FOLA Episode 12

FOLA

Episode 12 (finale)

"Open this door before I kick the wooden door down" a deep unfamiliar bass voice said behind the door. I became scared and ran back to where dad was sitting.

This time, dad was already standing and holding mom's hand behind him. My heart beat was pounding so loud and I was breathing heavily.

Dad slowly walked to the door and gently opened the door. Four young guys with their faces masked entered the house and pushed my dad toward the cushion chair beside the door. 

I started sweating, I didn't notice that I already peed on my body out of fear. One of the guy was holding a machete while the other one was holding a stick, the shortest one was holding a gun while the last was the team leader.

We were robbed of almost all the little change we have at hand and they took their time from around 8:30pm till 10pm because they were so calm enough that they ate and enjoyed themselves.

"Spark, how dem go remember this day?" The short one amongst them asked. In my mind I was praying they should do whatever they want to do and go, at least they've collected money and have eaten to their satisfaction. 

The leader instructed my dad to come closer and he asked him to go naked. Daddy was sweating and pleading but all to no avail. Dad went naked and they asked me to come closer as well. I can't remember if I'm peeing on myself for the second or third time in the space of an hour.

I was praying they don't ask my father to do anything to me cause I don't know which of the trauma will be easier to get over, either been raped by the thieves or my father. God forbid!...

I was gang raped by the thieves that night. When one is taking his turn, one will be threatening my parents with the gun in his hand. Few minutes after they left, we screamed and shouted, people started moving out and whistling but it was late already.

The shame and pain couldn't let me freely walk around when people were coming in to greet us. The night was the longest night of my life and the cry that night was never to be compared.

As time goes on, I couldn't bear the shame and I always thought of suicide every night. I was thinking I was the only one until dad's health was getting worse. He couldn't recover from the shock and his excess thinking had gone extreme which has led to partial stroke. I don't know where my mother got her own strength from, she was affected too but my praying mother wasn't totally moved by the storm around her.

I couldn't focus again in school and the principal advised my mother to let me stay away from stress and anything that can make me overthink. I've seen days when I had to do some nasty things just to abort the baby but the more I tried, the more stronger I feel. I finally gave up on attempting to be a murderer.

"This girl needs to be closely monitored, it was only grace that saved her from not dying of the substance she took all in the name of committing suicide or abortion". This and many more were the words coming out of the doctor's mouth that afternoon. The doctor was even trying to tell my mother that it may be a thing of shame for a young girl like me to be pregnant but then it's not a disease to be pregnant but a thing of joy.

My mother gave a deep sigh because she's the only one that can talk better about what has led to the pregnancy. The only consolation I had was that I was not infected with any sexually transmitted disease. I think that would have been the most terrible part of the experience. 

The church we attended, they mocked us with our predicament and it was only few people that cared enough to stop by that did so. My so-called lover boy, James, stopped moving as warned by his parent severally when they noticed his curiosity to know what has happened.

The alawo Awolana that is now Oluwalana has not been too far from my family, he was always coming around to have bible study with us. He also do help with some of this herbal drink to improve my dad's health.

Few months later, dad's health started getting better and improving. With the help of God, Mr Oluwalana and my mother. Different prayers and different medications.

When God will have his way, 8 months after the incident, I gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. I know I was too young to be a mother and I can't imagine how my parents will cope seeing this kind of child born through rape.

The only consolation I had was that God finally healed my dad that same day I gave birth. I was weeping profusely because joy had mixed with sorrow for me.

Dad held my hands and started crying. Mom joined us and we all started crying, no one to pet one another. The baby has my face so much that it was as if I vomited the baby out of my mouth.

Years later, I struggled to finish my senior high school. Proceeded to study Mass communication in one of the Federal schools on scholarship. The new baby brought more fortune to the family and we were moving from one testimony to another.

Days turned to months and to years and luckily for me, I met this young charming guy in my service year. He was working in the same place I was posted to, tall, dark and handsome Josh Akindoyin. Everyone loves his smile which is always accompanied by his dimple. How can someone be this hairy and also have dimple in both cheeks? 

"I have a baby girl, I don't know who the father is because it was through a very terrible incident that happened many years ago and...." Josh didn't let me finish what I was saying before he held my hands and told me that whatever happened in the past stays there. He is ready to accept me and take me in with the assurance that he will take care of my baby.

Service year ended, I was retained at my PPA and I was employed as the P.R.O of the organisation. 

2 years later, we started preparing for our wedding. My parents did a few running around on getting the best hall in town for the reception and many other wedding preparation around it. 

There is this Thanksgiving eve that my fiance and I organised a day before the wedding, where I shared this my testimony to the young singles there. From how dad lost his position both in church and in his work place due to his health and everything up to the time that I met my one and only Josh

I can see how many people were crying and dabbing their faces. I felt free sharing my pain with everyone and by the grace of God and my supportive husband-to-be, I can boldly stand today and say through it all God was faithful and he is still faithful.

The anchor of the program took it up from there and everyone started praying so loud that the whole hall can feel that this is beyond a Thanksgiving eve.

"To everyone here who has gone through this or who is going through such pain, may the most gracious God heal your pain and meet you at the point of your need, in Jesus name we pray!" Everyone echoed Amen.

Finally it's my wedding day and people came around from far and near, the church was filled to the brim and people had to hang around the car park and outside.

"Who is the man giving the hand of this woman to this man" the pastor asked as expected. My father walked down to the pastor but someone else stood from the congregation and started walking towards us.

Watch out for SEASON 2 as it reveals who walked down, who FOLA is and who I am.

FOLA Episode 11

Episode 11

"7A's and 3B's omo you tried o" One of my classmates that came to check the dashboard said as he saw my result. It was so easy for anyone and everyone to know everyone’s result. In short, there is no hiding place because your result will be seen no matter how much you want to form.

On many occasions, my classmates had gone to board to laugh at some peoples result, mostly the seniors that likes to brag. They will iron their shirts to the extent that the gators on it can even sharpen pencils. Some of the seniors that cant do without sending junior errands.

We have some wicked senior that will give you money to go and buy more than the money they gave you and then still be asking for change. If you refuse to bring the change and they sent you, they can kill you. No, not that killing you, the punishment they will give you can make you sick and faint.

Some of them only come first in punishing junior but their result is the one sitting at the bottom list of the results on the board.

