FOLA Season 2, Episode 8

Season 2, Episode 8 (finale)

"The groom will come out now and give the vote of thanks and afterwards, Dr James will give the closing prayer" the MC had said.

Oh, I didn't tell you that James was married? He got married like a year before we met at the hospital to Grace. In one of my conversations with James, he mentioned a story of when his wife was kidnapped at age 13 by one herbalist. Immediately I could relate with the story. What a small world!

Who could ever believe that I will end up meeting the fire branded lady that led a whole herbalist to christ. I was so excited to meet her, a very reserved and calm, light skinned, not too tall young lady.

My husband did the vote of thanks and James who had graced the occasion with his wife came to give the closing prayer. Music started playing and my husband started thanking the people and I followed him. 

"Congratulations my dear brother, sorry that I couldn't make it to church.. It was my twin brother Tunbosun that delayed me, his car was faulty" Tunde said as he is holding my husband's hand.

"My dear, meet Pastor Tunde and his twin brother" my husband said but as I moved closer, I saw Tunbosun dimmed his eyes to catch a thought of where he might have known me.

Remember Tunde is now a pastor and his brother too is a music minister that goes from one church to another for ministration. He is also the owner of "Tee for Jesus Band"

Olatunde and Olatunbosun Jones

No matter the twin similarities, Tunde has always been the gentle easy going type while his brother is the trouble maker. Many times, Tunbosun will be the one to get into trouble but they will think its Tunde because the resemblance is so much.

"Jesus.... Jesus"  Tunbosun started shouting Jesus! but I was clueless about what was going on. Attention has been shifted from Pastor Tunde to Tunbosun and we were lost on what might be going on. Tunbosun whisper to Tunde's ear that he would love to tell my husband something. Pastor Tunde  requested my husband to excuse him that he needs to tell him something. 

My husband insisted that we are one now and anything he wants to say, he can say it but he begged my husband to come outside. I left them and went to the table where my parents were sitting with my baby girl.

My husband later came to call me and he relayed what they had talked about. Oh my God! Tunbosun was the ringleader of the thieves that came to our house that night. 

Tunde was at home reading and preparing for exams and Tunbosun was supposed to be with him that night but he lied that he wants to go get a text book at his friends place. 

Pastor Tunde is married with  2 kids and the wife too is in the ministry with him but couldnt grace the occasion with them as they couldn't bring their personal car.

Tunbosun explained how he has gotten married 3 times in the space of 5 years as every of his wife keeps dying at the point of childbirth. It was one of their family pastors that God showed the revelation that he has committed an atrocity in the past that is bringing all this. He also added that severally he has been told that he has a child somewhere and he needs the forgiveness of that woman before things can go back to normal for him.

I was angry, I started crying and I was almost cursing him at that spot. Attention was already drawn to where we were all standing. My husband was trying to calm me down but I didn't want to hear anything at that moment.

"I am very sorry for every pain I have put you through, I regret every decision I made and I wish I can take back the hands of time" Tunbosun was saying amidst tears and he was already on his knees.  Pastor Tunde also joined him and they both started begging.

"Mommy, what's going on again?" My baby girl walked up to me and I couldn't help but cry. I felt bitter in my heart but the spirit was poking me that I need to forgive this man and let go of every bitterness in my heart.

I cried like a baby that day but I felt better telling him that I've forgiven him wholeheartedly. I told my daughter here is her father.

"DNA test" my husband said and I supported immediately because we didn't want any more stories that touch the heart.

The reception was over and everyone was back to their various destinations. 

We fixed an appointment with Dr James and we carried out the test that confirmed Tunbosun to be the father of my baby girl.

My family became friends with Dr James' family.

2 years later, we all attended Tunbosun's wedding and one night he called us that his wife had been delivered by a bouncing baby boy.

At that time, I was pregnant, and I couldn't go for the child's naming ceremony as I was heavy and couldn't move around. 

A week later, I gave birth to a baby girl. The joy that day knew no bound. I couldn't stop crying but this time it was tears of joy.

Today, I will introduce my family to you but before I continue, I can't but thank God who has brought me this far. Through thick and thin, he is a faithful God. 

I am not the only one in this Women Empowerment live show, here is my father, Mr Toba Olanrewaju, I also have my superhero mama here, Mrs Becky Olanrewaju and here is Mr Tunbosun Jones with his wife Tofunmi Jones.

Here is my husband, Mr Josh Akindoyin and my first daughter, Ayomide Olanrewaju. Well, I registered her with my father's name due to the story around her birth and since her father showed up as well, he agreed we leave her to bear my father's surname but he will take full responsibility of her needs.

My new baby, AFOLAJESU, simply shortened as FOLA. The name is just the summary of my journey and it means "It's only Jesus Grace" others may interpret it as "Its a privilege Jesus alone can give"

I won't forget to introduce myself, I am Olamide Akindoyin (Nee Olanrewaju)

Everyone started clapping, standing up and celebrating God's grace over my life while some others were speechless as they dab the tears from their faces.

