Toyo-toyo

Gather round my children, pick up your stools and come sit close to me by the fire. While the heat warms my old bones, I will set fire to your young minds with a tale of valor, love and hope.

Before you lies Abemeji.

Like an eagle, the land rises. It stretches its wings and spreads for miles and miles, going beyond the hills, past the river from the goddesses bosom before settling to roost at the horizon where the starlit skies kisses the earth. 

The land is beautiful yes? 

It was not always so. 

Abemeji was once a land divided and kept apart by evil men who learned he kingdom's secret. You see the kingdom is made up of a variety of people who have migrated from lands far and wide. While it is home to various people. Our greatest weapon was the strength in our diversity;  where one household with ample wisdom was lacking in courage, the house with courage but no wisdom would supplement and so forth. 

Together we were strong.

This was our secret. The evil men learned of this and rather than unity, they preached tribalism, bigotry and vanity. 

In time the land was torn apart and resulted in the creation of two kingdoms. 

After separating the land, they left descendants whose only ambition in life was to continue to promote the destruction of the once beautiful land. 

Although there were no outward signs of suffering or lack. There was a gradual decay of the society from within, people lost sight of what was important and what was not, they spent their lives searching for what they felt would lead to happiness at the expense of family and friendships, they became indecisive, easily fooled and weak. With every member of of the older generation that passed on, the problem got worse as the history of their once great kingdom was gradually being erased. 

While the people of Abe who were known for their game, valuable trees and brave warriors lived in the south,  the people of Meji who had precious stones, fertile lands and beautiful women occupied the Northern regions. 

Anyone who was convicted of a crime, or caught without any justifiable cause at the boundary of both kingdoms, was made to suffer a crime worse than death; they were banished to the evil forest - a place no man or woman had ever returned from. 

It was believed that the years ago the trapped spirits of those who were wrongly accused had turned evil and caused any mortal who wandered into the forest to turn mad and feed on themselves. 

In Abe, there was a warrior called Akaworlu. Known for his bravery, skill and talent. He was revered by members of his community while merchants spread tales of his valor to neighbouring towns.

One day he went on a hunt that lasted for many months and returned with a maiden more beautiful than any the land had seen before. 

This made three men, Kayo, Showgo and Iraw who were already envious of his good fortune very upset. A situation which was worsened years later when Akaworlu's wife Dizia, gave birth to a  baby girl. Rather than pay the fine, and take in another wife who will then bear a son as was the custom of the time, Akaworlu slaughtered an animal, had a feast and wrote songs for his wife.

 Although a few years later Dizia bore two boys for the great warrior, by that time, the threee men had been consumed so much by hatred that they made a pact to  destroy Akaworlu and all held dear, even if it meant their own destruction.

Akaworlu named his daughter Mmawa, in memory of his beloved mother who had imbibed in him values and respect for life and taught her in secret how to wield weapons and engage in hand combat.  This was done in secret because it was forbidden for women to learn or do any other thing but prepare meals and fetch water from the stream. It was an offence punishable by banishment to the evil forest.

The three men suspected  Mmawa was trained in the art of weaponry but because she was obedient, humble and graceful, hard as the three men tried to provoke her to reveal her talent, by forcing people to torment and bully her, she always remained calm and resolved issues diplomatically. 

When the time for Mmawa to be wed grew close, the three men knew that if Akaworlu's family got united with another family, it would become difficult to carry out their evil plan so, a few weeks to Mmawa's coming of age party, they planned with wicked native doctor who summoned a creature to attack Akaworlu on his way back from a hunting trip. Although it was unable to kill him, he was badly wounded and was unable to continue his journey home. 

Worried about her father, knowing it was unusual for his hunting trip to last for so long, Mmawa, left her mother with her younger brothers, took her father's donkey  and went in search of him. Using the tracking skills her father had taught her, she was able to locate him on time and bring him home. 

Mmawa's father was sick for many nights. He was so sick  that Dizia was worried she would soon become a widow and began to prepare for his passing. 

They ran out of food and because the three men had been busy spreading false news and rumours about Dizia, calling her an orphan and foreign spy, people were unwilling to sell or give her food.

Not able to watch her family and sick father starve to death, one early morning Mmawa picked up her father's weapons and headed into the forest, by nightfall, her satchel was filled with enough meat and wild fruits to feed her family for a long time as well as herbs and medicinal plants her father had showed her on their many secret lessons. 

On her way home, she heard a loud cry, looking around, she saw no one. She was about to continue her homeward journey when she heard the cry again. 

It was a human being and  from the sound of it she suspected whoever it was, was being attacked by wild animals, without considering  the risk of exposing herself, she hid her satchel of food under a nearby bush and silently hurried silently towards the direction of the sound and climbed up a nearby tree. Below, she spotted wounded young man being taunted by a pack of hyenas. She pulled out her arrow and shot the animals dead one after the other. Using tree branches and vines, she fashioned a crane which she was able to use to carry her satchel of food and support the stranger. 

She took him to her parents home.  With the help of her mother and younger brothers, after a few weeks, both men were nursed back to health. 

The young man had grown fond of her. He  crafted tokens  and hid gifts around the house for her to find but he refused to tell her his name. Whenever she would ask for his name, he would sing a song which he taught her. 

When he was able to travel, he expressed his gratitude to Akaworlu and his wife and left without saying goodbye to Mmawa. 

She was heartbroken. 

For days she was depressed and refused to give audience to any suitor that came calling. Just as she was beginning to cope with the feeling of loss, the three men sent a message to her mother that she had been found guilty of stealing food and was to be escorted to the public square to be stripped and flogged in front of the members of community. When the men came to retrieve her mother, in anger, Mmawa attacked them, beating them up without the use of any weapon, thus revealing that she was indeed a warrior. 

Without letting her stand trial, the three men convinced the elders that she should be immediately banished to the evil forest or risk infecting the rest of her peers with her malicious spirit of disobedience and disrespect for tradition. 

When Akaworlu heard the news, he instructed his wife to pack up a satchel while he raced to the square to rescue his daughter before he reached her, he was subdued by a dozen warriors who had been told to lie in wait. 

Mmawa cried for her mother and brothers as she was being led in a procession towards the evil forest.  

There was a loud cry and suddenly, a ferocious beast with wings for hands and talons for feet, swooped down and disappeared into the evil forest. While people scrabbled and ran for their lives, Mmawa knelt in front of her father's captors and begged that she be given his weapons and the leather cloth he wore across his shoulders. Believing it would do her no good, her request was granted. Unknown to them, she had heard the song that was taught to her by the man she had fallen in love with coming from the belly of the beast and had somehow gotten a vision of what she had to do.

Her father saw the look on her face and understood, helpless to assist her, he nodded to her mother who was hidden in the crowd. She ran to her daughter and tied the satchel around her waist.

Suspecting they were planning an escape, Iraw one of the three dragged Mmawa away from her mother and pushed her into the dark alley of the evil forest... 

Talitha kum – ANNIE PART 1

She groggily opened first one eyelid then the other and blinked. Her throat felt hoarse and her eyes heavy. Awareness of her surroundings hit her with it memories of the events that led to the moment.
A pained moan escaped her throat, squeezing her eyes shut she pulled the tails of her shirt closer to her body and rolled up into a ball.
She was on her bed fully clothed complete with shoes and gold-chained purse now hanging across her chest. The bottle of sleep pills she considered emptying into her mouth earlier lay forgotten on the floor she ended up taking just enough to help her sleep. Albeit briefly.
She felt dirty, very dirty. She did not think a bath was enough to clean her but it was a start. She winced as she got up from her tiny student bed the memory of the ordeal intensifying her pains. she hobbled to the kitchen reached for her electric kettle and filled it from the tap while ignoring the telltale marks on her wrists.
She placed the kettle on its hub.
Changing her mind, she got out the ring boiler from the lower kitchen cabinet filled up a 25 liter bucket, placed the ring boiler in the bucket and connected it to the power supply. While waiting for the water to boil, she drifted towards the bathroom, reached for the light switch and shielded her eyes from the intensity of the fluorescence bulb. moving to stand in front of the mirror hanging above the bathroom sink she dared to look at her reflection.

The eyes staring back at her didn't seem like hers.
Hers were vibrant, these were empty. The ever-present spark of good-natured mischief that danced within her gaze had burnt out.
She was in pain both physical and emotional.

She felt a chill trickle down her spine but did not move. She continued to stare. With a pained sigh, she let her mind wander to earlier that day.

The day it all went wrong.

