I Will Employ People

I WILL EMPLOY PEOPLE, NO ONE WILL EMPLOY ME- OLADEJI ABOSEDE

Meet Oladeji Abosede, a graduate of Business Administration and the CEO of Ayanfe-Ola Business World; who has trained over 2,000 people in various handworks.

This is an interesting piece and I assure you that you would never be bored

Could you please introduce yourself?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World- My name is Oladeji Abosede Felicia and I’m the third of 5 children. I had my primary school education in Ogun state and then had my secondary school education in Lagos state. I graduated from Osun State University where I studied Business Administration; I’m the CEO of Ayanfe-Ola Business World.

How was growing up like? You had your primary school in Ogun state and Secondary School in Lagos state... Was there any form of migration at any point?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Hmmmmm...! Growing up wasn’t a bed of roses. I was with my parents during my primary school education but I had to stay with my aunt for my secondary school studies.

You studied Business Administration, what necessitated your choice of course in the University?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Well, I grew up knowing my mother as a businesswomanand I also discovered that I have a special interest in business. Having known the mind of God concerning where I was going in life, I decided to put in for Business Administration and God made it possible. About knowing the mind of God for me, I believed in God and I followed His guidance because I didn’t want to make any mistake in my life, so I prayed and I believed.

At what age did you decide that your career path was business?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Since I was very young, and I believe I also took the interest from my mother.

So your mother has a major influence on your career path?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Yes o...my gold. I love her!

Do you plan to have a salary paying job and still combine that with your business, or its only business?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – No, I don't even plan that. I have decided since my childhood that I will never work for anyone. Instead, I will employ people, no one will employ me

Take us through your business journey

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - As a businesswoman, I’m into different things, but my main vision is to have a training school on handworks. I started by learning different skills and till now I’m still learning because I believe learning has no end. Right now, I’m a professional in all my handworks and I also train people; I train both offline and online. 

My handworks include; Makeover, Event decoration, Event planning, Bead making, Bag making, Bridal hand fan, Nails fixing, Cake making, Skincare,Shoemaking, Wig making and many more. My business name is AYANFE-OLA BUSINESS WORLD and I started operations in 2013. With plans to have a business school, the company would have a subsidiary and that would be AYANFE-OLA BUSINESS WORLD TRAINING SCHOOL

You are involved in over 9 different hand works/businesses, how have you been able to combine them all?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – These are things I love to do, being my passion and with the help of God, I have been able to keep pushing further

Which of the handwork is your favourite?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Hmm… Do I have favourite? Seriously all my handworks are my favourite because I don’t take one work as being superior to or more important than the others. But if you insist, that would be bead making.

But which one has brought in more income?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Cake making and skin care

You started your business while in school (2013). How was like it combining business and education together?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – To be honest, it wasn't easy, but I didn't allow my business to affect my education. I set my priorities right. Also, I didn't start all the handworks at once, I started with bead making first, then I learnt cake making, decoration, skin care, ankara bag and shoe afterwards while I was still in school and after school, I learnt make-up and other things.

You are into a lot of handworks; catering, beads, makeup, wigs, event planning...And many more. Are you not a jack of all trades but master of none?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - No. I am a Professional in all. I am certified in all I do

So you consider yourself to be an expert in all your handworks?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Yes and I’m proud of it

The highest point of your business career

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – That would be when I started getting orders from people outside of my state. This gave me more confidence in my work as I was getting more customers outside my region and it’s still happening till now. In fact, every day in my business is a memorable one.

On the other hand, what would you consider as your lowest moment?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Every business has their ups and downs, but what matters most is the effort put together so as to ensure that the business is running at all cost...

You just finished your NYSC. How would you describe this one year journey?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - The experience was cool and wonderful. I served in the Northern part of the country, Kebbi State to be precise. It wasn’t easy adapting to the environment at first; meeting different people that speak a different language from mine, but as months kept counting, I began to learn and understand their way of life. In all, it is an experience I will never forget in my lifetime

Your take on whether the government should continue or cancel the scheme

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – The scheme is okay and all I will say is that the government should increase the allowance.

Still talking about the government, what are your thoughts about the Buhari administration so far?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Looking at the situation of things, he is trying and the sun in the sky is still more than enough to put many things in order. Only God can do it not Buhari...

The President recently said the youths just sit down and want free things, what can you say about this?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - I would like to use this opportunity to say that Nigeria youths are not lazy as said by the President. We are brilliant, strong, courageous, industrious, bright and vibrant and whether our leaders like it or not, we are coming over to rule the affairs of this great nation very soon. We should not allow that statement to bring depression on us, rather, as a stepping stone to come together as youths to work hand-in-hand to decide our fate. You know when an end is coming to a particular generation; many things are bound to happen. In the light of this, we are the hope of this nation. 

Our intelligence is highly needed in the political affairs of this nation. Instead of grumbling over what was said, why can't we sit down and think about our future? Our future is not in the hands of our leaders, it is in our hands. I am a youth of this nation and I will never allow anybody to decide my fate other than God. Let us support each other by getting ourselves involved in the governance of this nation. The change will only come through the youths because we are the strength and the glory of this nation. We have all what it takes to govern this nation.

Back to your business, what makes you stand out from your competitors?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Well, I am just myself, what actually makes me stand out is not mere work of my hand or my knowledge in this line of business. The last time I checked, I realized its God behind me.

What has God been using in you to make you stand out?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – Hmmm! All I notice about me and my business is that I am transparent, diligent and sincere. I didn't know this until when some customers began to recommend me for works within and outside my State. I have clients from different parts of the country that request for my service and even outside Nigeria. In fact, many of them pay upfront for the service of which I have never for once disappointed them.

 I conduct online training where many people from all over the world have access to at their own comfort and it has been really interesting. Many of these clients pay into my account without even seeing each other face to face and I render the service(s) required for.  All these gave me the goodwill that makes people request for my service. And as I said earlier, it is God all the way

About your online training, how has this been? How have you been able to successfully conduct this training? How many trainings have you had

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - My online training started when I was in school and I opened a Facebook account so as to reach out to people which is also a medium foradvert. I have the online training via WhatsApp platform and it’s been 4 years since I started this training. I have empowered thousands of people via this online training with a lot of testimonies from my students. My online training covers MAKEUP, SKIN CARE, WIG, CAKE, SNACKS, ANKARA BAG AND SHOE, EVENT DECORATION, BEAD MAKING, LIQUID SOAP AND MANY MORE. I have been able to conduct training successfully through commitment because is not easy at all but because I desire to empower as many people as I can in order to reduce the level of unemployment in the nation and also to make them self-employed.

So are you saying you've trained more than 1,000 people?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Yes! As a matter of fact, more than 2,000

For those interested in learning one craft or the other from you, how can they contact you and how much do you charge?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - They can contact me on this number 07060936861 or WhatsApp number: 09027681958. The charge is based on the type of training and the handwork to be learnt. My Facebook page is Ayanfe-ola business world and my Instagram page is @Ayanfeolabusinessworld. Training is both offline and online. I’m based in Ogbomosho, Oyo state but I’m mobile.