End Note:

To everything you have ever gone through, God will come through for you and make your life a testimony. 

The END

List of O'nezer Stories. 

1. Pamilerin

2. The wedding reception

3. Last Sunday evening

4. End of the tunnel

5. Dark path

6. Adopted

7. Adebimpe

8. Facebook fiancé

9. Corper Wale

10. The wait

11. Lily

12. Shattered

13. Boomerang (story of brother bode)

14. Beyond the shade

15. Happy child with many sorrow

16. Sleevless 

17. FOLA

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

FOLA Season 2, Episode 7

Season 2, Episode 7.

"Ok, since you said I should go first, I will but I don't even know how to say this" Josh said with a shaky voice.

My palm was getting sweaty already because I'm trying so hard to fight the negativity out of my head. I don't know what I will do to myself if he eventually called this whole relationship off.

"I prayed and had my conviction severally so as to know the mind of God if he really wants me to marry you or not but all the signs were pointer that it's a yes!" The way Josh was saying all this, my heart was beating so fast and loud. I doubt if Josh wasn't hearing the way my heart was beating.

He locked his fingers into mine and he continued with what he was saying but my palms were still sweaty and my head had started banging.

Aside from the church pastor of where Josh worships, he has one other pastor, Tunde by name that they both went to same school and he was always talking about him but I haven't met him in person before.

"I spoke with my friend Tunde, the pastor, remember him?" He asked and I affirmed it. I don't know why he can't just go straight and tell me what exactly he has in mind. The longer he beats around the bush, the more my head kept banging and I was binding and casting the spirit of negativity under my breath.

"With all the drama that had happened, it was really a big fight in the family house and for the first time, I saw my parents disagree with my decision totally, they didn't want to have anything to do with my relationship with you". My heart skipped and I almost ran out of breath.

I knew it, I saw this coming! that his family might not want to have anything to do with this again. I've always known Josh to be someone who respects and fears his parents so much that they can easily influence his decisions. The fact that everyone else assume me to be a bastard and as well as having a child for an unknown man. I can remember well of how much fight it took him to make his family accept me and love me.

"I will take care of you and your baby" and many of the promises that Josh had told me, is this how everything will just end?

I interrupted him, asking what's going to happen now? Do we throw a relationship of over two years away just because of my mother's mistake?

"After the 3days fasting and prayer that I had with my friend Pastor Tunde, we prayed our way through and God gave us an assurance of victory. I spoke with my mom first and dad after, they both agreed that we pick another day for the wedding but this time around it will be with few people and it will be in one of the small parishes around us".

I didn't let him finish what else he had to say, I screamed so loud that people inside the house started peeping from the window to see what's happening. I couldn't hide my excitement that day, I never believed that things could start working for good for me.

All the while that we were at the hospital too, my pastor will always give me bible promises and assure me that God will give us total victory. I've heard several times how my pastor had told me he is praying for me and some other brethren in church are praying for my family..

Truly, there is nothing prayer cannot do. I'm finally going to be getting married to the love of my life. I can't keep calm and I wish the wedding day would come so fast already.

THIS GREAT GOD, WHAT CAN HE NOT DO? was just ringing in my head as tears started taking a stroll on my cheeks. I don't even know what next to say or do cause I was totally speechless. Deep down, I had my fears that things wouldn't end up well but God is good, all the time.

"I guess you wanted to tell me something the other time too" Josh interrupted my excitement. I have almost forgotten to tell Josh what had happened.

Oh, what I wanted to say? Well, I think testimony is plus one then cause what I want to tell you is also another testimony on it's own, I asked Josh to guess but he pulled my cheeks saying "I am not good at guessing and you know that, share the good news babe"

After the doctor carried out the test, we realised Mr Gabriel isn't my father!  I could read the anger on his face that day, it was as if he should slap the doctor or even do worse.

My mother rolled from one side of the wall to another with excitement. I have never seen my mother that happy and what surprised me most was the fact that my father forgave my mother after he recovered from his shock.

I couldn't imagine if my father had opened his eyes and sent my mother away or turned the whole thing upside down again. I can see God working in my stead.

A month later, Josh and I had our wedding in a small parish with about 30 people. No noise, no crowd. All we needed then was peace and serenity. We didn't even want people to be up to that, but we can't just cut the family away.

My baby was the only one on the bridal train aside from my best lady and best man. The wedding service which was followed by the reception had taken almost 4 hours and we didn't even realize it. The excitement on my parent's face know no bound as I know that they also had their fears that due to all that has happened, I might not see a man that will accept me for who I am.

"I don't know why my friend, pastor Tunde isn't here. He promised he would come for the wedding but I haven't seen him" I saw the worry on my husband's face but I told him he might still show up since we still have about 2 items left on the program.

