TANGLED Episode 5

Episode 5.

"Here you go" the nurse handed over a cup of water to my dad while holding a jug incase he may request for more. 

Everyone was curious. Amidst tears and smile, we were waiting to know what has happened to my father. The smile on my father's face quite showed that the encounter must have been a soul reviving one.

"I found myself in an empty room..." he began.

"...the room was so dark that the thickness therein was strong enough to behold. I saw my hands chained down to the stool I was sitting, how I got to the room, I don't know" my father said as he raised his head to the sky to help him remember every scene without leaving any stone unturned.

Since the doctor had other patients to attend to and things to do, he couldn't wait to listen to the encounter my father had.

Although, the people(workers) we met on ground were those that resumed work from 7pm and they will be going off by 7am to hand over to the next doctor and nurses that will stay from 7am to 7pm.

"As much as I would love to listen to your story, I have so much at hand to quickly attend to so that the next doctor coming in won't have many rollover work" the doctor said as he took his leave.

"Yes sir, how about the wife that passed out after hearing the news sir" the nurse tried to remind the doctor about my mother.

He didn't say anything, he just walked away. The nurse dropped the water in her hand in case if my father or anyone else needs water to drink and followed after him.

Now we were left with Uncle Jude, his wife and 2 of our neighbours. Of course I was there with them as well.

"A young unfamiliar man came and started beating me up. He was hitting me with the baton in his hand and since my hands were tied down, I couldn't run away, dodge the beating or even hit him in return. I was helpless. I kept shouting "Father, please come to my rescue" but it seemed all hope was lost"  The more I shout, the more beatings I received and help wasn't coming forth.

"I started remembering the scripture passages that God has helped me to keep at heart over time and I knew his word will not return to him void. I gathered all the strength left in me to mutter few words beneath my breath"

"But you said you will have mercy on whom you will have mercy. Mercy Lord, Mercy LORD. I kept shouting and crying for mercy but the man hitting me wasn't ready to stop at all. He will laugh hysterically as he hits me and then danced round the stool and hit me even harder"

"Hear me when I call O God of my righteousness; thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer".

"I was running out of breath and didn't have any strength left to call out for mercy. I had concluded in my mind that I will be beaten to death in a dark room. A part of me was bothered by how my family will locate me in an unknown dark room like this"

"Suddenly the confidence came out of no where and I started regaining my strength. I could feel the pain all over my body and the more pain I feel, the more happy this unknown man feels"

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"

The man stopped hitting me and for a minute, I felt like I have won. The man didn't say anything even as I was struggling and fighting on a spot. I realized this man wasn't ready to leave, not anytime soon.

"I remembered one of the Psalms I thought my daughter some weeks ago, whether it was in line with the present situation or not, I was less concerned"

"LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head" 

"Is that not Psalms 3 verses 1 to 3?" I interrupted him because I remembered that particular Psalms as it was in line with our weekly Bible study lesson. 

"You know it's almost day break, stop interrupting and let him finish what he has to say" my uncle said. He was quite displeased by my interruption. 

"The man stopped, the few words he said was "Shut up, our boss doesn't talk much but he act more". I was confused but thankful he finally said something. "But who is your boss and who are you?" I managed to ask.

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; thy blessing is upon thy people. 

"Immediately, I started hearing footsteps but I couldn't see the person walking down. The more the silence, the louder the footsteps get. I became even more scared than earlier"

"Is it the boss that is coming or someone else? Tell us, let's know" one of our neighbours interrupted him and I could see the anger on my uncle's face as he has warned earlier that no one should interrupt him again.

With all that has been said, everyone was just giving different sigh, hisses and facial expressions as my father talked about his encounter.

"Please, where is the toilet here? I'm pressed" my father asked.

He tried to get up but he couldn't move due to the injuries he sustained from the accident.

Uncle Jude and one of our neighbours assisted him.

Curiosity was written all over me, dad should be back soon to complete what he has started. I had questions to ask.

"Will my mother wake up? Will she live again? What's with this dad's encounter?

Find out in the next episode.

Watch out!

TANGLED Episode 4

Episode 4.

"Doctor, please say something" my uncle kept persuading the doctor to talk as they walked out of my dad's room. 

Everywhere was tensed already and I didn't seem to fully comprehend everything going on at the moment. I started reminding God about our prayers early that year about not having any untimely death and we will all live to see the next year.

Christmas was just a few days away from that day and in all assumption, the family reunion was what we would be having not mourning of anyone. 

The night was moving so slow and every time I looked at the clock on the wall, it seems it isn't moving at all. I wish I could fast forward to another page of my life with less pain.

I managed to leave my room and entered the room where my dad was being laid, he has been covered up and everyone was waiting for those that will move him to the morgue.

I was scared to open his face but I realized he wasn't moving and that was when reality dawned on me that I may have lost one of the greatest men in my life.

I started crying and praying. I keyed into God's promises for restoration and revival. If God could just give us another chance, we were ready to make amends of the past ones.

