reporting to their mother.

All of these incidents did not make my mother reconsider her busy schedule. Instead, she continued traveling from state to state. She quickly began to make arrangements for a maid to assist at home, but this time she wanted a male.

Since Bukola and Busayo were no longer staying with us, my father now had enough opportunity to do as he liked with me. He wouldn't even allow me breathe, as we had now grown very fond of each other. 

After every touch and kiss that happened between me and dad, I felt less guilty. I gradually stopped feeling guilty and concluded that he is my dad and not a stranger. He would have his bath with me and also make me get dressed in his presence. 

There was a particular night, he noticed the small dot of breasts growing on my chest, he squeezed them almost all night till my body started to ache. 

I couldn't stand up to go to school the following day. He assured me that it won't be painful every time and the bigger it grows, the less pain I'd feel. 

I started getting hypersensitive, that any little touch from boys arouses me. 

My curiosity to know more made me decide one day. 

One decision can make or mar everything. 

What's decision?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 9

 Episode 9.

Getting home that evening, we couldn't find Bukola. We searched for her in the neighbouring houses, but didn't see her.

I have never seen my father as worried as he was that day. He ran from pillar to post and from one neighbour's house to another.

He contacted my mom and updated her about  the happenings at home. Unfortunately, there was nothing mom could do from where she was. 

We searched everywhere and informed radio stations with the details and description of the person we were looking for. We also informed the police and pleaded that they do everything within their power to help us find her.

2 days after, we still hadn't found Bukola. Busayo her younger sister also joined us in the search, but I noticed she wasn't as worried as my dad and I.

On the third day of our search, which happened to be Friday, my mother had to come back home very early to join us in the search. She went to some major places that she could and also talked to a few church members to help as well.

The knock on the door was what woke us on Saturday morning.

"Who is that? We are coming." my mother struggled to say as she walked to the door. 

"Labisi... Bukola" my mother said. Immediately, I jumped out of bed and quickly joined my mother to know what was going on.

"Daddy... daddy, aunty Bukola is back" I shouted.

My dad also came from his room to join us and Busayo from her room as well.

"You got us worried, what happened?" My dad said.

"And the fact that Labisi is here with her is why I am more confused." my mother interrupted. 

All through the time  we were trying to figure out what happened, my aunt refused to sit despite persuasions. 

"Is it that we are not taking care of them here?" My dad questioned, while my mom stood perplexed. 

"There is nothing they asked for that we didn't do. We sent them to the best school around and I'm sure we don't overwork them." my dad concluded 

"Labisi, please sit down. I'm getting uncomfortable with this your standing and silence" my mom pleaded once again and aunty Labisi finally had her seat.

"I appreciate everything you've done for my children, but I think it's time they come with me." aunty Labisi said in a very angry tone.

"What exactly is the problem? Why the sudden decision?" Mum said.

"And to think of it, we've gone everywhere looking for her. From radio to police station and everywhere we could." my father added.

"Even if you will take them with you, at least tell us why."

My aunt refused to talk. The pain of going back to my lonely state and being all alone with dad was what filled my heart that morning. I already got accustomed to my cousins company and never thought they would leave. 

Mom was yet to find out all that dad had been doing to me for months. Oh! it didn't end that night.The only time dad didn't invite me to his room was whenever mom was around, which is like once a week.

As much as I wasn't comfortable with all he was doing, i couldn't speak out because he said he would kill me if I told anyone. Also, he continually bought me gifts to silence me. 

"Go in and pack your bags because you are both leaving with me this morning." aunty Labisi said authoritatively. 

As my cousins went into the room, I followed them, crying to know why they wanted to leave, but none of them said anything to me.

I ran back to the sitting room to find out if my aunt had changed her mind.

Few minutes later, my cousins came out with their bags, set to leave.

"Will you at least say something before you take them away?" My mother asked for the last time.

"Okay okay fine." aunty Labisi said. 

"What happened?"

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 8

 Episode 8.

With my father's bad temper, I wonder why he was so calm about my mother's unavailability.

The journey of 2 days turned to 5 days. Later on, it grew into weeks. My mom was certain that as long as my cousins were around to take care of the home, everything else would be fine.

Although i didn't see them talk about it in public, I know my dad wasn't really cool with the situation of things.