Pumping an excited fist in the air she spoke loudly so she could be heard over the music. “Udeme, I’m having so much fun!” Annie wondered why her elder brother Murray had warned her off him, he seemed like such a cool guy. She checked her wristwatch. It was a few minutes to seven. Emptying her glass of chapman, she reached for her purse and made to stand while talking “Udeme, its getting late. I have to start going back to campus, my bestie’s group is presenting tomorrow, I want to give her emotional support.” She giggled. He reached for her. “Come on girl, relax, you just got here. We haven’t seen in like 2 years. Relax.” He nudged her back into a sitting position. “You know what? Come up with me to my room, I want to show you something. Do me a favor and I’d have my cab guy drop you at your doorstep.” She raised an eyebrow and gave him a cynic stare. “Yeah right, Udeme I’m not that type of girl biko, let me be on my way and FYI if it’s the same cab guy that brought me here, I chatted with him while coming he told me he was closing for the day.” He finished his drink. Signaled for the bartender to bring the bill and hopped off his stool. “Come on Annie, don’t be like that. Your brother is my very good friend. Do you think I’d do anything to hurt his little sister? I am checking out of the room today I want to pack my stuff and move to GRA please, please come with me?” he pouted and batted his lashes at her. She laughed. “okay, lets go.” “great!” he dropped some Naira notes on the table shook his head at the bartender to forget about the change and lead her towards the rooms. Reaching his apartment, he used the keycard and stepped back to let her pass. He swirled around in the middle of the room and spread his arms above his head in an eagle like fashion. “nice?” she clutched the strap of her bag tighter and spoke in a whisper. She was anxious. “Udeme pack up your things quickly please. Its getting late.” He picked up his phone. “I’m calling the cab guy okay?” “okay.” She let out a sigh of relief while he spoke to the cab guy. “oya talk to my friend, she no believe say you dey come.” He handed her the phone. The cab guy assured her he’d be with them shortly and was going to drop her on campus then disconnected the call. She handed his phone back to him. Not liking her pensive mood he stepped back and pouted. “oya smile na.” she chuckled. “That’s better.” He put a parcel aside as he packed. When he was done he zipped his duffel bag closed, picked up the parcel and walked towards her. “This is the favor I want from you.” He pushed the parcel into her hand. “This is the first on my designs, I want you to try it on.” She unwrapped the parcel and was amazed by the sight before her. “wow, its –its beautiful, wow.” She traced her fingers along the pattern. He smiled. “go, on, try it on.” She blinked. “here?” “the bathroom is through that door.” She hesitated. “Erm Udeme?” “Annie please now?” she shrugged. “Oh okay.” She padded to the bathroom making sure to bolt the door behind her. Putting on the dress, she let out an amazed gasp. It was beautiful. The design was like something an Egyptian queen would wear, it enhanced her figure and the finishing was flawless. The back of the dress was something else though the cut was too deep, she could almost see her panties. Udeme knocked on the door. “Annie, the cab is here”. Come out. “Okay, let me change back into my clothes.” “No time for that, put your clothes in the parcel you’d change when you get to your room and give him the dress to bring for me.” “Uh okay.” Grabbing her clothes, she unlocked the door, purse and parcel in hand and hurried to catch up. Udeme’s jaw dropped open. “Annie f*ck you are beautiful.” She blushed. “Thank you. Oya lets be going.”

... to be continued

Love the one you’re with

2006
It was the eve of his wedding. She had been ignoring his calls. After the 12th ring she was fed up. With annoyance, she picked his call and all but shouted. “What is it?” “Please” he slurred, “just say it. Give the word and I’d call the whole thing off. I love you and want to be with you. You, not her!” She rolled her eyes although she knew he couldn’t see and spoke with a sigh. “You are probably drunk mister, your big day is tomorrow, you should rest.” With that she disconnected the call, threw her phone away and cried herself to sleep.
He got married the next day, relocated and went to pay her a surprise visit 4months later in his old town.

2007
He uncurled her legs from around his waist and went to the bathroom to answer his call. This was unusual. She thought to herself maybe it is from the office. Throwing on his shirt and barely pulling on her panties, she picked up the half eaten can of cheeseballs and snuck into the bathroom. She was going to jump on his gorgeous naked back and give him the fright of his life.
“Baby, I said I don’t want to talk about it. You are not pregnant. We’d see later and we will discuss.”
She blinked; a chill took root in the pit of her stomach and worked its way up her spine. Did she just hear him call someone that was not her baby? The can of cheeseballs slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor. She stormed out of the bathroom tore off his shirt and shrugged into her clothes. She grabbed her bag, bundled out of the apartment and started walking away, not knowing where she was going but sure she wanted to be anywhere but here. She got to the street junction, saw a two-way signpost and realized her vision was blurred. She had been crying.
Looking disheveled and windblown, he caught up with her and forced her into an embrace. “Shit you scared the hell out of me baby. Why did you leave like that? What if you got lost, kidnapped or worse?” She eased out of his embrace. Looked him straight in the eyes and asked. “How long?” he stopped trying to hold her, let his shoulders fall and spoke. “Two years.” She readjusted the straps of her bag, cleared her throat and spoke with a voice devoid of emotion. “Take me home.”

2009
“Not all men are bastards you know.” The other girls stopped their man lashing chatter and stared at her. They knew about her unfortunate history with men. She of all people deserved to call men bastards. She smiled at them, flipped her hair away from her face, picked a brightly colored corsage and spoke. “I like this one.” She was on the bridal train of her former roommate. She was getting married to her ex. He came to drop her off one night after a date and would you believe it? Met his future wife.
She felt betrayed, disillusioned, damaged then she felt free.
She finally understood.
She made up her mind to stop living for society and decided to live for herself. She was going to struggle, achieve and succeed. If she ended up alone but fulfilled and happy then so be it.
She insisted on being on their bridal train – it was the least they both could do. Forgiving as she was, she couldn’t hide the delighted tic she felt when he squirmed and stuttered around her. It didn’t help that she had a ‘rocking’ body and oozed panache.
She was seeing someone who worshiped the ground she walked on. Sometimes she felt overwhelmed by his actions and public display of affection but pushed aside the feeling by saying to herself she deserved it and more. Her phone rang, it was him. Dropping the corsage, she hurried out of the room to answer it and slammed into a moving wall. Her phone fell and hit the marble floor. She was crossed. The wall wasn’t a wall after all. It was a man he stooped down and picked up her phone without a contrite note in his voice he teased. “I usually have that effect on women but I guess your phone would do.” He handed her the phone. “I am Tonye by the way, I believe you are mine. I mean my date”



2013
She bit back tears as he held her hand under the running tap. She closed her eyes and prayed the wound wasn’t deep. There was blood on her wedding band and she really wanted to scream. They couldn’t afford to go to the clinic because all his money and hers were tied up in deals, loans and investments.
They were broke.
He led her to sit on her favorite chair. His usually smiley face was lined with worry she couldn’t help but love him more.
He placed her phone beside her it was blinking; there were two new messages. The first was from an unknown number. It read simply;

“In everything give thanks.
- For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”

The second was a bank alert.
They were going to be ok.
She did not marry when ‘her mates were getting married’, she didn’t marry the most popular, wealthiest or romantic man. She got married when the time was right for her to her friend, ally and lifetime companion.




* This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Jangolova (Part V)

October 4, 2013

She bolted out of her seat and hastened towards her as she stepped away from the stage.
When she was within reach, she cut through the crowd of admirer’s, pressmen and colleagues that had begun to gather around her, dragged her to the side and flung her arms around her. “That was a beautiful reading sweetie! Although I assumed when you sent me that ‘everything is going to be alright’ text last night you had removed the bit about the lady’s parents. They seem too much like your father and I and you know people, they like to talk.” She hugged her back and giggled. “Mother you worry too much. You are nothing like the bitter evil woman in my book, you and father settled your differences a long time ago and are a happily married couple!” She looked over her mothers shoulder at the man seated by himself away from the crowd, pulled her lips into a pout and batted her lashes. “Mother dearest, please could you go seat with Jason for a bit? He looks so lonely.” Her mother turned her head and looked to his direction. She made a face and spoke snootily. “I do not understand what you see in that man though, he doesn’t deserve you. Isn’t twenty-eight years and above too old to be playing boyfriend and girlfriend? I have told him several times that my daughter is a big photographer that travels around the world. If he does not want to marry you-.” Ivie raised her left hand halting her mothers nagging.
There was a huge engagement ring on her finger.
Her mother let out a squeak and grabbed her hand, inspecting the ring and surveying her with skepticism. “When?” Ivie giggled. “This morning, before my reading.” Her mother dropped her hand, straightened the folds of her dress and turned in Jason’s direction.
With a smile on her face, she tut-tutted in disapproval and she lamented loud enough for passers by to hear. “Look at my poor son in-law, sitting all by himself.”