"For I know whom I have believed and I'm persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day"

My faith was little, I doubt if it was up to a mustard seed but I knew that we serve a living God. It reminded me of the story of Lazarus. Jesus may come late to rescue us based on human timetable but whenever Jesus steps in it's always the right time.

Suddenly, I felt like praising God instead of complaining and blaming God for what he didn't do. I felt it down in my heart that praising him would get more of God's attention. This and many more were things I learnt from my parents.

"In every situation or circumstances, praising God should be the first thing to do" Those were my father's words and I remembered. 

One of my father's favourite Bible verses in Philipians 4 dropped in my heart. Over time, dad has imposed that we know some of the Bible verses by heart.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God"

I started singing praises to God, reminding God of his great works, reminding him that he has never lost a battle, he is one who will do what he says and say what he will do.

In a moment, I forgot I was in a hospital. I didn't remember the pain in my hands. My head wasn't banging and I had this relieve in my heart.

The concluding part of that verse that my father loves so much said "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"

Praise is the only weapon to get the Heart of God. I danced and danced and kept singing. As I was doing my own in the room where my father was laid, my uncle and the other members of the family were in the other room trying to bring my mother to life.

They all had lost hope over my father, the doctor had confirmed he was dead. So, no one bothered about coming to check on him. 

They wanted so badly that one of my parents should remain alive, it will at least be of help to console me that one was taken and the other was left behind. 

Now that my dad was gone their hope was left solely on my mom. That was the reason Uncle Jude was persuading the doctor to tell of mom's condition after the news of dad's death was brought to her.

Gradually, I saw my father's leg started to move. I was confused. I thought the tears in my eyes had blurred my sight. I tried to wipe my tears. It was the pain in my hands that reminded me I also needed to be taken care of.

I managed to wipe the tears off my eyes and continuously I saw my father's leg moving under the cloth. I wanted to run out to call the doctor but I was stopped. I didn't know where the confidence came from. I pulled the cloth down and I saw my dad's head moving right and left as if he was fighting or struggling with someone and wasn't ready to take a defeat. 

I started shouting "Jesus!" repeatedly. I couldn't move an inch neither could I think of running out. 

The night was almost over and it will soon be dawn. How I ended up not sleeping all through that night is still a mystery to me because naturally, we were brought up with the idea of 'early to bed, early to rise' and I've never for once missed sleeping at night.

"Pleeeeeaaaase, father" my father shouted and opened his eyes. He was sweating profusely and I couldn't say whether he was in a battle or whether he was being chased. He will be the only person to tell what has happened. 

"Where am I? Where am I?" My father struggled to ask under his breath. At that time, I knew I had to call on the nurse or the doctor.

"Nurse, Nurse" I shouted so they could all hear me. That brought confusion as the doctor and my family members still around all rushed down to my own room instead.

I could hear someone saying they've paid so much attention to waking my mom and not remembering I was in the hospital with them as well.

"She's not here, she is not here" the nurse said with so much fear. Everyone tried to listen to know where I was calling from.

"Check where his father is, maybe that is where she is" someone suggested and everyone ran towards the room. The sound of their feet were so loud since it was midnight and everywhere was silent. 

"What are you doing here young girl" the doctor asked furiously because he believed my dad was dead and nothing could be done about it. 

I told them I've been singing and praising God and I know the God I serve is a miracle worker. I was still talking when the nurse interrupted

"So, is that why you are playing with the dead" the nurse interrupted.

"I'm alive, I am alive but...." my dad was saying. Before he could finish saying what he had to say, my greatly surprised Uncle came closely to me asking what I did and how I did it. 

The only thing that dropped in my heart then was  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" I guess that was a perfect answer.

"Come off it, what happened here" my neighbours cut in curiously asking no one in particular.

Everyone was confused and amazed. We all needed to know what has happened.

"I had an encounter and that's why I'm back to life" my dad struggled to say.

He was assisted to sit up by my uncle. Everyone was ready to listen to his encounter. I almost didn't remember I haven't heard anything yet about my mother; whether she is alive or not I don't even know but what is most important now is that we serve a God who doesn't disappoint. I was very grateful and certain he will take care of mom too

"Can I get a cup of water first" my father requested.

The nurse rushed out of the room to get the water.

What happened next?

Watch out for the next episode.

TANGLED Episode 3

Episode 3.

"You can talk to me Doctor, I am Jude, the immediate younger brother of the man that was rushed here with his family" my uncle said.

Uncle Jude as I fondly call him was one of the fun-to-be-with kind of person. He and my dad are the only children of their parents or better still, two surviving children of their parents. 

"Well, Mr Jude, as you know, ours is to treat and we are trying in that but it's God that does the healing. We tried our best but..." 

"But what Doctor?" Uncle Jude wasn't going to have that at all. He doesn't want to hear any 'but' that the doctor was going to say.

Naturally, Uncle Jude has this deep baritone voice that when you seat on same chair with him, you could feel the vibration of his voice on the chair.

