OMOSHALEWA

Omoshalewa

Episode 1

I entered the supermarket with an air of confidence. It was around 10:00am in the morning.. . “What kind of interview will the owner conduct that will be capable of throwing me off balance anyway?” I thought. “Good afternoon young lady, how may I help you?” Came the voice of the voice of a beautiful young woman probably in her late twenties. “Urmmmmgh,” I cleared my throat. “Please, may I meet the owner of this place?” I asked humbly with no trace of the reason for my request. I was actually hunting for a job. Yes. I was 18years old. I finished my SSCE exam at age 16 . Two years down the line, I couldn’t secure an admission yet into any of the Universities. I tried but all attempts failed. Tired of staying at home, I decided to get a job to keep me busy. The supermarket wasn’t far from my home, about seven to ten minutes walk… The woman offered me a seat and said, “yes, here I am, it’s a pleasure meeting you. How may I be of help?” I was taken aback. I actually thought she was a sales girl or something. I looked at her again. I was really impressed that a woman of her age could own such a big outfit. For some reasons, I seemed to like her immediately. I felt free to tell her about my plight without being scared. “Please ma, can I work for you? I need a job.” I simply responded. She looked at me again and was about to reply when I spoke again, interrupting her. “Please, I really need a job, I have always stayed home alone for two good years, I have nowhere to go, I am so bored. My admission is not getting through, yet I really need to get busy with something.” I concluded “How old are you?” She asked. “Eighteen” Eighteen?” She asked, a bit surprised and added, “you seem to be matured than your age.” I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment so I simply responded with a smile. “Well my dear, she continued, somehow, I just like your personality and disposition even though I haven’t met you before. Actually, I used to have a sales girl working for me but since her parents relocated to another town, I am yet to get someone suitable enough to fill her position. I haven’t been lucky with those who showed up later, they either stole my money or handled my goods carelessly, so I decided to handle the job myself till I get someone I can trust.” “You can count on me ma. Give me a trial, an opportunity to prove myself and I promise you won’t regret it.” I replied confidently. “Alright dear. Since you came at the right time, I will give you a chance. Your name is?” “Omoshalewa.” I replied. I was so glad I will be getting a job at last and luckily in the same supermarket I had earlier wished for… “Okay, you can start tomorrow. Resumption time is 9:00am and you will be closing by 6:00pm. No truancy or lateness to work please…” She rolled out the terms and conditions and I listened with rapt attention waiting to hear the remuneration. Finally, she said, “Your monthly salary will be #12,000 for a start. If you prove to be diligent, I will raise it to #15,000.” “That’s a good one. I am comfortable with the conditions. Thank you ma.” I replied. “You are welcome. Read ” The Honeymoon ” by the same author ( Moyosore Teniola ) . See you tomorrow then.” I walked out of the store and felt as if I just gained freedom from captivity. At last, I wouldn’t need to stay at home all day long anymore. I sang along the lonely street till I got home. I began earnest preparations for work tomorrow. LATER IN THE EVENING “Mom, you wouldn’t believe it, I just got a job!” I screamed happily as I set the table for dinner. “What job Shalewa?” My mom queried. “How many times will we go over this eenh? No child of mine will work for money as a teenager. Get admitted to study at school first. And young lady, am I not comfortable enough to feed and clothe you? Tell me. In what area have I been inadequate for you as a mother?” She scolded. So, what do you think? Is it wrong for OMOSHALEWA to work as a teenager?

Episode 2

“Mum, please it’s not about food or clothing, neither is it about the money I will make while working but mum, I have been so lonely all these while. It’s not easy to stay at home alone all day doing nothing. I have persuaded you to allow me enrol for fashion designing, you still insisted that you wanted me to go to school. Let me work as a sales girl then, please mum, you just have to choose one out of the two, I am tired of this loneliness.” “What loneliness Shalewa? What happened to all the novels I bought for you?” “I read them all mum, I even read some twice, you know I love reading novels and…” “Then, read them again and watch T.V when you are bored,” she replied on a final note as she started devouring the plate of rice and plantain before her. I felt like crying . My mum can be so stubborn. I used to wonder if that was why she no longer lived with my father. They got divorced when I was 5years old or so for reasons I do not know. Being an only child, I enjoyed all the care and attention of my mother but she never allowed me to be a spoilt child that can have her way all the time, it’s a good thing though… I heard my Dad who now lives in California is married to another woman. My mum is a banker . The only days she stayed at home was on weekends. Saturdays, and on Sundays too. She’s a woman in her late forties, quite beautiful than her age. People said I got my natural and flawless beauty from her. She had always been my role model since my primary school days. Often times, I dreamt of becoming a banker like her when I grow up. So, whenever I was asked to write an essay on “Who I will like to be in future,” I gleefully would paint the picture of a banker, my mum’s image was always on my mind while writing… But for some reasons, as I advanced in age, my desire to be a banker faded away gradually. Maybe because each passing day, I watched my mum leave home very early, and returned late in the evening only for her to eat dinner and before you know it, she would have dozed off on the sofa, tired and worn out. Since I passed out of secondary school, I have been the one preparing breakfast and dinner, so we had something good to eat before going to bed. But when I was much younger, we were used to eating junks and leftovers in the freezer. She would manage to wake up early to prepare a good meal for me to take to school maybe twice in a week, the rest of the days of the week, I either take bread and butter or she gave me money to buy food at the school cafeteria. All these made me conclude that it’s quite an abnormal life for a woman to live. Anytime I complained about her too busy schedule, she would simply reply, “I am working tirelessly so that you will live a comfortable life, your dad left and I am left with no choice than to bear the burden of being a father and mother to you at the same time, so you ought to be grateful.” Even on Saturdays at times, she did go to work, but usually came back earlier than week days. Sundays, after church service, we would serve siesta, do some laundry if need be, and then iron our clothes in preparation for the new week again. And that’s how the cycle repeated itself all through the weeks, months and all year round, mum hardly had time for me. I began to detest this way of life that makes one to spend such a short time with the family, I do not want that. I want to become a wife and mother that will be close to her husband and children on a daily basis. I felt so sorry for my mum but I do not want a home like hers. I want a home where I would have a husband and children and will be available for them always. So, I stopped wishing to be a banker. I started desiring a more motherly and homely profession. Yes, I will be a teacher! I made up my mind, and it became the dream I pursued… I love the way my female teachers lived their lives. They had time for their families and even for other peoples’ children. A banker may earn more than a teacher but no matter how meagre the salary of a teacher is, no other profession can make one enjoy the joys of motherhood and the happiness of being around children everyday of one’s life, I love children. I settled down with my mum on the dinner table, pretending to watch the ongoing drama on T.V but my mind was actually on how else to persuade her to allow me to work. Then, a scenario I could cite came to my mind, it was about a friend of mine and I thought it would be a perfect strategy. “This should convince her,” I thought. “Mum?” I called “Yes?” She answered with heavy eyes as she popped the last grains of rice into her mouth. “Do you know Mary, my classmate at school that used to come around to say hello to me once in a while during weekends?” “Yea, what about her?” “You know she travelled to Port Harcourt to stay with her aunt after our SSCE exam?” “Yes, I remember you told me so.” Mum answered hastily. It was evident that she wanted to go to bed as soon as possible. “I heard recently that she is pregnant.” Mum turned to me sharply. “She is what? How come, how did you get to know, how did it happen?” She stammered. Obviously, the sleep in her eyes had rubbed off. “She was raped.” I continued. “She was raped by one of her aunt’s neighbour. She usually stay back at home alone, while her aunt goes to work. The rapist climbed the fence into their compound and perpetrated the evil act.” “What? Jesus Christ!” My mum screamed. “You don’t mean it. How did you get to know?” “She told me herself when I called her two days back. I even wanted to tell you about it but you were too tired that night. That is one of the reasons why staying at home alone frightened me the more.” “Jesus! And to think the poor girl is now pregnant from such an abominable act. What a pity. Why didn’t the aunt take her to the hospital immediately? Oh my goodness!” She lamented and sat back slowly on the dining chair. I thought within me that it seemed I have pressed the right button, “this should work,” I thought. Mum stared at my large portrait picture hung on the wall just ahead of her, she was deep in thought for a while… “Hmmmmmm, if this ever happens to you, I will never forgive myself. Your Dad too will capitalize on it to conclude that I am a negligent mother. No, a stitch in time saves nine. When did you say the resumption time will be at the supermarket?” She asked still staring at the picture on the wall. “9:00am, and closing time is 6:00pm.” I quickly replied. “Okay then, let’s give it a trial, you can start tomorrow. We should avoid a case like that of your friend, I am so sorry about her right now.” “Yes! I did it.” I thought happily. “Thanks mum, you are the best!” “You are welcome my dear, promise me you will be a good girl at work. You know you are all I have got, do not let me regret making this decision.” “Yes mum, I promise.” “Alright dear,” she replied yawning. “Let us pray, I need to go to bed, it’s getting late.” So, we prayed after which I got my dress ready for work the next day. Bye bye to loneliness, I thought as I laid on my bed for the night.

Episode 3

I got to work at exactly 8:50am the following day. My boss was already there. She greeted me with a warm smile. I just liked her warm personality. “Come over here Shalewa,” she called after I have entered the shop. “Let me show you the prices of each category of goods and their arrangements.” She explained all the goods to me in details, some already had price tags on them. I was very fast in catching up with the mastery of the prices to the surprise of my boss . She was also impressed with the way I attended to the customers. One or two of them passed some compliments about my politeness. In short, my first day at work was quite an interesting one and my boss liked me a lot. At around 4:30pm, my boss told me she had to see someone down the street, so I was left alone in the supermarket. Some minutes after she left, a young man walked in. I quickly stood up to attend to him. “Good evening sir,” I greeted cheerfully, “what will you like to buy?” “Errmmmm… shaving stick,” he responded simply and quickly added, “you are new here, I am sure.” “Yes,” I replied, handing him a packet of shaving sticks. “Oh! That’s nice. My name is Stephen, it’s nice to meet you. I do come here often to buy get one or two items whenever I am around, in short, I am a regular customer. How is madam?” He asked. “She’s fine, she went out some minutes ago to check on someone,” I replied while searching for a nylon bag to package his purchase. One thing about me is that I didn’t usually give guys my attention. Right from when I hit my puberty stage, I have had a whole lot of toasters but I never gave heed to anyone of them. One, because I believed I was still too young for a relationship and two, because I was a virgin and I intended to keep it till marriage. So, guys to me were meant to be handled on a platonic level, no strings should be attached whatsoever. But one thing I noticed about Stephen was that somehow, for the first time, i got attracted to someone of the opposite sex. Yes, I felt attracted to Stephen. Not because he was extremely handsome, No. Though he was moderately good looking, dark in complexion, averagely tall with a fine set of teeth, but all these I was sure was not the real thing that drew me to him. I have met countless guys who were more handsome. I couldn’t really place the reason why he seemed kind of special but I knew the attraction was real. “What is your name?” He asked just when he was about to leave. “Omoshalewa,” I replied. “Wow! Such a nice name for a pretty face. I do hope to see more of you” “Thanks for your patronage,” I responded, deliberately ignoring the personal compliment. And that was how I met Stephen. A 25year old, 200 Level Electrical and Electronics Engineering student in the University. Stephen is a very cool headed, well behaved, caring, sweet, and above all a God fearing guy, a born again Christian. Another virtue he has is the fact that he is really hardworking. His aged parents lived in the village at the time he gained admission into the University, he is from a humble background. The second child in the family of three children, he had an elder sister and a younger brother. Stephen had to do a lot of menial jobs at school such as car wash, laundry and others after lecture hours and on weekends to pay for his rent on campus, school fees and to keep body and soul together. Some days after we met at the supermarket, I longed so much to see him again but he didn’t show up. I was really disappointed. The fact that we didn’t even exchange contact pained me the more… A week later, I was alone in the supermarket one evening trying to write down a list of goods that were out of stock. “Hello Shalewa,” came a voice from the entrance of the store. I looked up sharply from where I was seated. His voice had already registered in my memory so I didn’t mistake him for someone else. Stephen, of course. He stood at the entrance beaming with smiles, then finally entered. He came to get a loaf of bread for dinner. My joy knew no bound. The first thing that nearly escaped from my mouth was “where have you been all these while that I have been longing to see you?” But I quickly restrained myself and greeted, “Hi Stephen, it’s been a while, how are you doing? You haven’t been patronizing us, why? Did we offend you?” I asked shyly, trying to avoid his gaze. I’m good and you? It’s not like that oh, I travelled last week to check on my parents, it’s my uncle that stays here in Lagos. I just arrived last night.” “Oh, I see. It’s good to see you again.” “Same here, Shalewa. How is your family and work?”We bless God.” I replied We chatted for a while after which he begged to take his leave because his uncle would have been expecting him. I really enjoyed his company. It was as if I was with a friend with whom I have been so close for a long time. I felt neatly heart broken when he finally stood up to leave. “See you some other time Shalewa, I will be going back to school tomorrow morning. Our strike has been called off and we have all been asked to resume with immediate effect.” It was as if I had just been dealt a big blow. My countenance changed, I just couldn’t hide it. Why I felt so much at home with this stranger, I couldn’t understand but I knew I had feelings for him already, his going back to school was such a bad news… He noticed my changed mood and said, “Huh huh, don’t tell me you are missing me already, Shalewa.” I tried to conceal my feelings. I thought within me, “of course I will miss you, can’t you just ask for my contact?” Then, I said aloud “well, I really enjoyed your company today.” “Don’t worry, we will talk and chat more on phone. Can I have your number?” “Yes!” I was excited within me. But instead, I replied, “though I don’t give strangers my number, but I hope if i give it to you, you won’t be one of those guys that disturbs with both necessary and unnecessary calls, especially in the middle of the night?” “Haba Shalewa, I will respect myself okay? And besides, we are no more strangers to each other.” We exchanged contact, I felt so happy. We called each other regularly. Our friendship got stronger. A few months down the line, he asked me to pray about us, that he believed God was leading us to each other. I prayed, I was convinced and that was how we started a relationship when I was 19years old. I didn’t tell my mum about our relationship, though she got to know Stephen later when he came visiting at our house and I introduced him to her as my friend. Our relationship was a wonderful one. He was the best guy in the world to me. I loved him with the whole of my heart. He called me often, we did chat on WhatsApp too.Stephen is a very caring young man, whenever he comes to Lagos when school is on break, he would have saved some money from the jobs he did at school and would shower me with little gifts… We did spend time together during the weekends by hanging out either at a restaurant or garden. We avoided being together in private places. Stephen respected my desire to remain a virgin till marriage. He told me already that he was a virgin too, so we made rules that guided our relationship so as not to fall into temptation. Whenever he came to our house to say hello mostly on Sundays, he would help me out with house chores and at times, wash my mum’s car. Mum wasn’t at first comfortable with our friendship because she believed such friendship will make me lose focus on my academics but as time goes on, they both got along when mum also observed that he is a nice and decent guy. My mum even liked him a lot more than I expected. “He is a good guy, he will make a good husband,” just make sure you both stick to your rules to remain pure. God hates formication, I’m sure you know that Shalewa,” she counseled… Our love for each other grew by the day. I made a lot of sacrifices for Stephen too. There was a time I gave him all of my savings for 3 whole months to pay for his accommodation at school when his landlord threatened to give him a quit notice. It was one of the many things I did for him. Our care for each other was mutual, though he didn’t have enough money to show how much he cared for me but he tried his best most times… In short, I couldn’t really say that Stephen loved me more than I did or vice versa, all I knew was that the love was a genuine one, pure and sacrificial… But, little did I know that our love wouldn’t last…