Your plan and vision for your business for the next 5 years?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - My plan is to have training institutions across the 36 states of this country because I want to touch as many lives as I can by God's help and Grace and my vision is to have over 1 million trainees in the next five years. I can see God helping me

…And how do you plan to achieve this?

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – Organizing training on different skills across the states, while I partner with various other people in order to conduct the training. Having government support would be great as this would make the training to be conducted at a subsidized amount.

Social Life…

Ayanfe-Ola Business World - Despite my busy schedule, I still have time to rest in order not to break down. I take time off on Sundays only. My hobbies include; reading, cooking, singing, dancing, praying, learning new skills, chatting, listening to music…

Relationship

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – I’m engaged

Final words from you...

Ayanfe-Ola Business World – Special appreciation to my Parents, thanks for the prayers, to my siblings, thanks for the support, to my man, thank you dear for always standing by me not forgetting my students and my customers for trusting in me, I love you all and I promise never to disappoint you. To all those who have taken their time to read this interview, thank you all and feel free to contact me for your works, training or any other related activities. AYANFE-OLA BUSINESS WORLD.

Thank you all for reading. Such in case you would want to be interviewed or have anyone that needs to be interviewed to showcase your (his/her) works, do feel free to contact.

Interview conducted and compiled by Oladapo Siyanbola

Twitter & IG @dapo_dmart

09032261797 08077284302 (WhatsApp)

The Sour Seed

       THE SOUR SEED

My name is Adebola and this is my story.

I finally chatted him up 'Hi, good afternoon, we need to talk, something is up'. I waited for minutes, then hours, I could no longer hold it, so I called him, 'Hello, did you get my message on WhatsApp?' From the tune of his voice, I knew he knew and I knew his answer already. 'lets chat on WhatsApp' I said. It was like it took him years to give a response 'okay'. As I ended the call, I burst into tears and couldn't control myself.

Then the message came in 'good evening, what's up'. I made up my mind to go straight to the point. 'I missed my period, I am three weeks out', 'Alright, I'm listening' he replied. 'I just took the home pregnancy test, It's positive'. Seconds stretched into minutes and still no reply from him. I continued crying as I kept starring at my phone, then it happened 'do you want us to talk about it? because I can remember that night you came to my room, we used withdrawal method.' I slipped off the arm chair I was on and wept in reckless abandonment upon hearing reading those words.

How could he say something like that, doesn't he know that withdrawal method is not 100% Safe, or am I chatting with the wrong person? I said to myself. I summoned morale to continue the conversation, 'What exactly are you trying to say?' 'am not responsible for your pregnancy. I was already suspicious you were trying to lure me into your devilish plan, I am not the only one you are seeing, so just stop it, get rid of it and don't disturb my life in any way'.

I have always been a mummy's girl, I wouldn't take decisions without my parents, but when it comes to love, I see myself as old enough to handle such. So when I made up my mind to succumb to his pressure, I believed myself to be making the right decision, at least I thought. Bolaji my last boyfriend really loved me despite everything people said about couples having sexual relations outside marriage. 

I never would have believed Tomiwa would break my heart. I couldn't help but remember the first time we met at New Buka, on campus. Looking ravishing in his casuals, pink lips and golden eyes, I felt I have met my heart throb. How I love to explore, and the moment Tomiwa said he was a part 4 medical student, I felt connected to him instantly. As a part 3 English student, my ascination grew and it developed into something more than I can even explain.

Now, here I am, my mother's words hunting me 'you are responsible for every decisions you make', still on the floor blaming myself 'why did I go to his room that night? I should have insisted on No, and stood my grounds, why? We had agreed on no sex at the beginning, how could I have been so stupid'. I wept and wept, till I could signal my tear gland informing me that it will soon run out of water. No one was there to console me, all I could see was my parent's faces, 'How disappointed they would be', I was their joy, their pride, their muse 'Oh how could  I do this to them, to myself, to God.' I knew I got away the first time I did it. I should have just taken the hint. Life just has a way of dealing with me doesn't it!? I have a decision to make but tonight, i would just let the tears fall.

What should she do?

Inform her parents?
Talk to a friend?
Keep the pregnancy.
Abort it?
Drop out of school and keep the pregnancy secret?
Blackmail Tomiwa and drag him into accepting the pregnancy?
Run away?

We will love to hear from you as your comments and contributions will go a long way and will be highly appreciated. 

Blindfold

               BLINDFOLD

It is with pain in my heart and tears in my eyes that I write this piece. I have never expected my life to turn out this way most especially when it had to do with the decision I made out of love. You can be right to say I was blinded by love, but I guess the blindfolds have fallen off. It is now too late to leave after all the time and years I have invested thinking things will turn around and he will get back to his default mood  on how we used to be. 

This is a true life story, so I hope you will learn from it. Please don’t castigate me or cry for me, I only did it cause of love. After all, love they say is blind.

She was always good at everything but she never thought she would be the worst when it came to marital choice. Chioma likes to think of herself as a strong woman, why wouldn't she, she has always been a survivor and a dedicated woman.

One thing Chioma never did was betray the man she loves. She never said no, she never spoke out of turn, she never disrespected him. She bore him two beautiful kids but he wouldn't even look at them least of living with them, he passes them by and waves them away like strangers-his own seeds. He married another wife, who gave him four kids, and he gives them all he has, yet! Chioma loves him even though she knows he would never love her back.

Chioma never gave up, she found delight in her kids whom she sacrificed 30years of her life in a one-sided love marriage to. She wakes up every morning with memories of her past and present day reality staring her down in the face. Her children never understood her, they never knew why she stayed. Everyday they asked her, why mother? why can't you leave this house, this man and give us the joy of not having to see you suffer, of not having to languish in pain and disgust at our very own father, why mother!? why?

She sat at her special sit rocking back and forth as the chair creaked staring at her husband of 30years and still not knowing where she got it all wrong. She leaned back and let her mind wander far and wide to the very beginning, when she found out she was going to be fatherless for the rest of her life.

Oh! she was so green, the brightest of a multitude of children, yes, she was from a polygamous home but her father loved her the most. She was beautiful, well mannered and did everything to put a smile on her father's face who would do anything to see her to the greatest height.

The day her father died was the beginning of a nightmare and an undoing for her. Her mother was more concerned about having children with several men than taking responsibility for her daughter. Chioma knew her life was over but she never gave up, she wanted to be a medical doctor but all hopes were bashed in, so she struggled, got herself a two degrees in Economics and Political Science. And how would life pay her back, by making her make the worst decision of her life. You can say she was simply blindfolded.

When Chioma met Idris, he was so handsome, the happening man in town, who just came back from Germany after his degree in Political Science. He married her and they were the happiest couple, blessed, they weren't rich but they loved each other and they were happy, that was all that matters. However, the day he dug his manhood in another woman's cookies, she knew that was the end of their happiness, most times she blamed herself thinking she pushed him away because she was too clingy. She gave up her banking job and took up teaching just to feel closer to the man whom she never thought would come to betray her.

