WELCOME TO EJIRO EMENIKE UKAUMUNE STORY BLOG(E PLUS The Storyteller)✍

It's been weeks now, and her friends have been seeking her opinion concerning a date proposal by their school mate, Moses.  In school, it was quite trendy to date and be in a relationship, then you are regarded as 'The happening girl or boy!'..  Onome had deliberately made a decision not to be a part of that train and as far as her friends were concerned, she was missing out.  "Onome, say something now, abi?" Deborah said as she raised her voice.  "Listen, I really don't know what you girls are talking about oo." Onome replied as she hastened up her pace.  "Onome, just ordinary friendship that this boy wants and you are acting like one saint. What is bad in it?" Peres asked.  "Is it not because he even likes you?" Ochuko emphasized.  " I have stated my stand. I am not interested😙"Onome replied.

The school bell rang and it was break over!  "Sorry Moses but we have to hurry back to class, see you later." Ochuko said. Moses felt disappointed, he left with his friends.  The day seemed to drag endlessly until the last course. The bell rang for closure and everyone jumped off their desk. This was the best part for most students, time to go home.  "Onome, so what are you saying concerning the issue na?" Peres said on their way home. Onome remained silent.

The other girls left Onome to her assignment while they all gathered at the school kiosk. Everyone had the popular fishroll and Zobo and the girls chatted away.  Some students approached them and they exchanged pleasantries.  "Peres, what's up nau?" One of the boys known as Moses said as he playfully seized a fish roll from her.  "I dey o! Please give me back my fish roll oo. I don't have money for another one." Peres said as she chased him about before pulling him aside to take back the fish roll. The other girls just watched and laughed.  After few  minutes of chatting, Moses spoke up.   "So, girls what about your friend nau? Why is she not here for lunch?" He asked.  "Well, she stayed behind to finish up her assignments." Peres replied..  "Okay?? Have you spoken to her about what I told you?" Moses said.  Immediately there was silence.

One could consider IB to be a bully of a sort. She took advantage of her status to pick on students randomly.  It was lunch time so it was break already. Short assignments were given to all the students. Onome decided to stay back and attend to the assignments.  "Onome, ain't you coming over for lunch?" Peres asked as the rest of her friends came to her desk.  "Not really. I will like to finish up the assignments, I want to avoid rushing later." Onome answered.  "..but Onome, we still have today and tomorrow oh." Ochuko exclaimed.  "I know." Onome replied as she still concentrated on her assignment.

Peres,Ochuko, Deborah and Adesuwa were already in class. It was Technical Drawing period and most of the students really did not like the subject but Onome was one of the few that loved it.  "Ah! Onome, how are you today? I just asked one of your friends about you, hope everything is well?" Mrs Betty, the Technical Drawing teacher asked.  "Yes ma, I'm just from the principal's office." Onome responded.  "OK..good. Can you please illustrate to the class what we learnt last week?" The teacher asked as she handed a chalk to Onome.  Onome took to the board and responded to the question.  "Onome, I must say, you are getting better everyday!" Mrs Betty said with a smile on.  Onome was encouraged. The entire class was aware that Onome was one of the best in class and more often, her mates asked her for assistance. However, some people felt she showed of her knowledge, one of such people was IB. IB was the daughter of one of the teachers

"Papa Onome, we must follow this girl go that school today!" Her mum said as she came out of the Kitchen.  Her dad was a bit surprised at her reaction.  "Mama Onome wetin happen nau? I say we go follow her tomorrow." Onome's dad responded.  "No oh! The girl say her principal say make we come today so we must go!" Onome's mother insisted.  "Come carry me!" Onome's dad responded.  "You no dey shame, no be the same pikin you hit for head yesterday na im dey go school today? You wey be man dey do like say you be woman!" Onome's mother continued. There was brief silence. "Oya Onome, just wait. We go go. This insult don too much." Onome's dad responded as he stood up.  Onome's countenance lit up.😃

"My principal has asked me to invite you and mama to see her." Onome said.  "Eh ehn? Na wetin happen?" Her dad responded.  "Hmmm...One school for Lagos don invite me for their program." Onome replied.  Her dad paid more attention.  "Hmmm..na which school be that?" He asked.  "Great College..na for Lagos e dey." Onome emphasized.  "So you won go Lagos?" Her dad asked.  "Dad, that's why our principal say make you and mama come see her." Onome said.  "Okay, tell her say we go come tomorrow." Her dad replied.  "Papa, what of today na?" Onome pleaded.  "You no say my body don tire..I neva even know whether I go go work sef." Onome's dad responded with some pain in his voice.  Onome was disappointed. She sat still for a while.