When I was much younger and the only one at home, I enjoyed sleeping between mom and dad. Many nights, I would sleep off on the sofa in the sitting room, only for me to wake up the following morning between mom and dad. 

When my cousins started living with us, they shared my room with me, so I stopped sleeping in my parents room. However,  many nights when mom is away, dad would ask me to sleep in his room and I didn't see any big deal about it, because I had always slept there since I was a baby.

This particular night, my dad began touching my sensitive parts. I didn't  understand what he was doing and didn't see it as a big deal. It never occurred to me that what he was doing  is the process of birthing a child. 

I remember when I was a kid and I asked my parents how children are born. My mother jokingly said it's by prayer and many times I prayed that God should send me younger siblings from heaven, so that I can have people to play with. 

So seeing dad do what he did was more like daddy to daughter play. I still can't wrap my head around everything that happened that night. At a point, he asked me to sleep on his chest and I obeyed.

The day came by faster than usual. I had difficulty urinating. I felt pain everywhere and I couldnt figure out why I felt that way.

"If you ever tell anyone about this, I will kill you." were my father's words that night. I didn't understand why he suddenly became aggressive. 

 His words kept ringing in my head and anytime I wanted to talk to mummy about it, it's either she is too tired to say anything to anyone or busy sorting her files and reports. 

I eventually kept quiet and chose not to mention it to anyone. This went on and on, as my father promised me that if I kept quiet, he would do anything I wanted. He bought me gifts to keep me quiet, but there was this unexplainable feeling I had about everything.

My cousins began to withdraw from me. At first, i thought they were jealous of the special attention i was getting from dad, so i concluded in my heart that as long as dad was there for me, my cousins can do as they like.

The time mom spends at home gradually reduced to the minimal. I still can't understand a mother leaving her home for so long, not caring how we all fared.  

Dad's business continued to grow, but may not be enough for the family if not properly managed, so mom decided to play a supportive role so we could live comfortably.

We recieved one of the biggest shocks of our lives getting home one evening.

"What happened?" The officer asked curiously.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 7

 Episode 7

"Good morning madam." 

"Good morning, how may I be of help?" My mother asked. I stood behind the door to witness what would happen.

The man dipped his hand into a cross bag round his shoulder and brought out some envelopes. He skimmed the envelopes one after the other to check for the one with our house address.

"This house is 25A I believe. There is a letter for you." That was when I realised that the man is a post man.

My mother thanked him as he handed over the letter and left. My mother saw from the cover of the letter that the letter was written by her younger sister Labisi about 3 months ago.

She asked me and Bukola to go into our rooms that she needed to discuss with my dad. I didn't know how serious the matter was.  

The day ended quickly and it was Sunday. On our way from church, dad started a conversation about the letter and that was when I knew what the letter was about.

"Your sister will be joining us next month." My father said.The letter was requesting that my parents help take in Busayo, the younger sister to Bukola to live with us.

I was really excited that we will have more people around and I will have the option of whom to play with.  

Everyday of the week, I counted down to when Busayo would join us. We were all at home seated in the sitting room when we heard a knock on the door. As much as I have longed for Busayo to come, I was still surprised, but happy when I finally got to meet her.

Bukola was very excited to see her sister and mother. Busayo couldn't travel alone, so aunty Labisi their mother had to follow her. They came in on a Saturday and aunty Labisi went back on Sunday morning to cater for the family she left behind. 

The house was gradually getting filled and it was exciting to know that my days of being alone were finally over.

It was that time of the year when Bukola was to write her final secondary school leaving exams, so she had to go for extra lessons. Most times, i was at home with daddy.

Mom's promotion came with some underlining sacrifices. She would sometimes be on journeys for 2 to 3 days. From the head office to other branches for orientation and meetings with stakeholders.

I gradually became fond of others at home as my mom became more unavailable. Glad to have people around, it would have been worse. 

I remember vividly, when I was in Junior class 1, everything changed. I can't say if it was from better to worse, but I know things never became the same thereafter. 

"Please I need more water, my throat is getting dried" I requested from the officer. I never knew he could be so patient to listen to my rants.

The fact that I can't own up to why they met the corpses on the ground is the reason i had to first take him through the whole journey.

He requested they bring me another bottled  water and in no time, they brought it.

