BROKEN MIRROR Ep 4

 Episode 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, what's the decision?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 3

 Episode 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Can two work together, except they agree?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happened?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 2

 Episode 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes sir!" 

"Get me a bottle of water."

"Yes sir!" 

The officer marched out to get the water.

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

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

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

"Okay..." I said

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

What does she has to say?

BROKEN MIRROR Ep 1

 Episode 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But am I really ready to talk?

I am not sure I am ready for this.

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

"Why did you kill them"?

THIRTY PLUS Ep 16-Finale

Story by O'nezer 

Episode 16 ( Finale)

My sister's wedding was scheduled for August and preparation was on top gear towards a successful ceremony.

I recieved the salary for June and I left my job. I knew I needed some time off to reflect on my life and seek the way forward.

"My dear, I am not against any of your decisions at this point. I believe God has a plan for my life  and his thoughts are far  greater and better  than ours" my father said that afternoon when he realised i left my job. Although it didn't seat well with my mother.

My sister's wedding came and people rallied round from far and near. Although I was happy that my sister was getting married , but i was sad at the same time.

 The reasons for my sadness is not far fetched. Firstly, the person I never wanted, ended up being converted and now married to my sister. Secondly my own younger sister was now married, while me, her elder sister does not have a serious relationship going on, even at 32.

"Yours is next?" One of my aunt said 

"When are you even getting married? You are not getting younger oo" one of the church members said. I felt like punching that woman in the face but I had to calm my nerves down.

The day ended more sad for me as everywhere I moved to, people didn't stop reminding me of my age and how long I've been unmarried. 

The wedding was over and everyone went to their homes. I knew I would be needing a new job and most importantly a change of environment that won't remind me of all the past drama.

I was praying one night and God took me down memory lane. I started thanking him and  I placed myself on a  21 days praise session. 

My worries began to fade and my mood got brighter. My parents didn't understand  the secret to my happiness, but at the end of the 21 days, I shared my praise journey with them.

During the 21 days praise session, God  inspired me to start early morning cry and evangelism in my area. 6am every morning, I step out of the house with a bell and bible in my hand to tell the world about the love of God and his power to save.

A month after I started the morning evangelism, I set out dressed in a straight striped gown and my hair covered with a black scarf singing and jingling the bell.

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey" 

I mistakenly stumbled on a man who was trying to tie his shoe lace. I apologised and wanted to leave , but the man stopped me.

"Sister, I didn't know they now have someone who comes out to do early morning evangelism here" he said and I was surprised at what he was saying 

"Yes, I said that is because God laid it in my heart 3 months ago to start and I've been doing it from street to street. Today is the turn of this street, and I was heading here when I began to hear the voice of someone singing and talking from afar. I wanted to tie my shoe lace so I can catch up with the person and here you are" he concluded. 

"My name is Caleb, how about you?" He asked as we walked and talked along. I told him my name and that was how we started coming out to do evangelism together.

I already applied for a job at another broadcasting house. I knew I had a lot to share with my listeners and I couldn't wait to go back to hosting my favorite programs. I was called to resume work the next month, which was September.

"Sister Gloria, I have something to tell you" Caleb said to me at close of work that day. 

"I have been praying for a while now about a life partner and the holy spirit has been dropping your name in my heart repeatedly. I am sorry, but I have been praying about this and I will suggest you do the same" he said and I was left in shock, because I didn't see it coming at all.

We were still seeing every morning for the morning evangelism, but he wasn't pressuring me nor talking about the relationship. 

After a month and 2 weeks, I had gotten all the confirmation that I asked from God. I checked our vision and mission alongside purpose. I felt the peace of God about it and I can say it was God at work.

I finally gave him my answer and prayed about it together.  Caleb is a tall light skinned young man. He works as an HR in one of the loan firms  in town nd I wondered how he was able to manage the responsibilities, but he shared a brief story with me

"I was on a journey one night in my car. I had fuel inside a small keg in front. Along the line, there was a spark and the car caught fire. It was a narrow escape for me with a little burn and that was when I made a covenant with God. I told him that I know I can't pay him for what he has done, but I will begin early morning evangelism to tell the world about the love of God" he said in one of our conversations.

We had our  courtship for about 6 months and today being our Thanksgiving sunday after our wedding, I want to thank the Lord almighty for all that he has been to me. For the ups and downs, for the mountains and Valleys. I can boldly say today that through it all, God is good.