So, when she made the decision to stay, she knew he would never love her again but she was determined not to be stigmatized like her mother was and she wouldn't let another man treat her like filth. The known devil is better than the unknown angel. Chioma was determined to do right by her children, she stayed to fight for them, she suffered hardships and neglect for her children, she couldn't even leave anymore, the children are already matured, each pursuing their goals in life. 

Once she tried to leave and he threatened to do everything to make sure her children never amounted to anything in the society, his own seeds. So she stopped and chose to say for her children.

Oh! Chioma, how she loves him still, she kept holding on to the good times they had and never complained, not once. She saw her children through the University, she took care of all their needs, she borrowed for them, the sacrifices of an African woman. And all he did was plant the seed and let her do the upbringing until it was time for harvest. What can she do, He is the man, well respected in the society, a high ranking chief, a father of many nations yet he beats his wife.

Chioma sat still, as she stared at this man going on and on gloating about how he takes care of his family to his friends and chiefs. So much pride in his stature, boasting about his children, of how he has an actress, an artist, an accountant, a doctor. She never said a thing against him for 30years and she wouldn't start now, but somewhere in her heart she wished she could undo everything and go back to that day she said yes to him.

She wakes up every morning and calls him my husband, praises him and yet she is dying on the inside hoping, just hoping that one day he would look back and tell her he was sorry but that day might never come because he is a man, and men are men. He broke her everyday but one thing he could never break was her spirit to continue living, loving nevertheless and staying strong because that is all she needs to survive 30years of a loveless marriage. 

Chioma knows he would never love her again but she loves him still and she doesn't hold it against him, her mother was always right, do not blame other people for your own God damn decisions when they come to hunt you.

If you are to advice Chioma what will your advice be to her. Feel free to drop your comments has they will go a long way and will be highly appreciate.

**Written By Anonymous**

Something Good Lost 3- The Conclusion

      Something Good Lost 3
           (The Conclusion)

................She did not stop pleading to see him and he in return did not stop saying "it isn't the right time". She even begged for pictures of him but he refused and told her to focus on her studies that they would meet when it's right. Then the long awaited day came.

It's been two years since that first text message Lilian got from Ayomide and still he hasn't agreed for them to meet yet. It was December 25th, Lilian's family had traveled to the village for Christmas to celebrate with nephews,cousins,aunts and uncles. There was a lot of catching up to do with family members and plenty of food to eat. Ayomide and Lilian were on call as usual and he asked why she didn't sound happy. "It's you. I want to see you" she replied sadly. "Alright then" he muttered. "Give the phone to your mum" she quickly dragged her mum from the other members of the family and gave her the phone. 

After speaking with Ayomide for sometime,her mum gave her back the phone. "She agreed" he said. "I was asking for her permission before I let you come. I would transfer some money to your account,it should cover your transport fare and any other thing you need. When you get to Asaba, let me know." And he hung up. "Mummy did you really agree?" She asked her mum surprisingly, considering the fact that she was the person always showing her news report on girls who get killed from visiting strangers they met on social medias." Yes, you can go. I believe you're in safe hands. Asaba is just an hour and thirty minutes drive from here. Make sure you return before it gets dark." She was shocked at this reply from her mum. What Magic did Ayomide use on her? she thought.

This was very unlike her mother. Letting her to travel to see a stranger. "Mummy why" she asked angrily, "Is it because he is wealthy?" She gave her mum a stern look "Shut up!" Her mum yelled at her, "Would you have told me if he hasn't asked for my permission? Wouldn't you have dodged out and travelled anyway? Ayomide is a good person and my spirit accepts him" she said and left Lilian there to think.

Her mum was right,she wouldn't have told her she was travelling to see a stranger. " What kind of person is this Ayomide?" She wondered. "I mean who does that?" She asked herself. "Anyway I'm finally going to see him today." She thought. She hurriedly had her bath and started looking for what to wear, she couldn't see any dress fit for this meeting. She decided she was going to the market to get new clothes. She went from one boutique to another looking for what is fit. She then settled for a a green shirt designed with strips and a black trousers. She wanted to look very decent because she has gotten to understand Ayomide's personality from their conversations. Her hair was in perfect condition as she had already made a nee hairstyle for Christmas. So she was good to go.

The journey from (anonymous) to Asaba was a short one but seemed very long to Lilian as she couldn't wait to Alight the bus,she imagined looking like one of the male passengers, she laughed and dashed the thought away. All kinds of thoughts started coming to her mind. What if Ayomide was a kidnapper and just wanted to use me for blood money? What if all the money he has been sending to me collects something spiritually from me? Wait! 

Why did my mum allow me on such a trip? "My mum is not a good woman" she almost sobbed.. "How could she allow me to travel to see a stranger?" what if something bad happens to me?" her head was full of these thoughts and she felt like telling the driver to stop so she could return back home but the urge driving her within to carry on was greater than that telling her to stop. She read the message Ayomide sent to her again "Please tell the driver to stop you at summit then call me when you get there" she reminded the driver again to stop her at summit junction.

"Summit junction" the driver's voiced jerked her out of her thoughts. She came down and looked around. This was the first time in her life she was doing something like this. Though a bit troubled she summoned courage to dial Ayomide's contact. "I'm at summit" she said with a shaky voice. He told her to wait around and that his colleague would pick her up. "Why his colleague and not him?" She thought. She concluded in her heart that Ayomide was indeed crippled that explained why he couldn't drive. With a sad face she waited patiently for the colleague. 

While she was waiting,a call came in. It was her mum. "Are you there yet?" She asked in a trembled voice. "Please do not show yourself until you've seen him and you think you're safe with him" Lilian laughed at this and said "Shebi you are now afraid too" they both laughed as she ended the call. Another call came in. This time it was a strange number. "Hello! Lilian this is Ayomide's colleague, he asked us to pick you. What are you wearing?" Lilian started to panic. "Ehm,.. Eh.. What are you wearing?" She asked back.. The other voice laughed and said "I can tell that you're scared. Well, can you see a petrol station where you are standing? 

There is a white hilux with antenna and a black Jeep in front of it" Lilian quickly looked across and saw the hilux and the black jeep. "Eh, are you in any of them? Why didn't Ayomide come to pick me himself?" She asked even more terrified. Then she saw the hilux and the black Jeep driving to her direction. "They must have seen me " she thought and felt like running away but she stood transfixed.

A very cute dark complexioned young man and a light skin lady with neatly plaited braids came down from the black Jeep. "Lilian" the guy called out with smiles on his face "My name is Abiola" he said half smiling "And this is chinelo. We are both Ayomide's colleague" She felt safe as Chinelo waved and smiled at her. She noticed there were military men in the hilux and this made her more safe. She entered the black jeep with them after seeing a rosary in front of the car. "Ayomide has told us a lot about you.

So you are the smallie writing those mature articles on Facebook huh" Abiola said smiling "I read them too you know." Lilian couldn't help but smile as well. "Ayomide can't wait to see you" Chinelo added. Lilian wanted to ask them if he was crippled but changed her mind as she felt it wasn't right... They drove for sometime and stopped at government house, Asaba. They drove into the residence of the workers and parked. Lilian came down and followed suit as they led the way, by now she was no longer terrified and was only curious.