"But first, you have to calm down and try not to raise your voice as we have some patient that are just getting to sleep and this hospital as you know is small and everyone could hear your voice when you shout" Doctor tried to pacify my uncle.

"Okay sorry doctor, I just want to know...I... I want to know" Uncle Jude stammered

Silently, I was praying that God should not let us hear any bad news. I was beginning to remind God of his promises that he gave us at the beginning of the year. 

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.”

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”

"The man has some internal injuries which was as a result of severally hitting his head on the body of the car; he could have been saved if he was brought in earlier. I'm sorry it's too late. We tried our best but we lost him" the doctor tried to relay the information in a way that it won't hurt but there isn't any better way to make it less hurtful.

"Ah brother mi, eh God" I could feel the pain in my uncle's voice as he was trying to control his voice as the doctor has earlier cautioned.

"How about the wife?" Uncle Jude asked the doctor in low tones.

Tears were flowing effortlessly down my cheeks. I wish God can just look down and give us a miracle. I don't want to loose my father and still I haven't known the fate of my mother.

"How about his wife doctor?" The doctor has hesitated initially

"Well, as for the woman, there are no internal injuries, she has a little scratch on her body. But, she lost consciousness. It's being controlled anyways she will need rest from the traumatic experience" the doctor concluded. 

I didn't know which of the news was making me cry the most but I knew I was going through pain both physically, emotionally and even spiritually if there is anything of such.

My uncle walked down to the lobby and joined the neighbour and his wife there. He broke the news to them and I could hear how they were shouting and crying. 

That night, I knew things won't be the same again. A lot will change and I knew quite well that this was the beginning of a journey that can't be predicted. 

They all came into the ward where I was, they saw I was crying on the bed but they weren't sure if I heard all the conversation outside or if my cry was from the pain in my hand. 

The doctor later called them into the ward where my mother was and before they could say anything, my uncle's wife broke down in tears again.

"Where is my husband? What about my daughter? My mother kept asking but it's like no one was ready to start the conversation yet. When my mother couldn't bear the cry amidst silence again, she shouted and my uncle, left with no option calmed her down and eventually explained all what the doctor had said.

"We lost him but your daughter is in the children's ward" my uncle said.

"Lost who? My husband? Noooo" she screamed and passed out immediately. 

"Doctor, Nurse, who's there?" My uncle's wife that was crying before didn't know when the tears dried off her eyes seeing how my mother has passed out.

My mother that just regained consciousness and we were happy is now on a full time coma hearing of my dad's death. 

My uncle rushed out to get the doctor. The doctor brought out his stethoscope to examine her.

The doctor sighed and went silent for a minute.

"I'm afraid, but you may have to excuse us now" the doctor said.

I was crying and praying on the bed. I was trying to imagine what my life will be like after loosing both parents in a night. I didn't know where to start from, I've always enjoyed the comfort of our lives and I was that child that does what I love at any time that I want.

I'm thinking all that will soon change.

Will my mother die? Will I go and live in the village with my grandma? Will any of my uncle or aunt adopt me?

All these thoughts were running through my mind. I didn't know when I shouted 'God forbid' and used all the strength left in me to get out of my bed and walked down to the ward opposite mine where my mother was laid.

"Doctor, talk to us? What's going on" my uncle questioned.

What happened next?

Watch out.

TANGLED Episode 2

Story by O'nezer

Episode 2.

"Wave at that space bus coming, maybe he is not seeing me" the not too young light-skinned man said. He has initially refused to help but gave it a second thought of helping. 

All the vehicle they've been waving at were not stopping or waiting and it seemed like all hope was lost.

I became quite conscious but the shock couldn't let me process everything going on in that environment.

"What's going on here? What's happening?" Another man showed up from nowhere and with the assumption that he was coming out to help but to our uttermost surprise he was around for something else entirely.

My dad was still breathing but not moving at all and my mom was also breathing but not conscious.

"This is my father's farmland and how can they drive into this place leaving the road" this and more were the words coming out of this young man's mouth. How insensitive!

"Farmland? In all that has happened here?" someone from the crowd replied and accompanied her words with a loud hiss.

"Better be thanking God that you don't have dead bodies on your farmland. If they can get help, they will still make it" another man said.

I started coughing and this shifted their attention to me. I was trying to catch my breath too but it was getting difficult. It was when someone came around to carry me that I realised I've had a dislocation in my left arm. It hurts badly and I couldn't lift it.

The first set of men that came to our rescue eventually found a bus and they had to forcefully open the door of our car.

The moment they carried my dad, he started gasping and I had no idea what that may lead to. He was quickly pressed down to see if they can get it under control.

"If this man should die here, you will all be in trouble" someone else replied as they tried opening the door at the side where my mom was seated.

"They are going to pay for damages, they can't just go like that. See all our crops..." the farm guy started shouting but little or no attention was paid to him as everybody was after saving a life over saving a crop.

We spent more than 2 hours between the accident time and the time we were able to get help.

We were rushed down to one of the local hospitals in the town and it took even longer time to secure a bed as the hospital do not have space for very many people.