After seeing my result, I was so happy that the result of my prayers, hard work, and parents support didnt go in vain. I cannot really wait to get home to share this good news with my parent.

As much as many people believed that junior exams are not of good relevance compared to the senior result. I was super excited, and I rushed out so I can get home on time and show my parent the result. I am already imagining the smile on my mothers face and the pride I am bringing to my dad but as unserious as I am as well, I still reference God for giving me this good grades.

I got home and showed my parents the result. The excitement on their face was unexplainable and the way my dad started praying for me, I was happy I made them proud above all odds. The meal that day was so different and special because mom already had it in mind that if my result comes out good, she make sumptuous and tongue biting foods for me.

My result attracted the state government as the best and most outstanding student in the state regardless of my locality and they promised to cater for my school fees and expenses throughout my secondary school. This is one of my happiest day and I cannot stop thanking God for it.

Some of my teachers couldnt stop making reference to me and my result. I have seen I where the principal will be making mouth that their school produced the best student in the state.

"You are smart and observant, why not go to science class?" My dad suggested during one of our evening gist, but mom has always loved business or any art related things.

No one was even ready to ask me what I wanted. I was just looking at them both but there is this summer lesson that I must join. This summer lesson is always taking place after the whole session and the break between a session and the other is nothing less than 5 to 6 weeks.

At the lesson, they are taking us all subject that when we resume by September, we can just go to any department that we love. This already gave me an insight of the department I will be going to.

Resumption is here already, and I went straight to art class. Dad wasn't cool with it at first, but he believed that I would do fine at any department anyways.

Government started paying for my school fees and I was on scholarship. There is this feeling of being in senior school that naturally want to make you start misbehaving. I want to do back to my junior what my senior did to me, I want to start showing off and start giving orders.

I started moving with the big girls and big boys of the class. I started missing classes and hanging out. There is virtually no shortcut we did not know. We jumped fence severally and we will mix up with the student during break time so it would not be obvious that we went out.

I must play the good child at home, but my real guys knew what I was capable of. I started trying out different things, but there was still this fear that God is up there looking at what I am doing.

Shortly after my first year in senior school, I joined the choir in the church. As you all know that everyone behaves in church, I was that calm and easy going. Green snake under green grass, the leader of pretenders.

We had finished choir rehearsal that afternoon when James walked down to me. He suggested we both take a walk since he was going towards my area.

James is the pastor’s son. He was just a senior by a year, but he looked more mature that you could hardly believe that he is not a working-class guy.

James has this charisma and dress sense that I've seen days when girls just want to ask him what they know just to have conversations with him.

"What's the time please" one of the sisters asked him one time like that and from there he started admiring his watch. All of this trick is just to have conversation and familiarity with the pastor's son.

My friendship with him started gradually. Although, I had been stylishly crushing on him for quite a while now and it ended up making us connect faster.

"Romeo and Juliet" is one of the books we used in our year one of senior secondary and some people had already tagged the name on James and myself.

We became inseparable duo in the choir and since he attends a private school not far from the government school that I attend.  We get to see often than usual, and things started getting intimate with us both.

Although my parent must not hear all of this things or even see me walking or talking to a guy not to now hear that I'm beginning to have a relationship with anyone.

"See, if a boy should touch you, you will get pregnant oh" this is the only sex education my mother could give me and I've seen days where dad comes into the discussion and tell me that if any boy is disturbing me, i should let them know so they can guide me and warn such boys.

One of the evenings, after our family dinner and gist with daddy. I took the plate to the kitchen and on my way back to join dad and mom at the living room, we heard a knock on the door.

Who could it be that will be knocking by this time? On a normal day, shops and stores close by 6pm and our dinner does not pass 8pm as everyone is expected to be in their house by then.

The knock was persistent, and dad asked me to go and open the door, but I should first peep through the door hole.

"Who is there?" I shouted out of curiosity.

Watch out for the next episode

FOLA Episode 10

Episode 10

"Jesus... Jesus" mother couldn't stop repeatedly saying this as she was holding my dad's hand firmly and putting my head close to her chest on the other hand.

Trust me, it was a very surprising moment mixed with fear for us to find out the person calling us here.

"Brother Olarewaju, I am the one. I know you wll be surprised of what I'm doing here, it's the Lord doing". I was more confused not because it was not what the Lord was doing and it was not like it was not marvellous in our sight o.

"Olori Alawo or am I mistaken?". He is the one and he has a totally new look although now older than he used to look as at the time he came to church back then to fight for our pastor's coffin.

I was even thinking my dad won't be able to recall all the drama around that time but he remembered every detail. We started talking and walking back towards our place.

"My real name is Awolana but ever since I met Christ, I decided to change my name to Oluwalana, I am a new creature and old things are passed away". We couldn't help but be amazed as those words were coming out of his mouth.

He started from how they ended up dealing with the elder that betrayed them too on the long run but he didn't talk much about the elder before he moved to the pastor's story.

Pastor back then didn't fulfil his part of the agreement they had and that's why they decided to kill him and spoil his ministry. They had not only buried the pastor but also burnt him for sacrifice of peace.  This sacrifice is what has been done to stop the death to keep moving from one member of the family to another.

He talked about so many other things that we didn't know that time had been spent. My parent asked him about where he lives and how long he has been in that town.

He left the outskirt of the town that he was living and move into the main town after he left the cult that he was initiated to by his father since he was at age 10. It was a tradition in his family for every first son to take up from wherever their father stopped. 

It wasn't an easy task for him because on many occasions he had been attacked with different things from snakes to termite to scorpion and many more. He had relocated like 5 times before he finally got to where he was staying right now.

"My house is after this river, the first house on the street is where I stay". Funny enough, he was living in the first house and our own is 7th to where he stays. 

We walked down and he was telling us so much that it was looking like the day should not be over. He talked about how he detest and hate christianity because many of them do come to them for powers. They powers to perform miracles from healing to other prophecies and many more. 

Before he finally left for his house, he mentioned how he met Christ through a girl that elder brought to renew his deal with us.

"We didn't know that the person that lives in her is greater than the one living in the wolrd". They tried using the girl and the sacrificial preparation had been made, everything they ought to do that day shouldn't cost them more than 7 hour but that day, they were there for almost 15 hours.

"Other member of the cult died that night and few ones survived injuries beyond recognition. The girl should be around 13 years old back then and she asked me if I want to taste another power that is above all powers."