Episode 4

A year later, I gained admission into one of the Universities in the South West to study Guidance and Counseling. I was exactly 20 years old at the time. The day I found out I was on the admission list was the happiest day of my life. The first person I called after telling my mum of course was Stephen. I was so happy to share the news with him . He was really happy for me too. Mum likewise was over joyed. My boss was partly happy and partly sad. Happy because it’s a good news that I am moving on to the next stage of my life, sad because I will be leaving which means she will need to find someone else to manage her business. “Shalewa dear, keep being a good girl, you are one of the best sales girl I have ever employed here. You are honest, decent, polite and beautiful altogether. You have never taken a single dime from my money since 2years now, I have tested you several times and you have passed all through… Continue to be good okay?” She admonished me on the very last day I was to quit working with her. To my utmost surprise, she gave me an envelope that contained my salary and an extra #10,000 as pocket money at school. As if that wasn’t enough, she brought out a small ‘Ghana must go’ bag filled with beverages and provisions of different items: custard, tea, milk, oats, cornflakes, sardines, imported biscuits of different kinds, etc. I was really delighted, I went on my knees and thanked her profusely. And for the first time since I started working with her, she gave me a big warm hug and said, “That is what you get to gain when you are honest, keep it up dear . I pray God be with you. I will always keep in touch with you okay? Feel free to come around whenever school is on break.” “Thanks so much ma, God bless you,”I answered delightfully. In no time, mum ensured that all my school fees were paid and I started preparing for my stay on campus. Mum applied for a one week leave from work so as to have enough time to purchase all the things I would need at school and also to secure a good accommodation for me. She made sure she bought everything I would need for at least a whole semester. She also secured a one room self contained apartment for me off campus. She finally took me to school in her car one Saturday morning and helped me to set up my room. She spent time with me till evening. When she was about leaving, I wasn’t really prepared for the moment. It was then it dawned on me that henceforth, I would start living alone. I have been used to life with my mum since when I couldn’t remember… Well, she just had to leave. I was in a different phase of my life that moment, now a student. I said a painful goodbye to her as she ignited the engine of her car. “Omoshalewa Abeni, don’t forget all I told you. Remember the child of whom you are. You know you are all I have. Please stay out of trouble my dear, and it shall be well with you.” She said. I noticed her teary eyes. She brought out her handkerchief to get rid of the tears before it became noticeable. “Thanks mum, I promise to be a good girl.” I replied trying to fight back the tears too. “Drive carefully mum, byeeee!” I watched the vanishing figure of the car and then went back to my lonely room. That was how I started my life at school… I got a loaf of bread and took some fresh eggs from my small fridge to fry for dinner. As I was about to ignite the cooking gas in my kitchen, my phone rang. I remembered my mum’s warning about receiving calls while the cooking gas is on. I immediately switched off the cooker and went to the room to pick my call. It was Stephen. “Hi Stephen, it’s so good to hear your voice. What happened to your phone? I have been trying your line.” “So sorry dear, I had a flat battery what’s up with you? Are you at school now?” “Yea. Mum brought me to school in her car. In fact she left not too long ago” Wow! That’s nice. So, how is the apartment? Hope it’s nice and comfortable.” “Sure. You can trust mum for that. I am in one of the best houses off campus.” We talked for some seconds more… “I have to go now Shally. I have a Prayer meeting at fellowship tonight. I wish you God’s best all through your stay at school. Please, remember that ‘out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind.’ Always keep in touch okay? Don’t forget that I love you a lot and I wouldn’t trade you for any other.” Of course dear, it is you that I am even scared about. I hope you will stick to your promises lover boy.” “Sure my dear. Trust God in me. Have a nice rest. If I return early from fellowship, I will chat you up. Bye” “Bye, take care” I replied and he ended the call. Sunday morning, I went to the branch of my home church that was on campus. I enjoyed the service and I made new friends… Lectures had started in earnest, so on Monday morning, I woke up early and was off to class. I had completed my registration process already a week before I finally moved to school, so I settled down for classes immediately. Both the lectures and lecturers were interesting and I was glad that I chose to study the course. I made a lot of new friends both male and female. . Everyone kind of want to associate themselves with me. Some of the ladies said I have the figure of a model with a pointed nose! Well maybe, maybe not, I am not flattered, I have always been contented with who I am and the way God created me. One Thursday evening, I was coming back from lectures when I met Tope on the way near my house. Tope was my next door neighbour. He was walking towards me with a guy beside him. We greeted each other. He introduced the young man beside him as Desmond. We said hi to each other and I walked to my room. I was lying on my bed with a book I was trying to read in preparation for a short test I would be having the following day when I heard a knock on my door. It was Tope, my neighbour, the same guy I met on the way earlier. I was surprised to see him in my room because we never entered each other’s room. What could his mission be?” I wondered… So, what do you think Tope’s mission is? Let the guess begin. Whoever guesses right, I will clap for him or her… Smiles. I sight you all

Episode 5

Emash and Godiya, oya ooo, come and check the result of your guesses… “Won’t you at least ask me to sit?” Tope asked smiling. “Oh! Pardon my manners, I was only surprised to see you. Do have your seat please.” I welcomed him. We chatted for sometime, then there was a sudden silence. I was still wondering in my mind why he came around when he finally spoke up. “Errrmmm, Shalewa . I came to see you on behalf of my friend, Desmond. He is so much interested in you. He’s been seeing you around for sometime now whenever he comes visiting me and he had been pestering me to talk to you on his behalf. Not that he is too shy to approach you, far from that. He just preferred that I should speak to you first since you are my neighbour. Desmond is a very nice guy, you won’t regret it if you give him a room in your heart.” He concluded, as he watched my facial expression, expecting a response.” “What is wrong with this one?” I thought. Did I post it on my fore head that I needed a boyfriend?” Then I replied him, “thanks for the interest your friend has shown but I am not interested in any relationship now.” Really? Why? You are matured enough now, and besides, I have never seen any guy around you ever since you moved into this apartment.” “Matured? Indeed.” I laughed. “Do you know my age? Anyway, I have my personal reasons and I will appreciate it if you allow us to leave it that way. Thanks.” “Okay . I will let him know your decision.” He left my room and I slammed the door. I was angry within me but I controlled it because I didn’t want to have issues with someone who stayed in the same house with me. “What exactly is really wrong with guys? Anytime they see a fine girl like this, they must go out with her and most of the time, it’s for selfish reasons. Once they get her into their beds, they are gone. Nonsense!” I hissed as I settled down to take a cup of ice cream that I bought when coming home. It’s not like anyone really sat me down to orientate me about men and their behaviours, but I learnt about men through the experiences of people around me, my mum inclusive. I have vowed in my heart never to have sex with any man until my wedding night, and the first man that ever have s-x with me would be my first and last, my husband till death do us part, no other man would see my nakedness… And that is why I was very okay with Stephen. Since I met him, he had respected my wish to remain chaste till marriage. The kind of love he had for me wasn’t the selfish one, it’s a genuine love. Not that we were never tempted to ‘have’ each other since I met him but God has been helping us to overcome the temptations… Stephen, a very nice and caring guy, I will never leave him for anyone…” I fantasized. I picked my Android phone which was lying on my bed. Stephen’s smiling face stared back at me. Yes, I have used him as my wall paper picture for a long time. Then I dialed his number… “Hi sweetheart,” I greeted. “Hey Princess! I was just about to call you. How are you doing and how was your day?” He responded cheerfully. “Fine and yours?” “As stressful as ever my dear. Lectures upon lectures and I have some laundry and ironing to do because I must deliver them latest by tomorrow evening.” I just pray I get through with schooling on time and get a good job, so that my hustling and struggles will be over.” “E ya! Sorry, the lectures are part of school life, it’s the same here. And as for these hard jobs you are combining with academics, don’t you think you need to pause a bit? You need to focus on your studies more, I have promised to help you, we can share my pocket money, Steve, that’s what love is all about.” “Omoshalewa! I appreciate your efforts and sacrifices okay? But a real man must be able to cater for himself and even his fiancée. If I can’t give you what I should for now, I shouldn’t be a burden to you either.” “Okay ooo. Your Highness, God is your strength. Don’t worry, you will get a good job and we will have a beautiful life, God has our future in His hands, it shall be well… I miss you Stephen.” “Amen dear, thanks for the encouragement, that’s one of the reasons why I cherish you a lot. I miss you more my Angel. Shalewa, please don’t leave me, aside God, you are the air I breathe, if you leave me…” “Sssshhhhh! Who is talking about leaving someone here, Stephen we are together all the way, relax. Don’t even entertain such thoughts.” “Thanks dear. Don’t worry, school will soon close for the Christmas and New year break, we shall soon get to see again. So cheer up my Angel, should I sing for you?” I smiled, I did enjoy his songs… “You and this your singing. Okay o, I’m listening.” He sang one of the love songs he had earlier composed specially for me. He is a very good singer with a fine vocal texture. I clapped for him, I felt flattered by the lyrics of the song… “I have to go now Stephen. I have a test tomorrow morning. Sweet dreams dear. Bye. Love you. Remember to pray before you sleep.” “Okay dear. Love you too. Good night.” The following day after lectures, I decided to withdraw some cash from the ATM of one of the banks near the campus before going home but the machine was not dispensing cash. I checked the time, five minutes to four. I decided to quickly enter the banking hall to withdraw some cash directly from the counter before bank closes. I was running out of cash and I needed to get some foodstuffs for the weekend. I filled the withdrawal slip and joined the long queue. I was getting tired of the slow progress on the queue. I was famished, because i haven’t taken lunch, yet there was no where to sit…. Then, I heard someone whisper my name from behind. I turned and saw a handsome young man dressed in a navy blue suit and trousers with a white shirt and tie to match. Yes I have seen this face, I stared at him as I tried to recollect… Yea! Desmond. It was the same Desmond that I met just yesterday evening, Tope’s friend… I said hello to him and quickly concentrated on the line on which I was standing. “Do you want to deposit cash or you want to withdraw?” He asked. I was pissed. “Why does he need to know?” I thought, then replied, “I want to withdraw some cash.” “I see. Can I have your withdrawal slip? Let me help you out. You will be worn out from staying on this long queue.” He collected the slip from me while I still wondered what he was up to. He went to one of the cashiers behind the counter and under three minutes, my transaction was completed and he brought the money to me. Sincerely, I was so grateful and I couldn’t hide it… He walked me down to the gate of the bank premises under the envious glare of the other customers on the queue. “You work here?” I asked. “Sure. He simply replied. “I am one of the Customers service staff here but I have never seen you around before.” “Yea. I do make use of the ATM always. I entered the banking hall today because the machine was unable to dispense cash.” Oh, so sorry about that. I have to go now. See you around some other time and thanks for banking with us!” He replied as he quickly walked towards the entrance of the banking hall. I was about to stop a bike to take me home when I heard someone called my name again. I turned sharply to the direction from where the voice came to check out who it was… “Wow! Am I dreaming?” I nearly screamed…