At the end of the day, one of the guys that rushed us down to the hospital used his influence to get my parents in the special ward while they took me to the children's ward.

My head started to ache badly and I was feeling so exhausted. 

That time, phone wasn't everywhere like it is now. It was only dad that could afford the only phone we were using at that time and it was more like a sacred thing that no one else could touch unless instructed. 

In the process of people helping us, the phone had been stolen and there was no way anyone could reach us. We too couldn't reach out to those that we said goodbye to or to those we were travelling to meet.

A nurse showed up later and started treating me. I couldn't get over the flash of the accident in my head. The more I tried to close my eyes, the more the accident scene kept rushing in and I jumped out of the bed. The nurse had to give me a sedative drug and I was able to sleep.

Should I say luck? Or better still let me say Grace. Grace helped me that It was just a dislocation which a little massage and turning will set the hand back not like it was broken that I may be needing some sort of POP or something to hold my hands up.

"How are you feeling now" the nurse asked after touching my forehead.

I was hungry already but I couldn't even ask for food. I wasn't totally sure that even if they offer me my favourite food which is jollof rice, I would be able to eat it.

One of the ways my parents do know how serious my sickness was is when they offer me my favourite food; If I can still manage to eat even if small, they'll know it isn't very serious but if I couldn't eat or I rejected it, then they'll know I'm seriously sick.

"Please, what about my father and mother" I managed to ask the nurse rather than answering her own question of how I'm feeling. 

I didn't think how I'm feeling at that moment matters as much as hearing that my parents are alive.

I am not sure how my life is going to be like or how things will turn out for me if i loose my parents at that moment. I have my fears whether they will make it out alive or not.

News had gone round that there was an accident along that particular route that we followed. From the description given about our car and the plate number on it, those at home had a hint that something had gone wrong. 

It has been 7 hours since the accident happened and by calculation, we are supposed to have gotten to where we were going like 4 hours ago.

Those we left at home(neighbours) had put a call across to our family(the one we were visiting) and now both our family members and our neighbours that called are now at the hospital. 

I could hear voices at the reception. Some people were insisting that they should let them in and let them see my dad and mom to at least confirm the news and be assured that they are still alive. 

Immediately, I knew it was my Uncle and those he came with.

"Come with me to my office and let's talk" the doctor said calmly.

The doctor's office was directly opposite the children's ward.

That's how small the hospital was. You can hear anything being said anywhere unless if they talk in whispers.

I was praying silently that we all make it alive. Just imagine what anger has caused us?

What happened next?

Watch out.

TANGLED Episode 1

Episode 1.

"Haaa God!" someone shouted. But it was only the echoes of the voice I heard as my eyes were going dim I couldn't see the person.

The last I remembered was my mother having a hot argument with my dad about only God knows what.

It was a festive season and my family always go on annual visit from one family member to a family friend's place or other exciting places. We always look forward to this time of the year and this year wasn't an exception.

My dad had a blue Volkswagen with the name "In God I trust" on the side and our church sticker at the back which always have the yearly watchword written on it.

The journey started. My mother sat next to my father in front as they both wore matching clothes. Well ironed Ghanian ankara with a damask head gear on my mother's head. A slight make up to complement her outfit while daddy on the other hand was having a striped tiger-like native cap on his head with his shining ever glittering necklace. 

Mom had got me this flowery top with a pleated skirt and a wedge sandal. Mom also helped me style my hair into two equal halfs with an Alice band to match my outfit. 

"You are the selfish one here, I don't know how unreasonable you can be" my father was saying at the top of his voice. I was wondering what the whole selfishness talk is about but since I couldn't decode, I had to keep watching. 

Let me also add that one of the bounding and interesting thing about my parents is that they had code names they use, more like to everyone they know, there is a  nickname. If you like, sit in their middle and be reading their lips, you won't still know who and what they are talking about.

I love days when everything is peaceful, not like they don't have their issues and arguments but they always find a way to resolve it lowkey that it wouldn't escalate to a bigger one so before they could have this kind they were having that fateful noon, I knew it's something beyond normal.

"I did everything I did for you, I did it just for you but what are you paying me with? You're being ungrateful" my mother said as she was adjusting her gown.

I still couldn't figure out what they were saying. It wasn't like I was too young not to understand anything at all but it's strange how the whole talk was getting hyper and higher yet I couldn't place it to anything I know.

"I heard all you did but I chose to overlook cause I wanted peace to reign but there is a limit to how long I can keep quiet" my father said as he increased the pace in which he was driving.

I wanted to ask them to take it easy but I didn't want them to transfer whatever aggression or pain to me.  I had to keep quiet but I couldn't watch them both shouting at each other not even minding if I was there or not.

"I want to wee-wee (pee)" I shouted.

I didn't do that because I wanted to really ease myself but because I realised that if I am not going to stop their drama, I can as well help divert their attention. Moreso, I didn't want to be a part of it or watch it at all.

I noticed none of them was listening to my shouting behind. I assumed maybe because my voice wasn't loud enough or because their own shouting was louder than mine.