My parent was just saying "ehen, ahah, ehen, ahah" as they were listening to his story.

"She led me to Christ that day, I met Christ and since that day, I promised God not to go back because whoever the son has set free is free Indeed". The way may parent both shouted praise the Lord seems like they both planned it. 

My parents couldn't hide how excited they felt when he was done telling them the story of how his journey had been up till now.

The meeting ended with a dinner together that night and dad escorted him back to his apartment. 

Finally, we are done with exams and the results was out. I was nervous because that year, the marking scheme for the exams was strict all because some of the exam centres got the leaked question before exam. 

I checked the result and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Guess what I saw?

Watch out for the next episode 

FOLA Episode 9

Episode 9

"Doctor, what exactly is going on? Talk to me, I'm the pastor of the church that he attends". Pastor's couldn't help his curiosity as he followed the doctor to his office. 

Doctor offer both the pastor and my mother a seat and this moment, mom wasn't sure of whether to cry or laugh. Her eyes were swollen from tears and sweat as well.

"He will live, he is responding to treatment but there is something here that you need to know". 

"But again? What's the but edakun (please)? Mom interrupted the doctor. Doctor explained and emphasized how the damage has been caused due to multiple hitting on his head.

He will survive but will suffer a few memory loss. The doctor told mom that dad will be under the hospital watch for about 3 months and then he will be coming once in a while for check up. 

He added that we will need to pay for the therapist that will be coming around to help him regain his memory and all other things around it. This moment really affected my mom as she has to shuffle between the house, her shop and the hospital.

At dad's work place, he was retired due to his health. He couldnt go to church and he cant go to work as well. What a painful moment in our lives. 

Gradually, there is no much sales in mom's shop. She has spent all on my dad's health and no one really helped. Church also neglected us and we couldn't afford to keep up with the payment of the flat we rented. 

Three months came faster than we can imagine. Dad is getting better but cant recall what happened and how it all happened. Mom had gone pale an slimmer cause the stress was already telling on her.

"Sister, you have to relocate and leave this environment" Uncle Julius suggested this in one of his visit to our house. Mom saw sense in that advise and we started working on relocating. 

Eight month later, we moved to a town not too far from the city but it's not as exposed compared to where we are coming from. They dont have so many attractive places like malls, supermarkets and all of that.

School started again for me and I was enrolled in one of the government school in that town. I was beginning to get used to the environment.   Accommodation there is also affordable. We are paying below half of what we were paying in our former house.

One of the good thing about this town also is the constant supply of light. Every night, children will be playing and chasing each other before parent start calling them in for dinner.

Before we know it, we are already staying our 3rd year in that town. My parent already started attending a new bible believing church and the love between my dad and mom now is like that of a new branded couples in town.

In my mind I was like maybe dad needed that hit in his head to reset him to be better. My moms prayer every night was for my dad to stop beating her but the prayer point changed to "God heal this man, dont let them say I killed my husband"

I am beginning to love my daddy more, we are so close now that he is always telling me different stories of tortoise and animal kingdom. I dont always want to miss the moment of his gist. 

The new church we attend now, they are beginning to ask my parent to at least join a department since they are learned and not inexperience. 

On many occasions, the pastor had visited us to talk my parent into joining a work force 

"Brother Olarewaju, we believe that God has a reason why he sent you down here and it will be our joy seeing you involved in the church activities"

My mother remembered the drama that happened in our former church and that's why they are threading softly here and not just jump into anything. 

You also feel that it's been 3 years we got here and my parents should be able to join any department but my dad kept on telling them No

"I am sorry pastor, I havent been led join any department yet, when I am led to do so, I will be involved but for now, let me be praying and worshipping alone"

It got to a stage dad put it up to their face that if they dont want him to come to the church again, he will excuse them but pastor told him it's not up to that.

I was preparing for my Junior exams and my parent had enrolled me for extra class and lessons because they want me to have a good grade.

One Saturday afternoon, dad suggested that we take a walk around. Dad enjoyed that strolling so much cause he will sight see and enjoy the breeze that always accompany it.

There is this small river that had made a path for it self down the street that leads to our house. Some of the local women in the town always go there to wash and spread their cloth on the grass there.

I've seen days when the children too will go there and play, chase themselves around till they get tired and go home.

As we were walking that afternoon, mom was walking beside dad and they were so deep into the discussion. There is this fine flower along the path that I always play with anytime they send me on errands. 

We are 5 minutes away from the small river when someone called my fathers name. We weren't sure we heard right since we are not the only with that surname. 

We were going but the name was consistently coming closer. We choose to ignore since it could have been anyone but my mom was trying to tell my dad to let's wait and see who the person is.

Dad was still insisting and since I didn't see a need to look back. It could have been anyone too, we kept on going.

"Brother Olarewaju" the voice was closer now than before. My parents looked back at the same time as if they both planned. 

Turning back to find out who it could be left us to the biggest shock of our life. My parents didn't know if to run or stay.

"Brother Olarewaju, I am the one"

I am as surprised as you are right now, guess who we saw?

Catch you in the next episode

FOLA Episode 8

Episode 8

"Leave a message or call this number if urgent" was the message I saw inside the visitor box close to the door. I don't know what to do right away

I wanted to take my leave since it's getting late already and I can't imagine my life without a father but before I move towards the main gate, I heard the door opened.

"Who is that and what are you looking for?" A deep Yoruba accent man said to me from the entrance wrapping his hand around a woman's waist.

"Good evening sir, my mom said.... aunty Shaki!" I couldn't believe my eyes seeing baba Bose with aunty Shaki.

Baba Bose is a married man whose wife and children are not in the same city as him. It was work that transferred him down here living in a rented 2 bedroom apartment here. He only travels to see his family once in a while.

Aunty Shaki on the other hand happened to be my Computer teacher in school. She's one of the prettiest and plump teachers in our school. What a beauty to behold.

In a minute, I was lost of words cause I don't know the link between my neighbor and my teacher. I quickly ignore them because it's none of my business 

"Please come and help us, sir, my dad fainted and mom needs someone that can drive us down to the hospital" I rushed my words like someone chewing hot yam.

We all rushed into the house and we can see blood streaming down my dad's forehead. Baba Bose was assisted by my teacher to take my dad into the car and we all rushed out of the house.

We got to the nearest hospital around 9:30pm. I was praying at the reception as they rush my dad to the emergency room placing the oxygen at his face in order to see if they can still keep him alive. 

