Life's Symphony: A Short Story 8
''We women are like shadows, if you
follow us, we run away from you, get back from us, we follow you.'' Madam
Cecilia Bruce (1756).
The teacher did not stay long in the class just like the others that had come before her that day. She just came to introduce the subject to them and encourage them to work hard at the subject and what it will entail. The subject was Home Management.
Immediately she left the class, Tutu speedily brought out the note which she had kept in a book under her desk and glanced furtively around the class before
placing her head on the desk as if to have a short nap before reading the note. This, she thought to herself, is a precaution
necessary to be taken to prevent prying eyes of her classmates who might want to know what is crying in the radio.
She had feared that the short boy will decline her requested friendship because he might think her too forward. But she had to do it in order to place herself in the pilot seat of the boy's plane before others beat her to it.
As she opened the note, she had her heart in her mouth but her fear turned to happiness as she read each line which further informed her of Ola's acceptance
of her proposal. She would have shouted and jumped for joy, had it not been that she was in the class. She was so happy that she was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day. When her seatmate inquired into her sudden happiness, she said, ''Ko le ye e'' (You can't understand), hence, she didn't press it further.
The rest of the day went like a bullet from a loaded gun. The closing bell sounded. Ola was packing up his books into his bag. He had a lot of space to himself since he was the only one who sat on a chair meant for two students. Though it wasn't of his making, the other students detest sitting in the foremost part of the class. Thus, it afforded him the privilege of scattering his books all over the available space only to pack them when going home.
A tap on the shoulder made him look up from his business and he beheld the smiling face of none other than his new found friend beaming down on him. He was shocked but he masked it with his
own smile too and motioned her to seat herself beside him which she did.
They both packed up the rest of the books and in no time, they were outside the school gates heading for home.
For the first few metres of their journey, silence ruled the air. Each of them wishing the other to break the ice. They both moved their lips but no words came out.
After about ten minutes of walking and no talk, one of them spoke....
The teacher did not stay long in the class just like the others that had come before her that day. She just came to introduce the subject to them and encourage them to work hard at the subject and what it will entail. The subject was Home Management.
Immediately she left the class, Tutu speedily brought out the note which she had kept in a book under her desk and glanced furtively around the class before
placing her head on the desk as if to have a short nap before reading the note. This, she thought to herself, is a precaution
necessary to be taken to prevent prying eyes of her classmates who might want to know what is crying in the radio.
She had feared that the short boy will decline her requested friendship because he might think her too forward. But she had to do it in order to place herself in the pilot seat of the boy's plane before others beat her to it.
As she opened the note, she had her heart in her mouth but her fear turned to happiness as she read each line which further informed her of Ola's acceptance
of her proposal. She would have shouted and jumped for joy, had it not been that she was in the class. She was so happy that she was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day. When her seatmate inquired into her sudden happiness, she said, ''Ko le ye e'' (You can't understand), hence, she didn't press it further.
The rest of the day went like a bullet from a loaded gun. The closing bell sounded. Ola was packing up his books into his bag. He had a lot of space to himself since he was the only one who sat on a chair meant for two students. Though it wasn't of his making, the other students detest sitting in the foremost part of the class. Thus, it afforded him the privilege of scattering his books all over the available space only to pack them when going home.
A tap on the shoulder made him look up from his business and he beheld the smiling face of none other than his new found friend beaming down on him. He was shocked but he masked it with his
own smile too and motioned her to seat herself beside him which she did.
They both packed up the rest of the books and in no time, they were outside the school gates heading for home.
For the first few metres of their journey, silence ruled the air. Each of them wishing the other to break the ice. They both moved their lips but no words came out.
After about ten minutes of walking and no talk, one of them spoke....
Life's Symphony: A Short Story 9
'Sell when you can, you are not for
all markets' W. Shakespeare.
The silence was becoming too much for both of them and each was willing to break it only that the right word to say is beyond them. But Ola who was the most
uncomfortable decided to break the ice.
He felt that since Tutu had helped him in the first part by proposing the frienship's genesis, he should follow up with its exodus. Thus he said:
''Erm... How do I say this? Okay.... Lemme say it this way, can I meet you? Sorry, we have met. I should say... Can I know you... Or erm... Okay... What do you think?''