Episode 6

It was Oyinkansola, my class mate and friend at Secondary school. We were both members of the Literary and Debating Society back then too… “Wow!” I exclaimed as I hastily crossed to the other side of the road where she stood. We embraced each other joyfully. “How are you Oyinkan?” “I’m fine . Long time no see!” She shrieked excitedly. We gisted on the spot for some minutes more. Oyinkansola was a 300 Level Law student in the same University. I told her I just gained admission that year and she was surprised that we have been on the same campus for nearly half of a semester and we never met till now. I told her I was on my way home when she saw me. “Really? You stay off campus? Big girl,” she teased. She on the other hand stayed in one of the female hostels on campus. “Let’s go, I must know your place this evening,” she said as she dragged me along… That was how I met Oyinkan again after a long time of separation and we resumed our friendship. At times, I would go straight to her room after lectures to relax before going home later in the evening. She had two room mates, Ngozi and Stella. Both of them were very friendly. Oyinkan cannot be classified as a born again type of girl She goes to church on Sundays, not every Sunday though, but then she can’t be said to be a wayward girl like that. She was just in between, not hot, not cold… She attended parties once in a while. Her favourite hobby was reading novels, mostly Romance. I felt comfortable with her as a friend… One day, I was in Oyinkan’s room, relaxing after lectures. We both sat on the pavement at the verandah. Her two room mates soon joined us too to relax in the fresh air. We were all gisting when Desmond’s call came in. “Hello Shalewa, how have you been?” “I’m fine. Who am I speaking with please?” “It’s Desmond. I’m so sorry, I had to intrude. I got your number from someone, I really want to see you,” he replied apologetically. “I see. It’s alright, and thanks for the other day.” “It’s a pleasure dear. Errrrmmm, please can you spare me a few minutes of your time this evening? I will really appreciate it.” “I’m sorry. I will be going for bible study by 5:30pm. Maybe some other time.” “Oh, that’s fine. I love going for midweek services too, only that my church is a bit far from my workplace. Maybe I should worship at your fellowship this evening, so we can also meet to talk thereafter.”I hesitated a bit. I was reluctant to see him because I already knew the reason why he was bent on wanting to see me. “Okay then,” I finally agreed. “See you at church.” “Alright, but wait, you haven’t told me the name of your fellowship.” “Oh, sorry. It’s God’s own Children School Fellowship. Just behind the Theresa female hostel is the venue. Ask any of the students, they will guide you.” “Okay, thanks a lot. See you soon.” He ended the call. “Who was that?” Oyinkan asked. “It’s that Desmond guy I told you about, the one that works with Rainbow Bank.” “Oh! I see. So, you invited your toaster to Bible study?” “No, he only said he would like to see me. I told him I won’t be available because I would be at church, so he offered to attend, so he could also talk to me after the service.” “I see, so what do you think about him?” “What do you mean?” “I mean you already know the reason why he requested to see you, so what answer do you have for him?” “Well, what else? Will just let him know that I’m in a relationship already. Oyinkan, I have told you that my Stephen is sufficient for me. I am contented with who he is plus the fact that I love him sooooo… Ngozi and Stella’s laughter interrupted me. “Lover girl!” They both said in unison. “Don’t mind her jare.” Oyinkan replied, and then turned to me, “You see, Shalewa, let me orientate you. You are too beautiful to be heartbroken. Ask Ngozi and Stella, they will tell you their experiences in the hands of so called lover boys. They do not worth your tears at all, do you know if your Stephen even has a girl she’s keeping over there at his own end? Or is it not that fine boy that I saw his picture on your phone? I shivered at the thought,” no Oyinkan, he can’t, he’s a child of God.” “Abeeegi.” Stella put in. Trust no man my dear, which kind of God?” “As I was saying,” Oyinkansola continued, Desmond is a handsome young and promising guy and it will be a very bad thing if you turn down his offer. Or is it not that same Desmond I know? He is very popular among students that own accounts with Rainbow bank, because of his friendly and humorous nature. See, I understand that you love Stephen, no one is disputing that but my friend, this thing called love is a game and you need to play it wisely. You cannot afford to put all your eggs in one basket. Giving Desmond a chance cannot interfere with your relationship with Stephen and to me, if I am asked to choose between the two, I will go for Desmond.” Haba! Oyinkan. What made you conclude that way, do you know Stephen? Have you compared them already?” I interrupted her. “Girlfriend, I don’t need to know Stephen. You already told me he is a University student just like you. You see, Shalewa, wise up, be smart. Stephen is an hustler according to what you told me, he is from a poor background, struggling to survive. All he can offer you for now is nothing. You even said you do send him some cash once in a while. Is that a relationship? Let me tell you, a matured relationship is the one in which the guy involved is financially capable to take care of the lady. Now, look at it this way. Stephen has roughly two more years to go plus his Youth service, making three years. He will then start looking for job for only God knows how many years, you and I know the situation of this country. My dear, don’t be a loser, if along the line, he meets another girl that will be willing to help him somehow in exchange for his love, he will just dump you and you will be back to square zero!” “You are on point dear,” Stella supported. “Yes o! Wisdom is profitable to direct,” Ngozi put in too. I sighed. “So, what exactly are you girls saying?” I asked impatiently. “Good.” Oyinkan continued. “Just say yes to Desmond, it may not be tonight anyway, so that you won’t appear cheap. Just give him a chance in your heart. This our heart is too big for only one guy to occupy. Compare the two of them together and in the end, make your choice. You are even lucky that he is also a good Christian like your Stephen. Some men can’t even remember the last time they stepped into Church…” “Says who?” I retorted. “Because he said he is coming for Bible study now, you conclude that he is a serious Christian? Nonsense.” “That is the fact girl.For him to even show interest in coming to church at all means that he is used to going to church already before now. Shalewa, don’t miss this opportunity and later regret it o.” I was quiet for a while, trying to ponder on all the things Oyinkansola said. “Are you sure of what you are saying?” I asked her. “Yea girl. Don’t go and over sacrifice your time and resources for a man you are not sure will marry you. Desmond is working already, he has all it takes to take care of you, you can even get married immediately after you get through your first degree. Borrow sense okay?” “Alright, I will think about it. Meanwhile, it’s time for Bible study, I need to go now. Thanks.” “Okay o. Chai, you are indeed a lucky girl, Desmond of all guys. My regards to the Prince charming oh! Oyinkansola teased.” “Na you sabi, prince charming my foot!” I replied as I stepped out of the room inhaling the cool air of the evening.

Episode 7

True to his words, Desmond was at the fellowship, he even arrived before me. He was seated about four or five chairs away from mine and we exchanged glances from time to time during the service. One thing I noticed and admired about him was the fact that he had a very fine voice. His tenor rang out clearly amidst the crowd as if his voice was amplified by an invisible microphone. Soon, the service was over and we met outside. He suggested that we go to a nearby eatery to talk but I turned down his offer, I insisted that we should just sit somewhere in the school premises to discuss . We spotted a location where there were just a few students and we settled on a pavement under a tree. “Shalewa, I know you already have an idea of the reason why I wanted to see you,” he began. “Tope already told me that he spoke with you about me some days back, so I will just go straight to the point. You see, Shalewa, I rarely admire ladies and whenever I did, believe me such girls must be special. From the very first day I set my eyes on you, I knew you were just the one for me. I really love and admire your peaceful nature, and of course your outstanding beauty. Can you give me a chance in your heart? I promise you won’t regret it.” I sighed, then answered, “I understand all you have said but what you are requesting for won’t be possibleI am in a relationship and we love each other a lot. I am sorry. Had it been that I wasn’t in any relationship, I would have considered your request.” “Okay Shalewa, I get you but you can still give me a chance to be a friend at least, peradventure along the line, I might be lucky to steal your heart. Please, don’t say no.” “Alright, if it’s just being friends, I am okay with that.” “Oh! Thanks so much, I so much appreciate your generosity. You see, I don’t just see you as a pretty lady with a good character, you know what and who I see in you? Ask me what?” “What?” I asked. “I see in you that person, that beautiful woman that will welcome me back home everyday of my life, the person I will see by my side when I wake up each day, the mother of my cute children, that woman that will grow old with me and yet not age in my eyes…” “Eee-eeh! It’s okay,” I said, cutting him short, that’s so much for just friendship Mr Desmond, let’s leave our discussion the way it is okay? I am not even considering dating you yet not to talk of waking up next to you every morning!” “It’s alright queen. Even if it takes a hundred years, I will wait for you.” “Really? Hundred years my foot! Indeed… Well, I have to go now. I am tired and I also need to go and prepare for tomorrow’s classes.” “Alright dear,” he replied offering me a handshake. “At least, we can shake hands now that we are friends,” he added smiling. I shook his hands briefly as I waved to a bike man to stop. “Take care of yourself for me oh, Shalewa.” He called after me as I walked towards the bike man while he followed. “For you? You are so funny. And by the way, I just remembered, you have a very fine voice. I heard you sing a very fine tenor when we were at the fellowship the other time.” “Really? Was that Tenor? I didn’t know oh, I just sang. Thanks though… Coming from you, I really appreciate the compliment.” “You are welcome,” I replied. I climbed the bike and zoomed off. All the way home, I thought about Desmond. Truly, between me and you, I felt so much flattered by his words. There is also something about him that made him somehow unique too, maybe his humorous nature… “But Stephen, Hmmmmmm, Stephen is still the only guy that owns my heart no matter what. Very peaceful and cool headed person. I see in him a friend that understands me even more than my mum. He is the only guy that makes my heart leap each time I thought of him. I love him genuinely. Desmond too is handsome and has a good job like Oyinkansola said but the bond was not just there, no chemistry whatsoever unlike the first day I saw Stephen…” Then I remembered what my friends said about Stephen. What if Stephen has a girlfriend at school? No, he can’t, I trust him, he loves me… Or what if after he graduated, he couldn’t get a job for years? Well, I will get a job and we both can manage through it. But, I want to be a teacher, can that little stipend teachers receive sustain us both? Of course no! And again, what if he goes for his Youth service and meets another lady of higher status and beauty compared to me?” I got scared at the thought of that. “Oh my God, is wisdom not profitable to direct like my friends said? I think I need to be wise. No man is dependable, only God is. Hmmmmmm, I pray God lead me…” I got carried away by my thousand thoughts that I nearly by passed the junction of my house. I entered my room and I heard my phone beep. It was a text message from Desmond. “Thanks so much for the time angel, I really appreciate it.” – Desmond I smiled and dropped the phone on the bed. I was about to undress and go into the bathroom for a shower when a call came in, I hissed. “Men and their wahala, once they have your number like this, they won’t allow you to rest.” I checked the phone to confirm the caller, I was expecting to see Desmond but it was a strange number that appeared on the screen. “Hello Shalewa, it is me.” Stephen?” I replied. “Are you alright? Why are you sounding like this? I tried your number all day, it was switched off. What happened?” “Shalewa, listen to me please, I am in so much pain. I only borrowed this phone from a colleague so as to reach you, my battery is down. I have been diagnosed of malaria and typhoid fever. I am presently receiving treatment in a private hospital in town because the medical workers in my school are on strike. The problem now is that I have no dime on me to pay the hospital bills and to buy the prescribed drugs. It was even my friend that paid for the admission fee, that was why they were able to treat me. You are the only one I can call right now…” “Okay, wait, like how much will you need for the hospital bills or never mind, let me speak with the doctor… You know what? Just drop the call, let me call you back so you won’t consume your friend’s airtime.” I quickly ended the call and dialed the number again, my heart was thumping so loudly. I have never heard or seen Stephen in this kind of condition before. I felt so much for him. He picked the call and told me the drugs in total is about #4,800 but the total amount of the hospital bill can’t be ascertained yet. “It’s alright,” I replied him. “I will transfer some money into your account now. You can buy the drugs and pay the bills. Let me know if it won’t be enough. I’m so sorry dear. It is well with you, God will heal you in Jesus name. I will be praying for you okay? I feel your pains, just be strong for me. Have you eaten…?” We finally ended the call after we talked for about eight minutes. I immediately transferred #15,000 to him out of the #20,000 that remained in my bank account. But somehow, I still felt I needed to travel down to see Stephen. I didn’t tell him though because I knew he wouldn’t want me to pass through the stress.His school which was also in another state in the South West was about 4 hours journey from mine. The challenge now is that I have just #6,500 left on me, the #5,000 at the bank plus the #1,500 in my purse which I think may not be sufficient for the trip because there might be a need to get some things for him again when I get there. I made up my mind to call my mum to send me some money the following day, only that I wouldn’t inform her of my travelling. I remembered Oyinkansola’s advice again about giving my money to a guy when he is supposed to be giving me… “Could she be right? I just hope I wouldn’t do it in vain. God help me,” I prayed. I prepared for the journey I was about to make the following day. I sent a text to Oyinkan informing her about the impromptu journey I was to embark on and who I wanted to visit… I couldn’t sleep well that night. I woke up as early as 4am, did my morning devotion and quickly took my bath and dressed up for the journey. I left home as early as 6:00am, withdrew the remaining cash from the ATM and headed for the motor park. I decided not to inform Stephen, so I planned calling him only when I reach his school. I got to the motor park on time and I was lucky to be the last passenger expected for the bus to move. I got to the town where Stephen’s school was located around past 11:00 am that morning. I was told that the campus wasn’t far from the motor garage. “Stephen is in for a big surprise!” I thought as I brought out my phone to call him but his number was still switched off. So, I called his colleague’s number, the same line he used to speak with me last night. It rang… “Thank God.” I sighed with relief. The guy picked the call, “Hello, who am I speaking with please?” “Hello, this is Omoshalewa, Stephen’s fiancée…”