This is my message to everyone out there, that no matter how late it may seem, GOD'S WILL IS GOOD, GOD'S PLAN IS BETTER AND GOD'S TIME IS THE BEST.

Don't let the age pressure put you in the wrong relationship or wrong environment. It is only the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it.

And if you are already in the wrong relationship due to pressure or whatever reason, may God give you the grace to let go and let God.

I will leave you with one of my favourite bible text

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Thank you and God bless you all.

I handed over the mic to the MC as I walked down the podium with the assistance of my husband who was also wearing the same Ankara fabric as mine. 

The END

LIST OF OTHER STORIES BY O'NEZER

1. Pamilerin

2. The wedding reception

3. Last Sunday evening

4. End of the tunnel

5. Dark path

6. Adopted

7. Adebimpe

8. Facebook fiancé

9. Corper Wale

10. The wait

11. Lily

12. Shattered

13. Boomerang (story of brother bode)

14. Beyond the shade

15. Happy child with many sorrow

16. Sleevless 

17. FOLA

18. The Leap Year

19. TANGLED 

20. BUT

15 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2

THIRTY PLUS Ep 15

Story by O'nezer 

Episode 15 

I struggled to stand up from bed. I looked at the wall clock and realised that the time was past 10AM. 

"Your sister is on her way already and she is close by" my mother said as she walked out of my room.

I had a shower and wore a simple gown. Mom wanted to treat the lucky man to a special delicacy, so she prepared ofe onugbu and pounded yam, an indigenous anambra meal. She already set the table with the mindset that once my sister comes, we would eat first and then get to talk.

There was a knock on the door and finally, my sister and her guest walked in, hands locked together. She wore a simple ankara maxi gown, while the young man wore a well tailored powdered blue native attire.

"Segun!!!   Are you for real? I shouted.

"Gloria?" He said.

I couldn't believe my eyes as I wiped my face repeatedly, leaving everyone confused as to  how I got to know Segun.

I relayed the story to the family of how Segun would call day and night  because he wanted to marry me, but I kept declining. I was disgusted by his sight and the fact that he wasn't born again was a big turn off for me.

After breakfast that morning, I was curious to know how Grace and Segun met. I know few months ago isn't the same as today. 

"If you remembered the last time I called, I told you i had something I wanted to share with you and you promised to call back, but you didn't" Segun started.

I felt really bad for  ignoring him all along.

"After I was repeatedly rejected by Gloria here, one Friday night on my way back from club, I had an encounter that changed my life. I started feeling a sharp pain in my chest and it went on for 2 weeks. One of the moments was when I called Gloria so she can lead me to Christ but she wouldn't pick my call" he said while sitting up.

"A church team was on a visit to the hospital i was admitted in one Sunday and that was how I met this my lovely and wonderful fiance. She led me to Christ and since then, I have been living for Him and Him alone" he concluded and guilt flooded my heart.

I apologised and told him about how I prayed for him once a while too and he said he didn't hold anything against me as well. My parents were happy to see how everything  turned out to be. They prayed for them and we caught up on other gists. 

"We will like to be on our way now so we can get home early." Segun said. Segun came with his car and they bid us bye as he drove off.

The thought of  how I failed to win a soul for God all in the name of allowing emotions to lead instead of the Holy Spirit haunted me.

All through the weekend, I didn't hear from Jude, he wasn't picking his calls nor replying  messages online. I got to work on Monday and I asked of Jude, but I was left with a big shock hearing that he drove into a pole that crashed his car and left him injured brutally on Friday. 

"How did you know?" I asked one of the guys at work and he said that passersby found his ID card and told the MD about it.

I cried and cried, I wasn't myself all day till we closed from work. I quickly rushed to the hospital and realized that he was on oxygen. 

"His chances of surviving is slim. He has been in coma since Friday ma'am" Doctor Pius said.

3 days later, I went to the hospital to check on him again, but to my surprise he was not in his ward. I asked if he had been transferred to a bigger hospital for better treatment

"We tried our best but we lost him" Doctor Pius said and I broke down in tears 

His family was contacted and the burial arrangements was set for a week later as they  didn't  want his corpse to stay too long in the mortuary. 

I had grown so found of Jude and it was hard to let go of him. It took a while for me to accept the reality of his demise. I became completely withdrawn from everyone and everything. I could hardly concentrate at work.

3 months after my sister and Segun's first visit to our house, the wedding date was fixed and preparations began gradually.