"So what happened in your junior class 1?" Officer asked.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 6

 Episode 6 

"God has been laying it on my mind for sometime now to take this decision." My father started that morning during the devotion.

Though I was too young to make any contribution, but since my parents consult God for every decision, I believed whatever dad had to say that morning.

"What is it, what is God saying?" my mother interrupted.

"You remember that real estate business I want to venture into?" My father said, trying to remind my mother.

I had no clue what he was talking about, because he has not mentioned it to me before this time.

"Yes yes yes... I remember... " my mother snapped her fingers. " But what about it?" she asked.

"I am quitting my job to focus on it, so i can  have more time for the family." he concluded. 

It was mixed feelings for mom. She was happy that dad was finally starting the business they've once talked and prayed about, but she felt uncertain of what the future held for this new path.

My little self was excited as well, that I will be able to brag to my friends that my dad owns a company. Bukola too was happy that there was progress in the family.

Dad became more available while mom continued with her work and trips. Things began to move smoothly in the house and everyday came with different surprises and gifts.

Some weeks later, mommy came back from work excited.

"What is this excitement about? Tell us... let's know what's happening" daddy said  and I joined him, shouting "tell us... tell us..."

She dipped her hand into her big hand bag and handed a letter to my dad.

"What's here oo?" Dad asked. 

"Open it, open it first" mom added.

"What? Promotion letter." my dad jumped from his resting chair and started dancing. Mom joined him and we all started dancing, including Bukola.

It was such a joyful day for the family. We were so excited and grateful that everything was going on smoothly and mommy went all out to celebrate the good news for us. 

"I stopped by at the eatery and bought us dinner. Bukola carry that blue plastic bag and bring out the items." Mother said and in no time, we quickly unpacked the goodies and food in the bag.

We quickly settled at the dinning to devour the delicious delicacies before us. We ate to our fill and enjoyed ourselves to the max.

"Have you done your assignment?" Mum almost ruined the fun for me as she asked about my assignment. 

"Aunty Bukola has helped me with it" I said with chicken bone hanging in my mouth.

After we had eaten to our fill, we had the family devotion and everyone went to their rooms.

Mom was doing well at her job, with increased pay and dad's business was yielding greatly too. He met with investors and business associates and sealed a lot of contracts. The good thing about dad's work schedule was that no matter how long, short or important a meeting was, he would always return home before we got back from school.  

One Saturday evening there was a knock on the door. We know we rarely have visitors, because everyone already got accustomed to my parents work life and schedule. 

Who could be knocking?

"Check through the door hole to know" mom said, as she had warned us before that whenever we hear a knock, we should always use the door hole to confirm the person. Checking through the window will be obvious and the person outside can easily see the movement of the curtain. 

"I am not sure I have seen the face before" I said and mom asked me to leave the door.

"Who's this person?" My mother said as she stood up to open the door.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 5

 Episode 5.

I sat in front of the TV, catching up with my favorite show. My parents had just returned from one of the Saturday activities in church. They seemed to have been in an unresolved conversation before they got inside. It still surprises me, how i am able to remember  minutest details of events in the far past. 

"We have 2 options. It's either we get a maid or you quit your job" I heard my dad say emphatically.

I know my mother to be calm, while dad is aggressive and loud, but that conversation brought out a side of my mother that I had never seen before.

Women of my mother's generation were trained to take in everything their husband says, hook, line and sinker. They rarely have a say and many of this women die in silence, fighting a lot of battles at home, while putting out a smile to the world like all is well. 

"I've always listened to you without questioning, but on this job issue, I maintain my stand" my mother reiterated.

"Which leaves us with only one option. We get a maid and you pay for it. Look at most of my friends, their wives are full time house wives." My father said. Those words are still fresh in my head. He said a lot of things that I can't put together, but I could see the disappointment on my mother's face.

Pending the time they came to an agreement, i continued staying at our neighbour's place after school, but with more caution. Days rolled into weeks and after about a month and a half, they arrived at a decision.

My mother has a younger sister, aunty Labisi who got married early, because she couldn't further her education. She met a man who loved and married her at 21 years old. My mother on the other hand got married at 38 years.

They were not financially buoyant and she already had 3 kids at the time my own parents were getting married.  Bayonle who was already 17, Busayo 15 and Bukola 12 years.