Tutu was threatening to burst with laughter as she watched her new friend stutter and pick up in a bid to start the conversation. In their present situation, she knew she wouldn’t have done better herself, so she gave him the credit for being so audacious.
She let out a small chuckle which she couldn't help, cleared her throat and said:
''Erm... Where do I start from? Okay, I will let you into the basics and as we progress in the friendship, you get to know the rest. As you already know, I am Adetutu Jejeloye of the famous Jeje family of Ayegbami Sagamu. I am fourteen years old.''
As she said this, Ola looked at her with disbelief written all over his face. He had looked at her as someone older than him. She looked well over that age, say, fifteen plus. But here is she telling him they were age mates. He found that hard to believe.
She sensed his disbelief and said,
''You won't be the first not to believe my age, but take it or leave it, ojo ori mi niyen (that's my correct age). So as I was saying, I am the second child and first daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jeje. As you know, we are Christians, though there are Muslims in my extended family. We live in Ayegbami, Akeredolu Street precisely. I love reading and singing. And I like dancing. So what else o.... Okay, I like making friends, but sensible ones and I
can go to any extent to get what I want. Now, your turn.''
Ola told her about himself and added that, ''I like walking, reading, meeting people and helping people. I also am a kind of timid or say shy around people, maybe cos of my height, which is why I have less friends and lastly, I hate lies. It turns me off people. So you are welcome to my world...''
Tutu knew she had found a loyal friend because as he spoke, she could see the sincerity and humility with which he spoke. She also noticed that he had been seeing the rough side of life.
The white shirt he wore could easily sieve yam flour; she guessed he must have been wearing it from his junior days. His trousers were altered and a little size too big or small. It has 'my brother dash me' written all over it. Yet, he never complained. And she now got the reason why he said he loved walking. What other options has he? He confirmed the Yoruba proverb 'One with a cap has no head, while one with a head lacks the cap to wear.'
She made a mental note to help her friend in any little way she can.
By now, they are at the ever busy Isale Oko motor park. Ola on his part is fighting an inner battle on whether to use the five naira with him to take transport or trek. If he spends the money today, he might need it tomorrow. His buttocks still hurt, though little, from Mr. Standard's cane of the previous term. He was always late to school that term and every one before it. Anytime he treks in the morning, he was doomed to be punished. That was why he made a resolution to avoid late coming in this second part of his sojourn in the school. He had prayed that his mother should be able to afford five naira a day so that he won't get late to school anymore.
''A penny for your thoughts,'' he heard as he realised that he had been long gone from where he was. Tutu was staring at him expectantly which made him cringe. He instantly loosened up and said hoping to cover up.
''My thoughts are worth billions of
dollars.'' He had said as a joke. He saw that it made no difference then he asked,
''Did you ask me a question?''
Tutu replied, ''Yes now, mo ni ko je ki a lo wo moto. Abi o fe fi ese rin ni? (I said let's get a cab, or do you want to trek?) And you didn't answer me. That's when I knew you weren't here with me.''
''Ah.. Tutu ma binu. I was just lost in my thoughts. Okay, your answer now. Go and take a cab, I will trek and we shall see in school tomorrow.''
''Why trekking?'' asked Tutu. The answer she already knew, but she had to ask.
''I want to see someone along hospital road and I want to read newspaper at the Local Government Library, so I have to
trek. Besides, I love trekking. Remember I told you before.'' Ola lied.
''Ola... Ode lo pe mi, abi? (Do you think I'm a fool?) Your lies are too porous. I know why you want to trek and again in this hot sun, even when you are very hungry.
Can't you see that your tummy is almost like your back? I like that, shy and not wanting to cause me inconveniences. Okay o. Let's get a cab and go home so that you can eat o.'' Tutu concluded.
The silence was becoming too much for both of them and each was willing to break it only that the right word to say is beyond them. But Ola who was the most
uncomfortable decided to break the ice.
