BROKEN HEDGE (Part 13&14) – TOYIN TAIWO

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Part 13
(BROKEN HEDGE)
©️Toyin Taiwo

SOMA

I was shocked at Crystal’s revelation. So I was about to be a father without my own knowledge. I felt pity for Crystal for the tough times she passed through all alone. I wished she told me about the pregnancy directly, I would have supported her all the way, I’ve always dreamt of having a child with her.

I walked up to her and squatted besides her. I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Crystal, I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most”

She didn’t say a word, she just nodded. I went back to my seat.

Feso: What’s your take on this matter house?

Dume: Crystal you shouldn’t have kept him in the dark, he deserves to know you are carrying his baby.

Crystal: What else do you want me to do when I already heard him say indirectly that he’s not ready to be a father.

Feso: Crystal, you got it all wrong. Soma did not mean what he said that day.

Crystal: How? I was there remember!

Onochie: We were all joking that day. He didn’t mean what he said

Feso: Guys you all remembered that day right?

Guys: Yes, we do.

Feso: That day when you left, we got serious. Soma said the exact opposite of what you heard.

FLASH BACK

“If I impregnate any girl, I will never tell her to abort it. If I’m foolish enough to get her pregnant then I should be wise enough to stand up to my responsibilities” I stated.

“What if you know you are not the only one she’s sleeping with, will you still go ahead and claim the pregnancy as yours?” Onochie asked him.

“If you are not sure the child is yours, there’s no need to argue about it, wait till the child is born, then take a DNA test. It’s as simple as that” he replied Onochie.

Back to Present

Feso: That was he’s final conclusion that day.

Crystal: It’s a lie, did he really said that?

Jay: You should know Soma better, the three of us were course mates. We read together, study together, do almost everything together and you still don’t know what he’s capable of?

Dume: You know he’s a man who always stand up to his responsibilities. He will never have told you to abort the baby.

Hauwa: It’s sad you two ended up like this because you didn’t open up to each other. A relationship can not survive without good communication.

Zite: Crystal, I can’t believe you acted based on mere assumptions.

Enitan: We can’t really blame her, Soma’s joke is expensive too. Also you shouldn’t have slept with her that night. You made her do what she wasn’t willing to do.

Onochie: This can happen to anyone he was vulnerable that night. And from what both party said, it wasn’t rape. Crystal did it out of love to comfort him.

Zite: Please no one is permitted to take sides on this issue, they are both at fault.

Feso: This is bigger than we thought and at this point we need everyone’s opinion on this matter.

Jay: On behalf of the family, we are so sorry for your loss, Soma and Crystal. I think this is a matter of the heart. We can’t interfere.

Zite: Jay is right. Thank God, they both realized the truth today. This is a personal issue, let them sort it out themselves.

Feso: Final Conclusion?

All: Final conclusion.
And we that we ended the picnic. We said a short prayer and the grace. We finished around 9:30pm, it was really a long day for everyone.

We helped the ladies pack the stuff they brought into Zite’s car, he was to take Crystal and Ezinne home. Enitan went with Dume. Hauwa left in her own car. The guys too all left in their cars. I was about to leave when Zite told me to take Crystal home instead. She refused at first but Ezinne interfered and she relunctantly agreed. So Ezinne went with Zite.

She entered into my car and I hit the road. The ride was quiet, we didn’t speak to each other. I pulled over in front of the house. Zite car was behind us. Crystal called the gate man to open the big gate so Zite can go in to off load the things in his car trunk. Some minutes later, he drove out without Ezinne. He stopped beside my car.

“Ezinne said she’s sleeping at your place” Zite said to Crystal.

“Ok, good night”

“Good night” he said and at flash his headlight. I did the same. I understand he was saying his good bye.

I off the car engine and looked straight. “I’m sorry about the baby”

“I’m sorry too” she replied.

“Crystal, I’m I free to say my mind?”

“Go ahead”

“Sincerely, I wasn’t happy with the way you handled the situation. I thought you knew me inside out, so you could think that I’ll ask you to abort our baby after everything we’ve been through together. You should know how much I love you and can never do such a thing to you not to talk of hurting you. I knew your history. I knew where you were coming from, I couldn’t have the effrontery to tell an only child to have an ab0rtion. Your father denied your paternity, do I want history to repeat itself if I do the same to you?”

Silence….I continued.
“Do you know what I went through all this while, I blame myself every day for ruining our relationship, I never knew you are punishing me for what I knew nothing about”

Silence…..
“I’ve you even forgiven me?”