Aunty Shaki couldn't wait long because there is school the next day and she can't afford to stay at the hospital with us. She was escorted by baba Bose a few minutes that we got in.

Within the time that I went to call baba Bose, mom had used the land phone at the sitting room to call the mission house in church and a few people that she could reach.

A few minutes later, the Pastor and 2 elders came around. 

"How is he feeling now?" One of the elders asked and he was curious to want to know how it happened. My mother tried everything possible to avoid answering what caused the whole drama.

My mom and her favorite bible quote of wise woman build her home wouldn't let her open up to anyone about the fire in her bosom... 

"Sir, please just join me in prayers so that my husband could come back to life". This is the only concern my mom had. Seeing her husband been alive again.

"God, If you wake him up, I will endure all his beating and maltreatment but I also believe you can touch his heart so he does beat me again... this is not the beast I married Lord"

I saw tears strolling down my mother's face. I couldn't help but cry that God should because of me wake him up again. 

The pastor and the elders too held each other's hands and started praying.

"The only thing we need now is miracle madam, we are trying all we could to resuscitate him". The doctor said as he walks back to his office.

I don't know if I should be calm with this doctor's word or to be more worried. Minutes later, the church driver came around with the pastor's wife with a basket filled with fruits and food in it.

"Have you eaten at all?" She faced my mom but the food isn't what is going on in my mother's mind but how to pray back her husband back to life.

They offered me food, I couldn't resist the aroma of the food. Trust me, there is nothing to be shy about cause truly I'm so famished. 

It was boiled rice and plantain with fish. I used all the strength left in me to force the food down my throat so that I won't be the next patient to be admitted. 

Nurses are seen pacing up and down and different people moving in and out of the hospital.

"Can I talk to you sir" the doctor came to call the pastor but my mother can't keep calm and shes insisting that whatever they want to say, they should say it at the reception.

"Madam, calm down. Let me speak to him as per man to man here?" The doctor insisted but to avoid my mom's drama, the doctor asked her to follow them.

The doctor, my mother, and the pastor left us all at the reception as they walk towards his office.

It can only be good or bad news, you know it too.

What does the doctor have to say? Wait for the next episode.

FOLA Episode 7

Episode 7

"You are not going anywhere" amidst tear mom was speechless as she heard how dad is insisting that she's not going anywhere. 

The knock on the door interrupted the scene which shifted the attention from dad and mom to the door.

"Arrest him, yes that's the useless man" the shock on my face is as same as yours right now. Arrest ke? Who are they arresting and for what?

Immediately the person talking showed up his face behind the curtain, it happens to be Uncle Julius. I ran to quickly hug him but he isn't looking like he is in for any joke.

Uncle Julius is my mothers immediate younger brother. They are the only 2 surviving children of their parent. Uncle Julius works with the immigration and he has a lot of connections to different people. Today, he is with the bad boys on the street to go beat someone up or with police to go arrest someone. 

On what bases are they now arresting my dad? I was shocked not knowing that one of the night that mom was at shop, uncle Julius was passing by and dropped to say hi to mom but he found bruises around my mothers face.

My mother tried explaining how wise woman build her home but my uncle isnt even taking any of that again and he promised that what he will do is in his mind.

"Arrest him I say, he must know that beating a woman isnt ideal regardless of that woman's offence". Its not like my mom always offend dad and even if she did, beating shouldn't be in the option.

The most surprising thing that left me more confused was my mothers reaction to the action her brother took. In my mind, I was thinking my mother should be excited that they are finally taking my dad away but no, my mom started begging her brother not to arrest.

"If you take him away now, who will now be beating me? Who will be taking care of me and my daughter". I was disappointed hearing this from my mom

Wait, could it have been that mom was already used to being beaten like drum or shes just trying to protect her husband? I was really shocked but what do I know?

"Sister mi, you are falling my hand really. Let me deal with this man so that we can teach him how to treat a woman". My uncle was disappointed.

I was wondering what will happen when my uncle leaves. Shortly, my uncle entered his blue Camry car with the 2 officers that followed. 

I was expecting my dad to be scared on the other hand but all he was just doing was to sigh and make some funny sound. 

My uncle shouldnt be 3 minutes away from our house when dad faced mom and started shouting again. He was raising his voice so loud that people in the 3rd building will be hearing his voice loud and clear

"I was only protecting you, could have let my brother do what he wanted to do" mom replied dad after so much shout from dad.

He was angry that mom had the gut to report him to the extent that her brother had to come to the house with police. 

Remember dad is still angry about the fact that they didnt make him the pastor of the church he has laboured with for years and this is part of why he is overreacting to everything.

"Woman, what are we eating for dinner cause I'm super hungry?". I am hungry too but with the drama I've been witnessing all day, I didnt remember until dad asked for food.

"And for you, whenever your mom and I are having our discussion, I must not see you there again" dad warned me that evening but the sound of something falling in the kitchen interrupted our conversation. 

"My favourite ceramic cup" was all dad cared about immediately he entered the kitchen.

Dad has a fine ceramic cup that he was gifted in a conference some months ago and since then he has turned the cup to what he used for everything in the house aside from brushing his mouth.

I wouldn't know if my moms mind wasnt together or what could have caused her to break the ceramic. I know mom to be a very careful person when it comes to that.

Dad couldn't even control his anger over a ceramic cup, that's how he slapped my mother again that same night but this time around, its like table is about to change.

Mom immediately picked the frying pan from the wall hanger. She hit on dad's head repeatedly till dad passed out.

"Daddy.... daddy" I started shouting and crying at the same time. Mom wasnt really moved cause mom was thinking maybe dad is pretending until she raised one of his hands up and he realised that he had fainted.

Mom started pacing round the house, she tried to pour water on dads head but all to no avail. Remember mom cant drive and I'm too small to even know what they press in the car.

"Baby girl, go and call daddy Bose in the next house to start coming and we need his help" mom was holding dad and placing his head on her lap

"Oko mi, my dear, open your eyes" I ran as fast as I could to quickly call my neighbour.  

I checked the time and it was already 8:30pm. I was running and praying in my mind that my dad should not die.

I may not like the way he is treating my mom but yet I dont want him to die.

On getting to dad's Bose's place. I wasnt only shocked but I was surprised with what I found when I got there.

You want to guess? Wait for the next episode.