"Mom, Dad, I want to wee-wee" I screamed just to get their attention but No they were less concerned and were engrossed in their argument. Dad called Mom an insulting name and Mom retorted calling Dad names too. It was a terrible moment.

My head was beginning to ache from the shout of 2 adults who isn't ready to listen to each others side of their story. I wish it was something I knew about, I would have just said they are both right.

I didn't know what name my mother called my father last that triggered him using one hand to drive and the other hand to punch her face towards the car door. It was getting so much that dad wasn't paying attention to the roads again. 

The route we were travelling through was a single lane road that can only take a car at each lane simultaneously. If at all anyone has to overtake, it must be clearly confirmed that there is no vehicle coming from the other end.

We were moving toward a bend and you can hardly see the coming vehicle. 

"You can kuku kill me today, kill me, I said kill me" my mom was saying amidst tears and cracked voice tho my dad was trying to be calm already but mom seemed to be either enjoying the punches or just being intentionally provoking my dad.

In a twinkling of an eye, my dad used his elbow to hit my mom on her shoulder, mom took that part of his arm and gave him a strong bite. 

Dad lost concentration, a trailer was coming in front of us and another was trying to overtake. In the process of overtaking, the two trailer were side by side facing us. A Peugeot 504 car from no where just overtook the two trailers that has almost covered the road. The little space left that we were supposed to take for safety was where the Peugeot 504 showed up from.

If dad was concentrating, I know he would have waited for all these overtakers to pass before he will move an inch. That's one of the gentle-man side of my dad when he is behind the wheels.

My dad drifted from the road into the bush at the other side of the road, he was driving right into the forest and it was the mud that saved the car a bit. The airbag came out and that was the first thing that choked my dad while my mother already hit her head severally on the body of the car.

I was using my seatbelt at the back where I was sitting. I didn't know when I hit my arm on the driver's seat severally too and I was flung round the car back seat. I blacked out.

"Haaa God!" was what I later heard with my eyes going dim again. I couldn't figure out where I was neither could I tell if my parents were alive or not. All I knew was I heard a voice. I couldn't even see the person.

"Let's take them to the hospital" someone suggested and the other person interrupted.

"What if they die in the process, don't let us put ourselves in trouble oo" 

"Should we leave them here? Call the ambulance" the first person concluded.

What happened next?

Watch out for the next episode.

THE LOOPHOLE

Story by O'nezer

On a not-too-busy evening, Albert Ayanfe, the only son and last child of brother and sister Ayanfe picked up the assignment he was given from school and he started working on it.

He got bored and tired and few minutes later, he started dosing off. He was almost going deep into sleep when the poke from Emily woke him up.

"Albert, Albert, see how he is dosing, if it's play that they ask him to play now, he will play very well" Emily said.

She relaxed a bit into the cushion as she started calling out to Becky in order to confirm if she has finished washing the dishes. 

"Becky, Becky ooo" Emily shouting on top of her voice as Becky too was answering faintly from somewhere around the room to the passage and to the kitchen. 

"Are you........."

Door opening interrupted what Emily wanted to say.

"Welcome dad" both Becky and Albert greeted the dad in unison before Albert who loves junks so much asked the dad what he bought for them.

Mr Steve Ayanfe is a lecturer in one of the Colleges of Education in the state and he often times is more accessible and available than his wife. 

He is in his late 40's and he is also a minister of God in one of the Bible believing church around. 

"Check my bag, there is something there for you both but Emily, where is mummy?" he asked with the last breath in him but the reply he got was more heartbreaking for Steve.

"She said she will be away for another two weeks of ministerial assignment" Emily explained calmly but Mr Steve was too tired to even argue over the fact that the wife didn't inform him before now.

"Please boil me some water, I will like to have a warm bath" he said as he pulled off his shoe and reached to his pocket to get his cell phone to put a call through to his wife.

******** A MONTH LATER********

Mr Steve walked into his wife's room to have a chat with her. He was looking so tired and stressed out but he was left with no option than to interrupt whatever she might have been occupied with. 

Kate who happens to be the busy woman was also not having anyone's time as she buried her face into different books she was reading to research and pray on what to talk about in her next ministerial work.

"Good morning dear, how was your night" Steve said and the wife replied his greetings while still having her face fixed into the book she is reading. 

"I will love us to talk about something and please give it a good thought" he further stated but this time around the wife moved her eyes a bit off the book and now facing him.

"If you mean now, as you can see, I have this work here to finish and I can't even afford to stop for a minute" Kate responded.

He was disappointed with her reply but he pulled himself together that his wife shouldn't be that hard to talk to after all.

"Go ahead, I am listening anyways" Kate concluded as she turned back to the book.

"I want us to talk about how busy you have been, you don't have time for me, you don't have time for the children and...." before he could finish what he was about to say, Kate cuts in angrily. 

"And that is why I have Emily here"

"But Emily is not my wife, you are my wife" Steve said out loud with anger written all over him.