Someone unfamiliar in green buba and trouser is seen walking into the hall. The hall we used was small and it was so easy to see everyone that is coming in and going out.

"Oh finally he is here, I can't wait to introduce you both to each other".

Watch out for what next?

FOLA Season 2, Episode 6

Season 2, Episode 6

"What's that, feel free to tell me anything" I asked out of curiosity.

James narrated how much he has been disappointed by ladies over time. He is a bookworm with a partial boring life. It was because he is the type that seems gentle but talks when he is with people he is comfortable with.

I remembered how his parents forced him back then to at least join the choir and that's where I first got talking to James. He is cute and I still laugh when I remember how some of the female choir members were fighting over who James loved the most and all of that.

Maybe because I am the talking type back then that was why I was able to always keep the relationship going and I don't find James boring, he is also my specification, I can't say maybe he still is but I know there is this element of love that never dies in us.

"I think you need to run a DNA test to be sure of who your real father is, at least so that this whole thing can get sorted" James said as he held my hands.

It didn't even occur to me that there is anything we can do to be sure who my true father was. I saw sense in the idea James brought up and I promised to come back with my parents for the test after dad has fully recovered.

I was only wondering if we may need to contact Gabriel to carry any test on him for this purpose.

James assured me that it will be done, but that we should let daddy rest here for a week so as to fully recover and carry out the test.

James checked the time and he picked a file from his table and signed it. He walked to the reception and handed over the file to one of the nurses. 

"Don't worry about their other bills, I will pay for it." James told one of the nurses at the counter. My mother was so excited and thanked James for everything he has done so far.

Two days later, I still haven't heard from my husband to be and I was getting more angry because people that are not even related to us have been coming here nonstop to check on my father.

The doctor has taken all the necessary samples for the DNA tests. Mr Gabriel too was invited over though it took so much of persuasion before we could get him to come and do the test. He was so sure that I am his daughter because everyone believed my father had a low sperm count. 

I remembered when I was 8 years old, I know I've seen Mr Gabriel before but I couldn't place the face when he showed up during the wedding. I know of one afternoon that I came back from school and met him and mom arguing but I thought he was one of the customers cause I remember my mom saying with all emphasis "let bygone be bygone and don't dare make any drama out of this". I remembered asking my mum but never mind was all she said that day.

Finally, It was one week already and my father was discharged that evening around past 5pm. We were still wondering how we were going to get home, James had promised to take me and my parents home. He went to his office to bring his car keys while my parents and I walked towards the open space close to the hospital car park.

"Sorry dear that I haven't been here with you all along, so much is going on at my place too" Josh said as he rushed into the hospital compound. 

A part of me was angry that he was just coming since all this while. I couldn't hide my anger but he already knew my password, he started calling me sweet names, I didn't know when I started smiling. 

He opened the door for my father and my mom entered the back of the black Toyota car with dad as well. 

Hold on a minute, I think you need to meet my old friend. I wasn't done talking before James also walked down  to where we were standing. 

I introduced them both to each other as James stretched his hand to greet Josh.

"It's nice meeting you as well," Josh said to James. 

We entered the car and started driving home. Everywhere was quiet and the only sound was the music from the car stereo. 

Josh knew how much I loved music and he was playing one of my old classical albums but everything that has happened in a space of one week was just playing in my head. 

I had wanted to go to where Josh's family were lodging but mother insisted that if this young man really loved me, he would reach out and look for me.

Maybe God is also giving me other eye opening signs that I need to pay attention to. In a minute, I was already overthinking and everything in my head started comparing the Josh I met that said he will cross the ocean for me, the man that gave me his words that he will accept and love me till the end of time.

What could have kept him away for that long that he didn't even come around for once to see me or my parents at the hospital till the day dad was discharged.

"Dear... dear" Josh called me back because I was already lost in thought. I apologise that I was just having too much going on in my head at the moment.

We got home that evening, people rallied round to assist with the food basket and other small packs we brought back from the hospital. 

"I will wait for you, I still have the whole day to myself" Josh said as I made my way to the house to shower and change my clothes. It feels relieving to be back home and I won't have to have any hospital smell around me any longer... The hospital smell sometimes wants to make me throw up, only God knew how I was able to survive all through that time.

I changed my cloth to a simple free gown and joined Josh in his car. I apologised for taking so much time. He held my hands and told me it's nothing really.

"I have something to tell you" Josh had said and I told him "same here but you go first".

He asked to be sure if I wanted him to talk first or if I will talk first. I insisted that he should talk first and he agreed. 

What does he have to say?

Watch out for the next episode.

FOLA Season 2, Episode 5

Season 2, Episode 5.

"Are you for real? Like seriously" I couldn't help but shout.