My mother spoke to aunty Labisi her younger sister about helping her raise one of her children.That sounded like a very good offer for aunty Labisi as it would reduce her financial burden. Also, it would eliminate the risk of getting an unknown maid on the part of my parents.

After much deliberations, sister Busayo, aunty Labisi's second child, was released to come to our house. 

I quickly grew accustomed to aunty Busayo, because she was very fun to be with and always ready to help me with my assignments. She wasn't privileged to start school early and was way behind her peers, so my parents saw a need to send her back to school.

We started attending same school. We would leave home together in the morning and come back together. 

Despite my mother's busy schedule, she  did not allow aunty Busayo do the cooking. She only allowed her do the dishes and sweep.

Two years later, the events in our house took a different turn.

For good  or bad? 

Find out.

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 4

 Episode 4

Since my parents were always busy and couldn't predict what time they'll get home, my mother instructed the school driver to always take me to our neighbour's house after school. Joseph, Jemima and Jael our neighbour's children, attended same school with me, so the driver would drop us off together, while I wait at their house till my parents got back.

Joseph happens to be the only son and the eldest of the 3. Joseph was 9 years old,  Jemima 7 and  Jael 5 , same age as I. Their parents are also the busy types and believe that the older ones can take care of themselves and the younger ones.

Their parents prepare breakfast and lunch for them before going out and also give them money for snacks in school. School closes at 3pm and by the time the school bus is done dropping the other students at their homes, we get home some minutes to 4pm or 4pm.

I was at my neighbour's house that afternoon and we were all playing outside, chasing ourselves around the compound. I became thirsty and needed to drink water, so I entered the house and checked for water from the jug which was always placed at the middle of their wooden dinning table. I was usually given water from it, but today, there was no water in it.

Our neighbours, though comfortable, are not as rich as we are. Water does not run from the tap in their house, so they fetch water from a tap nearby for all they need water for.

I usually see them fetch water in a 25 litre keg and I assumed that the water in the jug is always taken from there. 

I checked the first 2 kegs and saw that they were empty. I saw a keg that stood  distant from the others, i shook it and discovered that there was some water left in it. It was so little i could bend the keg over and pour the water into the cup.

I noticed the color wasn't as clear as the  water I used to drink in their house, but I was thirsty and there was no one I could ask.

I noticed the smell but I couldn't figure out what it was, so i drank it and went outside to join the others playing.

"Jesus... Jesus" I heard faintly in my head. I was drowsy and  everything became blank. The last thing I remembered was that Joseph was chasing me and Jemima.

Joseph ran across the road to call an elderly woman that sells provision opposite our house, mama Bisi. She ran as fast as she could to rescue me.

She asked them what had happened, but they could only recall that we were all playing outside, but can't understand any part of the play that could have led to fainting. 

I was later told she placed her mouth on my mouth to resuscitate me and smelt kerosene in my mouth then started shouting Jesus. She requested for palm oil and poured some in my mouth. Minutes later, I woke up, but i couldn't comprehend why there were many people surrounding me.

Other neighbours and passers by had gathered round. Some to help  and some to feed their curiosity.

Immediately I saw many people around me, I busted into tears. I could see how unhappy Joseph and Jemima looked. Jael started crying with me and this left everyone confused . 

I was cleaned up and given one of Jael's cloth to wear, because my shirt was already stained with palm oil.  Mama Bisi gave me bread and soft drink from her shop to eat, so i could gain some strength. I was taken inside the house and made to rest on the couch while I wait for my parents.

Shortly after the incident, Joseph's parent came back from work. It's not like they close late at work, but after work, they attend church mid-week programs before coming home, unlike my parents who go about their business Mondays to Fridays and only attend  Saturday and Sunday programs.

They relayed what transpired to their parents who felt very bad for what happened.They decided that they would never put the kerosene keg behind the door with the water kegs again. 

When my parents came back and heard what happened, mom was grateful that it wasn't more serious, while dad was angry that the other family would leave such a dangerous thing where children can access.

As the days went by, my parents continued with their busy life style, while trying to figure how to make a balance between work and home.

I kept asking myself that since my father has enough money that can cater for all of us, why can't mom stop working or work from home? At least that would make me have more time with them, but they are both career driven and not ready to step down. 