Episode 8

“Oh! Shalewa. How are you?” The voice at the other end responded. “I am good and you?” “I’m fine too.” “Please, I am at the motor park near your campus right now, can you kindly give me the direction to the hospital where Stephen was admitted?” “Really? When did you arrive? Stephen didn’t mention that you would be coming.” “Yea, I didn’t tell him either.” “I see, so where exactly are you? I can just come and pick you right away, so that we can go together.” I gave him a description of where I was and the colour of the dress I wore. In about 7 minutes time, he came around and located me . We exchanged pleasantries. “Wow! You look even more beautiful than the pictures I have seen. It’s nice meeting you Shalewa. My name is Joel, Stephen’s room mate.” “Thanks, I replied timidly. It’s nice meeting you too.” He took me straight to the hospital which wasn’t really far from the park too. By now, I was really eager to see Stephen. I began to anticipate and imagine the astonishing look that would envelope his face when he sees me. We entered the male ward, Stephen’s bed was at the far corner. We reached his bed side and I was really surprised at what I saw A lady sat on his bed. She held on to his right hand while his head rested on her laps. “Hello Mary,” Joel greeted her. “Allow this guy to rest now, what’s all these?” He snapped at her. “Of course he is resting can’t you see? He couldn’t even sleep until I rocked him to sleep.” “Which kind rocking? Is he a baby?” He retorted. “Of course, at least…” She was cut short by Joel. My heart started to race where I stood. “Who the hell is this?” I thought. “Rocking my own Stephen to sleep on her laps. Delilah’s lap or what?” I was really uneasy, I started sweating. Joel’s voice jolted me back from my thoughts. “Shalewa, meet Mary, Stephen’s class mate…” “Stephen’s girl friend, point of correction,” Mary interrupted him. Joel began to scratch his head, then he replied, “See Mary, I don’t know what you are talking about, all I know is that you are just a class mate. This is Stephen’s Fiancée, Shalewa.” “No!” She looked at me with a disdainful eye. Stephen never told me that he had a Fiancée, he only told me that Shalewa is a friend.By now, I was really angry and pissed off. “Who the hell does she think she is? How could Stephen tell her that I was just a friend? She even knew my name… Ha! Could it be true that Stephen has a girlfriend here at school?” I felt like crying but I held back the tears. I looked at Joel who in turn avoided my gaze. I was sure he was only trying to cover up for Stephen, maybe if he had known that Mary was at the hospital, he probably wouldn’t have brought me there. I looked at the lady again. She was fair and beautiful, her naturally long black hair touched her shoulders. I felt so jealous. “So, this is who Stephen had been dating all along? Oyinkansola said it oh. Ha! No man can be trusted.” I determined to wait till Stephen wakes up, I really deserve an explanation. I turned to Joel and asked, “please where can I get a bottle of chill water around here?” Mary replied, “just check out there…” “I wasn’t talking to you!” I snapped at her angrily. “What gives you the right and audacity to claim that you are Stephen’s girlfriend in my presence? You are so cheap and desperate.” “And you are the slut here,” she retorted. “Hey ladies!” Joel whispered. Don’t create a scene here. This is a hospital and Stephen needs to rest. Let’s talk about this later. Shalewa, come with me.” “Don’t worry please, I will get the water myself.” Just then, Stephen turned in his sleep and opened his eyes. He sprang up immediately he sighted me. “Shalewa? How, when? I mean what are you doing here?” What am I doing here? So I can’t come visiting you? Oh! I see your girlfriend is taking good care of you already, so I shouldn’t have bothered about coming.” “No, that’s not what I meant dear. I was only surprised to see you here. You didn’t tell me that you would be coming. Come to me my Angel, I have really missed you.” He pushed Mary off and sat up on the bed. I could see his pains as he struggled to sit up, he isn’t well yet, I should have moved closer to help him but at that moment, I was restrained by the anger welling up within me, I couldn’t feel for him at all. I was really really bitter. I should have been the one holding his hands and cuddling him. To think that there was another lady sharing Stephen with me was too much for me. “Don’t worry Stephen,” let Mary continue her work, I am out of here.” I replied and walked out of the ward. Joel dashed after me. I could hear Stephen whispering after me, “Omoshalewa Abeni, please don’t go my love.” But my mind was made up. I couldn’t bear it any longer. The tears flowed freely down my cheeks, I couldn’t restrain them. “Oh what a waste! Love can be wicked. Why Stephen? Why?” I sobbed quietly all the way. Joel tried all he could to stop me from leaving but all his attempts failed. I went straight to the motor park and boarded a bus back to school. I picked my phone and sent a WhatsApp message to Oyinkansola, summarising my encounter at the hospital. I didn’t leave out the details about how beautiful Mary was and that she looked like someone of a high class, judging from her outfit…” I got back to campus at around 4:30pm in the evening. I couldn’t go to my room, the sorrow was too much for me to bear alone so I went straight to Oyinkan’s room. Ngozi and Stella were around too. She had briefed them already about what happened. Immediately I entered the room, they all hugged and consoled me. I let out the sobs uncontrollably. I sat wearily on Oyin’s bed while they rallied round me sympathetically. It was almost the saddest day of my life…

Episode 9

After I had cried to my satisfaction, I personally made up my mind never to cry because of any man again in my life. I also decided within me to get through with my first degree before I start any relationship. Oyinkan offered to follow me to my room to spend the night with me so that I wouldn’t be lonely. I was grateful because I really needed company . We chatted on and on till midnight before we slept. Around 1:30am, Stephen’s call woke me up. The phone kept ringing incessantly. I had to switch it off because as far as I was concerned, he would only come up with excuses and lies. He sent me a text very early the following morning. It read: “Omoshalewa mi, please don’t conclude wrongly. It’s not what you think at all. Mary is just a platonic friend, you are the only one I love, please pick my call, I have missed you.” I also replied him with a text message before I left for lectures that morning. It read: “It’s alright Stephen, let’s just end everything. My heart is made up, you can hold on to your “just a friend” Mary. I am done with us. Best of luck.” “If that girl wasn’t his girlfriend, why did he allow her to cuddle him to sleep on her laps. Just a friend indeed!” Oyinkan angrily murmured while we prepared for classes He is so heartless, wicked and stupid to break the heart of such an Angel like you,” she added. “It’s okay Oyinkan. Stop it. Let’s just leave everything to God.” “Oh really? I can see that you still love him a lot and you are yet to learn your lessons. Someone that you suppose to rain curses on, except if he never spent your money. Ha! I trust myself. If I were in your shoes, I will make sure that silly she-goat called Mary would smell herself that yesterday and as for Stephen, I would give him a piece of my mind before leaving, Nonsense!” “Oyinkan, what do you mean by saying that ‘you could see I am still in love with him?’ It is Stephen we are talking about here, my very first love. Do you think it’s that easy? Someone that has occupied my heart since all these while. Oyin, I love him a lot. I don’t even know if and how I would cope without him in my life now.” I started weeping again… Oyinkan felt sorry for speaking so harshly. She apologized and consoled me that all will be well. We parted ways when we got to the campus to receive lectures in our various departments. I sat down in class all through that day but I didn’t hear a single thing the lecturers were saying. I tried to erase all that happened in the last 24 hours from my memory, so that I could concentrate in class but it was really hard. The scenes kept flashing back. I was very sure that I wouldn’t be able to cope without Stephen or if I ever did, it would take a long time. I saw a credit alert on my phone later in the afternoon. It was my mum, she forwarded #10,000 to my account. I started regretting the #15,000 that I sent to Stephen two nights back. “What a lose!” I murmured.Joel called me later in the evening but I didn’t pick up. When the call became consistent, I angrily picked the call and shouted at him, “Please for goodness sake, let me be. I don’t want to talk to either you or Stephen, so stop calling me okay?” “Hello, it’s me. Who is Stephen? Are you quarrelling with someone?” The person at the other end replied. I checked the screen of my phone again to see who the caller was. It was Desmond. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were the one, I replied tiredly.” “Hi, how was your day?” “Fine and yours?” “I am good too. I would be coming to Tope’s place this evening. I don’t know if you will be at home, just to say hello.” “No I won’t be around.” I replied. “I should be on campus by then and I may not leave till late in the evening.” “Alright then, see you some other time. Bye.” “Bye,” I replied and hung up. Though I wasn’t initially planning to leave home that evening but I intentionally changed my mind because of Desmond. The last thing I wanted that moment was a man in my life. I brought out my photo album and started checking the pictures I took with Stephen one after the other. I felt like shredding them into pieces but I hurriedly shut the album instead and kept it far from where I could easily reach it. I brought out a textbook to read in preparation for another short test I would be having the following day, but I couldn’t assimilate anything.. I later left for Oyinkan’s place. I told Oyinkansola about my decision to avoid being in a relationship for now and concentrate on my studies but she was of a different opinion entirely. “See Shalewa, if a horse throws you off, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t go horse riding again. If someone got involved in a car accident and survived it, does that mean the person would never enter a car in his entire life again?” She asked and then continued, “what I am driving at is that because a man broke your heart doesn’t mean that you should refuse to allow another man into your life again. A man broke your heart, a man will also mend it.” “Yes, I know but not now, maybe when I’m done with my first degree, I need to concentrate on my academics.” I replied. “See this one, so you think other guys that come around will wait for you till then. You better don’t do that so you wouldn’t remain single till 40. It is even now that you need another man to fill the vacuum created by Stephen and I think Desmond is the best option you have now. Let him into your heart and in no time, you would forget about Stephen, you will also be able to concentrate fully on your studies. But if your heart is vacant, you will keep thinking of Stephen and you know what girl? Examination is around the corner, don’t be a failure because of a guy oh. It doesn’t worth it.” I pondered on all Oyinkan said and answered, “I will think about it” “You better do. Don’t lose Desmond oh. Play your game wisely and smartly.” “Okay oooh, Miss game planner. It is well.”

Episode 10

Stephen kept sending me messages upon messages since I had stopped
picking his calls. I am sure he would have come to see me at school if not for
the examination he was writing. His messages were so emotional. He mentioned in
one of them that he wasn’t sure his examination result would come out fine
because he was really heart broken. At a time, I felt like giving him another
chance . I still loved him… I decided to pray to God about him. The more I
prayed, the more I felt convinced not to end it with him yet. But then,
Oyinkan’s advice still prevailed. I thought about what she said concerning
Stephen later marrying someone else at the end of the day. If that ever
happens, the pain will be too much for me to bear. I concluded that it is
better to leave him now than him leaving me later… So, I started giving Desmond
my attention and truly, just like Oyinkansola said, I started forgetting about
Stephen. Desmond was a wonderful guy too. He really made me happy in the
relationship. Each time he came visiting me, he would buy me all sorts of
expensive gifts ranging from necklace to wristwatch, shoes, bags, dresses, etc.
In short, he was really spoiling me. I hardly touched my pocket money because
Desmond often bought me provisions and foodstuffs from time to time. I was
happy again. I never prayed to God about Desmond though, I didn’t even want to
because I was really enjoying myself at the moment My friends too were
benefiting from Desmond’s generosity. He would buy them little gifts and at
times take us on outings in the evening to have a nice time. Most times, I
still found myself comparing Desmond with Stephen. Desmond was never like
Stephen to me, he only filled half of the vacuum. There is something about
Stephen that I couldn’t find in Desmond, though he gave me all the care and
attention I needed. But I later consoled myself with the fact that no two
people are alike in character. I also had this strong feeling that I was too
fast to start another relationship but still, Oyinkan won me over with the fact
that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to forget Stephen and it would affect my
studies, so just as usual, I surrendered to her advice… Troubles started when
Desmond began craving to have carnal knowledge of me. The first time he made an
attempt was a particular evening. We both sat on the bed in my room gisting… I
stood up quickly and ordered him out of my room immediately. I was angry. I
expected him to understand the fact that we both should abstain from
fornication. He apologized and we ended the quarrel there and then. But later
on, at different intervals, he would bring up the issue again. So, on one of
such occasions, I told him I was a virgin and I intended to remain so till I
get married. “Really? Wow! You never told me.” He responded surprisingly. “But
there is nothing wrong if we do it now since we will end up getting married
anyway.” He added. “I can’t believe you could be saying this, I thought you are
a child of God and besides, what is the probability that you will end up
marrying me? I can’t trust any man.”Haba, Shalewa! Of course I will by God’s
grace. I am serious with this relationship and I mean it whenever I tell you
that I love you. Forgive me for being carnal, it’s the work of the devil and I
must confess that it’s difficult to resist such a beauty like you.” “Okay oh,
lover boy. God will give you the grace to resist. Let us wait till our wedding
night. I am not saying that you do not love me but let’s wait okay?” “Okay then
my queen, your wish is my command.” All these while, my mum wasn’t aware of my
break up with Stephen. I just decided not to tell her because she would be
worried that it might affect my studies. Soon, our examination approached. I
wrote my papers and then came the time to go home on holidays. I didn’t leave
school immediately because of Desmond. I decided to spend one extra week at
school after the exams because he pleaded. Of course, I would miss him too, so
I yielded to his pleas. One day, during that extra week I spent at school, Tope
told me that Desmond wasn’t feeling fine and that he couldn’t even go to work.
I was surprised because I still saw him the previous evening, we even went to
Bible study together. Since we started dating, we did attend midweek services
together and he was really fervent and active at church… I told Tope that I
would check on him at his apartment. “But why didn’t he tell me that he is
ill?” I asked Tope. “He said he didn’t want to get you worried,” he replied. I
dressed up and set off to see Desmond. I got to his place around 4:30pm in the
evening. I met him resting. He truly didn’t go to work that day. I asked him if
he had taken some medications already but he said he hadn’t gotten any. So I
went to a nearby pharmaceutical shop and got some antimalarial drugs since he
said he suspected malaria.I also made him a light meal for dinner. He ate and
took the drugs. Very soon, he was fast asleep. I called Tope, his friend at
around 8:30pm to tell him that I was about to leave Desmond’s place, so he
could come to stay with him for the night, but he didn’t pick his calls. I
tried several times but to no avail. So, I decided to leave quietly. I made
sure I left some fruits and water near his bed in case he was famished later in
the night. I switched off the light and quietly walked out of the room. Then he
called my name weakly. I responded and switched on the light again. “Are you
that heartless? You want to leave me in this condition and go back home?” He
asked. “I am sorry dear. I thought you are better.” I answered guiltily. I gave
him some fruits to eat and we talked for some time before he went back to sleep
again. I left him in the room and went to sleep on the sofa in the sitting
room. I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone touched me. I
even thought it was a dream until the hand gripped me more. I screamed. “It’s
me Shalewa, take it easy.” The voice replied. It took me a few seconds to
remember where I was and when I actually did, I was so scared. “Desmond? Why?
What are you trying to do?” I whispered. “Relax Angel, let’s do this thing once
and for all, I can’t hold it any longer. I promise you will enjoy it.” “What? I
thought you were sick. Don’t let us do this please, I am begging you, it will
still be yours at the end, please…” I screamed. But all my pleas fell on deaf ears.
Desmond painfully forced himself on me that very night and I was deflowered
there and then, right in his living room… Ecclesiastes 3:1– “To everything,
there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Don’t mishandle your
time, remember God in the days of your Youth… “Flee all appearances of evil.”