The next day, everyone was up. Onome's brothers were preparing for school by the time she had finished dressing up for school. However, Onome had to check on her dad.  He was laid in the parlor while her mother was preparing for the market.  "Dad!" Onome called out as she gently touched his head. Slowly, her dad turned to see her. Onome could feel that he had a slight temperature.  "Onome, my precious pikin, how you dey?" Her father responded.  Onome just nodded her head as an indication that she was fine.  "Okay. You don chop?" He asked.  "Papa, no worry, I go find something for school chop." She replied.  "Okay." Her dad said.  "..but dad, e get wetin I won tell you and mama." Onome said.  "Okay, I dey hear" her dad replied.

Onome looked at the clock on the wall and observed the time, it was already past midnight. She knew it was quite late, particularly for any form of noise. She decided to pacify her mother.  "Mama, e don do. No cry again, you hear?" She said as she patted her mother's back. Meanwhile, her brother kept on grumbling as he washed his clothes in the bathroom.  Onome resorted to the situation at hand and was quite aware that it was impossible to tell her parents anything, that night.

Reluctantly, Onome's eldest brother, Kevwe stood up and followed her..  He lifted up his dad and placed him on one of their wooden chairs. As soon as he attempted to leave, he threw up and most of it splashed on him up to the ground.  "Ohhhhh! Which kind thing be this nau!? Onome see wetin you don cause nau! To sey you just leave me make I dey sleep, all this thing for no happen o!" Kevwe shouted.  Onome was dumbfounded. She starred at her dad who was trying very hard to contain himself.  Her mother ran to the bathroom to fetch some water.  She returned and bent over to clean up. After cleaning up her husband, she carefully cleaned up the floor. "Which kind wahala I come put myself!? ehn?" Onome's mother lamented and broke down.

"Abeg come make we try carry am." Onome's mother said.  "Mama make I go wake them Kevwe?" Onome suggested.  "Oyah, go wake them na if dem answer you. You know say all of them with your papa na the same thing!" Her mum replied. Onome hurriedly went to the next room to wake up her eldest brother.  "Kevwe, abeg come oo..papa don fall again." Onome said as she tapped him on his shoulder.

Immediately, Onome's mother shut the door to avoid being seen by any one who might just be passing by. She moved her husband away from the door path and she tried lifting up to his feet but he was very weighty.  "Na which kind thing be this na? If I live you like this nau, them go say I wicked." Onome's mother said as she looked helpless. Onome overhead her mum in her sleep and that woke her up. She saw her mum murmuring.   "Mama, na wetin happen again?" Onome asked.  "Na your papa na! You know see as him don drink finish?" Onome's mum replied as she hissed. Then, Onome noticed that her dad was on the floor. She thought to herself when would all these end?

Onome wondered when her dad would return considering how he left the house unannounced.  "Mama, make I just follow you wait for am then I go tell una the thing." Onome responded.  ############  It was almost midnight, exactly 11.30pm when Onome's dad arrived. By this time, Onome and her mum had fallen asleep. Onome's dad staggered towards the door and knocked for a while. By this time, the neighbors could hear the deafening banging at the door. They tossed and turned on their beds while trying to bear the noise.  "Mama Onome, I say open this door before I break am!" He shouted.

For Onome's mother, It was just grumbling and fussing all night.  She had given Onome a warm bath and massaged her thoroughly. She managed to prepare palm oil stew and roasted yam for everyone to eat while she waited patiently for her husband to return. "Mama, thank you." Onome greeted.  "Doh, my pikin. Your body don come down abi?" Her mum asked as she lit up with a smile.  Mama, I'm better now." Onome responded.  "Okay nau, you fit go sleep, make I wait for hour papa before I lock door." Onome's mother said.  "Okay mama but e get wetin I been won tell you and papa" Onome said.  "Okayyy!,na true o. You talk so for hospital. Okay nau, you go wait make your papa come?"Her mum responded.