Isioma opened her eyes and found herself looking into the eyes of a familiar little girl watching her with concern.
She blinked and sat up.
She was on a king-sized bed.
The girl moved closer, stretched out her little hand and touched her forehead with the back of her right palm. “Mummy are you okay?” She jerked her head back and stared at the girl. “Mummy?” The girl laughed. “Why are you copying me?” There was a slight knock at the door before it swung open.
A man with a little boy straddled on his shoulders with arms wrapped around his neck entered the room.
Isioma cocked her head to the side, squeezed her eyebrows in concentration and stuttered. “Se– Sesan?” He chuckled threw the boy on the bed beside her and sat down ruffling her hair as he did so. “Who were you expecting? Santa Claus? Its your birthday not Christmas sleepyhead. I don’t know how you manage to balance going up and down ladders in peoples houses with taking care of these little demons.” He caught the two children in each of his hands and wrestled with them. They squealed in delight. She ignored them and mumbled inaudibly. “Up and down ladders, mummy, Sesan?” She questioned tentatively. “Sesan, are we married?” He stopped playing with the kids, sat down and looked at her quizzically. “Are you okay honey?” he touched her forehead to check if she had a temperature. “That’s it, no more experimenting with different drinks for you. Yes my dear, we are married and have been so for close to nine years. This is our beautiful baby girl Yinka who thinks I don’t know she wants the new Wii for her ninth birthday in December and our little rascal” He grabbed the boy’s leg as he tried to crawl out of reach. “Junior.” He wiggled out of his hold and bounced up and down the bed. “My name is Izu! Mummy calls me Izu!” Sesan rolled his eyes in mock disgust. “Because your mummy named you after her boyfriend doesn’t mean I have to accept it,” he caught Izu mid bounce and lifted him off the bed. “Come lets leave the ladies alone and go and do manly things.” Izu chuckled. “I am only four daddy, I am not a man!” He stopped at the door and looked at her, concern lining his brows. “Are you sure you are okay dear? Your sister is coming to take the kids by 3pm and our flight is for six.” She reached for Yinka who crawled obediently towards her and rested her head on her laps. The last memory she had was of her in braids, wearing a pink tank top with matching sneakers and newly bereft of her nokia 3310. She was fresh faced from crying over her decision to walk out on Sesan and trying to stop an ‘okada’. Now she was in a bed, had beautifully manicured nails (they caught her attention when she reached for Yinka) with two beautiful children and apparently happily married to Sesan. She smiled at him. “I’m okay dear. Where are we going?” He responded slowly trying to gauge if she was really okay or pretending to be. “That wildlife photographer; Ivie Aghede wrote a book. She is doing a public reading and launch today. She invited us for a private reception in Edo state. I thought it was weird but you said to accept. If you’ve changed your mind, I’d be only too happy to call your sis and cancel.” She shook her head. “No don’t cancel I’m fine.” She tapped Yinka. “Baby go help your brother get ready okay?” Yinka got up sluggishly from the bed and padded towards her father.

The flight surprisingly kept to schedule and in less than 2hrs they were being ushered into the hotel by Ivie’s aids. When she spotted them, she excused herself from the group around her and ran to meet them. She threw her hands around Isioma and enveloped her in a bear hug. “You came!” Isioma tentatively hugged her back while Sesan did his best not to looked disturbed by the complete stranger attempting to squeeze the life out of his dear wife. Isioma patted her back. “Yes, we came.” Ivie released Isioma and let out an embarrassed laugh. “It’s been so long since we saw, that’s my fiancé over there.” She pointed and continued without stopping. “This might sound weird but there is somewhere I’d like to take you to. We’d be gone only a little while, I’d tell you about it on the way.” Isioma and Sesan exchanged puzzled glances. When Sesan nodded Isioma spoke. “Okay, shall we?” Ivie wove to the man she called her fiancé signaling she would be back in a little while then led them out of the building to a waiting vehicle. While they rode, she told them a crazy story of how they had met before in an alternate life on their birthday 10 years ago, saved a gypsy woman and were quite miserable until 2 days ago (a different one) when she (the gypsy) reunited them and gave them a choice for another chance. She was so caught up with making a difference and positive change that did not pay much attention to their new lives. She missed Isioma’s passing out ceremony because she went to the states the next year for a certificate course. When she got back, she learned they were married and Isioma was creating a name for herself in interior decoration. She had tried to get hold of her on several occasions but she was either in one part of the country working on a project or the whole family had gone overseas for some holiday or the other. With her own career and stabs at novel writing, she too was busy until she met Jason (her fiancé) the second time and realized she was beginning to forget their story. Last year, she began writing what she remembered of their story (the book she launched today) and decided to wait until the anniversary of the change to bring them all together again! When she finished talking she looked at both Sesan and Isioma. They were staring at her as if she had sprouted horns, spat fire and claimed she was a fairy. She pursed her lips realized what she had asked them to believe then covered her face in embarrassment. “You two think I am insane right?” Sesan cleared his throat and snaked his arm protectively around Isioma. The car stopped moving. Isioma threw up her hands in relief and rolled down the window. “We are here!” Then added doubtfully. “Where ever here is.” The car had stopped in front of a gate. There were chains around the bars and a huge padlock in front. Ivie got out and walked briskly to the gate. “It is locked.” She sounded disappointed. Isioma came down from the car and Sesan followed suit mumbling something under his breath that sounded like “that’s a surprise.” Ivie shook her head in amazement. “You two will really think I am mad now. Dragging you across the country, telling you an incredible tale and bringing you to a rundown- locked shanty.” Sesan used his body to shield Isioma and looked through the gate. She placed her left thumb in her mouth, nibbled her fingernail and snapped the fingers of her right hand trying to bring back a memory. Sesan spoke first. “I remember this place. ” He turned slightly and looked down at Isioma. “I came here looking for you but was told you had left. Your roommate was frantic because she said she tried calling you from several payphones but your number was unavailable. I searched all over town for you in places I recalled you usually favored. That was the scariest day of my life. When I finally found you,” he rolled his eyes. “You were sleeping in the reading room in Hall 1! I made you promise never to leave me like that again.” He covered her elbows with his hands and rubbed them, smiling at her as he continued. “So far so good, you have kept that promise.” He leaned down and covered her mouth in a sensual kiss.
An old lady walked up to the gate from the other side.
Using her walking cane as a tool, she banged at the gate getting their attention.
Isioma and Sesan jumped apart like two children caught in the act.
The old woman eyed the three of them with suspicion. “Yes? ‘I fit help unna’?” Isioma cleared her throat. “We are erm asking about the joint that was here, an open bar with a building behind.” The woman placed her cane in front of her, balanced her weight on it, leaned forward and responded haughtily. “Na me get this dormot. It is under new management, when e open again, unna go know.” Isioma surveyed her with a piercing look. As she turned to leave, she noticed a familiar twinkle in her eyes. She called out. “Wait! You seem like someone I know. Have we met before?” The woman smiled, muttered something under her breathe and shuffled into the darkness.

Ivie kept repeating what the woman said, trying to make sense of it. Sesan pieced the words together and repeated it aloud. “The eyes see only what they want to see?” Ivie turned sharply to him. “What did you say?” he shrugged his shoulders and threw his hands open. “I only repeated what the woman said.” Ivie pumped her fist in the air, ran to the car and got out a copy of her book. She flipped open a page, threw it at him and did a jig. “ I knew I wasn’t going insane.” While Sesan read, she linked her hands in Isioma’s own and chattered lively. “You might not remember this but me and you were best of friends. Now that we are speaking again, I intend to remain in your life for a long-long time.” She called over her shoulder. “Hey book worm! Get into the car. We have a party to attend. One that’s been in the making for the past ten years.” Sesan closed the book, and got into the car behind the two ladies. The driver started the engine and turned to Ivie. “Where to madam?” She leaned back in her seat and smiled. “To beautiful tomorrows and more.” She looked at Isioma and Sesan, they were happy. She was happy.

The End!

Jangolova (Part IV)