Episode 11

After the deed was done, I cried till I had no more strength within me. I hated Desmond at that very moment and I regretted ever giving him a chance in my life . It dawned on me right there that he only pretended to be sick in order to achieve his aim. It was a planned work between him and Tope, his friend. I was too stupid and naive to see the handwriting on the wall. Desmond sat down there in his living room, he relaxed in the chair and stared ahead as if nothing happened. He wasn’t even moved by my tears. I asked him why he chose to be a son of Belial, why he decided to take forcefully from me, my very pride. That which I had kept for my future husband all these years. He didn’t respond. He just continued staring at nothing, avoiding my gaze. I continued crying for nearly an hour, mourning my irreversible loss… He later spoke up, “I am sorry,” he said quickly then stood up and walked towards his bedroom with no sign of remorse. “Sorry? Will that restore my virginity?” I called after him. He slammed the bedroom door without giving me a single response. “Ha! What a shame!” I lamented. “My God will judge you, He will judge you…” I sobbed. I remembered how I had always pictured the very night I would give out my virginity, willingly and proudly to the rightful owner, my husband. I never knew it would happen this way. My stupidity, gullibility and of course greed led me into that trap. I was blinded by the gifts. I forgot the word of God that says: “gifts perverts judgment…” It is obvious that my virginity was irrelevant to the man that eventually took it at the end of the day. I threw to the swine, that which I cherish so much… I stood up slowly from the cream colour leather sofa, stains of blood which represented the evidence of my once upon a time chastity was on it. I resumed my tears again as the reality sank into me the more. I could no longer sleep till dawn. At exactly 5:00am, I left Desmond’s place. I tied my scarf around my waist to cover the blood stains. I decided to travel back home that very day. I was very angry with Desmond and I wasn’t ready to set my eyes on him nor listen to anything he had to say. I packed my baggage and left very early around 6:50am. I could not observe my morning devotion, I was filled with so much guilt and I lacked the boldness to pray. I know the Holy Spirit had left me and God was angry with me already. So, I couldn’t even ask for forgiveness… Another reason why I left early was because I didn’t want to set my eyes on Tope too because of the shame, it was evident that I was fooled. I got home around mid day. I called mum to inform her of my arrival and she was really overjoyed. She couldn’t wait to see me again since over three months. Another person I was so eager to see again was my boss at the supermarket, ‘Aunty Mope’ as I fondly called her. In order to avoid loneliness, I set out to check on her at her store and spend time there before my mum would arrive in the evening. It was a guy I met there, probably the new sales attendant. He told me she went out not long ago. I called her number but she didn’t pick up. As I was about to leave, she arrived. She was really happy to see me. We talked and talked for some time after which she noticed my swollen eyes and said, “I hope you are okay Shalewa? Why are your eyes kind of swollen like this? Was it an infection?” “Hmmmmmm, because I cried too much last night, I developed swollen eyeballs,” I thought, then replied, “I’m okay aunty.” “Are you sure?” She asked again. I had a feeling that I should open up to her. She had been like a sister I never had. She called me often when I was away at school and she was aware of my relationship with Stephen. Of course, I really needed someone to talk to. I might suddenly explode if I had no one to share this burden with, Oyinkansola was the last person I wanted to talk to that moment. I can’t possibly tell my mum too, how can I tell my mother that I lost my virginity during my first semester at school? That is stupidity! So, I made up my mind to tell Aunty Mopelola, at least a problem shared is half solved. I cleared my throat and spoke up, “Actually, Aunty Mope, I do have an issue bothering me.” “I thought as much,” she replied. “Come with me.” She took me to her car so we could have some privacy. After we had settled down in the car, I thought of the best way to open up the issue. At last, I spoke up, “Aunty Mope, I lost my virginity last night.” I spat out the words that were followed by a fresh outburst of tears that I had bottled up within me. “Wha-aat? How? When? To who?” She asked shockingly. I couldn’t talk, I just wept on and on. Aunty Mope pulled me to herself and said, “No Shalewa, you don’t have to do this. Pull yourself together please. I understand how painful this can be but try to take heart okay?” She wiped my tears with her handkerchief. At last, I stopped crying when I felt satisfied. I narrated the whole story. From how I went to visit Stephen at school, my encounter there, how I broke up with him and later dated Desmond because I followed Oyinkansola’s advice and finally how Desmond forcefully had s-x with me last night. “Hmmmmmm” she sighed. “Just during your first semester? That you are supposed face your studies squarely, the primary reason why you were at school, you allowed yourself to be carried away by ephemeral things. Well, I don’t want to start the blame game. Its okay, the deed had been done, let’s discuss the way forward. First thing first, when last did you see your menstrual period?”I pondered a bit, then replied, “about two weeks ago.” “Good. Meaning that you are probably or possibly ovulating by now. You need to come with me.” She started the engine of her car and called out to the sales boy to take care of the shop. She drove for about ten minutes before she pulled up at the front of a clinic. I didn’t understand what she was up to yet. Then as if she read my thoughts, she said, “Omoshalewa, I am doing this because of the love I have for you. You are like a sister to me, so I couldn’t possibly watch you get harmed in anyway. You see, when one has an unprotected intercourse, a lot of risks are involved, ranging from unwanted pregnancy to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” I opened my eyes wide in alarm as I tried to comprehend what she was saying. “So,” she continued. “I have brought you to this clinic for a thorough check up and treatment too. This is our family doctor’s hospital. He is also our Pastor. I will ask him to run a check on you and also give you the necessary and required treatment needed in your case. Since it’s not up to twenty four hours you had sex, they will give you the necessary treatment so that it would not result in an unwanted pregnancy. He might also book a future date with you to come for an HIV test. Is that clear?” I nodded quietly. I was so grateful that she would help me prevent getting pregnant, I didn’t even know that one could get pregnant at first intercourse… But then, I was so scared about the issue of HIV test. “What if Desmond has HIV virus?” I thought as I followed her quietly to the entrance of the clinic like a lamb that was about to be slaughtered…

Episode 12

We entered the hospital. In about 5minutes, we were in the doctor’s office. Aunty Mope explained to the doctor, what brought us to him. He was so friendly and kind. He gave me some drugs and also recommended that I come for an HIV test in three months time… He counseled me on the importance of facing my studies squarely, and also told me that the fact that I lost my virginity is not the end of the world. “You can still decide to be a virgin for Christ by keeping yourself pure from now on. You see, Omoshalewa, I see in you a bright and shining star, someone who will conquer the devil no matter what . So, brace up, forget about the past, pick the lessons learnt and move on with your life.” He counseled. He also urged me to forgive Desmond, though it may not be easy but I must. He emphasized the fact that I must break up with him seeing that he only deceived me, he wasn’t a true child of God. But then I just had to forgive him so that I can also receive forgiveness from my heavenly father… I felt so reluctant about the forgiveness part. It seemed to be the most difficult thing at that moment. I cried. The doctor encouraged me more and he prevailed. I confessed my sins to Jesus and also confessed that I have forgiven Desmond Then, the doctor prayed for me. I shed so much tears during the prayer session but I felt better thereafter. I thanked the doctor and Aunty Mope for their help. The doctor didn’t even collect a dime from us for the treatment. I was so grateful to them both. We left his office but I made sure I collected the doctor’s number before leaving. Aunty Mope took me back home in her car. She also counseled me to steer clear of Desmond and face my studies. I thanked her for her help. I got home at around 6:30pm and I quickly fixed porridge and stew for dinner before my mum would arrive. I had my bath to relief my swollen eyeballs. Mum was so happy to see me again. She even bought me a cup of vanilla ice cream, my favourite flavour. I tried my best to conceal my mood from my mum so she wouldn’t suspect anything and thank God she didn’t. Her only observation was that I grew slimmer, I told her it was the stress at school. We talked and talked till late in the evening since it was a Friday, she wouldn’t need to leave early for work the following day. “I have news for you oh, Shalewa,” she said during our discussion. “It’s a good news, though there is another side to the news. I should have told you before you came around but I wanted you to concentrate fully on your examination.” “Really?” What’s the news mum! I’m so eager to know.” I answered curiously. “I received a letter of promotion two weeks ago.” “Wow! That calls for celebration. Congratulations mum! That means more money in your account” I screamed happily. “Yes o, my daughter and more responsibilities too. I will be the Head Of Operations but at another branch.” “Hmmmmmm, Good mum. Which branch were you transferred to?” “That is the other side of the news Shalewa. I have been transferred to one of our new branches in the East, Owerri in Imo state.” “Huh-huh, that’s too far. So what will you do mum?” “Well Shalewa, I want us to relocate from here. Sincerely, I am tired of life in the South West, it reminds me so much of the early years of my marriage. I want a change of environment. Coincidentally, our house rent here expires by the end of this month, so there is no need for a renewal. We have to say bye to our friends and families here and we have just one week before we move.” Oooooh, mum. This is just too sudden o.” “Don’t worry dear. You will get used to the new environment and make new friends. Who knows? You might even find that place more interesting than here.” My mind went straight to Aunty Mope and the Pastor-doctor that I just met today, whom God used to lift off the burden of my heart. That I will have to leave them so soon saddened my heart too. But I accepted fate. Mum and I prayed and we retired for the night. I remembered the drugs the doctor gave me. I secretly took the evening dose in my room before I slept. I woke up very late the following morning, around 9:30am probably because of the sleepless night i had the previous night and the stress of the journey too.. Mum had left home already when I got out of bed. She didn’t want to disturb my sleep. She left a note for me on the dining table and some cash, should in case I needed money to buy anything while she was away. I observed my quiet time with God. I had so much boldness to pray that morning because I was sure I had been forgiven. I committed my life and future into God’s hands anew and I also prayed for restoration and comfort… The first thing that came to my mind after my morning devotion was to call Stephen. I dialed his number. It rang continuously but he didn’t pick it. I tried several times, the number was later switched off. “What’s happening?” I thought. Stephen couldn’t possibly have ignored my calls. “Where could he have put his phone?” I decided to check on him at his place. I was 100 percent sure that his school was also on break already. I took some tea, had my bath and eagerly prepared to go and check on him. The thought of what just happened to me crossed my mind again.Come to think of it, how would I tell Stephen that I was deflowered just within a month after we broke up? Ha! It’s not wise to tell him at all. I really regret meeting Oyinkansola and Desmond. But wait, Desmond didn’t even deem it fit to call me since yesterday. It means that he truly felt not a bit of remorse for what he did…” I thought. I felt so used and belittled. “Is that all the love he claimed to have for me?” I picked my phone and dialed his number. But I quickly stopped the call. One voice within me told me to forget about him. But sincerely, I couldn’t forget easily someone that took my virginity. I now have a kind of bond with him, the type I never even had with Stephen. Desmond was the first man to have carnal knowledge of me. I decided to call him to give him a piece of my mind for what he did, and worst of all, he didn’t even bother checking on me since then. I dialed his line again, I was sure he wouldn’t be at work since it was a Saturday. “Hello,” he replied. “Who am I speaking with please?” I checked the screen of my phone again to confirm the number I dialed, of course, it was Desmond. “Shalewa.” I replied. “Or don’t you have my number again?” I retorted angrily. “Shalewa… Shalewa,” he repeated slowly as if trying to remember who bears the name. “Desmond, what is the meaning of this? After you have succeeded in taking my virginity, you now pretend not to know me again?” I was burning furiously within me. “Excuse me, I don’t even know you yet you are talking about me taking one virginity, please I am also a virgin oh, so I don’t know what you are talking about.” Then roars of laughter erupted from the background. It sounded like the voices of about three to four people. I realised I was being made fun of. Of course, Desmond had put the phone on speaker. I ended the call immediately in shame. I just succeeded in opening a fresh wound for myself. What a shame. See the way a daughter of Zion is being mocked by sons of Belial. So, Desmond had indeed been pretending all these while. What a pity. I smashed my phone on the wall, crashed on my bed in dismay and cried my heart out…