Abiola and chinelo walked towards an apartment and she noticed a young man probably in his mid twenties standing in front. Abiola and chinelo greeted him and entered the house,Lilian in return greeted him and was about entering with them when Abiola and Chinelo chorused at once.

"That Is Ayomide". Lilian looked back with surprise and amazement. She never thought that young guy could be Ayomide as she was expecting to see a crippled man. The guy she saw had a fine dark spotless skin, his eyebrows was well arranged like God took his time to create this being. His lips had this beautiful curve that one could imagine how cute they must have been when he was a baby, his hair showed well grooming as it was dark, shinning, well brushed and a bit curly. He was of an average height. 

He was smiling and his smile was so sweet to watch that one would smile with him unconsciously. He opened his arms and embraced Lilian tightly. "Hope I'm worth the suspense" he whispered in her ears. Lilian was so dumbfounded that she could barely utter a word. She wanted the embrace to continue forever as she couldn't help but inhale the scent on his shirt. "This is my husband" She said in her heart and blessed God for such a blessing in her life.

"You're Beautiful" he said half smiling. "I thought it was only in pictures" he added. Lilian couldn't help but blush endlessly. "Let's go inside" he held her hands and walked her in. As they entered, the foot mat vibrated beneath her feet,Lilian jumped up and screamed in horror almost jumping on Ayomide. He laughed and watched her as he said "It only magnets sand and other metals you must have stepped on from your sandals" he laughed loudly and said "Village girl." Lilian covered her face with hands as she felt very embarrassed. Ayomide was a very interesting person to be with. They ate, drank and played games with his laptop, watched movies together and not once did he give her a lascivious look. His colleagues made her laugh as they told her funny things about Ayomide. Just when she was praying for this not to end, Ayomide told her to get ready, that she would soon go back home. She felt very comfortable with him and didn't want to leave.

"You're very young and successful" she told him. "what do you do" she asked. "I would tell you" he said smiling again "but it must be a secret between us" then he told her he was SSS and that was why he was very conscious of his security from day 1. "Why are you helping me? Why me" she asked "I just like you. You're so innocent and intelligent and i want to be a part of your life." He told her. Though that wasn't what Lilian expected. She wanted him to say he was in love with her too cuz she was madly in love with him. "How old are you please? " the words came speedily from her mouth. "I'm 27" he said smiling as usual, they kept sharing experiences till the sun went down and Ayomide decided it was time to go.

He drove her to the park, waited till she was in the bus,gave her some more money and waved her bye. Lilian couldn't control the tears that gushed from her eyes as her bus left. Can anyone be this kind? Are there still people as good as this in this world? She texted him thus "Ayomide God bless the day i met you. You would have chosen anyone else out there but you chose me, May God bless you. I would love and respect you forever." Ayomide was the first person she ever loved. I know you're curious to know the rest of the story. Like i told you earlier on it's a real life story, I would rush the end part of it.

She got home happily that day and told her mum everything. Her mum called Ayomide to thank him for the fact that Lilian came back safely. Lilian was too excited that she wanted to pour out her heart to someone and tell the person how madly in love she was with this person already.

She felt it wasn't wise to tell her mum about her feelings for Ayomide because she might condemn it and tell her she was too young. She then confided in a friend and told her everything that happened. The friend replied thus "Hmm mm, so mean after all he did for you,he did not even touch you when you visited him? No kiss sef" she said disbelievingly. "Anyway, it's the first time that's why, when next you go there get ready to open your legs very wide cud he must have sex with you" she said at once. While she was telling her friend all these,her mum wasn't far away and she listened to everything. "You are not a good person" her mum told the friend. "Is that what you should be telling her" she asked the friend angrily. "Lilian i have told you that in life one must keep something secret. Not everyone deserves to hear your story." she felt remorse for not telling her mum this in the first place.

If only Lilian took that advice from her mum, things wouldn't be the way they are today. Lilian visited him again and they went out to a fast food to eat and all went well. Then she got admission into school and Ayomide was still there assisting her as usual but Lilian kept telling anyone that came her way the good things Ayomide was doing for her and in her heart, that was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The people she told got Ayomide's contact and name on social media and kept telling him wrong things about her. 

Some even went to the extent of threatening his life and asking for money in return,it got so Worse that Ayomide couldn't take it anymore. He finally cut every contact with Lilian and left her a message "You do not want to be wise. I pray God sends you a more tolerating benefactor,i really do love you and wanted the best for you but you ruined everything"

Till date,Lilian still has Ayomide's contact but it's always not reachable. She still leaves messages for him on social medias but she gets no reply in return. Just like a ghost,she never saw or heard from Ayomide again.

We write to teach. This was a personal experience, she is in regrets about some certain thing and hoped many must have learnt from her story including you.

So, What did you learn?? We will love to hear from you.

**written by Promise O. Wealthy**

**Forwarded by Ananwureyi Ohine Joy**

Something Good Lost (Part 2)

Something Good Lost (part2)

(contiuation from last week) 

........She wondered why he didn't want her to see him. Her friends and cousins have advised her earlier on that he was just a crippled wealthy man who was looking for a young girl to groom and then take as wife but she has dashed away this thought. Right now she considered it, what if they were right? What if Ayomide was really crippled.

She decided she was gonna ask him.

He laughed nonstop and asked Lilian who was feeding her with such ideas but did not answer the question. "When you see me,you would know" he said still laughing. "When would that be?" She asked frustratingly. He changed the topic as he asked her of her well being and how studies was going. She thought of throwing away that urge to see him and just enjoying the moment while it last, after all she had nothing to lose but she just couldn't as she was falling in love more deeply with this man.

As days turned into weeks, weeks into months their friendship became even stronger. Lilian would be in class and get alert constantly. Sometimes she would be too excited and scream out while lecture was going on. The most amazing part was that she doesn't even ask him for money first before he sends to her. She tells him "the money you sent the last time isn't finished yet, I still have money" he would reply thus "I do not want you to lack anything. Just be focus and worry about how to pass" He was the one who told her to open an account with Guarantee trust bank.

The love in Lillian's heart became so strong that she started dreaming of him but in these dreams she sees Ayomide in a wheel chair. It could just be as a result of what her cousins and friends told her but then again it could just be her instinct. When people around her asked why she has saved this contact with "Godsent" she would tell them how good Ayomide has been to her. She would tell them everything from the beginning.

Her mum once warned her while they talked on phone to stop telling people about Ayomide and that in life a person needs to have secrets but she would say "Is it wrong to give testimony, I'm only telling people what God is doing for me through Ayomide " There was a time Lilian's mum was Ill and it was Ayomide who sent money down for her treatment. Her mum had spoken with Ayomide thanking and praying for him and he had been very embarrassed as he thought it wasn't necessary.

Lilian was good to everyone around her, she would assist to pay fees for her pre-degree mates who couldn't afford it, she would buy books and handouts for her friends,in the hostel, she was the cook as she would cook much food and share for all her neighbours. It got to a point that whoever needed anything went to Lilian for help,whoever was hungry went to her for food, She was so kind hearted that she would always give happily.