"I don't want anything to hinder my ministerial work, not even you dear" she said out louder so as to make her point clear and make her husband understand that the king's business requires haste.

"....still check and balance everything dear" Steve said as he walked out of the room. 

********2 WEEKS LATER ********

Kate was on a phone call, thanking the caller for the opportunity given her to come and minister in their church. She further stated the schedule of her next movement. 

"Yes sir, I really appreciate sir. My flight has been scheduled for 1PM" she kept on talking till she found the nearest seat to her in the living room and then she sat.

Immediately after the call, she observed that Emily was sleeping on the couch and this left Kate to wonder what could be wrong.

"Emily, Emily, so you are here sleeping" she tapped her. Emily jumped out of fear. 

"I have been observing you for a while with the excess sleeping, you will be sleeping here and there, up and down and I am wondering if there is nothing more" Kate said while adjusting herself.

"I hope it is not what I'm thinking sha?" Kate said out of curiosity.

"No ma, No ma" Emily quickly denied the imagination of what Kate might be thinking about.

"It better not be, it won't even be. I am preparing for a ministerial journey tomorrow" she said and further included  "You will need to go to the market now as I need to put things in place". 

She picked her phone up to make some other calls as Emily walked down to the kitchen.

"I just hope madam will not find out what is going on oh" Emily started talking to herself.

"Even if she finds out self, is it my fault? Is it my fault? My oga self don tire for her matter" she concluded as she made her way out to go to the market. 

******** INTERMISSION ********

One afternoon, Kate was looking for the invitation card that was given her for one of her next ministerial work. She wanted to use the details on the card.

In the process of searching, she found a letter in the Bible on the stool and this led to a big fight.

"Dear, I can't believe you can stoop so low to sleep with this useless thing here" Kate was angry and was beginning to raise her voice while Steve was just there on the couch listening and acting nonchalantly. 

"Madam, please don't call me names, don't call me names at all" Emily cuts in with pride.

"You now have the liver to talk in this house? Can you imagine? I remember how I brought you from nothing and tush you up, is this what you want to pay me with?" Kate was irritated by the mess the husband had gotten into. 

"That's not my concern, we now have same right, same respect and command in this house, let me go and check the rice I'm cooking for our husband" Emily said as she walked to the kitchen.

Kate followed her angrily and threw the pregnancy letter she found in the bible on the husband's face. 

"Hello Joy, my wife has found out everything that is happening, can you come around tomorrow morning" Steve had said.

******** THE FOLLOWING MORNING ********

Pastor and a brother from church showed up at Mr and Mrs Steve Ayanfe's house. Joy, the immediate younger sister to Steve too was around.

"Brother Steve, your wife gave me a call this morning, what exactly is the problem?" Kate didn't let her husband answer the pastor before she started talking. 

"I am highly disappointed in my husband and...." Steve interrupted his wife.

"Thank you for coming pastor, thank God you are here" he said as he adjusted his glasses. 

"I've tolerated this long enough, I am draining emotionally, physically and even spiritually" Steve said as Brother Jones, the brother that came with the pastor kept shouting "ha ha" in amusement. 

"Brother Steve, please shed more light, what exactly happened?" Pastor asked to clear his curiosity. 

"Pastor, how disgusting is it to hear that my husband slept with this idiot Emily" Kate interrupted. 

"It is not my fault, ask her sir, it is not my fault at all" Emily said.

"Pastor, there is limit to everyone's enduring spirit, help me ask her when last we prayed together as a family,  when last did she perform her duties as my wife in this house, today Abuja, tomorrow Lagos next tomorrow the small and big villages round Calabar here" Steve expresses his pain and anger. 

"But you said you understood my calling and spiritual assignment" Kate said amidst tears but Steve was not having any of her talks again as they were not adding up.

"You should also understand in this case too" Steve shut her up.

"Brother Steve! but how did it all happen?"

******** FLASHBACK********

About a month ago, Joy paid her brother a visit and she could feel the pain that was written all over her brother's face on how busy the wife has been.

"If your wife is this busy, there is something we should be able to do ooo" she said.

"But I can't divorce my wife, I love her very much" Steve said with much concern. 

"There is something I will suggest, I have a doctor friend who can help us with a fake pregnancy test, we will put it where your wife can easily see it" she suggested. 

"I hope this will work sha?" Steve asked and his sister assured him that they should give it a try and see how it all goes. 

"Where is Emily so we can explain the plan to her?" Joy said and Steve went inside to call Emily.

******** BACK TO PRESENT ********

"Haaaa haaaa" everyone said in unison. 

"You mean you are not pregnant? oh my Goodness!" Kate said with shame written all over her face. 

She fell on her knees and started apologising to her husband.

"My dear, I'm very sorry, please find a place in your heart to forgive me" she turned to Emily as well "Emily, please forgive me too"

"Sister Kate, this is an eye-opener for you" brother Jones said as Joy also added "My brother, find a place in your heart to forgive her, she has realised her mistakes too".

"Well, I have forgiven you my dear, I have... stand up, stand up" he assisted her up and drew her closer.