FOLA Episode 6

Episode 6

The words coming from my dad's mouth that afternoon disgusted me as little as I was. Who beats their wife and still add confidence to it with pride?

"Well, I don't know if you will find this as a good news or bad one" mom said while reaching for her small handbag.

Mom handed over a letter to dad. Mom has been feeling somehow for a while now and I was thinking maybe she's beginning to react to the beating and all of that.

"What? Are you... for real? Oh my God" were the words my dad was saying repeatedly but immediately I could see my dad's countenance changed.

He immediately close the book review he was doing. He walks towards my mother and hugged her. What's the hug for? I was thinking within me.

"So you are 6 weeks pregnant? I am going to be a father again after 10 years?" My dad was extremely happy that day and he told mom not to be stressing herself henceforth.

I saw a drastic change in dad's behaviour and till the year runs out, dad was always getting mom gift, helping her with work both at home and at her store. 

I wish this is how things will keep going until one Sunday morning. Third Sunday in January to be precise, as at that time,  mom's pregnancy was already 3 months down. It wasnt obvious yet but people that could be detailed and observant will know mom is putting weight. 

We got to church that Sunday morning and the committee has finally concluded on announcing the new pastor of the church with the new set of minsters that will be working with the new pastor.

Everyone know how zealous and hardworking my dad has been ever since the deaths of the pastor with the withdrawal of more than half of the congregation.

The service has started as usual until it was time for the announcement and Elder  Babatope mounted the pulpit and started calling out the list of the new ministers and other departmental head.

"The Lord works in mysterious way, amen" the congregation echo back "amen"

He talked a bit on what some of the new appointed ministers will be doing. Some selected elders laid their hands on the new ministers including my dad.

"This service wont be completed without letting us all know that God has spoken and he has officially appointed a man after his own heart to step into the shoes of the pastor of this church" everywhere became silent as curiosity was written over so many people's face.

"He is no other person but Brother James Igbalode" I could hear murmuring from the church and level of surprise and disbelief on people's face.

My father tried to put up smile to act like he is excited about it. They rally round brother James and prayed for him. There after, the congregation was asked to point their hands to the new pastor and pray for him.

Actually,  as little as I know about brother James,  he is one of the new convert to our church like 5 years ago. The former pastor died when he was just a year old in our church. Brother James of all people? Is it cause he is a master holder that studied abroad or because he always dresses so fine to church wearing same matching cloth with his wife? But for whatever reason why it was him, it could have been my father, you too know it right?

Service was over that day and dad had to drive us home after service. He didn't say a word till we got home. He became gentle but deep down, I can see rage through his eyeballs.

My dad started transferring aggression. Every little thing in the house started pissing him off. My mom tried calming him down but instead it resulted to a big fight

"Dont let devil make you add more fuel to the fire that is burning inside me so stay away" dad warned mom but mom wouldn't listen. 

Dad pounce on mom and he beats her so much that he forgot that mom was pregnant. I can't recall if I've seen my dad that angry before. All their small small fight before wasnt this bad. 

I tried coming in between but what can the little me in such a fight. I started crying but in pain, mom tried to react me and hold my hand, she asked me to stop crying so that it doesnt make my head ache.

"Blood...blood" I started shouting and pointing my mom's attention flowing down her legs. My dad had already slammed the door angrily to our face as at then.

Mother struggled to clean up and use all the strength left in her to hang on the 3 seater. She is feeling so weak and I don't know what to offer. I rushed to the dinning and brought water for her to at least drink. She collected it and sip a little out of it.

The day was over and everyone went to bed without the normal family worship we do have in the night before we sleep. I share same room with mom as my dad has a room to himself. 

The following morning, mom left the house same time as the time I was going to school. She ddint tell my daddy where she was going. She picked her bag and my lunch bag in her other hands.

She dropped me in my school as my new school is not far from home. Mom followed the same bike that brought us to school back and she left for hospital immediately. 

"Madam, how did it happen? Did you do any strenuous thing or what?

My mother couldn't say much before tears started rolling through her eyes. She has been bottling all this in mind and she hates to expose her family or bring in a third party.

"Its nothing serious doctor, it's nothing actually" she quickly wiped her tears away and put herself together.

"Madam, after the test we conducted and everything, its clearly and obvious that the bleeding is enough sign to let you know that you've lost the baby" all this words were piercing my mothers heart.

The only thing that my mother was thinking of is either she revenge or move out of that house. She wouldn't be able to continue living a miserable life like that.

"You are happy now, I hope your happiness battery is full now? I lost the baby. Happy? My mother asked my father when she got back home.

My father was calm and apologised to my mother but it's like my mothers mind has been made up. She walked out of my dad to her room, my dad followed her.

"Hey, what are you trying to do? Calm down, I already apologise or what else do you want me to do" dad had said in a sarcastic tone 

"You know what? Forget it" mom said as she gradually started packing her bag. I was there looking at my mother as she packed her bags and tear started rolling down her cheeks.

You know what happened?  No, you dont. Watch out for the next episode.

Next episode drops here tomorrow night

FOLA Episode 5

Episode 5

"Brother Teju" someone screamed his name in order to caution him but the head that will be knocked will surely be knocked regardless of how many head gears he is putting on

Brother Teju is one of the pastors mentee and he is fondly called "pastor's son" but with that, everyone wasn't sure anyone would make any bold move seeing what has happened since.

"Can we all follow you to where you want to bury our father at least?" I can hear his shaky voice when he was asking that but his question gave other people the confidence to talk.

Others started shouting and screaming, making move to proof that they cant take our daddy pastor away just like that.

All our shout and noise was to no avail as the alawo guys drop the pastors coffin inside a space bus they came with and drove off.

My mom didn't waste time again. She moved as fast as her legs can take her, she flagged down a bike and we got home few minutes past 3 that day.

Oh reception? I am not sure anyone in his or her right senses will want to go there with all the drama that happened. We later heard that the wife and the children were taken to the mission house and didnt allow them go to the house their father built in the centre of the city.

The drama of our Pastor's burial and death ended shortly and the church never remained the same as members are now leaving. Some of the small parish around stopped gathering to worship.

The big auditorium has now lost her beauty with the large congregation that worship there every Sunday. This burden is overwhelming and my father has no option than to be acting the pastor till the church board and committee finish the fast and prayer retreat for the selection of the new church pastor.