That faithful day she just got back from class and was having a cold shower when her phone rang. She had customised a personal ring tone for Ayomide so she knew when he was the one calling. She would leave whatever she was doing and run to pick his call. "Hello dear" she said happily but Ayomide's tone was sad and harsh and it changed her countenance. "Lilian who is Oreva?" He asked harshly. "I have no business with your friends" I only know you, your mum and your siblings so please tell them to stop contacting me" then he dropped the call. Lilian was dumbfounded. 

Oreva was her room mate. Why would she contact Ayomide she thought? This wasn't the first time he was complaining about this. He had once told her how one of her course mates messaged him and even added him on Facebook, how one of her male neighbours in the hostel added him on Facebook and messaged him thus "Lilian said you are her mentor and you have been mentoring her financially. Please mentor me financially too" and now Oreva too? She called Ayomide back to know what really happened and he told her to come online so he could send her screenshots. 

Her room mate had collected Ayomide's contact from her phone and added him on WhatsApp to tell him wrong things about her. She told him that Lilian was just fooling him and that she had saved his contact with "Maga" she also lied that Lilian had numerous boyfriends in school. She cried as she read the messages Ayomide sent her. This was the same person who would tell her to call Ayomide and request for huge amounts,she would advise Lilian to tell lies to him and extort money from him but Lilian would always refuse. She was never going to tell him lies she told herself.

Ayomide called her and told her to stop crying. "I know all those things she said were lies, just be careful of these people. They don't like you and they are taking your kind heart for granted. The fact that Ayomide did not believe Oreva was enough to wipe the tears off Lillian's face. She was not going to ask Oreva about it and she would create a password and start locking her phone as Ayomide advised. She would just take her mother's advice and be more careful. Her love for him grew even more. She did not stop pleading to see him and he in return did not stop saying "it isn't the right time". She even begged for pictures of him but he refused and told her to focus on her studies that they would meet when it's right. Then the long awaited day came……..….…

Some Good Lost To be continued…….

Dear readers, what do you think about what Lilian's mom told her over the phone that she should stop telling people mostly her friends about Ayomide and that in life a person need to have secrets? Do you think she is going to regret telling her friends about Ayomide? And what do you really think Ayomide wants from her? This is a true life story, though your comment wouldn't change the other part of the story, but it will be really appreciated. kindly comment what you think. Then I would continue the rest.

**written by Promise O. Wealthy**

**Forwarded by Ananwureyi Ohine Joy***

Something Good Lost

       Something Good Lost

Lilian was seating on the chair in the parlour with a sad face, her eyes were wet and you could see that she must have been sobbing even though she knew she was at fault. Her phone has just been seized by her aunt due to the fact that Lilian was too young to receive calls almost every minute from male folks. For Lilian, she had nothing to do with them. This was the time when etisalat gave you back every minute of call you receive so the more the calls you receive, the more the bonus. Lilian was a gregarious girl who would give any guy who asked her contact because she wanted the bonus. 

At this age Lilian was ignorant about a lot of things, all she did was read novels and browse the internet. Facebook and 2go were her best companion as she has just finished secondary school and her cousins were far older than her so she couldn't be involved in their kind of discussion. She would spend all her time online chatting with people she has never met,receiving calls from people she knows she would never have the chance to meet and making inspirational quotes,and interesting articles on these sites.

"Lilian" her aunt called out,she quickly stood up and rushed into her aunt's room. She sat down on the bed as she saw her aunt sitting on the bed. She knew her aunt was ready for those long talks. "Lilian my dear, i'm doing this for you to be a better person,decent girls don't share their contacts to the world." she felt ashamed because her aunt was right and the fact that she even made her contact public on Facebook weighed her down even more.

"I would change. She muttered. "Well, i would give you back your phone but if your phone keeps ringing every minute again,i would take it from you and smash it." As she was about taking the phone from her aunt,it rang. It was a message,Lilian became scared as she thought it was one of her 2go male friends texting as usual. "You see what I'm talking about? " her aunt complained. " if i open this message and it's from those good for nothing boys,you are not getting back your phone." Her aunt opened the message and it read thus :

"Hi young woman, My name is Ayomide. I've been going through your profile on Facebook and your articles are very captivating and to think that you're very young to have written all that.. Please can i be your mentor?"

Her aunt smiled and said "This isn't bad. This person means good" She gave her back the phone and warned her to be more careful. "God bless whoever has sent me that text" Lilian prayed in her heart, at least my aunt can now see that I'm also making use of the internet properly, she thought. She decided to call the person to say thanks. She dialed the number,it rang and became busy. She dialed again and it was the same thing.,Then she got a text message. It was from etisalat. Someone has just transfered airtime worth of #1,500 to her. She screamed and jumped up in amazement. Her aunt rushed out to know why she was so excited. "Someone just transfered #1,500 airtime to me" While they were still trying to figure out who did, her phone began to ring. 

She picked up and was terrified as the other end of the line was male. "hello Lilian" the voice echoed. But she couldn't even respond. "Lilian" the voice came from the phone again. "Oh! Hello" she replied. "how are you? My name is Ayomide, i saw your call but decided not to take it. I know you don't have airtime so i transferred some to you,hope you don't mind?" By this time her aunt was already dressed up to leave for her charismatic renewal meeting. "Thank you very much. I am very happy right now and i would enjoy your mentorship" she joked. The call continued as he started asking lots of questions about her. By now her aunt had already left and Lilian was left at home with her cousins. 

She enjoyed talking to the person on the other end of the line. They continued talking and laughing until they reached the limit of minutes. He called again and they continued then he asked if she doesn't want to further her education and she explained how she wants to but can't afford the form. He requested for her account details. Lilian didn't even own an account yet. he then told her to send that of any of her cousins which she did. While she was still talking on phone with Ayomide, her cousin got an alert. Ayomide had sent a huge amount of money.

This was a period when those who used internet banking, ATM cards were the wealthy ones, a period when all the common man knows about banking was that it opens from Monday (8am-4pm) to Friday same time and you can withdraw and deposit money only through this process. Anyone who could do otherwise was very wealthy. She thanked Ayomide and with tears in her eyes,she asked him why he was doing all those things for her.

They became very close as they talked on phone everyday and chatted till late hours at night. He would tell her to always read her books and her bible and that whenever she needed anything, she shouldn't hesitate to call him. Before she goes to bed,she would go down on her knees and thank God for this new friend in her life. In the morning she would glow in smiles as her countenance was a very happy one.

That year she bought the form,sat for the exams but couldn't beat the cut off mark for law. Ayomide became her best friend. He was the first she would call to tell anything be it good or bad and he was always there for her. He would advice her,console her,pray with her and rejoice with her if the news was a good one. She later left the house for school as she started doing a pre-degree programme. All these while Ayomide was still in touch with her. He was still sending her money to buy books,foodstuffs and other things she needed for school. She started falling in love with this Stranger. 

Though he didn't seem a stranger to her anymore. Each time she requested to see him. He would always reply "You don't need this now. Face your studies" she became more curious. She wondered why he didn't want her to see him. Her friends and cousins have advised her earlier on that he was just a crippled wealthy man who was looking for a young girl to groom and then take as wife but she has dashed away this thought. Right now she considered it,what if they were right? What if Ayomide was really crippled. She decided she was gonna ask him.