One of the nurses at the reception facing the lobby came around to tell me my voice is too loud and that some of the patients are resting. 

I don't know if to go back to James or my mother. I can't go to my father so I don't add more to what is on ground. I tried to put myself together as if everything was fine.

"Why are you looking so confused? What are you hiding you this girl" my mother knew me so well that every of my emotions are always all written over. I don't even know how to fake a smile or pretend that I'm fine. 

As I was about to start talking, tears started rolling from my eyes and my mother hijacked the letter from me when she noticed that I wasn't ready to talk.

She opened the letter and started reading. It was then she realised the letter is from my daughter's school.

"We are sad to announce to you about the fire outbreak that happened in the school over the weekend and we realised that your child's hostel was part of the hostel that got burnt. Due to this, we have asked the students to go home for a week so we can get the school fixed and we apologise for any inconvenience this might cause you" my mother read out the letter and sighed.

I was so worried. what if there wasn't a wedding going on at the moment, was that how my daughter would have been involved in the fire accident?

All the time we were at the hospital, my daughter was at home with cousins and other family friends that came around for the wedding. She witnessed all the drama that happened on the wedding day.

But to avoid creating more fear in her, she wasn't allowed to come to the hospital with us.

Oh, I didn't tell you that my daughter is now 10 years old. It's about 10 years ago that a sad incident happened in my house and the result is my daughter. Yes, she's doing fine and she's now in Junior School 1.

I didn't want her to be a burden to my parents so I took pain to send her to a boarding school. I remembered how much fight I had with my parents before they agreed that I send her to a boarding school. 

"Better let's be thanking God that it's not more than this" my mother stopped me from looking so worried and thanked God that we didn't lose anyone. 

I don't know why the tears even came up but I know i have so much going on in my life right now. I couldn't just help but cry, I am grateful for another testimony of not letting us lose anyone again.  

Truly, all things work together for good to those that love the Lord. If there wasn't a wedding, she would have been in school. The wedding that has turned sour was also a blessing in disguise.....hmmmm

My mother walked down to my father's ward and I followed her. He requested for food as he hasn't taken anything really good for almost 24 hours now.

My mother rushed out to go prepare food for my father. Our house isn't too far from the hospital. 

It was when she got home that she got to know the postman stopped by at the house and they had described the hospital for him. No one in the house knew what the letter was about but my mom tried as much as possible not to tell them what the letter contained. But told them that dad is getting better. 

I got this house for my parents shortly after I got a job. It was very necessary we left where we were before. I paid for the house and furnished it for them. I tried to set up a small provision shop for my mother in front of the house so that it can be a means for them to have money on them.

Thank goodness, my mother wouldn't have to cook as part of the party rice was still remaining at home. My mother left for the house and not long after, I went to James' office. 

On getting there, I didn't see him there. Maybe he had gone out when I was with my father in his ward I thought. 

I asked the nurse from the reception of his whereabouts.

The nurse told me he was called to attend to a patient in ward 7 which is not far from the ward my father is.

As at the time we were all running around for my dad's health and all,  my husband followed us at that moment, but he couldn't stay that Saturday because he had to meet with his family and apologise for all that had happened. 

He promised to check back very soon once he is done with the meeting with his family. I waited almost all day but I didn't see him. I was having this funny feeling that something bad had happened but every time that thought crossed my mind, I would quickly shove it off and shout the blood of Jesus.

Minutes later, my mother came back with a basket of food. She brought fruits from some of the one given us during the traditional wedding. She also came with milk and milo in case he wanted to drink tea.

Today is Sunday and was supposed to be our Thanksgiving in church but here we are at the hospital trying to save a life. I am still wondering why my husband isn't showing up but I just want this phase to pass on time so we can go back to our normal life. I'm missing Josh already, real bad.

"Well done ma, how is he feeling now?" James said from the door. He came closer and touched my dad and he realised he is getting better. 

"He will be okay, just let him eat and rest more" was all James said after which he turned to me asking how I'm feeling.

I told him I already checked for him in his office but the nurse told me he had gone to attend to a patient at the next ward. After we talked a bit, he started teasing me with all our childhood hide and seek love and how everyone back then did call us Romeo and Juliet.

"Although, I think I need to tell you this, I don't know how you will take it anyways"

What?

What does he have to say?

Watch out for the next episode.

FOLA Season 2, Episode 4

Season 2, Episode 4

"Good morning ma, I am Doctor James, pleased to meet you" what a sweet reunion to have met my secondary school lover boy again.

Everyone else had gone back to their various places except for the pastor and the mummy that brought food for us.

The mummy had already slept off on the wooden chair close to the door because they all had sleepless nights praying that God should keep my dad and restore him back to life.

"Mom, you can't remember James again?" I asked my mother as she was looking all lost and confused. It's been a while and it's long enough to have skipped my mother's mind but on the other hand, with all that had happened with my family, I'm not sure my mother is even keeping anyone's face in mind now.