Episode 13

SIX YEARS LATER I checked my wristwatch again, it’s 12:30pm. I need to hurry up so as not to be late for the programme which is to start by 2:00pm. The venue is at Victoria Island and only God knows how crazy the traffic will be today. So, I need to factor that in along with my movement. I observed myself again in the mirror in my room, satisfied with what I saw, I grabbed my handbag and luggage as I made my way out. I am so eager to attend the programme. A lot had been said about it by different people . It is an Interdenominational Singles’ Three day Conference, Friday-Sunday. It’s a meeting of Christian single brothers and sisters all over the country held annually. I vowed not to miss this year’s convention because a sister in my church attended that of last year and she described how awesome it was… I slipped into my heels and turned back again to check myself in the mirror for the last time before leaving. I am never tired of checking out how fearfully and wonderfully made I am. Yes, I am Omoshalewa Abeni, a beautiful lady in her late twenties, with lots of suitors flocking around her. I am not ready to go for any of them though, till God leads me. I want a marriage, a home ordained by God himself. You remember I said we were to relocate to the East? Yea, we did Life at Owerri was so interesting indeed. I made more friends but trusted none. I kept in touch with Aunty Mope and Doctor. Yes, that doctor that saved me. I actually did the HIV test he recommended when I got to Owerri, it was negative. I was really grateful to God and I vowed to serve him all my life, and especially at my single stage, I vowed to be pure for Him. After my encounter with Desmond, I decided not to have any man in my life till I am ready for marriage. So when I resumed back to school, I avoided him and his friend. I also avoided Oyinkansola and I faced my studies squarely. As for Stephen, I never saw nor heard of him again till date. Mysterious, isn’t it? I checked on him at his place during that semester break I had before we relocated to Owerri. I was told by their neighbour that his Uncle whom he stayed with had relocated and he doesn’t have an idea of where he moved to. I continued trying his line but it wasn’t getting through. I gave up and left Lagos for Owerri. Since then, his line never went through. I concluded that he probably lost his phone. I didn’t have Joel’s number anymore. When I got back to campus, I was tempted to check on him at school but I pushed the thought off my mind. “Why should I go looking for him? He has my number, he knows my school, if he still loved me, he should be the one to seek me,” I concluded. So, I concentrated fully on my studies, though my love for Stephen never reduced, no other man has replaced him in my heart even till now. I graduated with a Second Class Upper and was mobilized to the North for my Youth Service. I took it on myself to embark on the girl child s-x education. I taught my female students the importance of keeping oneself pure, abstaining from s-x till marriage. I received a State Honorary Award at the end of my service year. I lost my mum to the cold hands of death after a brief illness during my NYSC programme. It was such a great loss for me. It took me several months to come to terms with the fact that I was now an orphan. Mum battled with the sickness for some weeks before she finally gave up the ghost. She made sure she made me signatory to her accounts and I also had access to her properties before she died. I mourned my mum for a long long time but I was later comforted in Christ. I relocated back to Lagos after my service year to start a new life… So, today I am now a teacher. Yes, I achieved my dream of wanting to be around children everyday of my life and I am so fulfilled and glad. I am presently working in one of the best private schools in the city. I still go to visit Aunty Mope once in a while, she is the only family I have left. I decided not to get too close to my mum’s elder sister who also stays in Lagos. My mum warned me about her for reasons best known to her, so I steered clear and lived my life alone. My pastor, the members of my church and Aunty Mope’s family are the only people I relate with now. I avoided friends, I already learnt my lessons. I got to the hotel, the venue of the Singles’ Conference at exactly 2:30pm.Registration had started in earnest. I paid for my registration and checked into one of the rooms in the hotel. Those who are buoyant enough to afford a room are lodged in the hotel rooms, while those who can’t are directed to a large hall where there are several beds which they use as a dormitory for the purpose of the programme. Thank God I arrived on time, the hotel rooms where nearly filled up despite the fact that it is a very big hotel with lots of rooms. “People really do attend this programme, of a truth.” I thought. After I had prayed and relaxed in my room for about fifteen minutes, I went down to the hall where the programme is to hold. They have started the opening/welcoming ceremony already. I could feel the long admiring stares of the brothers as I entered the hall. Because of my height and beauty, it’s hard for me to enter a place unnoticed, I give all the glory to God for that… I spotted a space near the pulpit area and sat down there. I had hardly settled down when I heard a voice whisper my name excitedly from behind. “Omoshalewa Abeni, is that you?!” Of course, only two people address me by that name. I turned round sharply to see who it was…

Episode 14

It is Stephen! Stephen Martins!! My first love!!! “Am I dreaming? Stephen is that you?” I whispered like someone too scared about what she’s about to discover. He smiled broadly at me. “Omoshalewa! I can’t believe this. How are you?” I stood up and threw myself at him, he in turn caught me in a warm embrace. He carried me as if I am a toddler! We nearly forgot that we were in the midst of a crowd . We are creating a scene in the hall already so we quickly sat down. He introduced me to four of his friends that came with him for the programme, three ladies and a guy. We both were so excited to meet each other again. He begged his friends to be excused and then took me out of the hall so we could talk without distracting others. I am really excited at the moment, Stephen of all people, right here with me? He has really grown into a handsome young man too, and from his dressing, I can bet it that he’s living fine. He had on him a dazzling grey suit and trousers that looks rather expensive. His shoes and wristwatch too are breathtaking… We soon got out of the hall. “Stephen, you are now a big boy.” I shrieked. “You too Shalewa, see how beautiful you have grown, even more beautiful than I used to know you to be. I have really missed you, Shalewa mi.” “I missed you too Stephen You abandoned and forgot about me when I needed you most,” I accused him painfully. “Hmmmmmm, Shalewa, it’s not what you think at all. Forgive me. I should even be the one saying you abandoned me. It’s quite a long story, let’s go and sit somewhere to talk.” He took me to the parking lot and opened a flashy black Toyota Corolla car. He opened the passenger door for me to sit in the car. “You own this car Stephen?” “By God’s grace Shalewa.” “Wow! God has indeed blessed you. I am so happy for you.” “You can say that again my dear, I return all the glory to Jesus! I got a job with an Oil company at Port Harcourt where I did my NYSC. I have been there since, I only came to the South West because of this programme. I was invited by one of my friends… How’s mum Shalewa? I can’t wait to see her again.” Stephen just opened a wound unknowingly… “Mum has gone to be with the Lord,” I replied, tears gathering in my eyes. “What? Oh my goodness! E yah, I am so sorry Shalewa. It is well. You know what? Let’s go to somewhere more conducive so we can have a nice time together,” he said as he ignited the engine of his car. I nodded quietly. He drove to a nearby fast food restaurant. All the way, I remembered Oyinkansola’s point of view about Stephen being an hustler and may not get a job for a long time after school. Can you imagine? Only God knows tomorrow. Stephen is living large now. “But I don’t think he is married yet,” I thought, as I observed the fingers on his left hand. “He has no ring, but some married men don’t put on their wedding rings all the time.” I thought… I inwardly hoped and prayed that he isn’t married yet. Stephen is still the only man that owns my heart. I just hope he feels the same way for me too… We alighted from the car and entered the restaurant. He asked for what I would like to take. “You should know, Stephen.” I replied giggling. “Yea, how can I ever forget? Vanilla ice cream of course, Ha! Omoshalewa, you haven’t changed at all, have you?” “Not one bit.” I answered, laughing. After we both settled to a cup of ice cream each, Stephen began to narrate his story.Shalewa, I was on my way to your school when I had a fatal car accident. I decided to come visiting you immediately after my exams since you refused to pick my calls. It was a terrible accident, only two of us survived in that car. One of my upper limbs was broken and I spent four months in the hospital. My phone got lost in the accident. When I was finally discharged, and was back to my uncle in Lagos, I checked on you at your place, I was told you have relocated to the East. I tried your line, it wasn’t getting through, I didn’t know mum’s phone number off hand. I checked Aunty Mopelola at her shop, I was told she travelled to Dubai. I tried all my possible best to look for you Shalewa, I even searched for you on Facebook to no avail. When I got back to school, that was during my final year, I told Joel one day that I wanted to try visiting you again at school but he discouraged me. He said what will be will be, and I shouldn’t forget the car accident I had all because of you, he even said who knows, you might have moved on with another guy. So, that was how I gave up on my search for you. I surrendered to fate, hoping that one day, we would meet again and here we are.” I was sobbing all the while he was telling his story. To think that Stephen got involved in a car accident just because of me and I wasn’t available to share in his pains? So painful. I continued weeping… “Come on Shalewa, it’s okay. All that is in the past now. Let us thank God that we both are alive today. The lady you saw with me at the hospital, Mary. She wasn’t my girlfriend. She was only obsessed with me, a one sided crush, I’ll call it since I was in 100 level. She always wanted to be around me but I never gave her my attention. But that very day, I was sick and helpless, I needed to be cared for, that was why she came so close.” After a short silence, I responded. “I am so sorry I concluded wrongly Stephen,” I said amidst tears. “My friends gave me a bad advice and poisoned my innocent mind.” I went ahead to explain how Oyinkansola and her friends advised me, how I got into a relationship with Desmond, who was a fake believer, how he deceived and deflowered me. How I came looking for him (Stephen) at his uncle’s place and I was told he had relocated…” “I am so sorry Stephen, please forgive me,” I wept bitterly. Stephen took both of my hands in his and wiped my tears with his handkerchief. He then looked into my eyes and said, “Omoshalewa mi, virgin or not, I still love you. You hold such a special place in my heart. Nothing can diminish you in my eyes. We all make mistakes, we all have our past, no one is a saint, not even me… I just hope you are not engaged yet.” I shook my head. I knew what he was driving at. “Ha! Thank God,” he replied with relief. “Hmmmmmm, there is something I will like you to be aware of though,” he sighed. “You saw that lady in purple shirt when we were in the hall, that was among those who came with me?” “Yes,” I replied. That is my fiancée. We met just three months ago, we got engaged a month after we met and now we are planning to get married in the next three months. She just wanted everything so fast.” I opened my eyes in disbelief as he dropped what seemed like a bombshell to me. “But never mind Shalewa,” he continued. “I believe our meeting today is another proof that God is not done with us yet. You are the one I love. I know I was too fast to start a relationship with that lady, she rushed me into fixing a quick wedding. I succumbed to her wishes because my parents too are really on my neck to get married. Meanwhile, deep within me, after I have prayed about her, I felt restrained, I wasn’t convinced at all.. I just told God to give me more confirmations if truly she is not His will for my life. Now, that I see you Shalewa, I believe it’s a confirmation to my prayers. The Bible says “The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord…” I am ready to end that relationship. Shalewa, you are all I want in a woman.” I bowed my head in dismay. “Stephen,” I finally spoke up, “though, I still love you a lot, no one has ever taken your place in my life since we parted but then, I am also a woman, I know how it feels when one is in love already with a man, please don’t break that lady’s heart because of me. Forget about me, assume we never met, go ahead and marry her, God will give you both a blissful home and provide me a good husband too. You have engaged her already, don’t break her heart.” “No Shalewa, engagement is not marriage. Please Shalewa, you have sacrificed a lot for me, I can never forget the role you played in my life. I believe our meeting today is not just a sheer coincidence, I believe it’s divine. Please don’t say no to me my Angel.” He looked at me pleadingly…

Episode 15

I looked at his pleading eyes. My heart was so heavy that very moment. “God, why?” I probed in my thoughts. “Just when I thought I had recovered the relationship I lost a long time ago, this other issue is now coming up? Why didn’t I meet Stephen before that lady met him? God, if truly you wanted us to be together, why did you allow him to start his wedding preparations before I met him again, God why?” I lamented in my thoughts. We both were quiet for some minutes. Each of us lost in our thoughts . After a while, I summoned courage. I stood up and told him, “Please, let us move on with our separate lives Stephen. I believe if God had wanted us to end up together, he would have allowed us to meet before now. I don’t want to be the reason for another woman’s sorrow. If I had even known you were planning your wedding already, I wouldn’t have allowed such closeness between us today, while your fiancée is around. I am so sorry Stephen, let’s just accept our fate. Having said that, I picked up my bag with a tear filled eyes and left a saddened Stephen at the restaurant. I headed straight to the conference hall. I made sure I didn’t return to the same spot where I had met Stephen and his friends earlier. I needed to avoid their company through this programme I sat on a chair at the other end of the hall. I looked in the direction of Stephen’s fiancée, she was talking with the other lady that sat with her, smiling every now and then, they were probably analysing the testimony a brother was sharing on the podium at the moment. I on the other hand wasn’t listening to the brother, I wasn’t even hearing anything. I was lost in my thoughts. My eyes were on Stephen’s fiancée almost every passing minute. “What a lucky lady!” I thought. Then, she stood up and walked out of the hall with her cell phone, probably to call Stephen to inquire about his whereabouts. Judging from her looks, I concluded she must be in her early thirties, same age range with Stephen. My mind was no longer in that hall. I had travelled miles into the past in my thoughts. I remembered how I had loved Stephen since my teenage years. All the sacrifices I made for our love. How I never allowed any other man in my heart up till that moment. “Ha, what a waste! Another woman who never knew when Stephen was suffering will soon take my place, and reap the fruits of my labour. I allowed my friends to mislead me.” Given the kind of person I am, I can never allow myself to be the reason why a fellow woman would cry. I would rather take the tough decision of letting go. I believe God will provide a husband even better than Stephen for me. I made up my mind to leave the venue of the programme since I wasn’t taking in anything being said there. I also knew I would never cope with the presence of Stephen and his company around me. He may want to hang around me and I wouldn’t want to cause trouble between him and his fiancée. I left the hall and checked into my room where I wept my eyes sore till night. I later slept off without taking dinner, I had lost my appetite. Very early the following morning, I took my bath, packed my luggage and went home. That was how the much anticipated singles’ conference turned into a nightmare for me.I prayed to God for mercy. He was the only one I could turn to for comfort at that moment. I wished my mum was alive to share the burden with me. Aunty Mope too had travelled abroad. I stayed indoor all through the day being a Saturday… I went to church on Sunday with a heavy heart. I toyed with the idea of discussing the issue with my pastor but I later dismissed the thought. I went back home after service, still with the burden on my heart. I felt so lonely at home. I had no one to share my burden with. I thought over the issue again and again. I really wanted to be sure that I made a right decision by letting go. I pondered on the issue endlessly till I slept off on the sofa in my living room. It was a loud knock on my door that woke me up around 6:30pm. The person had probably being knocking for some time. I stood up immediately to get the door, wondering who it could be because I had no appointment with anyone that Sunday evening. I was astonished when I threw the door open and came face to face with Stephen. Yes, I remembered I gave him a brief, not detailed description of my place while we were gisting at the restaurant on Friday but how he later got to know the exact house I stayed is what I couldn’t explain. I opened my mouth wide in surprise, though I was also happy at the opportunity of seeing him again before he leaves Lagos. “Hello, Shally.” He said quietly. I could see the pain in his eyes. He must have been so hurt when he discovered my sudden disappearance from the programme. “Can I come in please?” He asked “Oh! Sure. I am sorry. I was only surprised at seeing you here because I know I only gave you a skeletal description of the area I live. How were you able to locate my house?” I asked. “Well, Shalewa. I was really disturbed when I couldn’t see you at the venue of the conference. And because we didn’t get to exchange our phone contact, I decided to find you out by all means before I return to Port Harcourt. I kept on asking after you from the people around until one woman on the third street from here whom I believe God used for me led me here. She said if the Shalewa I was looking for is a teacher, then she’s very sure that this is your place. Seems her child attends the school where you work.” “I see,” I replied tiredly. “I am sorry I left without notice. I just had to. I couldn’t cope with staying at that programme any longer…” To my utmost surprise, Stephen went on his two knees and said, “Shalewa, look at me, look into my very eyes and tell me the truth. Do you still love me?” I couldn’t look down at his face, tears were streaming down my cheeks already. “Of course, I still love you Stephen. You are the only man I ever loved, you still own my heart…” I confessed. “Then marry me Shalewa, please.” “I wish I can but…” But what?” He interrupted. I have told you I will quit that relationship. Love is all we need to fight it out. We both still love each other, and that is all that matters.” I noticed the tears gathering in his eyes. I sank to the floor beside him and started crying too. “Shalewa, take a good look at me, he continued. “I am a successful man today. I have all it takes to live a comfortable life. All that I need in my life right now is a woman that will complete me, not just a wife. I still strongly believe that God is not done with us yet. Omoshalewa mi, my dearest friend, my first love.Please marry me, grow old with me, be the mother of my children…” He cried bitterly. I have never seen Stephen this way before. We both cried for a long time, then stopped. He later comforted me and assured me that all will be well. We both forgot about the time, I was enjoying his company. I served him rice for dinner and we talked till late in the night. At around 11:30pm, it was clear to both of us that he couldn’t leave that night. Somehow, we both let down our guards. The flesh took over us. One step led to another, we were overwhelmed by our emotions and we had inter course that very night.