“Yes I have, a long time ago” she replied this time.

“Crystal……

“That will never happen, just forget it. Thanks for the ride, good night” she said and unfastened the seat belt and stepped out of the car.

“Damn, she’s still bent on afflicting me” I hit my hand on the steering. A stray tears left my eyes. I wiped it off, fired the engine and showed myself out the area.

____________Toyin Taiwo

AFAM

I went to the secondary where Amara works, I just remembered her name this morning.

I asked around for her, at last I met with the school Principal who directed me to the Vice Principal Admin. They helped checked the files. I gave them the year I last saw her which narrowed down the search. At the end of the day, her folder was found.

“She worked her transferred to Lagos 26years ago. She was posted to Government college Agege, LGA, Lagos State”

“Thank you very much, I really appreciate your help”

“You can take it from there because I’m very sure she would have been transferred from that school to another, 26years is a long time” The VP said.

“You are right. Thanks so much, at least I have a lead. God bless you”

“Amen, you are welcome”

“Have a good day madam” I said and shaked hands with her.

“You too”

I left the school straight to the airport, thank God I don’t owe anyone any explanation for my movement.

___________Toyin Taiwo

BEATRICE
I got back from my store and met my three sons wasted. They have become a liability, the three of them are all drop out. The eldest did not even finish secondary School. I just shaked my head, people say I was the one who spoiled them. Is there anything wrong in pampering your children. I know it’s my enemies that is using them against me. I went into the bedroom but my husband was not back which is unusual, it was past nine already.

I changed my clothes and noticed his wardrobe was slightly opened. I moved closer to close it but I met the wardrobe empty. I opened the second one too, it was empty. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I went back to the sitting room to wake my sons.

“Where is your father?”

“Father, is not back, let me sleep this woman” one of them answered me.
I called his number and it was switched off. I ran to the toilet to urinate, all system had turned upside down.

I have held him down for years, who loosed him, I should have done something this morning when he challenged me. I thought he would come back to his senses but it’s clear now that he has regained is memory.

I called the company line. One of the employees picked the call and said he left in the morning and didn’t come back. I called his friends, they said they don’t know he’s whereabouts.

I don’t know where to run too, my mother who helped me to cast the spell on him is already late.
There must be another solution to all this, it’ not to late for him to slip out of my hands. I must get him back.

SOMA

I got home very late in the night, I horned and horned before my gateman could open the gate, I was sure he was fast asleep. I stepped out of the car and my cousin was at the front door waiting.
“Soma, did your picnic turned into an all night party. Look at the time” Silver tackled me.

“Sorry dear, I’m sorry for keeping you up till now”

I went into the house exhausted, I strolled into kitchen to get a drink while Silver followed after me.

“I made dinner, she announced, but it’s sure cold by now. Let me microwave it”

“I’m not hungry Silver, all I need is a cold shower and a good night sleep. Thanks anyway”

“Ok, how was the picnic?”

“Huh! I don’t know what to say, you can’t understand”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am, I just need to rest”

“I was bored all day, you should have taken me along with you but you said it’s strictly for your clicks of friends”

“Yes, sorry about that”

“Did you guys snap? Let me have a look. I still remembered some faces that came for the house warming party”

I handed my phone over to her, I left the kitchen for my room. She followed me.

“Don’t you have a room?” I said rudely.

“I was here all alone throughout the day, now that you are back you expect me to still stay on my one. Never. Oya give me gjst” She said and jumped on my bed.

“But I’m tired we can’t gist this night”

“You will gist by force, tell me about the Picnic”

“Ok, I’ll tell you, but I need to shower first”

She left the bed and sat on the sofa still checking my phone while I went into the bathroom to shower. Then she screamed.

“What?” I ran out of the bathroom only cladded in a towel.

“My boss! My boss!” She said pointing to the phone acting like a jelly fish.

“What’s wrong with your boss?”

I took the phone from her and realized she was going through the pictures we took.

I hissed. “Young woman, don’t come and give me hypertension. I’m still young”

“Soma…Miss Crystal has amnesia. Ehe! You are right all along….I really pity her”

“So you want to give me high blood pressure because of pictures?”

“I’m talking about my boss here, you are talking about hypertension. What did you find out from your friends, what was the reason for her memory loss?”

“Silver, your boss has no Amnesia”

“It’s a lie, why then did she deny knowing you?”

“It’s a long story?”

“Well we have all the night”

“I’m sorry but I can tell you anything, at least not now”

“What’s going on cousin, what’s there that you can’t tell, why did she pretends not to know you?”