Onome knew better. Her dad could barely make it from the factory work he had secured six months ago. In fact he was actually jobless for a long time. He would drink to stupor and beat her mother mercilessly. Along the way, Mr Ozioma, her dad's friend secured the factory job for him they his elder brother. Onome's Dad, Mr Efetobor did not still refrain from drinking despite the job. Rather he GRES worse. He transcended to betting and most of his income went there.  "Sebi una see una papa? I don tire oo" Onome's mother exclaimed.

"So na soso sleep una go dey sleep for this house? Na who dey shop?" Onome's dad shouted at her brothers who were fast asleep. They all stood up grumbling beneath their breath.  "Wetin Una dey talk?  Talk loud make I hear o!" He said as he starred at them sternly. No one seemed to want to make an attempt to answer until the eldest spoke up.   "Papa, we Neva eat since morning oh." There was dead silence in the room.

Few hours later, Onome and her parents left the hospital. At home, her brothers were fast asleep by the time they arrived.  It was 8.00pm already and most people were home preparing for the next day.  As Onome approached the gate with her parents, most of the little children in the neighborhood welcomed them. Other children ran into her arms as they were fond of her. "Aunty Onome welcome." One of the children said.  "Thank you." Onome replied  "Aunty Onome is it true that your parents were fighting and they broke your head?" Another child asked. Embarrassed by this question, Onome kept quiet.  "Oya, Onome, make we enter inside." Onome's mother said as she quickly intervened.

Onome's parents were taken unaware by their daughter's presence. Suddenly, Onome had this feeling of disappointment. For most part of her life, she had watched her parents quarrel but never had she imagined that would get to this, even over her health!  "Ah! Onome, no worry, you hear? I go go do the owo and starch come." Her mother said as she tried to put up a cheerful look. Onome shook her head in decline.   "Onome, why you no want the food again nau?" Her father asked.  "Papa, you and mama should not worry besides the Doctor has said he will discharge me today. There is something very important I would love to share with you." Onome said emphatically. Her parents kept quiet for a while before speaking again.  "Okay, if you dey sure say you no want the food, no wahala. Make we go see the Doctor." Her dad responded.

Onome was a little disturbed over the pending absence of her parents thus she decided to step out for a while.   She almost passed her parents when she discovered that they were having another argument.  Onome's parents did not realize her presence as they kept arguing.  "Papa Onome abeg answer me. Give me money make I prepare the food for my pikin!" Onome's mother insisted.  "I say make you use your money nau, I go give you back!" Onome's father responded, this time raising his voice.  "Papa Onome, you be wicked man! You no get money, you dey fit bet for kalokalo! you fit buy ogogoro!...  " Mama Onome! I go beat you oh! this your mouth!" Onome's dad shouted. Immediately, Onome ran into their midst.  "Mama, papa, abeg I no want the food again!" Onome said as tears dropped down her eyes.

Onome's father followed his wife outside anxiously.   "So, you hear wetin Onome talk na, how far?" Onome's mother said. Onome's father starred at her as if he did not understand a word of what she had just said.  "Why you dey look me like that?abi you no hear wetin your pikin talk?" Onome's mother said more pushfully this time.  "Wetin nau? Why you dey talk like this?" Onome's father responded.  "Why I dey talk like how? No be Money they dey use cook the food?" Onome's mother said.  "See ehn, just use the one wey you get, I go pay you back" Onome's father replied.  "Eh ehn! You get power to dey beat person but you no fit provide money for common owo and starch, abi?" Onome's mother said.  "Hmmm..mama Onome, mind your mouth oo!" Onome's dad warned sternly.

Onome's parents were very happy to see her. In a very exciting mood, Onome's mother hugged her warmly and began to sing.   "Omo me! Doh! abeg, no vex, you hear!?" She said. Onome just nodded her head. Onome's dad starred at her for a while, short for words, he just kept smiling..  "She said she would like some starch and owo" The Doctor said.  "With snail" Onome added. Her parents looked at each other as if they were trying to pass a message to each other.  "Hope no problem?" The Doctor asked curiously.  "Nooo! Doctor! No problem." Onome's mother replied quickly. Knowing her husband quite well, Onome's mother knew her daughter's request was a tall order.  "Onome, na starch and owo you want?" Onome's mother asked, reiterating her request.  "Yes ma" She replied..  "Okay..papa Onome, make I see you for outside." Onome's mother said emphatically.