16 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2

THIRTY PLUS Ep 14

Story by O'nezer 

Episode 14

"It's your sister" my mother said.

"Hello my dear, how are you?" Mum asked to be sure if everything was alright. 

"It is nothing really, are you in same place with daddy?" She asked. I was beginning to get scared it could be something serious. 

"You are now on loud speaker, speak on my dear" my mother said.

"Okay mom... there is this guy i  want to tell you about, we will be coming to home together next weekend" my sister said.

"Come and join me sing Hallelujah, Jehovah Jireh has done me well..." my mother started singing without even asking details about the person.

"Hello... are you there?" My sister asked from the other side.

"We will be expecting you both then" dad said as my sister ended the call.

In the mood of celebrating with my sister that she finally has someone, mom almost ruined the moment again with her pressure. 

"You see, you see your sister now. As for you, we don't even know the direction you are facing" she said mockingly. 

"Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" I told my mother and  reminded her that God's time is the best. 

On Sunday morning, we had our regular service and Emma wasn't in sight. I was so happy that I would no longer be forced into a relationship with Emma. 

Service ended and I stumbled on one of my childhood friends Temiloluwa. She has been married since she was 29 , but with no child.

"The pressure you get when you are 30 plus is different from when you are under 30. Everyone has been telling me one thing or the other. I will be 32 next month and the pressure keeps increasing by the day" she said.

We talked about her delay with child birth. I tried to encourage her that sometimes God allows delay so as to give us a bigger testimony. I don't know who made the rule that if you don't have some certain things at 30, you may not have them again. 

Till I got home that Sunday, different thoughts were just going through my head. It's so ironic  that some people have the cap, but no head. Some have head, but no cap, while Some have  head bigger than their cap. Everyone with their challenges. 

Still in thought, a scripture dropped in my heart. 

2nd Corinthians 4 

"8: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed".

The new week soon started and everyday, I get to see Jude. A part of me wanted the relationship but another part of me was finding it hard to understand the uneasiness in my spirit. 

"Are you still not going to say anything? You are not done praying?" Jude said out loud during one of our conversations after work.

I told him I wasn't done praying and that I want to be sure before entering any relationship. I wasn't done talking when Jude snapped out. He became furious and I can bet that I haven't seen him that angry before.

"Get out of my car"

"You said what?" I asked to be sure. 

"Don't make me repeat myself, get out please" he said in a very harsh tone.

I had to get down of his car and started looking for a cab. The rain has started and I quickly ran to take cover in front of a closed kiosk. When I couldn't wait again, I entered the rain and I was lucky to see a bike man going towards my area even though the charges was much but I didn't mind. 

Thank God it was a Friday, I knew I would get enough rest onSaturday. I was totally wet from head to toe. 

I lost appetite to eat that night. My mother was thinking it was because I was beaten by rain. I only had coffee for myself and I couldn't get over the drama that happened with Jude. I know I hadn't gone out of line if i still wanted to pray more  to get clarity about choosing a life partner. 

It's sometimes better to marry late and marry right than rush into marrying anyone available and regret it.

After the family devotions that night, I couldn't sleep as many things were playing through my mind.

"Look at Felicia who I'm 4 years older than, she is married now with 3 kids."

"See Ebele, she is living her best life with her husband in the states. Her daughter is still calling me aunty."

"Even my sister is already bringing someone home? Why is my own case different?

I cried into the night as depression was almost crawling in. I couldn't even say a word of prayer or do any spiritual exercise. 

I didn't know when I eventually slept off.

"Wake up... don't you know what time it is?" My mom came to wake me up.

17 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2

THIRTY PLUS Ep 13

Story by O'nezer 

Episode 13

"Please talk to me, what is the issue?" The usher at the entrance explained to my mom that it is the overseer's son who just got back.

"What happened to him? Hope he is safe?" My mother asked since we were all curious to know.

"Someone was trying to park his car, but in the process scratched Emma's car and in a flash, it resulted in a big fight. He was really throwing his wealth at the old man's face, asking him if he knows how much his car is  worth. Before we knew what was happening, he hit the man and the man passed out. We had to rush the man to the hospital. His parents has taken him away from the church premises" the usher explained. 

The shock on my mother's face at that moment cannot be explained. She was just blinking her eyes and sighing at intervals.

"Thank God I didn't force this girl into marrying Emma o" my mother said silently as we walked into the church. 