“Lawyer Silver, your time is up, pack yourself and leave my room”

I pushed are gently towards the door. “Good night” I said feigning a fake broad smile.

“I’m coming back tomorrow morning, I’ll be the first person you’ll see tomorrow, good night” she said feigning anger.

With that information she dropped, I locked my room with the key immediately. I went back into the bathroom replaying all that happened all over again.
How will I ask her to abort my child. Now I don’t know if she still feels anything for me or not. I still love her, I love her with the whole of my heart. I have girls who throw themselves at me but my heart still beat for just one person, Crystal.
___________Toyin Taiwo

CRYSTAL

I entered into my room and sat on my bed quietly, it was late, my mum was not in the sitting room, Ezinne had already moved the things we brought into the kitchen. She came to my room to pick her things.

“I’ll sleep in the guest room” she said and left. I really needed time to be alone, I’m grateful she gave me my privacy.

I guessed my mum must have waited for me. I checked my phone and so her missed calls. I thought as much. I showered and went to her room. She was still awake. I greeted her. Immediately she saw my face she knew something was wrong.

“What happened at the picnic?” She asked.

“Mummy please I don’t want to talk about it, not tonight” I replied.

“I’m here, if you need someone to talk to my dear”

“Thanks Mummy, good night ma”

“Good night”
I went back to my room and lay on the bed. Tears started flowing again. “They made me remember my baby” I said to myself and wept the more.
The next morning, Ezinne came to my room and gave me some words of advice, she also apologized for spilling the beans.

She went back to her house that morning, though we later met in church for the service.

I just took lunch with my mom after we came back from church and went straight to my room. My phone rang continuously, it was calls from my friends, my own family. I’m very sure they’ve called Soma too. I put myself together and started returning the calls one after the other. After the calls my mood lightened a bit.

Monday came and I was happy because I really need to bury myself into work.
____________Toyin Taiwo

SILVER

Soma kept on posting me since Saturday night. He refused to tell me what my boss is doing amidst his friends. Also ever since Saturday night, he hardly eat and he locked himself up in his room throughout.
I went to his room to tell him I was going to work but he was still in that foul mood. His eyes was swollen which meant only one thing that he didn’t sleep well.

“What is it that’s bothering you this much? You can talk to me”

“Silver, are you not running late for work already? I’m fine, I just have some things on my mind” he said.

“This state of yours, does it has anything to do with Miss Crystal?”

“I have a company to run, Silver. Do have a good day” he said and walked into his bathroom.

I left the house, thinking if I could ask my boss or not.
I got to work same time with my boss, I helped her with her things as we both stepped into the elevator.

She was looking as beautiful as always the only thing is that I didn’t get to see that bright face of hers. I wondered what was going on.
Later that day, I went to her office to handover some documents that needed to be signed.

I wasn’t looking happy myself because the two closest people to me are both having a bad time.

“Are you okay, you look moody!” My boss asked.

“You look moody too ma. I was about to ask you the same thing”

“Don’t worry, about me. I’m be fine”

She gave me the answer I expected. Hmmm…same thing Soma said. I decided to play along.

“You’ve not answered my question” She said.

“About that it’s about my cousin, ever since Saturday night that he came back from one Picnic like that, he had been acting strange. He locked himself up and barely eat. This really got me worried. He doesn’t deserve to be sad, he’s a sweet person but he refused to share his problem with me”
“He’ll be fine” she said calmly.

“What! Sorry I mean, you sounded so sure ma”

“Yes, I mean we all have rough days, so he’ll get out of it”

“I never thought you could say that of him, since things were not too good between you the last time he came here”

“Hmmm”

“Or do you two actually knew each other?” I asked with the aim of putting her to the test. I want to know if she will still deny or not.

“I don’t know Somadina!”

“Soma….Dina?”

“What I just said the name in full” She said trying to defend herself.

Pkpa……pkpa…. pkpa(clap)

“Why are you clapping?” She asked me with a frown.

I took a sit before her and sat comfortably in front of her.

“This is getting more interesting” I said smiling sheepishly.

“How?”

“First, you don’t know my cousin. Then the only time I’ll hear you call his name, you called it in full Soma….Dina”

“Silver, what exactly are you implying”

“Let me quickly say this, you two know each other so quit the pretense….ma. I already so the group picture you took on Saturday on his phone” I winked at my boss, of course with a cunning smile.

“Silver, go back to your desk, I have work to do” She commanded.