"Doctor, hope no wahala o!" Onome's father asked apprehensively.  "Hmmm..to the contrary. Your daughter just recovered miraculously." The Doctor said cheerfully. Onome's parents kept quiet for a while. They could hardly understand what the Doctor had said. "Doctor, na wetin you mean?" Onome's mother asked.  "Madam, your pikin don well. We no need any blood again." The Doctor said. As the Doctor ended his last sentence, Onome's parents jumped up with excitement and began to dance joyfully.  "God, thank you oh! Oghene, megwo!" Onome's mother exclaimed.  "Doctor, abeg, we fit see her? Onome's dad asked.  " Of course."The Doctor replied as he led them to the ward.

The Doctor quickly followed the nurse. He wondered what must have happened and by the time he arrived at the ward, he was surprised at what he saw. It was Onome, she had regained hundred percent consciousness.  She smiled at the Doctor cheerfully.  "Doctor, I am hungry, I feel like eating Owo and starch." She said.  Everyone in the ward laughed cheerfully. The Doctor just stood still and watched Onome in complete awe. Hurriedly, he examined Onome and the result ascertained that she was completely sound. With so much astonishment, the Doctor returned to his office and asked Onome's parents to see him once again.

" We just need donors for blood that would match hers and if that is difficult, you could buy from our blood bank, of course after screening, that is." The Doctor suggested.  "Which kind wahala be this? Papa Onome! You see wetin you don cause!?" Onome's mum exclaimed.  "Make we see if we fit give her our own first, at least make we start from there nau." Onome's dad requested. After a careful thought, the Doctor agreed.  "Okay, no problem." He answered. Onome's mum was first asked to go the laboratory, followed by her dad.  Two hours later the test results were sent to the Doctor's office.   As the Doctor attempted opening the test result, his attention was called to the ward Onome was admitted.   "Doctor! Doctor! Please you need to see this!" One of the nurses said.

The Doctor was astonished at what he heard and starred at papa Onome with disbelief.  "Sir so you hit your daughter?? Hmmm" The Doctor said.  "No be say I won hit am ooo! Na temptation, too much temptation." Onome's Dad defended himself.  The Doctor shook his head.  "Well, Onome has lost so much blood. so we need donors" The Doctor said soberly.  "Oh! My daughter oo, my Onome!" Onome's mother exclaimed.  "Abeg Doctor, make I donate my own. Just treat my pikin for me. See me, see my hair, you go no say I no be small pikin again. I don suffer for my life train this children. Onome na my only daughter and na only her go fit bring bride price enter this family, help me treat am abeg" Onome's dad pleaded.😒

Onome's mother just kept sobbing. Several hours later, one of the Doctors walked up to Onome's parents. "Please sir, can I see you in my office?" He beckoned on Onome's Dad, emphatically. "Noo! na two of us you go see oo. Na me be the mama so you must see two of us😙" Onome's mother reacted. The Doctor was a bit stunned and starred at her for a while. He noticed she was visibly angry with her husband so he succumbed to her request. "Okay madam you can come along with your husband but you must promise me that you will be calm oo" The Doctor said. "No wahala, make we dey go." Onome's mother replied even before the Doctor could finish her last word. May 15, 2016

The noise became louder and Onome was torn between entering the house or going to one of her friend's house.  She thought hard about her options and decided to heed to the former.  As she entered the house, she felt the intense argument between her parents. Obviously her brothers were not home.  "See ehn..papa Onome, no disturb me ooo, I dey tell you" Her mum said to her dad as she gesticulated with pointing fingers at him. Onome's father laughed hysterically.  "See this one, shey na because I agree marry you? I see other people before I marry you oh..they no tell you?" He said.  "Go sit down, na you know! every time you go dey boast, na that one we won chop!?" Onome's mum replied as she vehemently claps both hands.  Onome just stood there unnoticed and prayed quietly that they stopped.  "Hmmm..mama Onome, no provoke me oo." Onome's Dad continued.  "Do your worse, you hear?" Onome's mum responded. Just as On

It was the voice of her parents. They were at it again. They were like that most times when they had misunderstanding.  Sometimes it could last for minutes and then hours. Other times, neighbors would intervene and for Onome, that was the most embarrassing part.  Onome just stood still for a moment and continued listening to the argument. She wondered for a while if her brothers were around.  'Why wouldn't they at least calm things down' She pondered. She was the last child and there was an extent she could interfere.