"Oh.. oh, James the pastor's son of our small church back then, sorry that I didn't greet you well, so much is going on right now and my mind isn't coordinated" 

James interrupted my mom with "all will be well ma, let's trust God for a miracle"

I narrated what had led my father to be in this state that he was now and how my wedding had been scattered just because someone showed up from nowhere to claim that he is my father. 

"We will come back to that, can we go check him and see how well he is doing now?" James said to me calmly as he took the lead and my mom followed as well as myself. 

Thank God we entered that time that we did. We saw dad gasping and trying to catch his breath. James tried to place his hand on my dad's chest to bring him back and calm him down.

After several attempts, dad became calm and he gradually opened his eyes. My mother quickly rushed to the side of the bed, holding his hands and was crying.

James tried to calm my mother down that we should at least thank God he is back to live. Deep down, my mother is the only one that can really express and explain better how she got into the mess that scattered my wedding.

"I saw a revelation but wait... where am I? How did I get here? were the questions my dad first asked as he gradually opened his eyes. 

I told him he is at the hospital but before I could land on what I was saying, my mother cut in and started begging my dad to forgive her. 

If we are to think about it and if truly my mother did what she did, would my father forgive her? Is this offense not too big to handle?

My father struggled to sit up and he requested for water. This time, the pastor and the other mummy had joined us in the ward where my dad was.

"I saw a revelation and he was telling me that before I met him, I had done worse things  and he forgave me and he kept on giving me more chances. Beyond that, he showed me the scars on his body, the marks nail made through his palms and feet and many more. I told him it's hard to accept and admit that a woman I love hurt me so badly but he kept on saying what love is greater than someone who left his throne to come and make ways for me to have access back to God? what is the pain you have gone through that Jesus hasn't gone through?" my dad said amidst tears as he held my mother's hand.

"I saw my life in a flash and in a moment he took me back to where he picked me from, he showed me the life I used to live before he rescued me, he showed me how many times he has saved me even when I refused to acknowledge him, my dear this may be hard to admit but I forgive you" my dad said as he cried uncontrollably.

"Forgive me ke?" My mother broke down in tears, I don't know whether to link that up to tears of joy or sadness. 

My father was just repeatedly saying "if he can forgive me, why won't I forgive others". His words melted my heart so much that I couldn't control my tears any longer.

Everywhere went so quiet that we all were just looking at each other's faces like what's going to happen next.

"We should let him rest now" James broke the silence and he asked my mother, the pastor and the other woman to wait at the lobby.

I followed James to his office and he was telling me about how he had left the town back then. He also proceeded to study medicine on scholarship in an international university. He wasn't planning on coming back to stay but the holy spirit wouldn't stop telling him that he has some assignment for him back here. He had to come back to work here, he had also worked in about 3 different hospitals within the period that he came back.

It was as if this moment should not be over as I paid rapt attention to his journey so far. I told him that I have to quickly check the pastor and my mom to know what next.

"It's nice meeting you again, I hope we stay in touch this time around" James said with all excitement.

Deep down, I'm excited too but there is this feeling of pain and sadness in my heart about the way everything went and how messed up my life is right now.

Immediately I stepped outside, I saw my mother thanking the pastor and the other woman as they were set to go back to their various houses. I saw someone coming but I could not be assuming anything since where I was at that moment was a hospital, anyone could have come for anyone.

"Good morning, I am directed to give you this letter" a young unfamiliar face came inside the hospital to deliver this letter.

What's the letter about?

Wait for the next episode.

FOLA Season 2, Episode 3

Season 2, Episode 3. 

"Daddy, please stay with me"  I kept on calling to see if he will at least open his eyes. I kept on pushing the driver's seat from the back so as to hurry the driver. 

The question on your mind right now is the same as mine. No, not about the man I called dad for years oh, I mean how did the new man know about my wedding?

They lost contact when my family relocated to the small town at the outskirts of the main town. 

The first time this man would ever get to know me was when my name was everywhere as the best student in the state during my Junior secondary school days that led to my first scholarship. 

He heard the news and found a way to contact my mother. If not that he was among the persons my mother told when she gave birth to me, maybe he wouldn't have known my name or anything related to it.

Of course, the man respected my father's house and ministry. That was why he stayed far away from our home but that left us with no clue as to knowing him.

He has told my mother severally that he still loves her but fate wouldn't let them be together. Gabriel refused to get married on time with the hope that my mother will give up everything and come back to him.

Back then, he will drop by at mom's shop but he's not always noticed since my father is always going from work straight to church and everyone will meet at home later in the night.

On many occasions, he has seen the marks and scars on my mother's body due to the aggression of my father and how he won't stop beating my mother at the slightest opportunity. 