A month after the kerosene incidence, they finally concluded on what action to take, but can I say this new decision favoured me?

Well, what's the decision?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 3

 Episode 3.

Well, I was born and raised in a christian home.Truly, I can say there is nothing as beautiful as being raised by parents who know and love God. Also, love is the first language in a family. 

I belong to a family where for everything, I mean every bit of thing we need, we must first ask God in prayers. There were days I would ask my father for new shoes and he would tell me that we needed to pray first. When he goes out, he'd  buy the shoe, but won't say he bought it. Rather, he would conclude that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly  above all that we ask or think.

We attend one of the bible believing churches in town. Our parish is the headquarters to many other neighbouring towns and reports from other small and local parishes are always sent to the headquarters. 

Every month, a combined program of every parish under the headquarters is held at our parish,  which gives us the opportunity to know one another.

Oh!  My father is not a pastor,  but functions in many departments in church. He is the assistant head of the ushering, welfare and follow-up department. Also, a senior minister and a member of some clusters.

Outside church, my father works as a Manager in a consulting firm and earns enough to cater for the family. Although my father is a good man and cares for the family, yet i have certain issues with him. One is his anger issues and another is the fact that he likes things done his own way and quickly as possible.

As a child, I had seen him flare up over little issues, vibrating and fuming. Whenever he is trying to contain his anger, a part of his body vibrates. One of the ways he gets over his anger is by making a fist while pacing around from one corner to the other. 

"Can two work together, except they agree?" 

My mom on the other hand is very calm and understanding. She is more reserved, but also vibrant in church, where she sings in the choir and serve in the protocol and decoration unit

She works in an outsourcing agency and sometimes, work requires her to travel for conferences and meetings often. My father already understood her work nature, so doesn't bother her. Also his work takes a whole lot of his time and requires him to be out of town as well.

Speaking of my mum, she is the go-to person everytime for almost anything. At home, she a  teacher and a nurse . She has recipes for treating almost any ailment. She always knows what and what to use in curing any ailment. It's either she's mixing lemon with pap for malaria or adding lime to warm water for sore throat and many other funny, but not so funny treatments. It seems mothers of those days  have a school where they learn all these.

My parents are financially stable, so I attended one of the best and outstanding schools in town.

Money was not a problem, so i didn't lack any basic need. Instead, i was able to afford the  luxuries i wanted. My mother makes sure to get me the best clothes, alongside matching shoes, which made me the envy of other children and made many want to become friends with me. I remember one Christmas when mom travelled and got me a white sneakers that has lighting soles. As I moved around the church compound, you could easily see the red light blinking from the sole of my shoes.

It was all fun while growing up and if there is anything I'm grateful for, it is for the care and true love that I enjoyed in my family. 

Work became overwhelming for my parents and I kept wondering how they were able to combine church work and their business-career life together. The little me saw it as though they were doing so much, but still made out time of their busy schedule to be around me.

Once a month, we go out to amusement parks and other exciting places to unwind. If mom is the one available, she will take me with her for shopping and if it is dad, we go to children fun places. 

It wasn't the years of phone that we can snap and have the memories kept on phone. Nonetheless, some people's business is basically to snap pictures for money and they always come to our rescue. My parents who are lovers of pictures are always willing to pay for photographs without thinking twice. That left us with many pictures in our albums, that if you visit our house, you can spend hours flipping through the pages of photo books and albums.

One afternoon after school, something happened. I think I was just 5 years old at the  time.

What happened?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 2

 Episode 2.

"I said why did you kill them?" the officer asked angrily again and I  wondered if shouting would get him an answer. 

For roughly an hour i had been there, i had not said a thing to any of them. 

"It's seems the only way to get any information from is to apply force or pressure" I heard one of them say from the entrance, but I pretended not to hear. 

"Don't worry, let oga himself go in. Maybe we will at least hear a word." another person suggested. Deep down, I was not sure I had the strength for any long talks, but the more silent I remain, the longer I stay in detention.

"Get back to your duty posts" someone comanded and i presume he  must be the D.P.O or a high ranking officer.

"Yes sir" they chorused and I heard the footsteps of someone coming closer to the dark room.

The room is very dark and the only window at my back is so small, that a 5-year old cannot pass through it. I wonder if they've ever considered how dark and stuffy the room is.