It was the voice of her parents. They were at it again. They were like that most times when they had misunderstanding.  Sometimes it could last for minutes and then hours. Other times, neighbors would intervene and for Onome, that was the most embarrassing part.  Onome just stood still for a moment and continued listening to the argument. She wondered for a while if her brothers were around.  'Why wouldn't they at least calm things down' She pondered. She was the last child and there was an extent she could interfere.

Onome was not one who really discussed her family issues thus she tried to make light of the situation.  "Nooo! I'm happy oo.. I'm just overwhelmed." She quickly said as she feigned a smile.  "I understand sha, that's what happens often when one is not expecting something and then..it just happen." Deborah said as she rubbed Onome's head playfully. They chatted all the way home, everyone departing to their various abode at each point.  Onome arrived at the entrance of her house and heard voices. They were really loud voices and she assumed they were voices from her neighbor's house but as she moved closer, she soon realized it was from her house.

"Wow! Onome! That's a good one oo. A whole Great College! Lagos for that matter." Peres exclaimed. Onome just kept smiling.  "Congrats oo. At least you will have the opportunity to see all those your big big buildings you always dream of designing. Haaa! Ochuko, you are really lucky oo" Peres said as she demonstrated dramatically. All the while, Onome appeared lost in a world of her own. Her countenance gave her away.  "Onome, what is wrong?" Adesuwa asked.  "You don't appear excited. Anything?" Peres asked.

Onome in the company of her friends were on their way home and they all chatted.  "Ehn ehn, Onome na wa for you oo..you no come tell us wetin principal call you for" Ochuko teased.  "That's true oo" Deborah added.  Feeling reluctant, Onome just smiled.  "Ah han! Onome! You've started again, just tell us nau, stop hiding things!" Adesuwa exclaimed. After much teasing by her friends, Onome spilled the beans.  "Okay..okay, it is just an invitation for a school symposium" She said casually. The girls starred at each other with amazement.   "Really!? Which school" Ochuko asked curiously.  "Great college" She replied.  "Great College!?", They all screamed.

She brought out a white sheet and waited for further instruction by the principal. "Go ahead! go ahead!" She beckoned on her to open it. Onome opened the sheet and began to read: ¶AN INVITATION BY GREAT COLLEGE!   We are pleased to offer one of your students, (Onome Oghenetega) to our quarterly Technical Drawing symposiums. We find it quite impressive that she was able to perform exceptionally well at the Technical Drawing mock examination.  We belief that her attendance at this program would enhance her technical prowess and prepare her further for future encounter.  We crave your indulgence to accept our invitation.     GREAT COLLEGE🎓.   Onome finished reading the letter and then, she stood still for a while with her head shyly bowed. The principal smiled.  "Onome, ain't you happy?" She asked.  "Really ma, I am surprised.  " I know but you should be proud and happy that you are already standing out. Great colleague is a very good school in

Arriving at the staff premise, some teachers were already heading for their classes, Lunch break was over.  The girls entered the principal's office. "Ma, she is here" The girls chorused. The principal, who was by this time bent over her file, looked up and adjusted her eye glasses over her nose. She was fond of doing that particularly when in a very serious mood. "Okay, you girls can leave.  Let me have a word with Onome" She said.  "Okay ma" The girls choruses and left. Onome stood in front of the principal as if she was in an army recruit camp.  "Onome, how are you?" The principal said as she handed her an envelop..  Onome took the envelop and starred at it.  "Go ahead, open it" The principal instructed. Onome, with both hands shaking, opened the envelop slowly.