My mother's friend,Aunty Bimpe, knew about the friendship between my mom and Gabriel but she's not aware of the things that had gone down between the both of them.

Our wedding day was in 2 weeks when my mom's friend, aunty Bimpe met Gabriel at the store and from one conversation to another, she mentioned my wedding to him and he acted all excited about the whole thing.

He didn't discuss his intentions and plan with my mom's friend. Aunty Bimpe was supposed to be at my wedding that day but it falls at the same time they were having a burial ceremony of one of their grandpa in the village. 

Maybe if my mom's friend had been present that day, she could have stepped into the matter and not make the whole wedding day messy for me. 

"You see why I am always skeptical and selective when it comes to the affair of these children, see the shame Josh has brought to the family" and many more were the words coming out from Josh's dad's mouth. 

Josh's mom was trying to calm him down to find a means about everything but the shame the whole thing has brought already made Josh's Dad's mind to be made up and it's looking like no one can talk to him.

"We are calling this whole thing off, I can't let my son, my first son be married to a family that they don't know who is who" Josh's dad became more angry.

Tears swelled up my eyes and I couldn't help the situation as everything was beyond me. The pastor joined us at the hospital shortly and some few people from the church too.

They've contacted those at the reception about what had happened. The food and all that has been prepared got wasted as many people left the church for their houses while a few that could wait, waited to see how the whole drama would end. 

No one heard about Gabriel for that moment that we were at the hospital. We almost forgot that he was the reason for all the drama that happened or wait, should I say it's my mother that caused the drama?

Truth be told, how will my mother hide this big secret from all of us for this year and allow my dad to father another person's child? No, I still don't want to believe everything that is happening now is real.

"Walk down, turn left you'll see the restroom, you can go change your clothes there"  a nurse had described to me. One of my clothes for changing was inside a small bag that was inside the car.

All the time that I was running around, I didn't remember I was still in my wedding gown. No one even cared about that at that moment.

The two things in my mind was that my mother should say this is a lie and my dying dad should stay alive. I know how long he has been waiting for a day like this. The day he can hand over his daughter to a man after God's own heart. 

Dad has been in a coma for more than 3 hours now and I can see how nurses were running from one room to another.

My pastor and some of the church leaders were praying and pacing round the hospital lobby. 

"God, please intervene and destroy every work of the devil, let's pray down heaven to come and settle this matter and heal Mr Olanrewaju" the pastor had said as I kept looking at them from the railings close to the door.

I don't even know how to explain these feelings, I didn't remember that I haven't eaten since morning. In all that is happening right there, food was the least I could talk or think about. 

My mother had been trying to do some running around too. Part of the money some people had enveloped and gave to her had been spent on admitting my father alone.

The bill has been partially settled and what baffles me most is how nonchalant Josh's parents are towards everything on ground. 

Our wedding was on a Saturday and all through that day, we were at the hospital. My dad didn't still wake up but the doctor kept on giving us assurances that he will be fine.

"You know with God all things are possible right? We can only try our best and leave the rest to God" Dr Felix had told me and my mother that evening.

"My dear, manage to take something. I bought this for you '' one of my church mummies had brought pap and akara for me.

I wasn't sure I had the appetite for anything but I had to force myself to eat the food so that I could at least have a bit of strength. My mother refused to taste anything but I can hear her praying for forgiveness and restoration.

"My time is up, I have to leave and the next person who will take up will sign in shortly" Dr. Felix had said the following morning. 

He works most of the evening shift and he leaves once it's 6am so that the other person can take up from him from 6am to 6pm.

"Welcome Doctor... are you for real? Oh my God, you mean you work here?" I didn't know when I jumped from my seat as curiosity won't let me stop asking questions rather than worrying about my father that is dying. 

"You know him?" My mother asked as she saw my reaction. 

Who's the doctor?

Watch out for the next episode.

FOLA Season 2, Episode 2

Season 2, Episode 2

"Truth? what truth is it that can't wait till we are done with this wedding" my father interrupted but I can see my mother trying to pin dad down not to interfere.

"Many years ago, this lady here came to me and told me about the doctor's report about her husband" this was what the man started the story with.

Everyone was confused because this man isn't mentioning names or pointing hands at anyone which was leaving all of us clueless but still I can hear the mumbling from the congregation. 

"She asked me to help her and not put her family to shame which I agreed to, we had this deal together that year and we promised never to come back to it but I think I can't be out there knowing fully that I have a child who is grown enough to know the truth"

At this point, I didn't know whether to run or stay. My legs are beginning to shake and my body couldn't rest on the legs again. I was sweating on one side of my face and my Best lady couldn't stop cleaning me up at every interval.

"This girl is mine and I am the one that is right enough to hand her over to this man in marriage" 

I saw my mother's face and I wanted to believe this unknown man is either lying against my mother or maybe someone somewhere has paid the man to come and scatter the wedding. 