“I will ma, so now that you’ve been bursted, will you tell me the reason why you denied knowing him at first”

“Maybe you should ask So….I mean ask him yourself”
_____________Toyin Taiwo

“That’s the problem he refused to talk to me”

“Silver, do you still remember I’m your boss, I just gave you an order, get back to work!” She said showing me the way out of her office.

“I will ma, but….

“Get out this minute or I’ll fire you”

“I know you can’t ma”

“Huh!” She was shocked at my response. I never talked back to her before. Her eyes almost popped out from it’s socket

“Fine! I’m your cousin’s ex-lover” She bloated out.

“And from all indications you are still in love with him a d resent him at the same time.

She stood up still shocked at my words. She wanted to talk but no word came out.

“Don’t think of sacking, I might end up being your sister in-law law a d you wouldn’t want to have a sister in-law to be as your enemy”

I turned to leave and on my way out I dropped my last word.

“Call me when you need anything ma” I said and shut the door.
__________Toyin Taiwo

.

Part 14
(BROKEN HEDGE)
©️Toyin Taiwo

CRYSTAL

Now my secretary is officially sick. What an effrontery. I thought of sacking her, but I couldn’t do it. Sacking her can’t be a problem for her, cos I’m sure Soma will get her another job. But I don’t want to do that. Then I remember the statement she made. “You don’t want to have a sister in-law to be as your enemy” I asked myself if that’s the reason for me restraining myself from sacking her. Hell no! Sister in-law my foot.

That statement now got me laughing. Soma is my past and past he’ll be.

I was about to close for the day when my phone rang. It was an unknown number.

“Hello” I said when I picked up the call.

“Crystal!” I heard his voice. I can’t believe he’s calling, I thought I made myself clear.
_______________Toyin Taiwo

AFAM

I got to Lagos airport, I told the cab driver to take me to a good h0tel. I told him to wait for me to check-in since I still have a place to go. He waited outside while I checked into the h0tel. I paid for a week and my things was moved into my room.

I just kept my things in the wardrobe and left the room. I gave the receptionist the key and headed out. I told the cab driver to take me to Government college Agege.

We got there parked in the school compound. He waited in the car. It was already 2pm. The gateman gave me directions to the admin block. I was led to one of the office where I explained my plight. I was directed to records. They asked for the year when she was transferred and I gave them the details. 20minutes later, her record was found.

“Sir, she was transferred to Model College, Meiran. That was 20 years ago, she spent six years here before she was transferred.

“Thank you very much sir, I’ll take it from there” I opened my wallet and shoved #2000 into the guys hands.

“Please just use it for recharge card”

“Thank you sir, I pray you find her sir. I’m very sure you’ll find her even if she had retired, just follow the directions, you get from each school.

“Thanks, goodbye”

I left the admin block and told the driver to take me to Lagos State Model College Meiran. I asked if he knew the school and he knew the place.

“Don’t worry about money, just tell me how much you charge for a day”

He smiled.” Ok sir”

“Good let’s go” I said and we left the school compound.

On our way to the school. Oba started a little conversation with me.

” Sir it’s like you are searching for someone” he said more of a statement than a question.

“Yes, I came searching for someone. I came all the way from Enugu”

“Eyah. From the look of things you don’t have the person’s phone number?”
___________Toyin Taiwo

“If I have her contact, I won’t be hopping from school to school” I replied.

“Don’t worry you will find, the person. In Lagos, once you can ask for directives, then you will definitely find your way” He said and that gave me hope.

We spent close to 45mins before we get there, thankfully the road was free but the driver said once it’s 4pm the road will no longer be free. We drove into. School compound around quarter past 3pm. The students were already going home.

I asked one of the students for the admin block and he directed me.

I entered one of the office and the woman I met said they’ve closed for the day, that I should come back the next day. I pleaded with her, she said she’s willing to help but the records office had been locked.

I sat down disappointed. He asked me to come back the next day, that she’ll help me with anything I need. I thanked her and left.

“Welcome Sir, how far?”

“The school has closed, they asked me to come tomorrow”

“Aww…don’t loose up sir, tomorrow is another day”

“Please take me back to the h0tel” He drove out of the school premises and took me back to the h0tel. On our way to the h0tel, we exchanged phone numbers.

We got to the h0tel. I payed the driver, I added extra #2,000 to the amount he billed me, he was so happy. I told him to come pick me up by 8am the next day.

I got to my h0tel room, showered and called room service to order for food.