Isioma looked away and focused her gaze on nothing in particular. She reflected on her life; she thought about her husband Martin and her inability to love him no matter how hard she tried, the child she hardly acknowledged and the hole inside her soul that threatened to swallow her up. Doctor Kasim was right, she was depressed.
Still looking away, she closed her eyes in a bid to halt the surge of memories crowding her head and spoke in a pained undertone. “I made three wishes. The first was for anything that would or could remind of Sesan, lead me to him or make our paths collide to be wiped from existence. The second was to meet a man who will cherish, love and respect me the way I deserved and the third was for - ” She stopped speaking.
Opening her eyes, she darted a glance at Sesan and declared with venom. “ The third was for you to not have children by any other woman but me. Which meant never.” Ivie sat up and snapped her fingers in recollection. “You kept calling her mami! She was a young girl, about fifteen or sixteen. She gave you something, a broom or twig.” She made an impatient gesture and continued. “It was tiny. I remember her telling you to make four wishes.” She stopped talking and began counting her fingers while murmuring under her breath when she was done, she arched an eyebrow and looked quizzically at her. “It is three. You only made three wishes. Why?” Isioma blinked and used the back of her left palm to rub at the tears that had been slowly rolling down her cheeks. She wailed defensively. “I was distraught, I felt betrayed, I wasn’t thinking. I had forgotten about the stick until the day I lost my baby. I returned from the hospital alone and hurting. It took a while for me to find it, I honestly didn’t think it would work. I just needed something, something to believe in.” It occurred to her that she was rambling. She stopped talking and made an attempt to gather her thoughts. Wiping away more tears from her eyes, she linked her fingers together and rose her elbows to rest on the tabletop. Leaning her forehead on the ball of her hands, she cleared her throat and spoke mechanically. “Ninth June 2004, I went to Sesan’s house to tell him about the baby. I had kept it a secret for close to three months and figured it was time to come clean. NYSC coordinators from head office decided to pay a surprise visit to my place of primary assignment so I couldn’t leave early. After work, I went to a store and got a bottle of wine. We usually didn’t see during the week but since I knew he was home, I decided I’d go to his place without calling first.” Ivie interrupted her. “Isioma you swore to me you were through with Sesan!” She winced at her stricken tone and dropped her hands. She turned to her. “I lied to you about breaking up with him, I am sorry. You were preoccupied with your visa application and plans for school, it was easy to hide the relationship from you. I knew he was seeing someone else but I refused to believe he did not love me.” She blinked away the tears gathering in her eyes, determined to hold them at bay and resumed her drone. “On getting to Sesan’s place, I tried to open the door with my spare key but it was locked from within which was unusual. Alarmed, I banged at the door in apprehension. After a while, he came to the door. I watched the blood drain from his face when he realized it was me. Confused, I was about to ask what was wrong when a lady wearing my shorts and nothing else came out of his bedroom with a feather in her hand. I remember the sound of the breaking glass ringing in my ears as the bottle of wine I was holding slipped from my hand and fell to the floor. I ran blindly away from him and the house stifling the urge to pull at my hair and break down in tears. I knew the lady with the feather. She wasn’t his girlfriend but the bank manager who helped him with the loan he used to start his haulage and transport company. He always went on about how good she was to him, rushed to pick her calls and even suggested I send my CV to her.” She chuckled wryly. “ It never occurred to me he meant otherwise. I kept running until I was stopped. Stopped by a man struggling to choose between driving headfirst into a terrible porthole and hitting a careless ‘okada’ rider. He decided that hitting a girl who ran into the road without first checking was the lesser evil. When I came to, my right arm was in a cast and my baby gone. Something died inside me. It turned out Sesan was considerate enough to leave the ‘nice lady’ behind and rush me to the hospital. They didn’t tell him about the baby. I didn’t either. He wanted to take me home but I didn’t want him near. Safe at home, I let myself weep. It was then I remembered the Joss stick.”

Ivie shifted closer to Isioma and wrapped her arms protectively around her. “My poor baby.” She patted her back in consolation, aching for her and the loss she felt. “ Isioma you were my best friend, how could I forget you? I remember now. My parents were having issues, one Susana lady was trying to break them apart but the two of us were working together to get to the bottom of the issue and settle it. After gaining admission for my postgraduate certificate, I was denied visa. You advised me to defer my admission to fall semester and apply again. You were going to get your elder sister to assist me with some documents as well and we were working towards mid June. One morning, I woke up and did not remember why I needed to try. I did not seem to care about anything again. I sat back and watched while my father left my mother for Susana, mother change from the loving boisterous person I knew to a bitter mean spirited woman. I blamed myself for her loss and let her tell me what I could be and what I could not be.” She squeezed her shoulders and rubbed it in understanding. “ I could have reminded you of him.” She pointed at Sesan. “So everything from the morning of the day we met till the day you made that wish became a blur.”
Sesan was a changed man.
Pushing himself up, he walked around the table and stood in front of Isioma. “Isi, can you ever forgive me?” He regarded her with a pained expression.
When she did not return his stare, he moved away from the booth and walked towards their lodgings.
Ivie and Isioma remained in the booth for a little while longer.
Crying, hugging and trying to catch up on lost memories.

Towards evening, they returned to the lodge and retired to their separate rooms.
Someone was knocking at the door.
Ivie went to see who it was.
It was Mami.
Shaking her head in denial and disbelief she accosted her. “It is you isn’t it? You don’t look anything like the girl we rescued.” Mami smiled mysteriously and cautioned. “The eyes see what they want to see.” She padded to the door to Sesan’s room and knocked. When he came out, she did the same for Isioma and led them all through the kitchen to the back porch and ushered them into the swings.
Ivie took Isioma's hand, together they moved to stand opposite the swing Sesan took.
After they were seated, she passed around tiny sticks similar to the one the girl had given Isioma ten years ago. “You saved a young girl from certain harm giving her a second chance at life. A chance to experience life and do good things. She promised you a second chance as well a chance to right your wrongs. That promise will be fulfilled. Before you go to bed tonight think of what you did wrong and how you can right it. Each of you will be given a chance to return to the day you were together ten years ago and change the way your lives turned. You have two choices. You can choose to change your actions, forget this time and embrace the alternate future or change it and remember both futures.” She smiled at each of them. “Think real hard and choose wisely.” With that she gave a bow, turned around slowly and appeared to glide away.
Sesan looked at Isioma and made to speak. She held up her hand stopping him. “I remember all your sweet poison words Sesan, I forgot about them for a long time but I do now and I don’t want to hear them anyway. I am going to bed.” Clenching her fist around the stick, she walked into the house and made her way to her room.
Her phone was glowing, a call from Martin.
She did not pick.
She sat down on the bed and considered her options. Her life with Martin was not real. He was a good man that deserved someone better than her. Her son was precious but he needed a mother. If she could go back in time, she would throw her phone into the toilet and leave the state.
The Sesan she knew liked to be chased and adored. He would not bother to look for her until it was too late. Ivie was the best friend she did not have as a child and came to love dearly. Her friendship with her had caused her more harm than good.
She took a deep breath, reached for the lighter on the table beside the bed and lit the Joss stick.
As she let out the breath she was holding, she blew out the flames and whispered. “I want to be happy, I choose to forget the past and embrace the new future.” She dropped the now smoking stick in the ash tray on the stool beside the bed, took of her shoes and snuggled under the bed sheets.
She felt a heavy load being lifted off her chest.
She smiled radiantly and relaxed, everything was going to be alright.

Ivie looked at him with venom in her gaze. “Why did you hurt her?” he chuckled and shook his head in amazement. “Would you believe me if I said I didn’t mean to?” he placed his right thumb under his chin and smiled sadly. “ I loved Isi, heck, now I remember, I still do. I didn’t get married until five years ago because I was searching.” He looked at his left hand and rubbed at the mark his newly vacated wedding band left behind. “I am still searching. I’d always be searching because I found the person I was looking for years ago but was too vain to admit it.” Ivie got off the swing and stood in his face. “ You made me lose my best friend, I should hate you for that but funny enough, I don’t.” She squeezed his shoulders reassuringly. “You have a chance to make it right, fix it.” she smiled slyly and sashayed into the house.
Sesan relaxed on the swing and looked at the stick. Shaking his head doubtfully, he did not know what to think.
He was a rational thirty eight year old man and did not believe in voodoo, magic or witchcraft. However if it was possible that he could forget about Isioma the love of his life for all these years then anything was possible. He reached into the pocket of his jeans and brought out his lighter. He had resumed smoking when he realized Rukky was serious about the divorce and was planning on leaving him penniless. If this was going to work, he did not have to think too much. He knew what had to do, lighting the stick and blowing out the flames, he muttered. “If this works, I want my wife and do not want to remember how much of a bastard I have been.” He dropped the incense on the floor beside his sandals and stretched on the swing.
He was spending the night outside.
When dawn came, he was either going to wake up with an aching back or in the arms of his dear wife.

Ivie leaned with her back to the door and laughed out loud.
She got out her phone and sent a text to her mother. She read what she wrote out loud. “I love you mother, everything is going to be fine”.
She began to hum happily.
A part of her that was lost was found.
She felt alive.
She searched the drawers and found a box of complementary matches. Lighting a stick, she held it close to the Joss stick until it burned brightly. Blowing out the flames, she closed her eyes and inhaled. It smelled like citrus. She clicked her tongue in approval. "Not bad. She giggled in excitement and danced around the room spreading the scent of citrus as she did. She came to a stop in front of the mirror and spoke aloud. “I am ‘soooo’ going to be famous!” She giggled again and swung her hips in a boogie. “I want to remember! I want to remember everything, the past, the future, and the present. The food I ate last night, the clothes those two wore, Isioma’s kids name, Martin, the accident, everything!” She dropped the stick in an empty glass cup, padded to the bathroom to shower and brush her teeth. When she was done, she bounced into the bed and drew the duvet over her head, giggling like a little girl she stole a glance at the Joss stick still smoking in the glass cup.
She smiled dreamily and winked at the glass. “I am so looking forward to tomorrow.”