"Wait, don't let us get things mixed up here o, which child are we talking about here" my father interrupted the man who no one knows his name or details.

My mother is not saying anything either. She just kept a straight face as we all don't know who is who.

Could it be me or my husband to be? Who is a bastard here?

My mother kept her cool so much that no one could even link it back to her. My husband's parents too were asking each other if what the man is saying is about them. 

"Let's continue with the wedding, let's take the vows and ignore this old fool" my husband said angrily but the man still wouldn't let any of this be possible as he is not quiet and he was repeatedly shouting "hear me out and don't make any stupid mistake".

"Help me Gabriel, help me! I went to the doctor with my husband today to find out why we are not having our child yet after our 3rd year of marriage, I don't know if my husband isn't hitting the right spot or we ain't praying enough, anyhow you can help me, just try and help me" this and many more were the words that was said that day.

"Becky, you thought I won't come for my daughter? You made a big mistake, I know all these words I just said now are not totally unfamiliar to you" 

All attention has now been shifted to my mother. I don't want to believe that my mother has something she has never told my father or even myself. 

Does it mean the man I have been calling father isn't my father? No, I had to quickly snap out of that imagination it just can't be true.

I can read the anger on my father's face. My father didn't wait to hear my mother's side of the story before a thunder-like slap landed on my mother's face.

My father's memory went back to when he and my mom were waiting for the fruit of the womb and how the doctor told him he has low sperm count and the necessary steps to be taken. He also assured them that this can only be hard for humans, but with God all things are possible.

"I can explain, I can explain" was what my mother was saying amidst tears, she has already lost the head gear she was putting on and she looked so pale already as she is trying to make her confession. 

"After the 3rd year of our marriage when we have attempted everything we could, it was then I went to Gabriel to help me out, I never knew a day like this will come". Everyone was reacting differently.

Gabriel and my mother are ex-lovers but because Gabriel is one leg in and one leg out. Today he is in church, tomorrow he is with his herbalist who always helps him out on any issue. My mother's family didn't support their relationship that was why they chose my dad for her back then but old love never dies they say.

"I have this baba that I will take you to, he has a solution to any problem you can ever think of '' was the suggestion Gabriel gave my mother that day.

On getting to baba's place, when he consulted his Oracle and all other things he had to ask, he told them both that they are destined to be together and have 3 children but my mother was already married while Gabriel was still single then.

The only solution baba could render that day was that they both had to sleep with each other so that she can conceive and that it's the glory of a child that draws another.

They both agreed to this deal and they promised never to come back to any such deal.

Gabriel was the first person my mother told she was pregnant before telling my dad. Gabriel was so excited but couldn't claim the child since it's a deal.

Weeks later, my mother came with a pregnancy test that made my dad feel like the most excited man on earth.

On many occasions, Gabriel had threatened my mother that he would come to their house to scatter everything. 

"Better look for a way to kill your husband and let's get married" was one of the suggestions the man gave my mother back then but she rejected the offer because she wouldn't have her hands stained with blood.

When the threat was getting so much, as it coincidentally fell into that time my father had the head beating by mother, she quickly agreed to the idea of relocating from the main town to the small town at the outskirts of the town.

Now I realised why it was so hard for my mother to just leave my father when he was beating her mercilessly. It is because the man outside is also waiting for their house to scatter so as to come and claim me as his daughter. 

When my mother was done explaining all she could with tears rolling down her face, she apologized telling my father she did everything for his sake based on how the pressure from his family was getting to him while they were still looking for a child.

The second slap landed on my mother's face and people were beginning to come in between them before it would get more bloody.

"You didn't do any of this nonsense for me, you are selfish, you are just heartless, how could you do this to me? You even went as far as going to a baba just because we are looking for a child? Where did you put your faith" my father broke down in tears.

Suddenly, my father fell on the wooden chair that the bride and groom's family were led to sit on. 

Everyone rallied round him to resuscitate him. Three ushers came rushing him as everyone was already confused on what to do.

They rushed him out and in a moment, everyone had started moving out of the church to see how it would all end. I already forgot I was getting married, I already removed the veil and gave it to my best lady.

I may say I don't like my father but he has been the one I knew as father since I was a child and not just one random man that shows up on my wedding day.

I pulled out the heels I was wearing and I was no more myself because my brain couldn't process all the drama that is happening.

"Dear, dear wait for me" I could hear my husband-to-be calling me but I couldn't wait. I followed the car as they rushed my father to the hospital. 

My mother followed her friend's car and my husband to be also carrying his car. My Best lady, best man and one of my friends followed my husband-to-be in his car.

Reception? No one even remembered that. All on our mind is how this whole drama will end and how we can move past it.

I still can't believe that I'm getting married that day. I don't think I want to even continue with the wedding of a thing. 

"Drive fast please, he must not die" I was begging and hurrying the driver that drove the car that I was in.