Something Good Lost To be continued……....

Dear readers, what do you think about Ayomide? Could he be crippled? Were the assumptions of her cousins right? Does this man really want something from her in return? This is a true life story, though  your comments wouldn't change the other part of the story, but a problem shared is a problem half solved.
kindly comment what you think. 

**written by Promise O. Wealthy**

**Forwarded by Ananwureyi Ohine Joy***

IF WE FAIL; OUR GENERATION FAILS.

IF WE FAIL; OUR GENERATION FAILS.

Ada had been my roommate during our secondary school days at Our lord Shepherd International School (OLSIS). She was raised in a home with high moral values likewise myself. She had made promiscuous friends in school few years back in the days. Her friends would always come to class late, speak to our teachers insolently. More especially the male teachers who have been caught on several occasions making love to them at the staff office whenever school had dismissed. 

I had called Ada uncountable times warning her against towing the paths of her friends but she would always say "do not worry Emilia, I am not easily influenced". This was always her reply. We had written our SSCE examination and were awaiting our results. This Monday was the day we had to go to a computer center to check for our results and proceed with the process of writing the Post UME entrance examination into the university. Myself and Ada had gone together to check our results.

It was indeed a wonderful day for us both, we cleared our papers. While people at the computer center were congratulating us on our successes, Ugo walked into the same computer center. Ada and myself were amazed, Ugochi was amongst Ada's promiscuous friends back then in school. The sight was quite tongue tying. Ugo was pregnant. This was odd. No one knew she was pregnant before we left school. She came to check her result as well. We all exchanged pleasantries and waited for her as well.

The moment her result popped up in the screen of computer, Ugo nearly fainted. The "F" on the screen was parallel. Christ lord! I screamed. She bursted into uncontrollable tears. We consoled her. We hadn't asked her who was responsible for her pregnancy. Suddenly she started her outbursts, 'it was teacher Amalu, it was teacher Amalu...' then sobs. What did teacher Amalu do to you? I asked. He got me pregnant and denied being responsible for it. Now I have failed my SSCE. She wailed continuously. Despite our efforts to effect her calm. She couldn't be comforted. But her weeping was short-lived when the owner of the shop came in and in turn started bashing on her. 

The man said all manner of terrible things to her; such was that she was the cause of her problems. "You refused to read your books and you willingly gave in to sexual pleasures back at school. Now you have failed in academics and moral ". After the man had finished his savage on her. I remembered how much I warned Ada, then I said to myself, if I had equally warned Ugo, she might have been able to escape this mess. Then I had an after thought, what if I had warned her and she never paid heed to my warnings. 

I was drawn out of my thoughts when the owner of the computer center started shouting at her to leave his shop as his shop was not a place to sympathize with visionless fellows.

Then it dawned on us all that we are young fellows who generations look up to. If we fail; our generation fails, I thought aloud.

Hope you enjoyed today’s edition and was able to learn. As youth we shouldn’t  give up on our friends, colleges, siblings, classmates etc. Lets endeavor to correct them when we see  they are going astray. By doing this you are also contributing our little quota to the society. Because if we fail, our generation fails. Always remember you can preach a better gospel with the way you live your life than with your lips.

There is this popular adage which says: “Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”. Is this really true? What do you think? Don't forget to Comment, Share and Come back later.

**Written by Precious Eminent**

Not Your Emily

NOT YOUR EMILY

Emily hated everything about rain. How it made the roads muddy, how the air smelled, and how people got disorganized anytime it deigned to fall. She just thought it was pride. The rain was very proud today she thought even as she got into her car after a tug of war with the umbrella she used as protection. Finally she was in the warmth of her BMW. 

She never failed to update her garage each year with the latest models of cars. So long as it cost money, she got it. She was afterall referred to as 'The money magnet'. She smiled to herself. That was the kindest nickname people ever called her.  Even her housekeeper called her a witch secretly. 

As she drove she thought of how her thirty seven years had sped by, How she had amassed all her wealth and the many bridges she had had to burn. It hadn't been easy but then she had made it. She smiled ruefully. Her mother would be so proud if she could see her now. A tear slid down her right eye. She'd lost both parents before she could even speak. A fire she was told. She had been at the day care centre when it had happened and so was saved from the hideous incident. 

Even before she stepped into the office she could hear the whispers, drawn breaths, feel the tension. They all saw her as a cold boss. She never smiled, she never went on trips with them and she never spoke much. She liked the way they kept their distance. She learned the hard way that humans were the worst species of harm one could ever encounter. 

Oh how she scrubbed floors till she could see her reflection in them in her uncle's house. They had taken her in as soon as the fire ravaged her home and parents and from the beginning They were everything but kind. Even from a tender age, she hawked all over the street. Her uncle's children attended the best Montessori school in the neighborhood and wore clothes she only got when they had torn. 

They also saw no need to employ a maid afterall They had Emily. 

She grew up reading old newspapers and forgotten books just to learn English. If there really was a hell as the old preacher insisted there was, it was her uncle's house and she lived there. 

Her uncle's wife made Cinderella's step mother look like a saint. She did everything in her power to ensure she never measured up to her children who by the way were duller than empty boxes. In all, her childhood was a memory she almost never cared to remember. 

When people ajudged her cold, uncaring and frosty she never bothered to correct that notion. She knew she hardly made herself show any noticeable emotions. What good had all the emotions she'd shown as a child done to help her out of her predicament? 

At 15. She had summoned enough courage and ran away. She slept in wooden sheds at the market at night and carried shoppers goods for them for whatever little token they could offer. Many would shake ther heads and ask what she was doing on the streets but no one really wanted to know the answer. Barely just to Satisfy their consciences by asking. 

She sipped the tea her secretary brought to her even as she swivelled her chair around. Now she lived in so much opulence she didn't know what to do. Where would she ever even find a man who would match what she had or be humble and confident enough to accept everything she had and stood for?  

She smiled and shook her head. The memories just came flooding back. How the Four men who had grabbed her one night as she was returning to her spot under the shed had manhandled her. Collecting her earnings for the day and raped her. They declared gleefully how they had been monitoring her movements for a while and how that night was their lucky night. She couldn't make a sound. Her emotions were already too dead to even feel pain if she was paid to. She never remained the same after that. She could only care less what happened to her. She was too busy trying to survive and looking for a way out of the torture that had suddenly become her life that she didn't realize her chronic sickness and swelling stomach was as a result of pregnancy till an old trader was kind enough to point it out to her. 

The shell that was her life came to a stand still. 16 and pregnant. Funny enough she got used to the idea after many weeks and couldn't wait to hold the only thing she owned in this world in her arms. 

But then, nature as usual had to be cruel. She had a miscarriage. Fainted in a pool of her own blood in the middle of the market while under the strain of a bag of rice. People scampered away. No-one wanted to answer to the police or bear the burden of caring for her or transporting her to the hospital. Well, that day was her day of Transfiguration. 

Mr. Titus a Mexican on a market survey with his team saw her, picked her up, took her to the hospital and as they say the rest is history. 