Service was over and we all went home. Mom put a call through to Emma's mom to let her know she heard of what happened and wanted to greet her. It was from the call that we got to know that the man was responding to treatment and getting better.

"Imagine if that man had died? What will the world be saying? Blogs and newspapers would have carried it, that a pastor's child killed someone." my father said.

We had our night devotion that Sunday evening and I noticed that my mother's voice was loud in thanksgiving that she didn't make the mistake of forcing me to marry Emma. 

It was Monday morning already and I saw Jude at work, I tried talking to him but he was cold and not exciting as usual. I know he was yet to get over what happened over the weekend. 

We finally talked towards the close of day and he told me how humiliated he felt with everything that happened that day, but he was more fine and we can forget about it.

3 months into my friendship with Jude, he officially asked me to start a relationship with him. I was happy that he finally wanted me to be with him. It was like a dream come true for me, because he is someone I really admired. In fact, i had fantasized being married to him at a time, but i knew they were only fantasies and that the will of God is sovereign for my life.

"About your request, give me a little more time to pray about it" I told him on one of the evenings he dropped me off at home. I saw how unhappy he looked when he heard that I still wanted to pray about it. He believed that since we have been moving together, it should be a yes straight up.

I got home that nigt and I felt the urge to pray and be clear about the whole relationship thing. At every instance I mentioned Jude's name, 2 bible passages kept on coming to my mind simultaneously. 

Proverbs 14:12 

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" 

Proverbs 3:

"5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

"6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I didn't really understand both text even though they are written in English.

I rounded up my prayers and slept. Jude is a spec for me, he understands my silence. He knows when to make me smile and also understands my space. On many nights, he would send me lovely text messages and by morning, i would wake up to some selected shout out songs from him.

The week ended and we were  having family time that Saturday morning when a call came in.

"Who's that?" My dad asked my mom as the call came through her phone.

18 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2

THIRTY PLUS Ep 12

Story by O'nezer 

Episode 12

My overthinking mind had wandered around in split seconds on the reason for my father's shout.

"My friend, my friend" Emma's mother said at the sight of my mother. I was so pissed that I didn't know when I hissed. The way daddy shouted like it was some emergency, only to see it's something as ordinary as someone visiting and to make matters worse, it was Emma's mother.

"Where is Emma?" My mother asked.

"I left him to park the car well, he will join us shortly." Emma's mother said.

"Good afternoon ma" Jude greeted, but he was ignored. I could see how unhappy he looked. I was standing at the dining watching  the drama going on.

Emma walked in, dressed in a round - necked polo on blue Jean and white sneakers. Without saying much, you will know that he just got back to Nigeria.

He extended his hands to shake my father, but my father ignored him. He was surprised seeing that Emma had lost the courtesy of greeting elders well.

Jude was gradually feeling uncomfortable and I didn't know how to save the moment so it doesn't end dramatic. 

"Hi" 

"Hello" I said back. My cold response to his greeting should be enough for him to know that I'm not interested in having anything to do with them.

"Go and help me check what's on fire" my mother said.

"I will like to take my leave now sirs and mas, thanks so much" Jude said trying to fake a smile.

"Hold on a minute, let me see you off" I quickly replied. 

As Jude was about to walk out of the door, he mistakenly stepped on Emma's shoe. Jude apologised but Emma didn't have it at all.

"Are you blind?" 

"But I just apologised. I am sorry okay." Jude said calmly.

"The shoe that I got for 100 dollars, you know how much that is? 

"It's okay, that's enough." Emma's mum intervened. 

Jude left on a bad note. Although I apologised  to him and he insisted that it's fine, but deep down, I knew it was not fine.

Food was served after mom and her friend finished their unending conversation. Emma on the other hand was focused on his iPad, while  my father watched  the news.

"The table is set" I called on everyone and they moved to the dining.

"Bless this food O Lord, for Christ sake" my father prayed as we all chorused "Amen".

At the first spoon of food Emma tasted, he started complaining about the food.

"What sort of wack meal is this?" He said.  My mother's face was lit up. I could see that she was angry, but didn't know what to say because she was too surprised to talk. His mother hit him with her elbow to caution him. 

I hoped that this incidence would make my mother see reasons why Emma would never be an option. She can't use me to strengthen the relationship with her friend by marrying me off to that spoilt child.

We all ate that afternoon except Emma who requested for fried plantain and juice alone.

Emma and his mother left and it was then reality dawned on my mother that she was almost making the wrong decisions for me.