Episode 16

We both sat quietly apart after the deed was done. It was Stephen’s first time. As for me, It came as a surprise that I still bled that night despite the fact that it wasn’t my first time… I felt so guilty. One, having sinned against God. Two, breaking my vow to stay pure till marriage again and three, having s-x with a man who is engaged to another and would be getting married soon. Stephen too was languished in guilt and regret. We both knew we have offended God already . We didn’t talk to each other. We later dozed off… As early as 5:00am on Monday morning, I woke up. He also woke up immediately I did. It was clear that none of us had a sound sleep. “I am so sorry about yesterday Shalewa. I allowed the flesh to overcome me. I am sorry about everything.” “Never mind Stephen. I was at fault too. We both let down our guards. Don’t blame yourself. It’s my fault too, not yours alone.” I replied avoiding his face. He had to get back to Port Harcourt that morning. I also had to get ready for work. I asked him where his friends stayed. He said they had all travelled back to Port Harcourt by flight the previous day, that he told them he had to check on an old friend. He gave me his complimentary card and we exchanged our phone contacts too. “Shalewa, I promise to come back for you after I might have tidied up that relationship.” He assured. He left the house first. I said a very painful goodbye to him Painful because I knew the plan I was about to execute in my mind. Yes, my plan of course was to relocate from my present apartment and also to change my phone number. I believed that once Stephen wasn’t able to communicate with me anymore, he would focus on his fiancée and his marriage plans. And that was what I did. I relocated to another part of Lagos. I made sure the new place wasn’t too far from the school where I worked. I changed my phone number too. I stopped being active on social media. So, I never heard of Stephen again. I was sure he must have come looking for me but I made sure I gave none of my neighbours any clue as to where I moved to, so no one could direct him to my new house. It was a tough decision for me because of the strong love I had for Stephen but I had to let go. Two months later, I felt so sick and had to take the advice of my boss to go to the hospital to have me checked and get treated. After some series of medical tests, it was confirmed that I was pregnant! “Jesus! How come?” I questioned myself on my way home. “After Aunty Mopelola had educated me on the safe and unsafe periods in a monthly cycle, I was sure the very day I and Stephen met fell under a safe period for me that month. But how come this pregnancy? Or did I miscalculate? Ha! What kind of problem is this? How could I get pregnant for a man that was planning for his wedding? How do I tell my pastor how I came about pregnancy as a single sister? What a shame!” I lamented till I got home. “Should I abo-t it? Murder! That is a sin. But it’s only 10weeks. Could that be a sin? God have mercy!” I wept terribly on my bed. I decided to go and see Doctor Alex, Aunty Mope’s Pastor. Yes, the same doctor that helped me when I fell into Desmond’s trap. I thought within me that if I explained my predicament to him, he might give me some drugs to terminate the pr-gnancy. “I just have to get rid of it, I will ask God for forgiveness.” I concluded. I got to Doctor Alex and explained my plight to him in details and how much I desired to terminate the pregnancy because the father, who was my first love will soon be married to another woman. After a few seconds, the doctor sighed and said, “Omoshalewa, whatever the circumstance is, no baby deserves to die. Now, I won’t persuade you too much but before you take your decision, let me give you an illustration of what happens in the womb and what is happening within you right now. When the spe-m was ejaculated into you, the only one that struggled to reach its destination among the millions that were released at the same time is the one you are carrying right now. After the conception took place, the foetus is implanted and settles happily in your womb, with a sense of fulfilment about achieving its goal at last. That is how it begins its new life, growing gradually. Now, remember that this foetus doesn’t know its father yet, it doesn’t know whether the father was to get married to you or to any other woman. The only person this baby knows right now is you, its mother. It has come to be a part of you, your blood formed it. It has started eating the food supplied from your very system. You two are bonding together, the bond is getting stronger day by day. The baby sees you as its lifeline, its protector, its defender. It recognises your voice, its attached to you comfortably and totally, eagerly awaiting the time to be born when he or she will see your face at last. All these explains the reason why the bond between a mother and child is so strong through their lifetime. Now, when a mother decides to abo-t her unborn child, it is like a child being chased by murderers from outside his home and quickly ran into his mother’s house for help, for defence and protection only for the mother to chase the child back to those evil people who in turn hacked him to pieces with cutlasses… Hmmmmmm, Shalewa. See it in that light and tell me how you will feel if you were that baby. You are here for an abo-tion now. Probably, the baby just took its lunch and is resting contentedly inside your womb which is its safe and peaceful home right now. You then agree to open your legs for the abo-tion process and I dip those sharp objects into your womb to terminate the innocent life. Or I gave you some drugs that would shred it into tiny pieces, the baby sees the death coming and pleads to you for mercy because it trusts in your care and loyalty to it, but what do you do? You spread your legs further for the doctor to hack him or her to pieces…” “Noooooo, doctor! Stop please. I can’t take this any longer.” I cried. The doctor continued, “See Shalewa, no one is a saint. “The Bible says, ‘Let he who is without sin first cast the stone…’ I am not condemning you for getting pregnant out of wedlock but if you go ahead to abo-t that baby, then you have condemned yourself already. You see, seated right here before you is a man who was once a murderer too. I mean I abo-ted a lot of babies for my clients in the past, too numerous that I lost count before I met with the Lord Jesus who changed my life. Till now, I still regret terminating the life of those babies. Whenever their lifeless bodies came flashing back at me, I couldn’t just hold back the tears. But I thank God for His saving grace. Shalewa, abo-tion is murder, don’t abo-t this baby then live to regret it later. Only God knows tomorrow, maybe he or she would be the one to give you joy after your numerous woes, at the end of the day. Please keep it. God owns your future in His hands, He will surely take care of you. Ask for forgiveness and trust in him.” I wept so much in his office that day, asking God for mercy over and over again. Doctor Alex prayed with me and after the prayer session, he advised me to come and register for my antenatal care in his hospital as soon as possible if I wouldn’t mind. I agreed. The pregnancy was kind of tough for me both physically and emotionally. There were days I really wished my mum was alive to go through this journey with me. I resigned temporarily from my job when I couldn’t cope with the stress any longer. The shame and ridicule I also faced at church was out of this world. After I had confessed my sins to my pastor, he prayed with me and mandated me to make an open confession before the whole congregation. It was a tough thing to do but God helped me. It was such an embarrassing and shameful moment especially before those who had been looking up to me as a role model. I made my confession amidst tears. Some felt for me and wept along with me while some felt I only got what I wanted and was faking the remorse. I was suspended from taking part in any activity at church. I was made to sit at the back row like an outcast buy I humbly endured the disciplinary stage with the help of the Holy spirit. My doctor was there for me all the way for both medical and spiritual attention. I never missed any of my antenatal appointments with him.He was really a ‘God sent’ to me, encouraging me all the way. When my Estimated Delivery Date came close, doctor Alex advised me to come over to stay with his family till I have my baby, because of the distance between my house and the hospital. The fact that I also stay alone may be risky especially if my labour starts in the middle of the night according to him. I agreed and moved in with them. Doctor’s wife was another angel in human form, very nice and hospitable. She took good care of me as if I was her very own daughter. Three weeks later, I fell into labour. I brought forth a bouncing baby boy after three hours of active and painful labour. I forgot about my pains when I held my cute baby in my arms. He is a perfect replica of Stephen. I named him Stephen (Jr) after his father. I forgot about all the sorrows and shame of the past months. I thanked God I didn’t abo-t him after all. Stephen is such an adorable baby! Even those who once mocked and taunted me at church couldn’t resist admiring him. He got a lot of gifts too numerous to count. I was so grateful to Doctor Alex and his family for being there with me all the way. Aunty Mope became Stephen’s godmother even before she got to meet him… So, that was how I continued my life as a single mother, enjoying the joys of motherhood all the way…

Episode 17

Life as a single mother was a bit stressful for me but the joy I derived from looking into the eyes of my son superseded it all. Money wasn’t my problem though. I still had some money left in my account, the money my mum left for me. I resumed work at my former workplace when Stephen clocked 5months. I needed to work so that I could sustain myself and my baby, since my expenses had doubled up. Stephen (Jr) grew into a healthy, active and cheerful boy, just like his father . I never heard of Stephen, his dad anymore. I was very sure he would have tried by all means to find me and would have given up his search. I was also sure he must have been married by now, I was certain about that. I knew it is needful for me to contact him and inform him about his son but I was not ready for that now. I don’t want to destroy his new home and I still want my son around me too… I took very good care of baby Stephen. I was never ashamed of being a single mum, God really helped me through it all. I have been reinstated at my church too, all the shame and ridicule was over. Junior brought so much joy and happiness into my life such that I can’t explain… I got a small car from the remaining part of my mum’s savings when commuting between home and work with Junior became a bit difficult. I wanted my baby to live a comfortable life The passion I had for teaching would not make me stop working either, I love children… I enrolled Junior into Pre-nursery class in the same school where I worked when he clocked 2years. He is a very intelligent and inquisitive child. He became my one and only friend and companion such that I did miss him even during school hours. At times, I would go check on him while he played during break time… One afternoon, I was tidying up my workspace, ready to close for the day when Junior’s teacher walked into my class. Junior was not with him, so I was a bit worried, hoping all was well. “Sister Shalewa, have you seen your son’s latest friend?” She asked. “Who? A new student?” “No, the person came to see the Principal, this same time yesterday. Junior was playing with his friends on the playground, while I sat at the corridor watching them when the man walked in through the gate. Immediately Junior sighted him like this, he just ran to him and was shouting “uncle, uncle, I like your wristwatch!” I even thought he knew the man somewhere. He isn’t one of our children’s parents either. I later learnt he came to sign a contract with the owner of the school. He came back again this afternoon and came to ask after Junior. When Junior saw him, infact you need to see how he ran up to him like they have known each other for ages, you know how lively and jovial Junior can be. That your son enhh? He is too matured for his age. Here is the gift the man brought for him, an ice cream and a wristwatch. I didn’t allow Junior to take the ice cream since it’s from a stranger, that’s why I brought the gifts to you.” “Omo, you need to see the wristwatch, it’s not a yeye one oh!” She exclaimed as she unwrapped the gift. I was surprised too. “Eeenhhhh? What kind of a man is that?” I asked. “He is so nice. I hope he is not a ritualist oh! Strange things happen these days, may God deliver us from evil men. Anyway, you said he is still with the principal?” “Yes. I suppose.” Okay then, I will check on him before I leave. I need to say ‘thank you’ to him for the gift. I picked my bag and dashed out. I was on my way to the Principal’s office when I came face to face with Stephen Martins again after close to four years since we parted. My heart nearly jumped out of my mouth. We both froze on sighting each other. “Fate always have a way of reconnecting me back with this guy. Can I ever run from him?” I thought. I was the first to speak, “Is this you Stephen?” “Yes Shalewa. Long time no see. How has it been with you?” “I am good, and you?” “Same here. I bless God.” He replied solemnly. I didn’t throw myself into his arms like the last time we met. A lot of things have changed about us. I am now a mother, and he is now married, I was sure, so we both were restrained somehow. “You work here, I guess.” He said “Yes.” “I see.” Then silence… He then spoke. “I actually came to see the Principal for a business deal. I have resigned from my job. I am currently into real estate, here in Lagos…” “I see.” I replied quietly. Then he continued, Shalewa, you were so unfair to me. Why? You relocated, changed your phone number without informing me, all of which I am very sure was intentional. Why? Do you really hate me that much? I suffered a lot of depression when I realized I had lost you again. Shalewa, why do you keep tormenting me knowing that I love you so much? One minute, you are here, the next you have disappeared.” He lamented painfully “I don’t hate you Stephen. I am sorry about all I did. But it was for your own good. I wanted you to focus on your wedding plans and…” “Mummy! Mummy! My mummy!” Junior’s screams interrupted me. He was coming along with his teacher right behind him. “Mummy, see the uncle that gave me a fine wristwatch,” he shouted gleefully. “Yea, that is your son’s latest friend,” his teacher puts in, then left. After she had excused us, Stephen spoke, “Mummy? Shalewa, you are married with a kid already?” He asked. “Yes….eerm, No,” I stammered. I knew it was time the truth had to be revealed. “It’s a long story, let’s sit somewhere to talk,” I said. I held Junior’s hand but he snatched it back and ran to Stephen. “Uncle, carry me,” he shouted. “Sure my boy, why won’t I?” He replied smiling at the excited young fellow. He led us to his car which was parked somewhere near the entrance of the school. As soon as we were seated in the car, Junior started consuming his cup of ice cream. I sighed and said, “Blood is indeed thicker than water.” “Of course, people say it. Why did you say that?” “Stephen,” I called out in a shaky voice, then pointed at Junior who was busy with his ice cream at the back seat of the car. “Meet Stephen (Jr), the result of the intercourse we had the last time we met. That is your son.” I quickly vomitted the words almost in a whisper and awaited his reactions…