Her brilliance in school earned her so many scholarships abroad.  Of course not after a lot of tutelage. Mr Titus bless his generous soul bequeathed all he had to her upon his death and made her his sole heir since he had no family. 

Emily jolted back to reality. With the AC on high and her feet on the plush carpet, she thought of the life that was now hers. Her painful but successful transition, and how people would never know her story and continually judge her no matter what. 

She smiled to herself, she couldn't change the past, It built her to be the woman she was now, maybe she could make a few changes in the present and the future. She sighed even as she signed another anonymous cheque for another orphanage home.... 

Most often we judge people from afar without even having an iota knowledge  of what the person might have gone through or is even going through. We just conclude that he is bad, she is arrogant, he is stingy, he is proud, she is too full of herself etc. Why don’t we take out time to know the person better and closer before we jump into conclusio. Now do you think Emily should change her ways and smile more often so that people wont discredit her person, or she is just fine the way she is, after all – she doesn’t care. LETS HEAR YOUR THOUGHts.

We hope you enjoyed this wonderful piece, and was le to learn one or two things. Always remember you can preach a better gospel with the way you live your life than with your lips.
Don’t forget to Comment, Share and drop your suggestions and contributions. Bye for now.

CHAINED

                          CHAINED

The sound the plate made as it touched the ground corresponded directly with his heart that was beating abnormally. He couldn't seem to catch his breath. His thoughts bordered on how the plate had slipped out of his hands and what the punishment for that would be. Probably another night of sleeping outside with the mosquitoes and cold tiles for comfort or enduring another round of beating. He slowly sank to the floor in despair.  He was in his customary clothes.  A tattered black shirt, khaki shorts and rubber slippers. An attire that surely  wasn't fitting for the environment he found himself in but was of course suitable for his position of chief servant. Doubt and fear coursed through his veins even as he tried to gather the broken pieces of the plate together. Madam always kept an inventory and will notice the missing plate but till then he had to think of all the possible ways to die. As she would definitely try to kill him. God forbid her plates from Thailand knew destruction. 

He stood in the sitting room. Taking all the beauty in. The very comfortable chairs he was not allowed to sit In,  the marble floors he scrubbed daily,  the expensive looking television set that was forbidden for him to ever touch, and all the family pictures on the wall that showed everyone in the family with shining teeth and starched clothes. He remembered when those smiles were directed at him and when his own picture also hanged beside theirs. He remembered when he was a part of this family and not just a slave. When he was the head and not just a freeloader 

When he was a father and a husband.

The memories came rushing In unbidden. He had been the perfect man for Sheila.  She was the talk of the town on campus. His drivers were at her beck and call, his money was her money and she loved him to pieces. It was only right that the two lovebirds get married and they did shortly after her youth service. Oh they had a grand wedding 

All the people who could come were treated to a royal wedding.  He had no family since he was an only child born of parents who were only children too. And they had died in a car crash years ago. 

Seeing the joy in Sheila's face alone everytime he came home from work was enough to make him happy. They were in heaven. And nothing could destroy their happiness or so they thought. 

It happened one Friday. James got to work as usual, after several moments of kissing his wife goodbye to meet a bunch of uniformed men surrounding his office. A government project had gone wrong and was found guilty of fraud. His pleas fell on deaf ears. He lost everything in the long run. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He was devastated. Oh his wife was understanding for the first few weeks but when the Hunger set in, she started to change subtly. "Don't touch me, I'm hungry" that was her anthem everyday. "The children have not eaten.  How can you call yourself a man" That was her pledge. He watched all the love crumble before his eyes.  Nobody wanted to work with him anymore. His reputation preceded him. Sheila snagged a job in an oil company paying six figures and then his hell became several degrees hotter. 

 "How can I work all day and Still come home to a dirty house? If you don't clean this house you will find yourself on the streets" she boldly proclaimed one Monday evening. It was no longer 'darling' or 'honey' or 'sweetheart'. Words of endearment she called him a few years ago.  It was now 'useless man', 'Good for nothing' and 'fool'. He washed her clothes, took the children to school, did all the chores and had his special cane for whenever he made a mistake. His body was covered in sores and he had not even touched his wife since he had no job. She claimed "enjoyment was for the rich". All the tears he had cried throughout the ordeal, could have formed a small river. But things never changed. He never went to church or any public occasion for the shame was unbearable. Even his friends would not help him. They definitely didn't want Sheila breathing down their necks. 

He had always had a small stature so his wife used that to her advantage when giving him the much required 'discipline'.  He could not run away, Sheila proclaimed that he still owed her for all her suffering and if he tried it, he lost all rights to ever see their children. And he couldn't let that ever happen. Her high class friends would laugh and turn him to a bartender and cook anytime they visited and Sheila proudly told them she was enjoying her 'tamed husband'

He was a man. He was to swallow all the hardships of life without complaint. He was to be strong and be the sole provider. He was not to experience abuse from anyone, he was to be the abuser if at all.  If he cried, he was weak.  If he asked for help, his manhood was questioned 

What then? How then would he be free?  Who would fight for him and be his voice? Who would unlock his chains?

The sound of the car horn jolted him out of his reverie. She was back and this was his life. 

Most often we attribute the victims of  Domestic Violence to me females alone, we have forgotten that men too can be violated. Men too can be a victim. Men too suffer. So let’s put hands together to stop domestic violence in all ramification. What advice do you have for James and people who suffer Domestic Violence especially men, because it is regarded as a “taboo” for a woman to “beat” a man, been that – women are the weaker vessels.

We hope you enjoyed the wonderful piece and was able to learn one or two things. Don’t forget to Share, Comment and Contribute, it will be highly appreciated.

#StopDomesticViolence 

#SayNoToDomesticViolence 

#MenTooAreVictims 

Always Remember You Can Preach A Better Gospel With The Way You Live Your Life Than With Your Lips

**Written By Ayeba Ene, 400level Psychology, OAU**

Always Remember You Can Preach A Better Gospel With The Way You Live Your Life Than With Your Lips

Mistress of Secrets (finale)

................The next day, Justice came back home from work but not with the children. His wife had texted him that he should drop them off at their aunts place and that they needed to talk.
He hoped it wasn’t what he was thinking.
He couldn’t lose a family he had worked so hard to have. He just couldn’t.
He entered and saw her sitting in one of the chairs waiting for him. For the first time, she looked sane and normal. She was dressed in one of her green dresses, her hair was tied up with a matching ribbon and her chin was jutted up in determination. The room was quiet and the A.C hummed softly in the background.
“Katherine.”
“Sit down please.” She said pointing towards the chair opposite her. He stepped onto the soft rug dropped his key beside her phone on the centre table and proceeded to do as she asked.
“Promise me you wouldn’t lie to me.”
He started to lean forward.
“Promise me!”
“Okay, ok.” He said lifting his hands as he shifted pensively in his chair.
“I promise I will not lie to you.”
“How long have we being married?”
“Fourteen—fifteen years”
“In all those years have I ever been a bad wife to you?”
“You have being perfect my dear, you know that.”
“Do you love me?”
“Katherine, with all my heart, and you know that.”
She wiped at a tear on her cheek.
“Who is the father of my children?”