"Praise the Lord!" the pastor said as everyone responded with "Hallelujah".

"Many people today also have created a loophole for Satan to disrupt the peace and unity of their homes" the pastor said and continued...

"They will get so busy to the extent that they won't pay attention to the loopholes, remember that the family that prays together stays together and in this, there won't be room for the devil's interruption! We all should be mindful of this loopholes".

He rounded it off with "May God grant us the grace and the enabling!"

ALL CHORUSED AMEN!

And the pastor said 

"LET'S PRAY... IN JESUS NAME....."

THE END.

MAY GOD HELP US ALL TO BE MINDFUL OF THE LOOPHOLES THAT THE DEVIL CAN USE IN DISRUPTING THE PEACE AND UNITY IN OUR HOMES AND AMIDST BRETHREN.

AMEN!

Text: Ephesians 5:21 "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

THE LOOPHOLE. 

By Osunniran Ebenezer.

JOURNEY ON BIKE

JOURNEY ON A BIKE

Story by O'nezer

"Essss, shey oun lo ni? (Are you going?)" A young dark bike man said. 

I checked my time and realised that it was few minutes past 6pm that Saturday evening. 

If you are familiar with Ibadan very well, you will understand this lifestyle better. 

Life is simple in Ibadan, Oyo state as there are many means of transportation, you go with the one that you can afford or the one that can save you time and stress. 

I am not a fan of cab as cheap as they are, I would rather take bike because it saves me lots of "drop and pick" as cabs will always do.

Many times, the cab may not leave their park until the cab is filled to the brim except on few occasions when the driver might be either in a hurry or there is someone in the cab that they don't want to loose to other drivers. 

Keke napep also would have been another alternative but they also do "drop and pick" which will make my journey slower than I planned. 

As for bike, bike can take you faster to anywhere within the axis that those bike men work or if you have enough money to pay them, they can take you round anywhere as much as you want.

The only 'but' with the bike is that they must always carry someone with you. When I first moved to Ibadan, it was one of my major turn off because at ilorin where I used to live before, bike will carry only you to anywhere with almost same amount that they will take you in Ibadan with someone else.

Immediately that bike man called me, I had no option than to follow him since all other ones I've been calling from Molete to Iwo road doesn't want to go.

"Can we go now because I'm in a hurry" I tried to hurry the guy so he may not necessarily carry someone else with me. I already know I'm working with time and I have to be where I'm going on time.

"Iwo road kan (one more person)" he said as he was shouting on top of his voice to every one passing by.

Finally, a man walked closely to us

"Iwo road abi? (Right)" the man said with his deep Baritone voice. 

This man should be in his late 50's though you can't judge a book from its cover but at least my guess may be as close.

"Uncle, shift for me a bit" the man pleaded. This man isn't as slim as I am. He has pot belly that was pushing my own flat belly to the back of the bike man. 

"Shey change wa? (Is there change?)" The bike man interrupted and the man affirmed that there is.

The journey began and we started moving gradually. I checked my time and we were 5 minutes away from 6:30 PM.

It was the time where we have a longer day and shorter night. It made it a bit easier for places to still be bright at that time but the bike man was already pacing faster than we initially started.

"Gently oh, gen..." the man behind me hasn't finished saying gently the second time before our bike man abruptly held the bike's brake to avoid a pothole and that was what promoted the talk that day. 

The man was supposed to be angry based on my assumption as the bike man couldn't apologize for falling into the pothole. 

"My boy, this life isn't a bed of roses at all" deep down inside me I didn't want to answer because I had a mixed feeling of anger and happiness at that moment.

I was angry that the bike styles here is always taking more than one peson but I'm happy that I'm getting closer to where I was going. 

"Many years ago, when I was in Ondo state, the man started. I remembered how life was then, somewhat better and I could afford to go anywhere at anytime to get anything anyhow" I paid attention keenly to the man's story. 

"But that's not even where I'm going, let me take it back from my primary and secondary school days"

"I used to be that chubby boy that no one wants to associate with, if that word chubby was enough, it would have still been managed, I could even laugh at myself and make fun out of the mockery" the man said as the breeze on the bike was accompanying the story. 

"I wasn't the brilliant student despite that my parents are into academic, how will their reputation not get ruined if they have a child who is as dull as I am, I know how many times teachers called me failure" I sighed and I was wondering why he was even telling me his story.

"As expensive as studying could be that time, my father was in his professor class when I was just in primary 2 or thereabouts but because my mom doesn't want to get more than PhD, for years she was just doing masters from one department to another. All this signs and symbols already show that my parents are the brilliant set of people. The man said 

"I have two younger sisters and they took after my parents, they all finished secondary school before me. 

"I failed severally that I started calling my classmates senior when they always leave me in a class and move to the next one"

"Yes sir, are you sure your child is not under any family attack or something else because with the rate in which he doesn't assimilate, I don't even know" the head master explained to my parents one afternoon. 