I called the pastor afterwards and told me the situation of things. He told me to relax that I’ll surely find her. He prayed with me before I ended the call. I wanted to call my friend but I decided not to because my cunny wife can lure him into giving her information about me. Just the Pastor alone will do for now.

I put on the TV and relax, that night I prayed before I slept committing my journey into his hands and also pray that no evil hands will be able to touch me. I don’t know my daughter but I prayed for her and her mother as well. I pray she find joy, so she would stop crying in my dreams. ____________________Toyin Taiwo

The next day, I woke up early, order for breakfast Because I know it’s going to be a long day. Some minutes to 8am the driver called. He told me he’s at the front of the h0tel waiting. I was impressed, I thought they say Lagos people don’t keep to time, anyway money is involved, Lagos people I heard they don’t joke with money too.

I dropped the key card and joined the driver in the car. We exchanged greetings, he thanked me for the previous day, I thanked him too.

There was traffic every where we all spent two hours before we got to the school.

I went straight and met the same woman I spoke with the previous day. I explained myself and he took me to records after getting permission form her Superior.

I told her the year when she was transferred to the school and we began the search.

Some minutes later, we found her file. She went through the file and told me she was transferred to State high school, Ipaja and that was 13years ago. I thanked her and drop some tips for her. I left the admin block in a rush. I told the driver the next location and he said it’s not too far from there. True to his words, 30minutes later we were already inside the school premises. I asked for directions on how to locate the admin block.

I met with the vice principal academics she was already on her way out when I got there.

“Good afternoon madam”

“Good afternoon. How may I help you?” She asked and I told her I needed the contact of one of the staff.

“What’s her name?” I told her.

“She no longer works here”

“I thought as much but I want to know where she was transferred to”

“Mr, as you can see I’m on my way out. There’s a meeting at the LED and I’m running late already. The VP admin is on leave, I would have directed to you to him. So I suggest you come back tomorrow. Thank you” She said and left. I can’t stop her from attending the meeting, so I accepted my fate.
The next day as early as 7:30am I was already in the school compound with my cab man. I waited till they finish the assembly before going to the same office I went to the previous day. ____________________Toyin Taiwo

The VP really gave me a tough time. She said I can’t just come from nowhere and asking about their staff. She said, I should go and get a police report first. She said the police should give me a letter if I want the school to divulge any information about their staff.

“Madam please, I don’t have such time and more so you know our police, they will complicate things at the end of the day” I pleaded.

“I don’t know if you are an assassin or something and I use to know this person you are talking about. I didn’t meet her in this school though, but I served with her in Government college Agege”

“Good, thank God you know her. I don’t owe you an explanation but as it is I have to explain myself. She was my fiance many years ago and something happened and I lost contact with her. I need to find her to make amends”

“Really, I think I heard that story then that she dated a man who already had a wife and a child. Are you the man that abandoned her?”

I was embarrassed. “Yes” I replied her.

“More reason why I can’t help you, I’m sure you are the last person she’ll want to see”

“More reason why you need to help me madam, please I need to find her”

She sat on her swivel chair and took a long look at me. She stood up and walked towards the door of her office.

” Follow me” She said and I did.

She took me to the record officer and told her to help me look for the file.

From her file, it was gathered that she was transferred 5 years ago to Command secondary school, Ikeja.

“Thank you very much” I thanked the VP Academics who was standing there all along.

“You are welcome” She said. I also thanked the record office. I left and joined the driver in the car.

“We are going to Command Secondary School, Ikeja” I informed.

“That school is inside the military cantonment, I have friends that finished from that school” he said.

And we continued with the journey. There was traffic every where but I know I’ll see her today, that I’m sure of.
____________________Toyin Taiwo

ENITAN
We had a group chat on WhatsApp and we all concluded and fixed a date to meet with my mom. Everyone agreed to be present including Ezinne.

I went home to see my mum praying not to meet my stepfather at home. Anyway he was home when I got there. I greeted him not waiting for his reply and I went straight to my Mummy’s room. One of my siblings was with her when I entered. We exchanged greetings and told her about my friends plan to visit her.

“Se ko si? Hope there’s no problem, it’s been long I saw them here”

“They just want to come discuss somethings with you. Se ema wa available?” (will you be available?)

“Yes I will. I’ll tell your siblings to help me prepare something we can entertain them with”

” Mummy ko need(No need for that) they won’t be staying long because we have other engagement for that day”

“I know you will say that, you’ve poisoned your friends heart against us. If it’s Mummy Ejiofor’s house, you will eat and drink o, no problem”

“Oh! You expect them to be free here when your hostile husband ‘the lion of the tribe of Keshinro family’ is around abi” I said gesturing with my hands.