Episode 18

“What?!” Did you just say you had a baby for me? I mean, wait! Shalewa, you mean to tell me that you bore my baby in your womb, gave birth to him and nurtured him alone without deeming it fit to inform me? Haba Shalewa, this is too much! This is so unfair. So, if I didn’t bump into you today, when exactly will I get to know that I had a child by you? J-e-s-u-s!” He exclaimed slowly in great surprise. “No wonder, no wonder,” he repeated as he looked admiringly at Junior who was now fast asleep. “Blood is indeed thicker than water . I was strongly attracted to him the very minute I saw him yesterday. It was quite strange and I wondered why. Oh my boy! I am proud of you, I am so glad. Shalewa, God has indeed proved to me again that He is involved in our relationship. Do you know that I initially planned to send one of my staff to this school for the business deal? But somehow, for no reason in particular, I felt inclined to come here myself. After I met Junior yesterday, I had the urge to see him again today, so I brought the gift along, not knowing is my son. Oh my God!” “I am so sorry Stephen, I didn’t want to destroy your new home. I went through a lot The stress of the pregnancy, the shame of getting pregnant out of wedlock and the pains of labour. It wasn’t easy at all Stephen, but I thank God today,” I replied, tears trickling down my face as I recollected all that I went through. “Oh God, Shalewa, you should have informed me. I feel so bad right now that you bore everything alone. I should have been there all the way with you to encourage and comfort you.” He drew me into his arms and gave me a warm embrace. “I am so sorry about all you have been through for the sake of our child. But I am so happy right now. I thank God for bringing us together again. This time around, Shalewa you are going nowhere, I am marrying you right away!” He announced. I pulled myself off his embrace and looked at his eyes. “Marry me? What are you talking about?” I asked “Yes, my dear. You heard me right. I am not married yet. You avoided me so that I could go ahead and marry Juliet, the lady I got engaged to back then, but you have forgotten that except the Lord buildeth the house, they that buildeth laboureth in vain. Hmmmmmm, Shalewa mi, it’s a very long story but I will try to be brief. After we parted and I returned to Port Harcourt, I was really heart broken because of what happened between us that very night. I went to God in prayer and fasting, asking him for forgiveness. I also asked God to shed more light about the relationship I was in at that time. I wanted to be convinced about Juliet, whether she’s to be my wife or not. I prayed that God should give me physical confirmations. After I concluded the seven days fasting and prayer, I decided to visit Juliet one day. I made up my mind not to end the relationship just like that, I didn’t want to break her heart, so I decided to allow God to have his way, and allow events to unfold in accordance to God’s will. I set out for her place that Saturday morning. She wasn’t aware I would be coming because her line has been unreachable since the previous night, so I couldn’t tell her about my coming but I was sure she would be at home… I was about to knock on the door of her apartment when I started hearing voices from within. It was like an heated argument between two people. I could hear Juliet’s voice and that of another man. I was curious about what was going on so I placed my ear on the door to eavesdrop into their conversation. To cut the whole story short, Juliet was not who I thought she was after all. According to their argument, the man was laying claims on the two daughters that Juliet had for her. He said he was back to pay her bride price so he could have access to his children. The girls were staying with Juliet’s mum at the village… I was shocked beyond expression. “So, Juliet already had children for another man?” I thought. “I was about to knock on the door when it flew open. The man stormed out furiously with Juliet shouting after him that he should go to hell because she wasn’t going to release her children to him. Immediately the man sighted me, he said, ‘Oh very good, thank God you are here. You better stop that wedding plan and leave my wife alone. She has two girls for me already, so forget about her or face the wrath of God,’ he warned and left angrily. Juliet was shocked to see me. I looked at her and demanded an explanation. She only murmured that the man was lying. She couldn’t eveb look at my face. I told her how I heard everything they both argued on since I arrived. The fact that she already have children wasn’t the issue but for her to hide such a big secret from me, definitely shows that she couldn’t be trusted. I told her right there that I couldn’t go ahead with the wedding plans anymore. And that was how the relationship ended. She pleaded and made several attempts to come back to me but to no avail. She even went as far as reporting me to my parents in the village. They were really angry with my decision but when I told them the truth of the matter, they supported me too. So, Juliet’s case wasAfter I parted ways with Juliet, I came looking for you when your number was not getting through. When I couldn’t find you, I was more confused and heart broken. I went into a state of emotional depression. I prayed that God should help me find you, I tried all my best to no avail. After I relocated to Lagos, I made several attempts to find you. I even went to Aunty Mope’s shop, she was no longer running the supermarket, I was told she now stayed abroad, no one had her phone number. I asked God if I should give up on you, but God was silent. I tried about two relationships among the sisters in my church, but none of them worked. Besides, no one is like you Omoshalewa, I couldn’t just get another woman to replace you in my heart. I really give glory to God for a day like this. I won’t let you disappear again this time. I have been through a lot because of you… Shalewa mi, my first love, you are God’s choice for me, will you marry me? “Stephen, this is destiny! Of course I will marry you my love, the father of my child I will marry you!” I replied excitedly. I was so happy that Stephen wasn’t married after all. We were both excited. At last my sorrows and loneliness was over, joy has finally come. I shed tears of joy. It was such a great reunion. We started preparing for our wedding. We did the introduction ceremony first, it was a small one. The wedding day was fixed for four months from the day of Introduction, and all preparations started in earnest. I seemed to be the happiest woman in the world. I thank God I followed doctor Alex’s godly counsel about not getting rid of the baby. Jesus is so good to me, He has rewarded me for my obedience. Two weeks to our wedding, Stephen told me he wanted us to go somewhere together. When we got there, I received the greatest surprise I have ever received in the whole of my life time…

Episode 19

Stephen drove to one of the finest areas in Lagos, then pulled up at the front of a building painted in cream and brown. We both got down from the car while I was still wondering what he was up to . It was a two storey building. I looked at the top of the building, “OMOSHALEWA GROUP OF SCHOOLS” was written in bold letters. I turned sharply to Stephen immediately I saw the name. I was trying to process the information, wondering if what I was thinking was the truth. He nodded with a smile as if he read clearly my thoughts. “Yes, Shalewa. This is your school. You remember I used to say it when we were still young that when God blesses me, I will build a school of your own for you. Here is my promise of many years Shalewa, you deserve even more than this. I actually bought this property two months ago but I delayed informing you about it because I wanted to ensure I paint it in your favourite colour and put the finishing touches, so here we are.” It was such a huge surprise for me. I felt as if my heart was about to explode I jumped at Stephen excitedly. I was overwhelmed with unspeakable joy. A school of my own? I never envisaged such a huge accomplishment even in the next five years. I opened my eyes wide again to be sure that I wasn’t dreaming. Stephen led me into the big compound, I really loved the structure. Behind the building were two other small bungalows for crèche and nursery classes, then two other offices. He had even furnished the classrooms with chairs, tables and other educational/ instructional materials. The play ground was also equipped with different toys. “Are you surprised at what you are seeing?” He asked “Of course Stephen, surprise is an understatement, how did you come about the materials and equipment?” “I engaged the service of one of my friends who is a Principal in one of the schools here in Lagos, he helped me to furnish the classrooms with the essential items appropriate for a good and conducive learning environment.” “Wow! You are a darling! Thanks so much my love. I am short of words right now.” I cried. The joy was just too much. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I entered the classrooms one after the other. I bless the very day I met Stephen Martins. He is such a wonderful person. I really thanked God for this great and sudden blessing, a dream come true it is. “Shalewa, you have done so much for me in the past. You were there for me during the hard periods of my life. You really made an impact during that short relationship we had, such that can never be forgotten. How will I ever forget the days you provided for my dire needs? Except if I am an ingrate. You deserve to be happy Shalewa, you are an Angel!” “Oh, thank you darling! Thanks so much. This is just too much!” I repeated over and over again… OMOSHALEWA weds STEPHEN !!! Two weeks later, I got married to Stephen, the love of my life. It was the second happiest day of my entire life. A lot of friends, families, colleagues and neighbours were there to celebrate with us. Even Aunty Mopelola arrived Nigeria two days to my wedding to grace the occasion. We went to the registry early in the morning, then proceeded to my aunt’s house for the engagement. I wept so much when the farewell prayers for the bride were offered, my mum would have been happy to witness a day like this but she was no more… The reception/entertainment of guests took place immediately after the engagement at one of the very big events all in the same community. There were lots to eat and to drink. I looked so beautiful in my wedding gown and Stephen was sparkling handsome in his smart black suit. At last I was married to the love of my life, I had the marriage of my dreams. We travelled to Abuja for our honeymoon. We spent two weeks there. We left Junior with his god mother, Aunty Mope. A MONTH LATER I was seated in my office at Omoshalewa School, going through the files of some applicants. We were trying to recruit the first set of both academic and non academic staff that will work in the school. Resumption is in three weeks. A lot of parents have started coming to enrol their children. Applicants too have started submitting their credentials. I opened a particular applicant’s file, the name is so familiar. I checked the name again and the institution attended. Yes, I was sure she was the one. Stella, Ngozi’s friend, Oyinkansola’s room mate at school. I called her number and told her to come for an interview the following day. She entered my office the next day, expecting to be interviewed by the Proprietress of the school. She was shocked to see me. “Shalewa, are you Mrs Martins, the Proprietress?” “Yes Stella, by God’s grace. I am happy to meet you again. I saw your name on one of the C.Vs, so I intentionally called you yesterday, so we could meet…” We hugged each other joyfully. “Wow! Shalewa, you have made it oh! I can’t believe this” “Well, let’s just give all the glory to God. What’s up with you?” “Nothing much oh my sister. When I searched for job and I got tired, I decided to apply for teaching, at least to keep body and soul together.” “Hmmmmmm, it is well. How about Oyin and Ngozi? Do you still hear from them?” “Ha! Shalewa, you have just asked for a long story oh. Oyinkansola is married to Desmond.” “Which Desmond?” “The same Desmond of Rainbow bank back then. You see, after you left Desmond, Oyinkan forced her way into his life. They started a relationship like play like play. To cut the long story short, she got pregnant for Desmond during her service year. Desmond was forced by his parents to marry her but their marriage was nothing to write home about. She beat Oyinkansola almost everyday despite the fact that she was pregnant. She gave birth to a premature baby that couldn’t survive at the end of the day. I later heard that Desmond lost his job after the wedding which turned him into a worse and bitter husband. My dear, what Oyinkansola did enh? I am very sure she is regretting it now. I am not even certain that they are still together. I have lost her contact. Ngozi on the other hand is living and working in Abuja. She is still single too.” I sighed on hearing her story. “So, Oyinkansola could be that desperate?” I thought. “Stella, such is life.” I replied. “As for me, my own testimony is that the stone which the builders rejected later became the chief corner stone. The same Stephen that we thought will not achieve much in life is the one I am married to now. He is the brain behind the school you are looking at today.” “Really? Shalewa, same Stephen?” “Yes, my dear.” “Ha! I have learnt a lesson oh,” she replied shaking her head solemnly. I employed Stella but I gave her as salary almost double of what other members of staff were receiving… So, that is life for you my brothers and sisters, one knows tomorrow except God. Those who have no God in their lives are undertaking serious risks. Oyinkansola got what she wanted. Her desperation to hook up with a rich handsome banker led her to a miserable life.None of the other ladies were married yet. The same Stephen they thought wouldn’t make it has not only made it but his blessings are like that of Abraham. His real estate business is flourishing day by day. There was never a day I regretted getting married to Stephen. He is such a wonderful husband and father, above all godly and responsible. I had peace all round in my marriage. Jesus is so good to us all the way. He blessed us with a beautiful baby girl, two years after our wedding. Our lives keep getting better and better by the day. I give all the glory to God! I hope you have all learnt from my story?” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

THE END