... to be continued

Jangolova (Part III)

October 4, 2003

While shaking her head in time with the music coming from the strategically placed speakers at the spot, Ivie directed the piece of meat from the other end of the toothpick into her mouth and smiled to herself in satisfaction.
She did the right thing.
Susana, Sunita, Sakobi or whatever it was she called herself was a weird woman.
She did not like the woman and the affinity the 'winch' had for any and all things relating to her father. Like her for example!
This morning, she received a courier from her; it was a parcel containing a birthday card, box of chocolate and a teddy bear.
She found seven hundred and fifty Naira recharge card inside the birthday card and a note telling her to have a blast!
She shuddered and rolled her eyes in disgust from the memory.
The lady never bothered to find out if she had a mobile phone to start with.
She shared the box of chocolate with her roommates, chucked the teddy bear in her laundry bag and sold the recharge card for a hundred Naira less to the woman at the call center close to the buttery. Adding a little extra from her hidden stash of money, she decided to splurge.
She was pulled out of her reverie by the emergence of a female apparition from the direction of the toilet. She dropped her toothpick on the plate and tried hard not to stare but damn the chick was pretty!
Decked in sky-blue low waist bell-bottomed jeans, a pink tank top and matching sneakers, she looked like the girl in Sean Paul’s ‘Get busy’ video. (That is if she traded her ‘million braids’ hairdo for a closely cropped weave and her pink Barbie doll themed outfit for a black and white one with longer sleeves). The chorus of Alex Zitto’s ‘Baby Walakolombo’ slipped into her head, she let out a rosy chuckle. She watched as the girl picked a phone from her handbag, fiddled with it as though she were sending a text message and return it back to the bag.
The girl looked like she was at a loss for what to do with herself.
Ivie smiled.
Sadly, she left her camera at home. She was going to ask-whine-beg or plead with the girl to seat with her in her booth.
She would make a perfect date!
Grabbing a handful of change from her backpack, she dropped the bag on the seat to keep the space and bounded to the direction of the ‘lost girl’. Stopping to compose herself, she slid behind her and tapped her shoulders.
Startled, the girl let out a tiny shriek and spun around but busted into a laughing feat almost immediately at Ivie’s impish wave and cheerful face. “Hi.” She offered. “ I am Ivie, do you mind seating with me?” Flipping her braids over her shoulders she blinked and dragged her gaze away from the direction of the entrance. She tried not to look anxiously at the gate and planted a smile across her face. “Nope, not really. In fact, I’d love to! It’s my birthday today.” As though on cue, 50 Cent’s ‘In da club’ came over the speakers. She looked at her sharply, they exchanged glances and chuckled. She continued. “I was hoping my boyfriend would come.” She blushed. “Well, he is not really my boyfriend. He has a girlfriend, she is in Warri! He calls me his special friend. I love him and I’m spending the rest of my life with him.” Realizing she was blabbing she kept quiet. Ivie giggled. “You don’t have to explain, today is my birthday as well!” Her eye’s widened in amazement. “Are you serious?! It’s my boy-” she stopped herself. “Its my friend’s birthday as well. I’m Isi by the way.” She offered her hand Ivie took it and covered it in a warm handshake. “Pleased to meet you Isi.” Giving in to the urge to check once more, she tilted her head slightly and looked towards the entrance again, after about two heartbeats, she let out an excited squeal. “He is here!” She pointed to a tall dark man alighting from an 'okada' parked beside the gate. He was dressed in a tee shirt, faded ‘dirty’ jeans and had a tennis band around his right wrist. She bounced on her heels and tapped Ivie repeatedly in elation. “He is here!” She clapped her hands together, ran to the man and proceeded to jump on him. He caught her around the waist, clasped her in a tight embrace and twirled around. Still holding onto her, he let her slip to her feet and planted a noisy kiss on both her cheeks.
When she was done fussing over him, she linked her hand through his and pulled him to the booth were Ivie was now seated. “Ivie meet my future husband Sesan.” She giggled and slid into the boot dragging Sesan with her. “Sesan meet our birthday mate Ivie.” She turned to Ivie. “Sesan has been here on company assignment for the past two months." She smiled proudly at him and continued. "He is planning to quit that and start a company of his own! Still he wants to run back to Port Harcourt and leave me here all by myself. In a weeks time!” She punched his thigh causing him to grunt in pain. She grinned wickedly happy with the result of her onslaught. “But lucky for me, I’m graduating November! I’d work my service to Port Harcourt so we can be together.” She smiled cheekily and batted her lashes at him.
Sesan rubbed his assaulted thigh and gave her a meaningful look. She let out an unladylike grunt followed by a giggle. Ivie cleared her throat to get their attention and added brightly. “Hey I’m finishing November as well! Are you in Uniben?” Isi nodded. “Ekewan campus. Fine and applied arts, I’m going to be an interior designer. I'd do Houses, offices, events venues, Aso rock name it! How about you?” A waiter in a faded orange tee shirt with the name of the joint crested across the front came to take their drink order. Sesan suggested they share a bottle of wine and mix it with soda.
They agreed.
When the waiter left, Ivie continued. “I am at Ugbowo, sciences. I applied for a postgraduate certificate in science communication; I want to be a wildlife journalist. I wish I could show you some of the pictures I’ve taken; I dropped off my last roll of film at a lab in GRA on my way here.” Isi frowned and looked at her. “Aren’t you going to do youth service?” She rolled her eyes in aversion. “I am of the opinion that youth service is a total waste of time. Anyways, I will participate though. I just turned 20. The masters program is for eighteen months. When I’m done with it, I’d come back and serve the fatherland.” She placed her left palm across her chest in mock reverence and added. "I promise" Isi exclaimed. “Ah! I turned 20 today as well, so we are birthday mates as well as age mates. I like you Ivie, we should be friends!” Feeling neglected, Sesan let out an exaggerated cough. It caught her attention. Pushing back the braids that had fallen to her face, she turned up her nose at him. “Don’t mind this one, he couldn’t wait and be born the same year as us, he is an old papa.” She made a face and stuck out her tongue.
A car surged into the car park and screeched to a halt about 10 meters away from where they were seated raising dust in its wake. An overweight lady tumbled out of the driver’s seat, banged the door shut behind her and charged straight to the bar. She stood in front of the counter and took to hitting the top as she spoke “Where is that witch working here? Where is she?” she reached across the bar and grabbed the barman's shirt. Wrapping her fingers around it, she used it to pull him closer until she had him in a firm grip. She caught his left hand and begun twisting it. Not wanting to fight with the woman, he remained calm until he doubled over in pain. He whimpered. The woman ignored him and called out. “Witch, better come out and confess if not this man’s death would be on your head.” A smallish looking waitress ran out from behind the door that led to the kitchen, fell to her knees and pleaded beseechingly. “Ma please leave am alone, e no do you anything.” The woman left the barman and in a few strides was balanced on top the smallish girl. She began to hit her and pounded her repeatedly with her knuckles, knee and clenched fist while demanding she confess.
Isi got up and ran to the lady with the intention of pulling her off the girl, Ivie and Sesan joined her.
Together, they managed to pull the woman off and drag her away. Eventually the security on ground came and escorted the woman back to her car.
Sesan stood guard until the woman was out of sight.
Isi helped the girl to her feet, led her to their booth and eased her into a sitting position while Ivie went to look for and bring back a bowl of water and a towel to clean her wounds.
The girl surveyed Isi in gratitude and whispered softly. “Thank you ma.” Isi stroked her hair and winked. “Its okay mami. Take the afternoon off! Join us, we are planning a party.” The girl smiled shyly, put her hand under the table and into her pocket and brought out something. “I no get present for all of unna but I swear, I no go forget wetin you do for me.” She handed what looked like a broomstick to Isi. “My mama bring am as she come from yonder. We dey use am change something.” She pressed it in Isi’s hand and continued. “You light am, when the fire catch you go blow am breeze till e off. As the smoke they blow, you go say the things wey dey your mind one by one, as you dey talk, you go count am one, two, three until four. When morning reach, na so dem go dey happen.” Isi smiled and put the stick inside her handbag. “Thank you mami!” Sunny Neji’s ‘Oruka’ started playing she gave a lopsided grin and nodded her head to the music. Patting her handbag, she added with a chuckle. “Cool wish thingy, I already know what I’d wish for.” She looked pointedly at Sesan and wriggled her eyebrows suggestively at him.
The girl got up and genuflected before standing straight. “I wan go, unna do me well today. That madam no be ordinary madam. I help am do something but she take her mouth change am spoil. She no come like am as e happen come think say if she kill me, e go favor her. As you see say death no be my portion come give me second chance, when I sabi finish, I go make sure say your second chance too go happen.” She gave a final bow and returned to the kitchen.