My guesses are as good as yours that my father will become the next pastor right?

Days rolling into weeks and weeks into month. My dad hasnt really change from his usual angry and aggressive man. On many occasion, he will abuse my mom and beat her up but come back to apologise.

"You have always known me to be like this Becky, I can't control my temper and you shouldn't be getting on my nerves" and many more were the words my dad said to mom after one of their hot fight. 

One of their fight happened one evening where we had an unexpected guest and the fish left in the stew cant go round. The guest insisted that they will only take drinks and go back but my mom wanted to be the good woman that she was, she boiled rice and served the guest with the remaining fish In the stew with the believe that when they are gone, she will sort out what dad and everyone left will eat.

"Just kill me today and I will be free from your beating, kill me...." I heard my mothers voice so loud and strong as she was holding my dad's shirt after daddy beating her up for serving the last fish to the guest rather than letting them drink and go.

Four years later, my 10th birthday was in a week time and I couldn't hide my excitement that finally I'm getting old and feeling entitled to some treatment in the house.

My birthday always falls into the 3rd term break in August and one of my excitement is that I will finally be resuming to Junior secondary school by September that year.

I am not really a fan of boarding school because there is a girl in our Sunday school class in church that is always talking about how she's not eating well and how senior always treat them in the boarding house. This has given me a partial fear and I'm not interested in it.

I was too young to make decisions for my parent but I know that what ever their choice is, I wish the beating and drama can be done or I move to a sane place where I dont have to watch fight almost everyday. 

Finally, my birthday is here and the feelings of being 10 cant be explained.  Children from our church came around and a few from the neighbourhood. 

We ate, danced and play till almost late in the noon. 

"Thank you for coming out to grace this birthday party, we pray the good Lord of heaven bless you and all yours" my dad said while holding a glass of juice in his hands. 

The party was over and everyone to their apartment, some sisters that came around to assist mom packed the plates and clear everything around to keep the everywhere in order. 

"Becky, you have to stand on your toes and show that your husband that you get craze too" Aunty Bimpe advised my mother one afternoon. 

Aunty Bimpe is my mom's close friend eventhough she is yet to be married after she hasn't been disappointed severally by men in time past. 

As good or bad this advises sound but the court was in my mothers ball to whether stand or calm down to watch how things unfold.

Towards the end of the year, I came back from school one afternoon and I found daddy home and that's unusual cause he is always getting back home late.

He goes from work to church before coming home but that day was totally different. I greeted my dad but before I could drop my bag, I saw mom too coming from the door. 

 "I have something to tell you, so listen and listen good sir"

Obviously they've had another fight before I got back home but is my mom trying to follow the advice of her friend now or what.

"Yes, say whatever you want to say, I hope it's not something that will warrant another beating?"

What is she about to say? Find out in the next episode

FOLA Episode 4

Episode 4

"Jesus, Jesus..." was been repeatedly said by one dark huge usher close to the door as the undertakers were marching out of the compound. 

A group of alawo (herbalist) was seen dressed in a white spotless gown. There were 6 men and 4 women and everyone had a bead necklace and hand band with calabash in their hands.

The fear written all over the security men but they tried to summon the courage to stop them from coming into the compound. The moment 2 out of the security men fell down flat like a cockroach that perceived the aroma of an insecticide. The other security couldn't move close to them.

The sound of the trumpet and drums had been stopped and everywhere was silent. Everyone was looking at what's going to happen. 

Remember what brother Biyi told us about a week ago? It is now playing into reality now that truly wasn't a rumour that the Pastor actually did something in order to have more members in the church.

My mom held my hand and started looking for a way to move out of the scene but attention was beginning to be drawn to the gate so she had no option than to wait a little while.

Personally, I was thinking the elder will show up to speak the language they all understood but the elder was nowhere to be found. We later found out that he was aware that the group of alawo were coming shortly and he had made his way out of the church compound. 

"Shebi I told you that day?" someone whispered that to my mom's ear and immediately we turned back, it was brother Biyi.

What's going to happen now? and many other questions were running through my small mind as I had never witnessed such before and it was not looking like a scene I can ever get out of my head. 

The leader of the alawo started saying some unknown words while those that followed him started singing some local dialect songs.

The burial service that started 9am and ended around 12 with the aim that the burial ground program will last from 12:30 to 1:30pm latest so we can meet up with the reception and go home thereafter has now been extended as the group of alawo has taken almost 30 minutes of the time.

"Where is Elder Peteru?" was the first question the leader of the alawo asked everyone but you could see the surprise on everyone's face but my oversabi dad was the bold person to reply them.

"He came to church this morning but I'm not sure he is here at the moment" my dad replied from the corner where he was standing with the burial pamphlet in his hands.

I was angry that why would my dad be the one to reply to them when other ministers and deacons were there to talk even if some other elders were there to reply but no, dad couldn't just act along.

"Well, so far he is not here, we will know how and where to meet but as for this corpse here, its ours and it's our right to carry out the burial and not you" said the leader of the alawo.

People started mumbling, grumbling and murmuring. People that were crying already wiped away the tears and everyone is ready to watch the full length drama that want to happen.

I wasn't even expecting anyone to reply them or better still, if anyone has relied, it could either be some other people and not my dad this time around. 

"But why? Why sir? I wasnt surprised any more when I realised that it was still my father. Well, he could have been like that because he was his assistant till his death, he feels he could step in and answer all question.

Maybe the day to know the truth is finally here as we are all keenly paying attention to what the reason could be.

"This man is our man and we have been waiting for his return for a while now but he has proven to us that we are nothing or is that not so?" He asked as he face his other group member and they chorus their affirmation to what their leader was saying.

I would have joined to ask myself why or what are they saying but I played along like I dont know. As much as my mother know about this, she still looked so surprise as everyone else in the crowd.

The Pastor's wife started crying again and the children couldn't help but cry too as they have no clue of what might be going on

"But my husband is a man of God, I don't think he has any unfinished business with any group of alawo. If at all he has, who ever he has set free, he is free indeed" was all that the pastor was saying amidst tears.

"Woman, its better you shut that your stinking mouth up before we send you to where we send your husband" 

The alawo are beginning to be angry with the way they are dragging the issues and wasting their time. 

It will not be good for you all not to know you call "Pastor". 