A lot of questions ran through my mind as I sat still, totally disconnected from the reality before me. Since I'm the only witness available, they either believe my truth or theirs. 

"I am SP  Gbadamosi" the man said with his Baritone voice.

"I was told you haven't said anything for the past one hour you have been brought in for questioning." he said and I nodded affirmatively. 

"What do you know about the deceased?" He asked, believing i would answer him, but I was not sure I was ready to talk. 

"Investigations has started and we need to know if you are innocent or guilty." he said. As he talked on, i sat there lost in thoughts.

My body was present, but my mind was far away. The handcuffs on my hands were beginning to  hurt, since they refused to uncuff me. 

"Can I get a bottle of water?" I asked. 

I could see the shock on his face. Not because I asked for water, but because I finally said something since I got to the station.

"Officer Alao" he called on one of the officers and in no time, the officer showed up.

"Yes sir!" 

"Get me a bottle of water."

"Yes sir!" 

The officer marched out to get the water.

"I hope this will make you talk, so we don't spend all day asking questions upon questions." he said. 

The officer entered with a bottle water and handed it to me.

My body needed water so badly and at least, they were kind enough to even offer me water. I had never been to the station and I didn't know how things were done. I opened the bottle and gulped the water. I felt refreshed and ready to talk.

"Okay..." I said

"Alright, I'm with you" he said as he adjusted his chair and drew closer to the table.

What does she has to say?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 1

 Episode 1.

"You are under arrest." A young police officer said, while pointing his gun at me.

He wasn't alone, as he came in with 3 other police men, all fully armed. I was wondering if they wanted to arrest me or everyone in the estate. 

"Anything you say now, will be used against you in the court of law, so you are to remain silent." the sergeant said. 

The team lead was not on his uniform, so i couldn't get his name. As for the officer who instructed that i remain silent, his name is Kasali P.K.  

I wanted to take note of every name and face of the police men, so I can know who to thank and who to revenge on-  depending on how I am being treated. 

The team lead instructed the officer (Kasali P.K) to search the house for other witnesses or accomplices. He kicked the kitchen door open with his ugly jungle boots and carefully perused the room like one hunting a ghost. He confirmed the area was clear and moved to other parts of the house.

We live in a calm and organized estate in the heart of the town. The government had originally built a number of storey buildings for rent, but over time, a lot of self-built buildings were erected and one of such is our house. One would think there is a competition in the estate, with the way every house tries to outshine the other. 

Some houses don't look all beautiful from the outside, until one steps in and discover it's magnificence. On the other hand, the beauty of some houses is already glaring from the wall of their gates.  

Each compound is fenced with gate and everyone minds their business such that if one is shouting, no one may come around. As a result, the children in the estate barely know each other, except for those who attend same  school. 

Our house is a portable, but comfortable 4 bedroom flat . Each room is en suite with a TV and decoder. The bathroom and toilet in each room is wide enough to accommodate 5 people at a time without clashing.

When the police men had checked throughout the house and couldn't find anyone else, the team lead instructed one of the officers to handcuff me. All through the period of the  arrest, I didn't say a single word, but  had a lot going through my head.

One of the officers brought out a small face towel from his back pocket. I had thought he wanted to wipe his face with it, but i soon realized that it was more about work. With the towel in his hand, he picked up the blood stained knife on the floor.

"Hello, please we need an ambulance at Gbayekale Estate." The team lead said over the phone. 

I wasn't expecting anything positive, because I know how our system is. It's either the van with the fuel doesn't have tyres or the one with tyres doesn't have fuel. There will always be an excuse for delay.

The police officers did not leave till the ambulance arrived, so everyone could leave the building at the same time.

30 minutes after the call was made, the ambulance arrived. They were shocked to see an elderly man and woman in their mid 50's laying in the pool of blood with multiple stabs on their body. 

They were rushed into the van and the police men also led me into their pick up vehicle, as we all made our move out of the estate. 

In no time, we got to the police station and I was led into a dark room for questioning. I was wondering why we couldn't have the conversation outside or elsewhere.

But am I really ready to talk?

I am not sure I am ready for this.

I was still lost in my thought when the officer angrily banged the table, to jerk me to reality. 

"Why did you kill them"?