October 3, 2013
Her spoon fell to the floor and gave off a resonating clang. Letting out a sharp gasp, Ivie blinked and surveyed her table-mates. They looked like they were slowly coming out of a trance.
Still seated in the booth, everything looked the same save for the now empty bowls in front of them.
Sesan dropped his spoon face up on the tabletop and hooted in amazement. “Oh boooi! What was in that pepper soup?” Isioma dropped her spoon beside the plate, let her right hand fall on top her left hand which was nestled on her lap and sat up straight. Talking to her laps but loud enough for the others to hear, she spoke as though she were counting her words. “ I did it, I remember now.” She looked up and met Sesan’s quizzical expression. “I remember you.” She turned to Ivie. “You too Ivie.”
She brought up her left hand and examined her wedding band as it glinted in the sun.
She smiled wanly. “My wish came true.”
Ivie looked perplexed, with slight frown lining her forehead she ventured. “What are you talking about Isioma?”
Isioma flinched at the sound of her full name.
Very few people called her that these days.
Memories forgotten, they were returning to Ivie as well.
She folded her left hand into a ball, brought up her right hand, used it to cover her clenched fist and placed it on the table.
As she spoke, her face turned blank and her voice devoid of emotion “We were close in a different life, about ten years ago. I dated Sesan and you were going to be a big shot journalist.” Sesan scoffed and relaxed on his seat. He toyed with the toothpick holder in front of him. “How can I date you and not remember you? Was it a spiritual something?”
Isioma shook her head in objection and continued to talk. “The Joss stick might have had something to do with the otherworldly but our relationship was real. I was crazy about you, I think you were as well." She paused. "I was never sure. We were going to have a baby.” Sesan flared up, shot out of his seat and tossed the toothpick holder away. “This is bullshit. Rukky put you up to this right? The bitch is evil.” Ivie flung out her right hand and caught his elbow stopping him from leaving. She tightened her hold on him and tried to pull him back to his seat. “Please seat down, I don’t think she is lying.” She placed her left hand on his forearm and continued to speak. “ I think she is saying the truth, I believe her." She studied her for a second and continued. "I stopped believing in myself a long time ago, I still feel as though I missed something. If she says she remembers, please seat and let her continue.” He remained standing, breathing heavily with the heat of his anger radiating from his pores. She tugged at his elbow. “ Sesan please?” He ignored her. Giving up, she released him and let her hands fall to her side and waited for him to leave. He did not. Instead, he pushed the soup bowls towards the center of the table, picked the toothpick holder from the floor and returned to his seat.
Ivie waited. She tried to understand the images returning to her mind, tried to make sense of it all before tuning to Isioma.
She placed her the fingertips of her left hand lightly on her forearm, with a voice bordered by fear of the unknown, she inquired. “Isi, what worked?”


... to be continued

Jangolova (Part II)

October 2, 2013

She grabbed a fistful of his shirtsleeves while pulling at his hand. “Please Martin, you don’t have to do this. I don’t know what came over me. I promise, I’d get help.” Using his right hand, he unfolded her fingers from his shirt, brought them to his lips and kissed them in deference. “There is nothing wrong with going for a little holiday sweetie, the doctor said it will be good for you.” She shook her head and wriggled free from of his hold. “Martin it is Benin! That is over an hour from here without the regular flight delays. Who will look after Izu? Who will look after you?” she wrung her fingers in distress and looked imploringly at him “I swear, it wouldn’t happen again. Martin, take me home.” When she started crying, he leaned forward and tapped on the drivers shoulder. The driver turned to him in response. “Sir?” Martin pointed to the point in front. “Park the car and leave us alone for a bit.” The driver nodded in obedience, parked on the shoulder of the road and stepped out of the vehicle. When he was out of earshot, he turned to Isioma worry lining his cherubic face and spoke heavily. “Babe you scared the hell out of me. I still wake up in the middle of the night from the nightmare of that day. I am happy Izu was not the one that found you on the brink of death in the bathtub." He pushed his fingers through his fairly bushy hair and continued. " Do you know I promised him ice cream from the mall after school? What if he hadn’t agreed to come home first to change out of his uniform? What if I wasn’t back in time to take you to the hospital?” he looked at her, wanted to touch her but refrained from doing so until he was done. He continued. “Doctor Kasim said you failed his psychic evaluation and declared you depressed. Although I do not agree with him I agree that you do need a change of environment.” He gave into the urge to touch her, reached for her face and stroked her hair. “Please darling you are my wife and I love you.” He placed both his hands on her shoulder and gave her a searching look. “I can’t stand the thought of life without you, I need you to relax. It is just for three days, aside from asking you to be my wife, I haven’t ever asked you for anything else. Please do this for me. Will you?” She looked out of the window, was silent for a while peered at him then asked. “Three days?” He nodded. “Yes my love.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, call the driver, I'd do it.”
They rode in silence to the airport.
When she joined the check-in queue, Martin stepped aside to make a phone call.
She was waiting for him. “I’ve arranged with a driver to pick you from the airport and take you to the location. Although no one seems to know much about the place, they haven’t heard anything bad and then you got the invitation! The driver would be available for you all through the period of your stay. I transferred about a million Naira to your personal account, whatever you need, get it.”
The boarding announcement for her flight was called. He pulled her to himself and squeezed her in a warm embrace. “Be safe honey, have fun and come back to me. I love you so much.” She tried to nod while still in his embrace but could not manage it. In a muffled voice she retorted. “I know Martin.”
An attendant tapped his shoulder, “sir, we are boarding.” He let go of her and waited, watching till she was through security and inside the airplane. He stood in the lobby looking on and waiting until it began to taxi.
When the flight eventually took off, he said a silent prayer to God to bring her back happy and alive.

**********

“Hello? Is anybody here?” Ivie dropped her carryall bag on the floor beside her and looked around. Checking the pamphlet, she looked around for a name to confirm she was in the right place. That done, she took in the beauty and charm around her.
The place looked exotic and serene.
She spotted something that looked like a koi tank in the corner, padding to the direction, she discovered she was right. She folded her hands across her chest and leaned forward to inspect it. “Welcome Ivie.” Startled, she jumped back and spun around to seek the owner of the voice.
It was a little lady who appeared to have manifested from thin air. She smiled at her and gave a slight nod.
Ivie placed the tips of her left fingers across her chest in a bid to settle her racing heart. “You startled me!” The lady gave another bow and spoke with a thick accent. “I am sorry, do not be offended.” Ivie let off a shrug and wove her hand flippantly. “Its okay, no big deal.” She bowed her head again and smiled. “Thank you. Please pick your bag and follow me. Your place is through this door.” Ivie did as she was told, picked up her carryall and followed the little lady as she led the way.
They went through a side door, past a flower garden in bloom to a building that looked like a cottage from a fairy tale. The little lady took out a key ring from her pocket, searched for the right key and opened the door.
Ivie got in and waited for the little lady to pull the key from the lock and enter.
“Am I the first to arrive? Where is everybody else?” dropping the key ring in her pocket, the lady nodded. “Yes you are the first, the rest will arrive shortly.”
They were in the living room.
She motioned for her to follow and led her towards a short hallway on the right that ended in front of a door. There were two other doors on either side.
She stopped in front of the first door and opened it. “This room, you will choose. I go now. You will welcome the others” she thought for a second and added. “The last will be late.” Ivie shrugged. “Its okay, I can do that.” She begun to push open the door to her room open when it occurred to her that the lady knew her name.
She looked up to ask her how she knew but the lady was gone. Letting off another shrug she opened the door completely. She stepped in, let her carryall bag slip to the floor beside her, sashayed to the center of the room and twirled around.
She felt free.
She took out her phone to call Jason and tell him about the place but changed her mind. Dropping the phone, she transferred her bag to the bed and began to unpack.
When she was done, she laid out a change of clothes, went to have a shower and got dressed.
Slipping her cell phone into the pocket of her shorts, she walked out of her room with the intention of exploring.
The two doors in the hallway opened to rooms similar to hers; glamorous marble finished baths and toilets, huge 4-poster beds with fancy dressers and wardrobes. Up the hall to her left was a door leading out of the living room. She opened it and came to a kitchen-cum-dining area. Through the huge windows looking out from above the kitchen sink, she could see a back porch with two double swings hanging from the ceiling. The place was breathtakingly beautiful.
She heard a faint knock coming from the living room. closing the door behind, she hastened out and went back to the living room.
She waited behind the door till she heard the knock again then swung the door open.
The sight of the woman standing at the other side of the door left her breathless; she was beautiful. “Hi” the woman said. “The lady in the building in front directed me here.” When Ivie did not move, she added. “I’m Mrs. Chukwuma.” Ivie realized she was staring at the woman, snapped out of the trance and stepped away from the door. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful; add a halo and wings and she could pass for what angels are supposed to look like.
Ushering her in, she cleared her throat and spoke. “Yeah, I guess you are the second guest. Welcome to what I named the fairytale cottage!” She held her unsteady gaze for a moment.
The woman looked like she had been crying.
Wanting to make her feel comfortable, she added. “Please call me Ivy.” She led her to the rooms and pointed as she spoke. “That one’s mine, the other two are unoccupied.” The lady picked the room opposite her own pushed open the door and looked in. “This one will do.” Her phone began to ring; she flipped open her purse searched for it within. opening the door wider, she tumbled in. Still looking for her phone, she used her hips to shut the door closed.
Ivie shrugged and turned to resume her exploration but there was another knock on the door. She rolled her eyes, let out an exasperated sigh and went to the door. Swinging it open, she came face to face with a handsome, tall and tired looking man. “Hi, you were supposed to be late!” He gave her a weary one sided smile. “Tell me about it.” She took his bag from him and wove him in with her free hand. “Well, what are you waiting for? Come on in!” When he stepped into the house, she handed his bag back to him and closed the door. “I think there are drinks in the fridge, you look like you need one.” She led the way past the living area to the rooms. “Those two are taken, you get to stay in the middle.” She winked at him and pointed to the direction of the kitchen. “ The fridge is that way, welcome to fairytale cottage.”