"Anyway, the principal wants to see you" Ochuko said. Onome sat up, a little nervous.  "Me?" She asked.  "Yes na! no be you be Onome?" Peres said as they all laughed..   "Why is she calling me?" Onome asked again. "Maybe because you stole her meat" Ochuko replied..  Onome looked lost for a while.  "Which meat?" She asked. There was momentary silence then, the girls burst out in laughter. Onome's countenance lit up.  "You girls ehn? Why are you like this? Stop all these your expensive jokes" Onome said.  "...Okay.. We were just joking but really the principal wants to see you and she did not give us any reason. She just asked us to call you" Adesuwa said.   "Okay, let me just drop this book" Onome said as she headed back to the shelf she had picked the book from. Her mind pondered why the principal wanted to see her but one thing was sure, each time the principal wanted to s

Onome, in her teens had already began to make way for her dreams. She would attend all her classes while her mates spent some of their time playing games behind the school fence. She made sure she finished her assignments.  Onome dreamt of studying architecture. Often she would visit the school library, sit with big text books and she would view the houses drawn on them. She usually visualize herself designing similar structures and then she would just smile.   "Eh hen! I know she would be here. See! she has started smiling that her smile again" One of her friends said as all four of them bumped into the library. Oshuko, Peres, Deborah and Adesuwa were Onome's friends. They actually think Onome's ambition is farfetched.  "Look, Onome, this your big big books you always carry, na wa oo!' Said Adesuwa.

Ughele is a very beautiful town and its people, very hospitable. Most of the men and women worked very hard to make ends meet.  Each household embraced virtue and integrity, especially amongst the women. Little wonder, men trooped in, far and near to find for themselves suitable wives. Though, most of the older generations were less educated, the younger ones strived very hard to fund themselves through school while some parents still contributed to see their children through.  Onome, was the only girl amongst seven children and they all lived with their parents.  Onome, just like any other child, hoped to read to the highest level before settling down. Her brothers, on the other hand, cared less.

I need not say more, all other days that followed were full of press briefings, interviews and more interviews.  Hmmm...to say the least, I was really exhausted, however my life had started taking shape again.  It really felt good to be free again. I had turned from being a 'victim' to a 'victor'! The entire experience left me pondering on so many realities.  After the entire case was resolved, I returned home, reunited with my parents and tried to see what next.  I missed my little room. As I laid on my bed, I remembered the stuff that elderly woman gave me.  I hurried opened my bag and brought it out. I unwrapped it and I saw a small praying note hand written.  Each page had specific prayer points. At the end of each, was written: God is in control, just follow him!. This has never left my side for a moment till date. I slowly slipped back the note in my hand bag. The next day I decided to pay Kunle a courtesy visit, at least to appreciate him for everything th

"Then why did she not simply take the child to him rather than leave her with me" I finally spoke.  "Madam, when George and Zainab agreed to finally be together, he gave her the condition of doing away with the baby" The Police Boss explained.  "So, George did not want to take up responsibility for his own child?but I thought he loved her!" I said, (more confused). "Well, that's the mystery. Zainab was so desperate to be with him so she plotted her strategy on you" He continued. I kept still for a while, heart broken. I blamed myself for not being extra careful with Zainab's daughter.  "..Now that the child is no more, what's the point of all these? I'm still guilty?!" I exclaimed.  "No sweet heart, you're not!" My Dad replied emphatically.  "How?" I asked curiously.

Was this ought to be a joke or something? Zainab? Set me up? How? So many question ran through my head.  "Remember, the young woman? at the store? Who lost her gold plated wristwatch?" Kunle asked further. Of course, I remembered the young woman!  "That is Zainab!" Kunle exclaimed. Wow! My guess was right after all..at that moment, things started adding up. Obviously, the man was her friend, but what of her husband?  "Even before she met her husband, she had known George for a while." The Police Boss added.  And the baby?. "Zainab started having problems with her husband when he discovered she was still seeing George. Zainab claimed the baby was not for her husband but for George!" The Police Boss continued.