"The boy is very rude. I thought he would be better by now" my father said as he showed his displeasure over Emma's attitude. 

"I didn't know it has gone this bad. He is over 30 already and I thought he should be old enough to..." my mother didn't finish the statement before I interrupted her.

"To what mummy? It is not by age, maturity is not  by age and thank God you've seen it yourself" I added. 

A bigger part of me was excited that finally my mother will stop pressuring me. 

"And please, when you get to work on Monday, help us apologise to that young man that came" my daddy said as he went into his room.

I tried communicating with Jude online, but he left all my messages unattended to. I knew he was still mad because of what happened. I concluded that I would see him on Monday and we would sort things out...

The next day was a sunday and we were set for church. Since church wasn't too far from home, we left the house some minutes past 8. Service starts at 9am, so we knew we could still make it to church before then.

My dad isn't involved in any church role, but mum as I early said was the everywhere kind of person. On getting to church, we saw people gathered outside, but we didn't understand what was going on.

"Please, what's happening?" My mother asked as she alighted from the car.

19 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2

THIRTY PLUS Ep 11

Episode 11.

"We will be expecting you, okay, see you soon" my mother ended the call and immediately  faced me to share the news of Emma's arrival. 

"I know he is back mummy, please spare me Emma's matter." I said with my eye brow raised. I didn't want her to continue talking. 

My sister had been called back at her work place, after investigating the incidence with her boss. Kingsley was dismissed for extortion and other misconduct, while my sister's immediate boss, who couldn't do much  again because of his health, was forced to retire.

I was angrily walking to my room when I heard knocks on the door. I knew I wasnt expecting anyone, so I peeped through the window, but couldn't see the face clearly.

I opened the door and I couldn't believe whom  my eyes saw.

"Jude, you didn't tell me you were coming" I said surprised.

"Guess you are not happy to see me, I can just go back" Jude said with a serious tone.

Ever since I've been friends with Jude, he has never visited my house. I've always avoided letting him know my house, so i always alight a few junctions before my actual stop.

"Not that, I was just surprised. Come in please" I could hear my mom asking who was at the door, since she noticed I was just  standing there. 

"Good afternoon ma" he greeted prostrating. 

"Good afternoon" my mother replied with a fake smile. You could easily tell if my mom is faking a smile. 

"Ehn, won't you serve your visitor something?" My mom said facing me

"What will you like to take?" She further asked Jude but he said he was fine and if he needed anything, he would let us know.

"Excuse me, I will join you shortly" my mother went to my father's room and that was when I had the opportunity to ask Jude how he got my house address and why  he came.

"One of the evenings after I dropped you at the regular spot,  I zoomed off to make sure you don't see me and  made a U-turn instead. I parked the car a few poles away and followed the turnings and directions you took. The moment I spotted the compound you entered,I quickly turned back" He explained ,but I was thinking within me why he would want to know my place.

"I'm kind of free this weekend, so I decided to visit some family members and friends,  but it won't be complete if I don't extend my visit to you" he concluded.

Ever since I've been moving with Jude, I haven't been answering Segun's call. I just didn't want to have  anything to do with him in anyway. After all, what's the relationship between darkness and light. On many occasion that God dropped his name in my heart to pray for him, I just rush the prayers and move to other serious person.

"Good afternoon sir" Jude prostrated again, as he saw my father walk down from his room to the living room where we were both seated. 

"Good afternoon, welcome" my father and his few words. I didn't know what my mother could have said to him in the room but I was waiting to see the reaction on their faces. 

"Gloria, please come and assist me here in the kitchen" my mother called out to me. I knew that assisting would lead to further questioning.

My father and Jude were left in the living room and I went with mum to the kitchen.

"So who is that young man o?" My mother asked to clear her curiosity and I told her he is a colleague at work. A Christian brother as well who is smart, caring and all. 

"Why didn't you mention him all this while?" My mother and her inquisitive nature. 

I didn't mention anything to them at home, because we were only friends and nothing more."

My mother was cutting the vegetables while I was rinsing the rice on fire and talking simultaneously. 

"But where do you want to put Emma?" My mother asked and I almost lost it because I do not see Emma as someone I can settle with. We haven't even seen for almost 7 years now.

"Dear... dear... please come" I heard my father's voice from the living room.

My mother and I dropped all we were doing and rushed down to the living room.

20 DAYS TO GO FOR SISTER DABIRA PART 2