October 3, 2013

She knocked; first on the door to Mrs. Chukwuma’s room then on the third one and waited for both of them to come out. They looked like they had showered as well and were dressed.
She clapped her hands in excitement in an attempt to liven the atmosphere. “Hi you guys, good morning! I slept off yesterday after eating so much junk from the fridge. The little lady came twenty minutes ago. She said there’s breakfast at the other side.” She indicted by making a fist and throwing her thumb over her right shoulder. “So, I’m to lead the way.” She laughed at the idea. Turning to the man, she spoke. “I didn’t get your name yesterday, my friends call me Ivy, you are?” He blinked, still groggy from sleep or maybe a restless night and murmured. “Sesan.” She nodded and turned to the second woman waiting expectantly. While looking like she walked off the centerfold for Thisday style, she rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand and stifled a yawn. She answered dully. “Isi. Chukwuma.” They looked at her in confusion, unsure of what to say. She shook her head and spoke again. “I am Chukwuma Martin Isioma, call me Isi.” Ivie clapped her hands, moved behind the duo and urged them forward gently. “Okay! Now that we are one big happy family, shall we go eat?” Sesan strutted to the front door and held open the door for the ladies to pass. Shutting the door behind, they made their way to the reception in search of the little lady.
She was waiting.
On seeing them together, the lady smiled, hugged each of them and gave and encouraging nod. “It is good that you are all here. Come with me.” Sesan smiled, rose an eyebrow and did not budge. “I am under the impression that this was to be a reunion of sorts, yet it is apparent that it is only three of us present. Although they are beautiful ladies, I don’t recognize them and therefore I am alarmed.” He folded his hands across his chest and continued. “ If my wife did not plan this charade, I would like to know what really is going on here missy.” The lady nodded, bowed her head and spoke. “Not missy, but Mami, it is what she called me. Promise was made, now I can fulfill.” She looked up and stared at them one after the other. “The three of you after breakfast, you will know and decide. But first, please follow me.” Ivie shrugged and followed her, she stopped midway across the room and turned to them. “Come on guys, what do you have to loose? You are here already.” Isioma spoke up. “Ivy is right, I’d come.” Sesan rolled his eyes, dropped his hands and followed. Mami opened the door Ivie initially assumed led to a restroom and led them through a long hallway that came to stop at an old wooden door.
She opened the door and the tumbled into an outdoor bar.
It was deserted and looked rundown.
Isioma stopped in front of a wooden railing and looked at Mami in bafflement. “Have I been here before?” Ivie shrugged and looked around. “Place feels familiar, like a repressed memory or something.” Sesan looked with chagrin from one woman to the other. “Are you shitting me?” Mami pulled Isioma towards an empty boot and pushed her gently till she sat. Ivie and Sesan followed and sat on either side. She disappeared for a couple of minutes and came back with pieces of bread and steaming bowls of pepper soup on a tray. After dropping a bowl of the soup and wedge of bread each in front of them, she walked from one person to the next and folded their fingers around a spoon. “Eat." She coaxed. "Eat up dear friends. It will come to you. No use recalling what was lost on an empty stomach” she patted Sesan’s shoulder in assurance. “This will help you remember.”


... To be continued

Jangolova (Part I)

September 27, 2013

There were 19 rooms in all.
Minus the bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms, there were 5 other rooms.
As Isioma pulled the door of the indoor gym shut she let out a weary moan and trudged up the stairs. She stopped in front of the utility closet on the landing and deposited the cleaning items she had been lugging about the house within. The grandfather clock down the hall said it was quarter to one. She mopped her forehead with the back of her palm and sighed heavily. Martin and Izu would be home shortly.
When they arrived, she would take his coat and ask how his day was, he would say it was fine. She would take her 4-year-old son to his room nod while he prattled on about his activities in school and help him to change out of his school uniform. When that was done, she would return to the kitchen, to heat up lunch and serve her family. She would clean up after lunch, get dinner ready and soak the dirty dishes. After she was through with that, she would take Izu up, give him a bath and put him in bed. Then she would return to sit with Martin while he watched the evening news. When he turned in for the night, she would check to ensure she the doors were properly locked before retiring to bed. Come tomorrow, the cycle would begin again.
She was tired.
Tired from all the cleaning she had done in the house today, they once had two maids, a cook and nanny for Izu but she woke up one morning and decided to have them all fired
She needed the strain to make her feel alive. She felt empty; there was a hole inside her, each day it grew wider.
Martin did as she asked.
He did anything she asked without question.
Now, she was tired.
She trudged past the carpeted hallway and slipped into the master bedroom, Izu’s baby Tylenol was on the dresser; he had complained of a headache this morning. She figured it was another ploy to get her attention.
She did not have time for him these days.
She opened the container of Tylenol and drank straight from the bottle. It tasted like cough syrup; cherry flavor. She took another gulp then had an idea.
Running down the stairs, she made a beeline for Martins’ study.
On display in the cupboard behind his swivel chair was an assortment of drinks. She picked a vodka bottle, doubled back and made a left for the kitchen.
On getting in, she trotted to the worktable and snagged a mug from the rack. Ascending the stairs again, she returned to their bedroom and traded her work clothes for a bath towel and bedroom slippers.
Padding into the bathroom, she dropped her “loot” on top of the bath cabinet beside the sink, opened the medicine cabinet above the sink and stood on the tip of her toes to look for and select a bottle of aspirin. While she ran her bath water, it occurred to her that what she was about to do was wrong but she banished the thought from her mind.
She was dying inside; she could smell the decay of her flesh. She had been this way for so long that being alive was a faint memory. In the past, she was able to hide behind a beatific smile but she could not manage it anymore. She was in pain and wanted to end it.
She poured vodka into the mug, threw a palm full of aspirin into her mouth and washed it down with the vodka; drinking until the mug was empty.
She felt a burning sensation at the back of her throat.
The tap was overflowing; someone would have to clean the mess.
With towel, slippers and bottle of vodka, she clambered into the bathtub.

**********

Ivie waited and continued to wave until the car was out of sight. She turned around with a dreamy look on her face, caught her mother’s eyes and felt her heart slam into the wall of her chest with a thud. She was at the door. Waiting for her to come closer, she asked in an overbearing voice. “Who is that Ivie?” she looked down at her feet and answered. “He is Jason.” She added with a stammer. “My boyfriend.” Her mother surveyed her with piercing eyes. “Do you love this boy?” Still looking at her feet, she nodded. “Yes mother, I do. He loves me too.” She considered it for a second then spoke dismissively. “End the relationship. I do not want to see you with him anymore.” With that she made an about turn and strode into the house. Ivie stood rooted to the spot, shock flowing through her body at a loss for how to react. Slowly, she snapped out of the daze, shook off the feeling and ran after her mother remembering to bolt the door as she got in. she found her in the kitchen. “Mother, did you hear me? I said I love him. I will not break up with Jason.” Ignoring her, she picked up a newspaper spread it open and sat at the kitchen island which doubled as the dinning table Ivie did not move. After a while her mother closed the paper, folded it into two and used it to fan herself. “What do you do for a living Ivie?” taken aback by the question, she blinked several times before answering. “I am a teacher mother.” Her mother dropped the paper on the table and looked at her. “Correction; you are an underpaid secondary school teacher. You have no friends, no ambition and no future.” She unfolded the paper and spread it out again. “ Once you thought you could be more, you wanted to be better than me but then but you failed. I am all you have so you had better be grateful and stop acting obnoxious.” She eyed her scornfully. “Look at you, almost thirty and still living with your mother. Aren’t you ashamed? That so-called boy you are opening mouth to call boyfriend is too good for you. He is having fun with you. He will use you, drain you and leave you for a younger woman with more class.” Ivie threw up her hands, used her palms to cover her ears and let out a scream. “Stop it!” she dropped her hands and put her right hand over her chest as she continued she thought she was immune to her bitterness but she was not, her eyes misted with tears as she thought of her once sweet loving mother. “No mother, he wouldn’t! Jason loves me.” She darted to the living room and came back with her purse. Searching inside for something, she pulled out a pamphlet and placed it in on top the newspaper her mother was pretending to read. “Mother I do have friends and even though it doesn’t look like it at the moment, I have a bright future, me and Jason. I am supposed to be doing something, I feel it but I can’t seem to remember.” She pointed to the pamphlet. “This invitation is for me, I am going to Benin City to celebrate my 30th birthday.” She added uncertainly. “With my friends.” She swung the strap of the purse over her shoulders and made to leave the kitchen. Without looking up from the paper, her mother declared. “You’d do no such thing Ivie.” Something snapped within her; she had had enough. Feeling a surge of pent up rage, she spun around and stalked back to her mother. Furiously, she grabbed the pamphlet from the table and leaned down so they had eye contact . “Try and stop me.”