"This man here came to us some years ago about how he want the church to grow both by people and by building and that's the enjoyment you all are benefiting from today but he forgot to pay his dues"

"Jesu gbami (Jesus save me)" a fat woman shouted from the crowd as the alawo opened up everything that the pastor has done.

"Every year he renewed this sacrifice with a young lady but for almost 7 years now, he has stopped and we have been patient enough after several warnings, this is what happens to someone who breaks the rule"

The moment the leader of the alawo group finished talking, he instructed 4 of his men to carry the coffin so they can take their leave.

They've stayed too long than they bargain for as the time is now 1:30pm. Obviously, the drama has been on for over an hour now but as they carry the coffin to take their leave. A fat not too old man with tribal mark that complemented his face shouted from the crowd.

"Hold on, hold on, I want to ask something?"

They all paused and now all attention has been shifted to this man as everyone is curious to know what he has to say?

"Sorry, I don't mean to stop you or delay you, I want to clear my doubt on something"

"What is that? Dont waste our time, we have to carry out the final rite before the sun will set"

What does he have to say? You wanna guess?

Wait for the next episode.

Next episode drops here tomorrow night 

FOLA Episode 3

Episode 3.

Brother Biyi started driving slower so as to feed us on what he knows about without leaving any stone unturned.

The pastor has been having different attacks for the past seven years which is not known to church because there was a time when the congregation of our parish was less than 100 and out of this 100, the rich and well to do members are not even up to 20. Till one day that one of the elders in the church came around and advise the pastor on what to do.

"Wait, you mean... I am not getting the connection" mum didn't know when she interrupted brother Biyi but he continued.

Elder has an herbalist that helped him establish his wealth and every year, he has a method of renewal but today is not for the talk of the elder, so back to the pastor. Pastor followed his advise and follow the elder to the local village on the outskirt of our state. The baba instructed him to bring in a young single lady and every other thing to be used will be sorted by baba.

I noticed my mom was trying to look back to check if I'm listening or not but because I don't want to act like I'm listening, I had to quickly fake sleep.

To cut the story short, Pastor had taken a young lady to baba without letting anyone know not even his wife. He was instructed to never mention it to anyone unless he will run mad. He agreed to it and the main reason the pastor was doing this was that he wanted more members and most importantly rich members.

Days rolled by and the church started growing in 20s and 30s to 100s till the former church couldn't take us again. The advantage of the rich members hastened the building of this permanent site that we are using today.

After all said and heard, something still seemed unclear to me, or maybe my mother already connected the dot to what might have made the pastor slump from the stairs. 

The last attack the pastor had was on Friday and how I found out about everything is that I eavesdropped while trying to take the files to the pastor's office and I could hear how loud he was talking to the elder. 

"I am no longer interested in whatever your old man is doing, it's God that grows the church and not man" and many more words were all that was coming from the pastor's mouth. 

Elder tried reminding him of his renewal that he has been failing to abide by for a while now and how baba is angry that he could do such a thing after helping him breakthrough and making his church popular. 

I stood transfixed and in awe of what was coming out from the pastor's office. I couldn't believe my ears and I wouldn't even know if I want to be a part of the church again.

My mother was shocked hearing all of this and was rendered speechless all through the talk and the only thing my mom said was "we are going to drop after this junction".

I was still closing my eyes and acting like I was asleep. My little brain couldn't process the whole conversation but I know that the way it's all going, it might not end up well.

The last warning they gave the pastor was through the elder as that Friday and the main instruction is that if he doesn't come latest Saturday night, he will not live to see the next day. The pastor doesn't want to hear anything else as he sent the elder out of his office. As I heard the footstep, I quickly run faster to go back to the last step of the stairs and acted like I was just coming up.

"Good afternoon sir" I quickly greeted the elder as he walked past and didn't give any response. I already predicted that something terrible might happen but I don't know in which style it was going to take.

We got to our junction and mom tapped me. I stretched to make my sleeping look real. Mom led me into the house holding me with one hand and on the hand the food basket and her handbag.

We waited till evening and dad got back home around 5pm looking so tired and stressed out. 

"Welcome dear, what's now the latest about the pastor" the concern on my mother's face couldn't let her keep calm for dad to freshen up and settle down before asking for the update.

"It's very sad news to be honest. This is how people will be alive today and tomorrow they are gone." I can feel the pain in my dad's voice that evening as he walked into his room leaving half of my mom's question unanswered.

Did I tell you about the pastor's family? No right?

The pastor has a beautiful light-skinned average height wife called Folu and she gave birth to 2 kids. The first child is Ben while the sister is Brenda.

"My dear, please serve the dinner because I am totally famished," dad said walking into the living room that evening. We ate that night and no one really talked about the pastor again till the following morning when a call came in

"The burial has been scheduled for next weekend sir, which is Friday and Saturday," the caller said as dad's phone was on a loudspeaker. 

Dad drove me to school that morning while he dropped mom halfway because her store was not too far from my school. 

I forgot to tell you that mom was a businesswoman that was into the wholesaler of clothing materials such as Ankara, adire, and many other materials.

Oh, dad is not a full-time worker. He is the chairman of the Teacher's council and Supervisor in my state. He is also one of the top officials of Christian Ambassadors in town. 

Days moved faster than usual and finally, it was the weekend for the pastor's burial. The news had gone everywhere that the regional pastor of a parish slumped and died. Different bloggers with different storylines.

The occasion was graced by people from far and near but the unexpected happened when the undertaker were carrying the coffin out of the church.

What happened? Watch out for the next episode

FOLA Episode 2

Episode 2

"Hello sister, I'm talking to you, what's going on here"

The usher explained to mom that it's the pastor that slumped when he was about to climb the stairs that lead to his office this morning and he had been rushed to the hospital. It's only the workers that know actually and not everyone 

"Brethren, in everything, we should be grateful and we can't but thank God for both the disappointment and the blessings"

I could recognise my dad's voice even in my sleep. We entered the church and sat in the direction the usher directed my mom and I too.

"The pastor won't be amidst us this morning but let's keep him in our prayers" my dad said and he handed over the microphone to the worship leader who was going to take us in hymn from the church hymn book.

Thanksgiving Sunday that was suppose to be all fun and exciting, it was cold and cloudy. It wasn't looking like the ones I've always been to.

Service ended faster than the usual as the teacher for the Sunday school class merge the class together and then went into prayer session thereafter.