I couldn't wait to hear him because at that moment, my mind was blank.  "We know you have been hiding from us because Zainab's baby died while in your care.  You left home because your parents were not responsive enough but all the while they made us investigate thoroughly while you were away. Your parents needed to protect you at all cost" The Police Boss said and paused. Obviously his statement wasn't even adding up for me! My parents!? Investigate? Ahh! Pleaaaaase😙. All the while I had been running like a fugitive, none of them called.  "Trishia, I know what your thinking but it was in everyone's interest for you to have stayed away while the investigation lasted." My mum said as she held my hands. Hmmm, typical of my dad, he just nodded his head in affirmation.  "Listen Trishia, you are not guilty, Zainab set you up!" Kunle said.

What happened next left me pondering. It was a rush of camera men, lights and flashes. The flashes were so intended that I had to shield my eyes with both hands.  Then came so many voices with questions, multiple questions.  "Miss Trishia, we must commend you for your brave heart!" One of the voices said.  "Completely taking care of a baby that wasn't yours despite not knowing her health condition" another said.   "Is it true that her mother actually ran away?" More voices added. My head and my mind ran riot, just when I thought I had seen it all, I saw everyone and when I say everyone, I mean Kunle, mum, dad, Amanda, the man and at the store.  They stepped forward at the instruction of the Police Boss.  "Trishia, there is something you must know" The Police Boss said.

I decided to stay calm for a while. I was just wondering if my identity as ' The lady with Zainab's baby' had been unveiled, then I heard foot steps approaching like a battalion. Obviously, they were heading for the office. I panicked and just said to myself  "Maybe this is the day I go to jail!". In less than a minute, there was a knock at the door. Quickly, the police Boss adjusted himself..  " Please, open the door" he responded cheerfully.

I wasn't sure of that proposal.  "Sir, thanks but there would be no need for that now. Where is Kunle? He actually asked me to meet him down here but  few hitches kept me from being here on time." I tried to explain. However I noticed the more I talked, the more he smiled.  "Young Lady, you have nothing to worry about. In fact you should be happy now." The police officer said.  O.k.a.y, I became more confused.  "Don't worry, our overall Boss is on his way" He continued.  I thought 'was this some kind of set up or what? Did Kunle put me to this!?'

It was already past one hour and I was really getting restless, yet I remained where I was. I had seen some of the officers  walking into their departments and non of them said a word to me.  It was late and I wondered why I was being kept in the station. Suddenly, another police officer walked up to me.   *Good evening madam" He greeted.  Oh No! Far from it! I really saw nothing good in the evening! "...So madam, Oga said I should call you" He said. Then I thought, what was all the ceremony about, pleasssssssse!😙

"Ohh! Are you The Trishia?" The officer responded.  Really? 'The Trishia?' Whatever that meant! I gathered myself together to answer the most obvious question.  "Without a doubt, yes, I am Trishia" I replied. He hurriedly crossed over and beckoned on me.  "Madam, please follow me." He said as he led me to a little corner in the station.  "Madam, please just remain here, Oga will be joining you shortly.  I really did not know what was going on but I had a funny feeling about everything.

We got to the station and stopped at the gate. After I had paid the bike man, he drove off. I could see people outside the station, mainly those who had come to sell their wares while others were families who had pending cases with the police.  I found my way through the dim light outside into the station.   As I moved towards the counter, I quickly looked around for Kunle but to no avail. "Good evening sir" I greeted the policeman at the counter. He starred at me for a while like I was carrying a bomb before replying. "Good evening, what's your complaint?" He asked sternly. I hesitated for a while before speaking.  "Em...I was asked to come down here few hours ago..."  "...By who? If I may ask" The police man questioned without allowing me to complete my sentence.  "Mr Kunle" I replied. Immediately, the police looked at me, this time with a grin.

While on the Bike, my mind drifted to Kunle at the  Police station. It's been hours since we spoke and it all appeared like he had not even called back. Then, I remembered the crazy lady, Amanda. Obviously, I sincerely wished she would be heading back for wherever she sprang out! I was so exhausted. Then I remembered the 'strange guest!' who had been chasing us before we got lost, I just wondered who the person was? and why was the person so adamant at getting us?   "Madam, where you dey go? We don pass the second round about ooo!" The Bike man exclaimed. I snapped out of my thought and contemplated for a while.   "See ehn, just take me to the police station." I responded  "Okay ma" The driver said and drove faster.