"For many years, I was tagged "orobo olodo (fat dullard)" I wanted to laugh but I remember that he is an elderly person and i don't know him or how harmful it could be if I should laugh at him.

The journey kept on going and what interested me most was when he started talking about his secondary school days.

"It was a big struggle, Junior secondary school was still better but you see when I entered senior secondary school, 90% of my classmates moved to science class and the remaining 10% was shared into art and commercial classes" he said as the bike man kept his pace on a high level"

"I went to commercial class, not because I know what they do or have a clue what the department was about, I did follow follow down there". I chucked the moment I heard follow follow. 

There are days when teachers will join the class to laugh at the mistakes I make tho I wasn't the last in class I am not the best as well. I am that below the average kinda student. My grades always fall between C downwards" I was shaking my head as he was saying all that. 

"Teachers also empowered the brilliant students as he will ask the class questions and they expected us to know it but we don't, cane will be handed over to the Brilliant students to flog us. It's always a shameful moment that I couldn't even put them in words back then"

I was wondering why will a teacher do all this as if he didn't undergo the teacher's training and many more of it. 

"I was depressed although that didn't stop me from being called fat, chubby and dull. There were days that I wanted to commit suicide but I don't know what kept stopping me it could be the prayers of my parents or something else"

I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say again but I wanted to ask how he then scaled through it. Just as i was about to ask, he rounded the story off.

"God gave me a bible reference one night when I had a knife to my belly, I was going to kill myself I couldn't take it anymore and that's in Jeremiah 1:5, check it out when you get home" the man said but I didn't even know what's in that verse by heart. 

"O wa oh, I will be stopping here" the man said and handed over a 200 naira note to the bike man. The bike man zoomed off.

I was feeling restless after the man had left me, I couldn't understand why. I wasn't far from my destination any longer. Soon I got to where I would stop, I paid the bike man and I alighted.

Oh! I didn't tell you the meeting I was going for. My dad had called me in the afternoon to inform me of a meeting with my grandpa by 7:00pm. It was 06:55pm and I was already at my family house at Iwo road. The meeting started and as expected after the whole issue to be discussed I was brought to the table again. My dad's elder brother was so furious that he threatened to take me away from school if I should repeat another class. Thank God my mom wasn't in the meeting I couldn't have imagined how broken and depressed she would've been. She was accused of given birth to a good-for-nothing, useless child. As if she gave birth to me and sold my brains out.

This wasn't the first time having such meetings but this one was entirely different. Coupled with the stranger's story. I couldn't even say anything all through the meeting. I was confused, restless. I couldn't wait to get back home. 

I'm my father's only son, much was expected from me but I wasn't given half yet. I couldn't even give a standard to my younger siblings infact they are better than I am. I was beginning to become a reproach to my family. 

Thank God the meeting came to an end finally I rushed back home. Getting a bike at that time wasn't difficult I got one immediately I stepped out of the house. And the journey was even faster this time because automobiles on the road had reduced. It was already past 8pm.

I got to molete and immediately I dropped, I started feeling more restless. I opened the door and rushed down to my reading table where I kept my bible.

I opened the bible to where the man had mentioned earlier.

 "Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations"

The man's story wasn't what got me restless, but the fact that I've been bullied severally in school and my parents had changed my school more than 5 times in 3 years.

My story is almost same with that of the man, I was in commercial class too, I wasn't brilliant,  the difference is that he was mocked for being fat but I was mocked for being thin...

Teachers don't allow student beat me but they laugh at me because I don't know anything. 

I started crying and praying for God to help me. I held on to that assurance in Jeremiah 1:5 and I finally moved past the bully and shame. 

Today, I can tell you that God used the "journey on a bike" to change my life and turn my story around.

I am Oluwafemi Beyioku, I am the C.E.O of OB Multimedia Company with 13 branches in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Don't ever forget who you are in Christ and he will give you victory at last.

JOURNEY ON A BIKE

Story by O'nezer 

Osunniran Ebenezer

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 15- Finale

Episode 15 (finale)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How did what happen?" Promise questioned in return

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here you are today. Promise said smiling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter stood behind the door eavesdropping on their conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He's standing right behind you. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was more than double celebration for them that day.

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

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

Promise and Yomi ended up tying the knot. 

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

The party came to an end.

Everyone says cheese as the cameraman took the family picture.

THE END.. 

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

List of O'nezer Stories. 

1. Pamilerin

2. The wedding reception

3. Last Sunday evening

4. End of the tunnel

5. Dark path

6. Adopted

7. Adebimpe

8. Facebook fiancé

9. Corper Wale

10. The Wait

11. Lily

12. Shattered

13. Boomerang (story of brother bode)

14. Beyond the shade

15. Happy child with many sorrow

16. Sleeveless 

17. FOLA

18. The Leap Year

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

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 14

Episode 14.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Please continue" the captain said.

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

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

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

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

A visitor?

Who could it be?

Watch out for what next.

THE LEAP YEAR Ep 13

Episode 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What kind of operation was that?? the captain asked

"The operation..." Mr Yomi smiled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch out for what next?