On our normal Sunday, we would start by 9:00am with praises and a few selected songs from the church mass choir. We do have classes by age and status where we go but on Thanksgiving Sunday, it was always a joint class.  Choir takes a few songs and the worship leader leads the hymn before the sermon will start.

It was past 12 and the whole service was over but we had brought dad's food along after we'd taken ours from home before coming.

You could tell how gentle my dad looked when we sighted him in his office sitting on the resting sofa facing up.

"Daddy... daddy" I shouted on top of my voice and it was my voice that brought dad to his consciousness 

"How long have you been standing here?" 

Mom explained how we have been standing for a while now but mom was curious to know what had happened to the pastor. 

"It was a black Sunday to be very honest, I could only tell the congregation to give thanks in all things but...."

Mom didn't allow dad to finish before she cut him short by asking "but what's wrong with the pastor?"

Pastor miscalculated his steps while taking the stairs and he slumped. He rolled from the 7th step back to the floor and he hit his head on the railings. 

He has been rushed to the hospital but dad was called few minutes before we joined him his office.

"Hello Rev Olarewaju, we tried our best but we lost him. God knows best really"

"Oh my God, oh my Jesus"

Mom was saying this repeatedly as we were all left confused on what to do. I was too small to understand how the pain of losing a close one can be.

I saw my dad so cold and gentle and mom on the other hand was losing it already. She couldn't control her tears and the more she tried to dab her face, the tears were just coming out effortlessly. 

"Better don't injure yourself with the way you are reacting oh," dad said and in my mind, I was like  "I wish he truly cares for her like he is saying right now" 

"Brother Olarewaju, we have to get to the hospital right away sir, they've not told the pastor's wife what's going on yet" Mr Jones the church secretary said to my dad.

My mom and I were left in my dad's office as we watched him rush out. He had even forgotten he hadn't eaten all day. Mom couldn't stop crying as I lay my head on her lap thinking about the way the day started and how it was going. 

"Mummy Pastor" as she was fondly called was seen with 2 elders of the church, my dad, the secretary and the driver drove out of the church premises in the blue-tinted Sienna car leaving everyone to wonder what could have been the latest about the pastor's fall.

Brethren from the far and near parish to us are beginning to go back to their station and the church premises is beginning to be scanty. 

"Baby girl" as mom always call me, she tapped me as I was dozing off and she said to me to let's go home and wait for my dad.

"Brother Biyi... brother Biyi" mom saw one of our church brothers that lived not too far from our place and he stopped and asked us to hop in.

We started the journey and my mom couldn't get over the thought of what had happened all day. The way she was breathing heavily and making a sigh at different intervals show how much pain mom was.

"Pastor's fall isn't ordinary" brother Biyi broke the silence after a few minutes when we started the journey.

"What? Falling by miscalculation isn't ordinary? How?" My mom was curious to know what brother Biyi was trying to say?

"Well, I will tell you a bit of what I know anyways"

What is he trying to say? Watch out for the next episode.

Next Episode drops here tomorrow evening 

FOLA Episode 1

FOLA

Episode 1

"Where is this useless woman? I have been shouting here since and she is not responding"

Dad walked angrily that morning around the house looking for my mom but he couldn't find her.

"Becky... Becky" father turned to me and asked if I knew my mother's whereabouts but I couldn't answer. The last memory of her I have in my mind was when she entered the kitchen.

Suddenly the door leading to the backyard was opened and thank goodness, mother was back but before she could open her mouth to say anything, a thunder-like slap landed on mother's face. 

I didn't know when I started crying that morning. Did I tell you it was a Sunday morning and my dad was a worker in church?

Oh, chill, dad is the assistant Pastor of our parish and he has been the assistant since he and mom relocated to this new city shortly after their wedding.

"Brother Olarewaju, we have found you worthy and trusted enough to stand in the gap as the new assistant to the regional pastor of this parish" 

That morning, dad was supposed to be in church as early as 7:30am being a worker and a prominent member of the parish but we had no clue that mom not being in the house was because she noticed that my dad won't eat his yam with oil and the create of egg that we normally buy had been exhausted some days before that Sunday but this had skip mom's mind.

Mom wasn't chanced to explain before dad slapped her but this is not the first time dad will beat mommy up which was beginning to create a personal dislike in me for my dad.

I was six, I was freaking out and getting super aggressive and anything could make me go cold on anyone and any time.

"You know I have to be in the church that early and you were roaming all around. You don't know how long I've been shouting your name but you are nowhere to be found"

Father picked up his car key and he looked at the big round shape wall clock which says 7:35am already. Our house is about 15 to 20 minutes away from church by car but shorter when it's by a bike. 

I have seen days where I trekked with my mother to the church whenever dad refused to wait for us or come back to pick us.

Mother couldn't drive because of her fear of accident or running into all these uncultured bike men that can always make way even on the throat of rats.

It's looking like history is going to repeat itself that morning. 

"Baby girl, don't mind whatever you see okay? I have to stay here for you and..." I didn't know when I interrupted with the highest volume and the last strength in me "and mom, how long will this continue? When mom?"

Mom was speechless for a few seconds and she assured me again that it's a phase that will soon pass but I can't wait for that phase to really pass because I haven't really pictured a time that my mother was really happy.

"Proverb 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands" is my mother favourite bible verse whenever she want me to feel good about seeing how my father used to beat her every time on silly things 

Mother finished up what she was cooking and then quickly took me to the bathroom to have my shower. Immediately she was done with me, she quickly showered too and we were set for church.

"Oh, today is first Sunday, Thanksgiving Sunday"

Every first Sunday of the month was our Thanksgiving Sunday and service that was supposed to start by 9:00am always starts as early as 8:30am because every other local parish around will come around and the activities for that Sunday are always long.

We've seen Sunday that we will not close till 2:00pm. It was from one praise service to another and the excitement over everyone's face was always unexplainable.

We left the house at exactly 8:30am and I was sure that we were taking a bike that morning, we won't miss much before getting to church.

What left mom startled, I really don't know but immediately we dropped from the bike, mom noticed people outside and it was not looking like anything was going on in the church.

Mom walked slowly to the light-skinned usher at the entrance to confirm what might be going.

The little me assumed that people are outside because the church is filled to the brim already since we left home a bit late. Although the church is a big auditorium that can take about 1,000 participants conveniently. 

"Hello sister, what's really going on?

Next Episode Drops here tomorrow night. Watch out for Episode 2!