It took quite a while for the rain to subside, by this time, it was a bit dark outside.  The Bus Driver was kind enough to drop us at our destination.  Actually, I was beginning to enjoy some of the songs in there, the songs were full of life and hope; it really felt good to have a sense of sanity once again.   As we got down from the bus, I stole another glance at the elderly woman and was startled to see her smiling at me. Quickly, I waved at her and she just nodded. By now, the bikes on the road were very busy so I decided to quickly take one(not like I had made up my mind on where to really go). ."Madam, your money na three times the amount now oo" The Cab Driver announced.  My gosh! I just forgot about him.  "Okay, no problem, thanks for all the wahala. Next time make you dey check your fuel before you commit for house" I said while handing him his money.   That was actually the last time I saw him. I entered the bike I had highlighted and just asked the

I wasn't particularly sure of her question but I assumed she was referring to the Church retreat.  I smiled at her and shook my head signaling my decline and since she still shut her eyes, I concluded she was unable to tell if I said 'Yes' or 'No' but I was wrong.. Then she just opened her eyes and starred at me like I committed the most abominable sin.  'Young lady, it is okay if you're not coming with us, however I will give you something very priceless." She said and bent over to pick up a wrapped item. She handed it to me. "I know there is a reason for everything" The woman said and shut her eyes again.

I couldn't place it, but this woman sure knew more than I thought. It felt like she wanted to say more and each time one thought she has heard enough, she said something more accurate again! I starred at her in astonishment. Maybe, just maybe she had the gift of for telling, well so I thought. The rain intensified and by this time the weather was very cold. The Cab Driver was already fast asleep while the bus continued steadily on the road. "Will you join us?" The elderly woman asked.

I really did not know how to respond to this woman's assertion but one thing was for sure, she wasn't wrong and for the fact that she could tell, made it a whole lot interesting. I simply smiled to feign that all was well but her next statement amazed me. "You shouldn't be in this trouble that you are now if only you had been more sensitive." She said further.  I wondered which of the troubles she referred to because(Trust me) the troubles had compounded.  "Don't worry, young lady, there is hope" She added as she closed her eyes, I think she was meditating at the same time.   "The problem is that we chase after so many things at the expense of our peace with God who knows it all. The question is: Where is your faith?" She said, still with her eyes shut.

We ran after the man whose invitation we had turned down.  "Please Oga, wait! can we join you?" I asked desperately while the rain drenched us so fast. Hurriedly, he beckoned on us to join him. We entered the bus and immediately the conductor shut the door. I sat close to an elderly woman who seemed  engrossed in the prayer session while the Cab driver stationed himself at the back.  Everyone in the bus was dressed up for the retreat, men, women, boys and girls. The prayer ended and everyone got back to himself, some started chatting.  I could really see some of them starring at me with questions in their eyes. Honestly, I couldn't wait to get down! As the bus moved on, I tried to catch some sleep, then I heard the elderly woman behind me; " You look troubled, I can tell!"

"Madam, remember say my motor still dey for that place!" Suddenly, the Cab Driver shouted like I was to blame for all that had happened.  "So you're not coming along?" The man asked further.  We shook our head in affirmation.  "Okay, the Lord be with you." He said, still with his smile on as he left. It was barely some seconds before the sky let loose, it started raining cats and dog!😱

Okay, why were they approaching us? I really had no idea but I became very apprehensive.  "Madam, e be like say na us this people won come meet oo!" The Cab driver said beneath his breath. I just managed to remain calm and collected.  "Peace be unto you sisters and brothers. I noticed you and decided that I invite you for our retreat" The man, (who appeared in a simple shirt and trouser) said with a smile on.  At this point, I just sighed with relief.  "I appreciate it sir but at this point, we need to get back to Town." I replied.

Quickly, I and the Cab Driver ran away from the pathway. We just stood there dazing at a big bus filled with people clapping and singing a popular church chorus. It appeared they were off to a Church retreat by the way their luggage was stocked to the boot of the vehicle. Just behind were stickers with caption 'Come, taste and see!. 3 days program, You will never be the same'. I had soon realized that the driver actually had taken the pathway to avoid a pothole. Almost completely off the pathway was the bus when it came to a halt.   Just as I wondered why the driver stopped. A man stepped out of the Bus and approached us!