Oh no no no no!
“Katherine, baby. Honey.” He said leaving his seat as he came towards her.
“Please don’t touch me.” She gritted out.
So he knelt in front of her.
“I am their father.”
With all the pain and hatred she had in her, she slapped him hard across the face. His face whipped to the side as he waited for his ears to stop ringing. Panting hard, she rose and side stepped him.
“You have being lying to me throughout our marriage; I refuse to continue to be insulted this way. I am leaving your house.”
That got past his ringing ear to be processed by his brain. He rushed up after her.
“Wait.” He called but she hadn’t moved, she was still standing there glaring at him.
“Please sit down.” She did.
“All I did was for us. So we could be happy together.”
“What did you do?”
“How much did Cha Cha tell you?”
“So you are still planning on lying to me?”
“No, of course not.”
“I want to hear everything.”
For a long time he didn’t say anything, then he stood up, and went back to his seat.
“I knew I couldn’t have children long before I married you. It was due to an accident I had in my teenage days. I couldn’t tell you because you had many suitors back then and I was afraid of losing you.”
“What?”
“So for the first four years of our marriage I was responsible for our childlessness.”
“All that drugs I took, all the prayer houses I went…” she said in surprise.
“To think the source of my problem was busy holding my hand through it all.”
“I didn’t count on you becoming so desperate. I thought if I didn’t mind, you wouldn’t also mind that much. But you wanted a child and you were desperate about it too. So one day I met a guy at the basket ball court I frequented and we got talking.”
He looked up at his wife then.
“Cha Cha had no right to have told you.” He said desperately.
“You weren’t supposed to ever know.” He muttered.
“I am listening.” She said eyes wide with pain and unshed tears.
“I made you get that app in your phone, and I was able to track when you were most fertile.” He was quiet for a long time murmuring how she wasn’t ever supposed to know.
“Then I drugged you and invited him over.” He said in a small voice, never meeting her eyes.
Katherine slid off the chair and wept in her hands.
“To think I was so happy when I found out I was pregnant.” She said amidst gasps.
“I am so sorry.”
Then she stopped to gape at him.
“I have three children.” She announced as if she just realized it.
“They have separate fathers?”
“No, no of course not I would never do that to you.” He came to wrap his arms around her.
“Don’t touch me you snake! How could you do this to me? You handed my body over to another man, a stranger you met at a basketball court.”
“I am sorry Katherine. I ensured he was clean, all the time he came over; he was always tested before coming.”
“All the times he came over, my God what did I ever do wrong. No sane man does this to his wife.”
“I am sorry. I so sorry, but I did it for us. It is just like going to a sperm bank.”
“Without my consent, my husband gave my body out to a stranger. I don’t even know you.”
“I am your husband and if not because of that crazy woman no one would have known, we were happy Kate.”
Arms wrapped about her, she kept rocking back and forth. Then she asked.
“Who is the man?”
“You don’t need to know, I am the father of our kids.”
She nodded.
“What if he comes back for them?”
“He can’t.”
“Of course he can. And then we will become the laughing stock of this town. My friends, my family, everyone will know. Everyone will know what you did.”
“Babe, don’t worry about it. He won’t bother us. I took care of it”
“You took care of it how?”
She asked looking directly into his eyes. But he looked away.
“Don’t worry about it. He wont bother us.” He repeated, the anguish in his eyes starting to have a touch of hope. Perhaps she would understand and forgive him.
“That is not a satisfactory answer, I cant stay here and be humiliated with you, you can keep the children, because if Cha Cha knows and you didn’t tell her, then he did. Pretty soon others will know too.”
“Please don’t leave me.” He rushed to say, taking her hands.
“I will take care of her like I took care of him and find out who told her and take care of them too.”
“I want to know what you mean.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
She made to move past him.
“Okay.” He said desperately. Then he studied her for a long time and cupped her face.
“I trust you, I want to show you that I trust you, that is why I am telling you this. But you must promise me you wont tell anyone. You must promise me you will be strong, stronger than your usual self.”
Katherine nodded, tears sliding down her cheeks.
“I went to his house, and we had a few drinks, I slipped something in his drink and when he fell asleep, I set his house on fire, but I made it look like an accident so no one will ever know.”
“Oh my God, You killed him?” she whispered in shock.
“Yes honey, he was trying to blackmail me, always asking for money. I had to kill him. We already had two boys and a girl, we didn’t need him anymore.”
Her legs couldn’t hold her, she dropped to the chair. He knelt before her.
“You have to be strong, you need to get close to Cha Cha, try to find out how she got to know then we can take care of her and whoever told her. We are family Kate, we need to take care of each other. Do you understand?”
“I do now.”
He nodded, seeming relieved. His eyes glinted with evil. She had never seen this side of him.
“You must be careful, that woman is very smart. We need to know who told her.”
“But I already know.”
He looked up sharply.
“You do?”
“Yes. It was the police.”
Just then uniformed men stepped out from every other room, surrounding them.
Justice stared at them for a long time, not comprehending what was happening.
“What is happening?”
“You are under arrest Sir, for the Murder of one Mr. Frederick Otegar. You have the right to remain silent for anything you say will and may be used against you in the court of Law.”
“Katherine.”
“You were willing to continue killing, weren’t you?”
“It was for us.”
“No it was for you and you alone. You married me without telling me about your problem, because you wanted to make yourself happy, you drugged me, your wife, brought a stranger to violate me, your own wife so you can have a child. Only God knows how many times, how many times you drugged me. And when you got what you wanted you went ahead to kill the man. And you are even willing to continue killing.”
She wiped at her eyes for the millionth time.
“Your confession was recorded. Cha cha not only told me you were not the father of my children but also that the police had contacted her and that they were trying to get you to confess to the murder. Apparantly, Mr. Frederick had mentioned what he had done to his sister, who saw you with him on the day of his death.”
“Move!” The policemen shoved him.
“I pray you rot in jail.”
Cha Cha stepped into the room after the policemen had filed out.
“You still feel I shouldn’t have told you?”
“Yes, but I am glad he was unmasked. Who would have thought I was married to a monster. I didn’t know you worked with the police.”
“I don’t…okay so maybe once in awhile they come to me for help.”
“I wouldn’t have believed any other person.”
Cha Cha turned to leave then paused.
“You will be fine?”
“Eventually, I would have to tell my children the truth someday.”
“Good, Secrets can be very dangerous.”
“Says the Mistress of secrets”
And Cha Cha walked out of the house with a satisfied smile on her face, one secret was out, on to the next one.
Behind her, her wolf like dog growled and bared its teeth at any one who dared to look at her.

Question: Do you think ChaCha should have just keep her mouth shout, after all what do don't know can't kill or hurt you and Katherine would still be leaving with the love of her life and her children. Or do you think Cha Cha did the right by allowing Katherine know the truth about her husband and even got him arrested.

Hope you enjoyed the write-up, don't forget to drop your comment, suggestion and opinion.

*Always Remember You Can Preach a Better Gospel With The Way You Leave Your Life Than With Your Lips.