“Really, why do you two hate each other like this? Ehn… right from when you were young, you never get along for once”

“Mummy please free me. He never liked me and you know it, so I can’t waste my love on someone who doesn’t deserve it” My sibling did not like the way I addressed her dad.

“Anty mi!” And I replied sharply. “What! Tell your Daddy to free me”

“Ok o, tell your friends I’ll be expecting them” My mum said.

“Ese ma(Thanks) I’m leaving, good bye”

“But you just got here!”

“Your husband is around, and the last thing I want right now is wahala” She just sighed.

“Odaaro ma”(good night ma)

“Odaaro oko mi” (good night my child)She replied and I left her room.
____________Toyin Taiwo

FESO
My plane landed safely at the airport, Senator had already sent a driver to pick me up. I was supposed to come with Hauwa but her container arrived the previous day and it needed to sort somethings out. I got to their mansion and Hajiya, Hauwa’s mum gave me a warm welcome. She even apologized for the inconveniency. Senator wasn’t around, so showed me to the guest room. Hajiya is very hospitable,

I was well entertained. Later in the evening, Senator called Hajiya that he won’t be coming home that night, he has an all night meeting to attend. Hajiya felt sorry when relating the message to me. I was so furious that I had to talk.
I shaked my head at first. Hajiya do you know why your husband was able to do this to me? It’s because I love your daughter”

“I understand, just be patient with him” she said patting my back.

“I can’t remember the last time I was controlled, or been ordered around”

“Don Allah( please ) exercise more patient, do it for her. I promise to talk to him, I will make sure this ends soon”

“Thank you ma, infact I couldn’t have done this without your support. Mungode ma” I said in hausa.

I called Hauwa to tell her the situation of things, she said she’s already on her way to Muritala Mohammed airport.
The next day, Senator came in, in the morning and went straight to his room, to rest off course, he looked stressed out. Two hours later Hauwa arrived. The driver went to the airport earlier to get her.|
_________Toyin Taiwo

HAUWA
The first person who caught my attention when I stepped into the living room was my darling. He wasn’t smiling but he put up a little smile when he sighted me. Hajiya too was there so I greeted her first.

“Ina Kwana(good morning) Hajiya” she also replied me in Hausa.

“Ina kwana. Yaya anya?(how was your trip?)

“Lafiya”(Fine)

I walked up to my baby and gave him a peck. “I bet if you have a gun, you will shoot the senator without hesitating” I said playfully and k!ssed him on the cheek.

He smiled. “Thank God you are here, how was your trip?” He said as he lighten up a bit.

“Cool” I replied. “Don’t worry we’ll finalize everything today, the next time you’ll be meeting him here again will be after the wedding venue” I assured him.

“I pray”

“Let me inform him that we are set for the meeting” I said and went to my father’s room.

“Ina Kwana Baba” I greeted. He was dressed up. He replied me.

“Don’t tell me you are going out again” I said angrily.

“I just got an urgent call, I have to be in Nigeria”

I laughed scornfully. “Father, if you step a foot out of this house without giving Feso audience…”

I stopped to ensure that the words are sinking. “I swear you will never set eyes on me again”

“It’s not my fault, duty calls”

“What stupid duty, you want to frustrate him so he’ll leave me abi baba”

“What are you talking about I already accepted him”

“See I will not allow you boss him around the way you did with my brothers. I mean what I say, you don’t finalize this marriage meeting today, then you will never see me again”

“Hauwa….. ____________________Toyin Taiwo

“If you think he’ll leave, yes he’ll leave but with me. Thank God he wasn’t a nobody. Only God knows what you’ll have done. You will even tell him to lick your shoe because he wants to marry your daughter, right!”

“Ok ok, I’ll spare 10minutes and you are already using up the time”

“No way father, 10mins, so you can reschedule another meeting? Call the Senate, tell them you have an emergency”

“Emergency! Stop been dramatic”

“Is this not an emergency! Put your house in order first before obeying Nigeria’s call”
He took a long look at me and realized I was determined. He pulled off his Guinea Agbada remaining the buba and sokoto.

“Let’s go” he said.

“Better” I said and followed him.
___________Toyin Taiwo
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ATTENTION PLEASE: TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY OR TO GET THE HARD/SOFT COPY OF THIS NOVEL, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHOR ‘MRS TOYIN TAIWO’ by CLICK HERE.
God bless you

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