**********

She giggled and playfully swatted his fingers away. “Sesan you are such a naughty boy.” He dodged the onslaught, made a silly face and gathered her in his arms. Nuzzling her neck, he caused her to let out more giggles. After she had laughed uncontrollably for almost a minute, he stopped so she could catch her breath, released her from his embrace, and turned so he was kneeling straddled above her with hands pined on either side of her head. He planted a noisy kiss on her lips and asked. “So tell me, who is the best husband in the world?” she placed the index finger of her right hand on her chin, looked at the ceiling and studied it in concentration. “Erm, I’d have to think about that for a bit.” He made a buzzing noise. “Wrong answer.” He brought his hands to her side and began to tickle her again. Between peals of laughter, she managed to call out. “You are Sesan, you are!” he stopped tickling her, leaned to the side and stretched out his left hand to pick up the sheets that had fallen off the bed. Dragging them over his shoulders, he covered her as well and moved to lie beside her. Wrapping his left hand around her waist, he fondled her belly with his right hand and spoke softly. “So doctor Rukky, tell me. How was work today?” she rolled her eyes and turned to face him. “Now he asks me.” He feigned looking hurt. “I was going to get to that eventually. Cant blame a man for getting distracted by his really hot wife now would you. Sides, I was away for a month, I missed you.” He squeezed her in a tight cuddle and kissed her forehead. She brushed away her hair from her face, rubbing at the spot her kissed in the process. “You were away for two weeks Sesan.” He wriggled his shoulders. “Well, It felt like a month.” She rolled her eyes again and shook her head. “Work was fine, I accepted a party invitation on your behalf. It is a reunion for you and a couple of your friends. Sounds like fun, you are going.” He raised an eyebrow. “What party? I just got home; no way I’m leaving again.” With a snarling expression, she shifted to her back and faced the ceiling. “Check it out before you make a decision. The pamphlet is in the pocket of my blue jacket.” She pointed to the wardrobe. He let his finger trail from her throat to her navel then whispered sweetly. “Is this a ploy to get me out of bed?” he pinched her waist. Letting out a yelp, she rubbed the spot he attacked and pushed him off the bed. He landed on his feet, reached for his boxer shorts and pulled them on. Giving a mock salute, he spoke with a fake accent. “You have won the first round lady Rukky, I shall be back shortly for round two.” She gave a derisive snort, threw a pillow at him and reached for the magazine on the bedside table on her side of the bed. Sesan padded to the wardrobe pulled the door to her half open and reached for the first jacket he spotted. He searched the pockets until his fingers brushed against a piece of paper. Rukky looked up from the magazine she was flipping through and watched in horror as Sesan proceeded to open the scrunched up paper. She flew out of bed and made an attempt to snatch the paper from his hand. “No Sesan!” she pleaded. using one hand to block her, he laughed, stepped away from her reach and continued unfolding the paper. She turned from him and began putting on her discarded clothes. Sesan read the paper a look of confusion crossing his face then continued to stare at it unseeingly as his brain made sense of it all. It was a receipt dated 3 weeks ago for services rendered at a maternity clinic. There was a note scribbled on the reverse side. He read it out loud. “Its for the best my Rukichins, no regrets. Love, D.” he looked questioningly at her, waiting for an explanation.
She was fully dressed.
Standing in front of him, her face devoid of emotion she spoke flatly. “It wasn’t yours, he doesn’t want kids.” She took off her wedding band and placed it on the dresser. “I’m leaving you.” He let the paper slip out of his hand and fall to the floor. He stood and watched as she packed an overnight bag, walked out of the bedroom and their matrimonial home.
He spotted a brightly colored pamphlet sticking out of the pocket of her blue jeans jacket.
He had picked the wrong jacket.


.... To be continued

What's Myne (Part 3)

Baba Igho refused to rise he stretched his battered body on the ground and pulled his tattered clothes about him.
“Go away Akpos." He urged. "You have served me well and long. At this day and age, it is hard to believe I came across a man of your caliber. Whatever debt you feel you owe, I release you of them. If I had riches, I would have showered you with gold, coins and ornaments but I have nothing to offer. I have lost it all to pride and bad judgement. Akpos my friend, I will not let you loose your life for my sake. Leave while you have the advantage of youth. Learn from my mistakes, that of my daughters and their spouses. Be a better leader, landlord, father; a better person.”
Akpos squatted beside him, stretched the sleeve of his shirt and used it to mop Baba Igho’s weary forehead.
“Sir, I have learned a lot in the many days we have spent on the road. I am better for it. For the lessons, I am grateful. However, if I were to leave you lying on the road to die like a brigand, I will not be better than your daughters who have abandoned you in your time of need." He dropped his hand and leaned on his haunches. "Let me take you to your home and see that you are as comfortable as I can manage. Afterwards, I will leave you to your fate and go make a life for myself.”
Baba Igho considered his proposal for a while then agreed to his terms.
He let Akpos assist him to stand.

They continued the journey.

By day, they walked in the heat of the sun feeding on fruits and seeds.
At night, they rested. Setting up camp in the shade of trees with makeshift tents.
Days flowed into nights and nights to day.
Through the bone chilling rains, blistering cold and scorching heat, they continued to forge ahead.

Finally, they reached his estate.

When they drew near to the shack that had become his home, an elegantly dressed lady seated in front and watching the road let out a happy squeal and came running towards them.
She stopped in front of Baba Igho, threw her arms around his neck and folded him in a warm embrace.
In a little while, streaks of tears started to line her face.
Perplexed, Akpos tried pulling her away but she resisted. “Madam, this man is sick and he is quite dirty as well, come away from him, or your lovely clothes would be ruined."
As an after thought, he added. "He could also make you sick.”
She resisted his pull, held fast to Baba Igho and continued to shake with tears.
Akpos inched away certain the lady had lost her mind.

He began searching for a rope or bond of sorts with which to bind her for a little while (at least until her minder came in search of her).
He drifted to the side of the shack and stopped short at sight before him.
There was a mansion about a stones throw from the shack.

It was not there when they set out in search of the daughters.

The house glistered in the sun, flowers were budding in the little garden in front and he could hear laughter emanating from within.

The land looked like it was slowly awakening from a bad dream.

The curtains in one of the windows of the house moved and caught his attention.
There was a little girl behind the glass.
When she spotted him, she yelled with glee.
She disappeared from the window and reappeared at the door after a little while.
Running out of the house on little feet that appeared too big for the rest of her body, she bounded towards him and threw herself on his leg. She wrapped her chubby hands around him and gave him a hug.

Half dragging, half pulling him, she led him to Baba Igho and the lady. Bouncing up and down in excitement, she chanted. “You found him! You found him!” confused, he asked. “Found who?”

Baba Igho peeled the lady from his body and held her at arms length.
With a questioning look and a dare to hope, he queried.
“Mine?”
she looked into his eyes, smiled and nodded.
“Yes Father it is I, your daughter."
He let out a gasp.
"Not one day passed that I have not thought of you.”
She stroked the side of his face and blinked back tears that threatened to fall out.
“My husband, the sickly child of the bent lady got very ill, I could not leave his side. He was a good man, intelligent and kind. You would have liked him. The seeds you gave to mother, we planted, harvested and sold for huge profits. With the money we planned a future, invested and built a home. We have all we could want for but my husband is no more. His body was too weak to bear the strain of living. After making me promise to always be happy, he passed away. We have been looking for you ever since. Myself, your grandchildren and” she giggled. “ The bent old woman!”

Baba Igho shook his head in disbelief and stammered.
“But - but you do not love me.”
“Father." She urged. "I remember telling you I loved you as much as my duties required. I never said I did not love you.”
As understanding dawned on him, she continued. “ Father dearest, my duty is to love you until I take my last breath. To honor you, obey you and make a worthwhile life for myself. To do the right thing always, bring up honest children and teach them how to love. Most importantly, my duty is to be your daughter.”
She let out a winsome smile, took his hands and covered his shriveled palms with hers.
“ Father you carried me when I was a helpless baby and taught me to walk, laugh and sing. Please, let me be your daughter and your joy in old age.”
Myne led her father into the house she had prepared in his absence, washed him and nursed him till his health returned.

Akpos followed them.

Struck by Myne’s grace and beauty, he did not leave as promised. In time, he built the nerve to ask her to be his wife (she said yes!).

One by one, her sisters returned home (Myne saw to it).

Working together, they restored the land to its former glory. It prospered and was fruitful. In time, the tenants returned.

With each of the daughters finding happiness in honesty, respect for the land and love of their neighbor, they became better women.


Kiki got married again! To a politician whose word was his bond. Together, they built a formidable empire backed by the unwavering loyalty of the people.

Zizi ‘s footballer husband lost a leg, he came crawling back and demanded to be reconciled with her.
She turned him down and had a career. juggling being a teacher with being a makeup artist, she starred in another story.

Mimi and her husband went for anger management therapy and rehab. They learned the importance of communication and both agreed to seek counseling if ever their marriage seemed to be hitting the rocks (they were blessed with two children).

Once upon a time, there lived a great man. He was wealthy and powerful and his estate fertile and vast. His lands begun from the banks of a river and continued up stream to form a huge city.
His was a fair businessman and was good to his tenants.
His greatest assets were his children.

Successful, relevant and kind, his four beautiful daughters were the fairest in the land.
They loved their father to the moon, back and beyond and took care of him in his old age.

There was Justice, Peace and Prosperity in the land.
They worked for it, just like we all should.

…. And they lived happily ever after, the end!