"Daddy, daddy, please stay with me" I screamed while having my dad's head on my lap.

What happened next?

Watch out for the next episode.

FOLA Season 2 Episode 1

Season 2, Episode 1

"Ah... ah" was just coming from the congregation as a man on well-ironed-not-too-shouty blue and white agbada with his crystal shine black shoe walked forward. He has dark shade glasses on with a staff in his right hand. 

In a minute, I forgot that I was faced with 3 different standing fans, one from the choir side, one from the ministers side and the last one close to the pulpit. With all this fan, my Best lady, Bimpe was still fanning me with the bridal fancy fan in her hands.

I had no idea who the man was and why he was walking down from the last row of the auditorium to the front where the pastor was trying to hand me over to my husband to be.

The ushers tried to stop him but all the attempts proved abortive. We wouldn't have noticed on time if not for the murmurings and noise coming from the congregation.

I looked at my father to communicate with him from the place I was standing to ask him if he had any idea of who the man is. My husband-to-be was also asking his parents using his head to communicate to them if they have any link to the man walking down to the altar.

"I am not going to cause any drama here at all, I just feel this is the best time to settle our unfinished business amicably" the man said in a deep-not-angry kind of tone.

What are they settling that can't be done after the wedding? I can't wrap my head around having any unfinished business with anyone. 

I remembered my fiance telling me on one of our hangout dates during courtship about the lady he was supposed to get married to but they couldn't get married due to so many things. 

"You see Kate that I was dating before, she's abusive and her anger is just out of this world. Whenever she's angry, she can bring down the roof in a minute". My fiance told me of how she once threw the TV set to his face in one of their arguments. 

The last one that made them break up finally was the day they had a little misunderstanding on an occasion, Kate slapped him in public and that was when he knew that he can't bring this lady home to his family.

He also added that every time he was supposed to meet with her family, it's always from one excuse to another which had made it impossible to even know Kate's dad.

Could this be Kate's father? I couldn't bring my mind together. I am so sweating under the wedding gown and my eyes are beginning to hurt and go itchy. 

No, maybe it's Rose, the girl that was always giving me bad eyes when I first started working in the organisation that I was posted to. My fiance told me they had a thing for each other and he remembered how many nights she would force him to say hello to her parents on the phone. I know my fiance had so many ladies around him.

I remembered another time that a lady was saying no to every suitor she was getting all in the name of dating Josh mentally.

Chioma, yes Chioma the girl Josh's family rejected because she was not from the same tribe as his family. I've always known how picky Josh's family can be.

I know how many times he had to convince and persuade his parents that ever since he set his eyes on me, he had already believed and knew that we would end up together. 

I remember the days when Josh begged his sisters, Josephine and Jane, to beg their parents to please accept me and let him be married in peace. This reason was part of why we couldn't get married immediately after service year. It's from one issue to another. 

The list is endless as my Fiance interrupted my thought by saying "dear, please calm down, I pray the Lord will take control".

I was feeling tired and sweaty from inside, I was just thinking but we prayed and did everything possible to avoid any issue like this. I know how many prayers and fasting we had all in the name of preparing for today.

Pastor summoned the courage to ask the man who he is and who he has business with but the man is so full of himself. As the pastor was asking him questions, instead of replying, he was playing with his moustache.

My Fiance's dad couldn't take the drama any longer, he walked up to the man and begged him that they can settle anything that might be the issue after the wedding. The wedding that is supposed to be for 2 hours will now be extended and they can't afford to delay all their guests that will be waiting at the reception for them.

My Fiance's family is one big family that people came all around for them. In short, a bigger number of the congregation that graced that occasion are from his family.

Some of his uncles and aunts are abroad based and all of them came home for the wedding. 

Oh, I didn't tell you that Josh is the first son of Engineer and Mrs Thomson Akindoyin. Yes, he is the first son and they are 3 all together. He has 2 other younger ones but they are females and even him, they gave birth to him after his parents had waited on God for 7 years.

To avoid the drama, Josh's dad spoke to this unknown man calmly but he pushed him away so that Josh's dad almost hit his head on the wooden chair inside the cathedral.

My husband to-be became furious and he left where I was standing to go confirm if his dad was injured. He wanted to fight the man but the man pointed the staff at him and told him to stay put.

"The pounded yam that we pounded years ago is still hot, today is the day that everyone of you will know what we cooked that the whole house got burnt" the man said out of irritation and anger. 

What does he have to say? What is this man here for? This and many other questions were running through my mind.

"I already told you I am not here to cause drama but if you want to make drama out of this, I will tell you that I'm a good drama director" was all he said before bringing out a white neat handkerchief from his agbada pocket. 

"Here is the truth you all don't know all this while" everywhere went silent as we all paid attention to what this man had to say.

What does he have to say?

Watch out for the next episode.

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