He felt that since Tutu had helped him in the first part by proposing the frienship's genesis, he should follow up with its exodus. Thus he said:
''Erm... How do I say this? Okay.... Lemme say it this way, can I meet you? Sorry, we have met. I should say... Can I know you... Or erm... Okay... What do you think?''
Tutu was threatening to burst with laughter as she watched her new friend stutter and pick up in a bid to start the conversation. In their present situation, she knew she wouldn’t have done better herself, so she gave him the credit for being so audacious.
She let out a small chuckle which she couldn't help, cleared her throat and said:
''Erm... Where do I start from? Okay, I will let you into the basics and as we progress in the friendship, you get to know the rest. As you already know, I am Adetutu Jejeloye of the famous Jeje family of Ayegbami Sagamu. I am fourteen years old.''
As she said this, Ola looked at her with disbelief written all over his face. He had looked at her as someone older than him. She looked well over that age, say, fifteen plus. But here is she telling him they were age mates. He found that hard to believe.
She sensed his disbelief and said,
''You won't be the first not to believe my age, but take it or leave it, ojo ori mi niyen (that's my correct age). So as I was saying, I am the second child and first daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jeje. As you know, we are Christians, though there are Muslims in my extended family. We live in Ayegbami, Akeredolu Street precisely. I love reading and singing. And I like dancing. So what else o.... Okay, I like making friends, but sensible ones and I
can go to any extent to get what I want. Now, your turn.''
Ola told her about himself and added that, ''I like walking, reading, meeting people and helping people. I also am a kind of timid or say shy around people, maybe cos of my height, which is why I have less friends and lastly, I hate lies. It turns me off people. So you are welcome to my world...''
Tutu knew she had found a loyal friend because as he spoke, she could see the sincerity and humility with which he spoke. She also noticed that he had been seeing the rough side of life.
The white shirt he wore could easily sieve yam flour; she guessed he must have been wearing it from his junior days. His trousers were altered and a little size too big or small. It has 'my brother dash me' written all over it. Yet, he never complained. And she now got the reason why he said he loved walking. What other options has he? He confirmed the Yoruba proverb 'One with a cap has no head, while one with a head lacks the cap to wear.'
She made a mental note to help her friend in any little way she can.
By now, they are at the ever busy Isale Oko motor park. Ola on his part is fighting an inner battle on whether to use the five naira with him to take transport or trek. If he spends the money today, he might need it tomorrow. His buttocks still hurt, though little, from Mr. Standard's cane of the previous term. He was always late to school that term and every one before it. Anytime he treks in the morning, he was doomed to be punished. That was why he made a resolution to avoid late coming in this second part of his sojourn in the school. He had prayed that his mother should be able to afford five naira a day so that he won't get late to school anymore.
''A penny for your thoughts,'' he heard as he realised that he had been long gone from where he was. Tutu was staring at him expectantly which made him cringe. He instantly loosened up and said hoping to cover up.
''My thoughts are worth billions of
dollars.'' He had said as a joke. He saw that it made no difference then he asked,
''Did you ask me a question?''
Tutu replied, ''Yes now, mo ni ko je ki a lo wo moto. Abi o fe fi ese rin ni? (I said let's get a cab, or do you want to trek?) And you didn't answer me. That's when I knew you weren't here with me.''
''Ah.. Tutu ma binu. I was just lost in my thoughts. Okay, your answer now. Go and take a cab, I will trek and we shall see in school tomorrow.''
''Why trekking?'' asked Tutu. The answer she already knew, but she had to ask.
''I want to see someone along hospital road and I want to read newspaper at the Local Government Library, so I have to
trek. Besides, I love trekking. Remember I told you before.'' Ola lied.
''Ola... Ode lo pe mi, abi? (Do you think I'm a fool?) Your lies are too porous. I know why you want to trek and again in this hot sun, even when you are very hungry.
Can't you see that your tummy is almost like your back? I like that, shy and not wanting to cause me inconveniences. Okay o. Let's get a cab and go home so that you can eat o.'' Tutu concluded.
Life's Symphony: A Short Story 10
''I will make him an offer he cannot
reject...'' Mario Puzo (The Godfather)
Ola wished the ground could open and swallow him. He was ashamed of himself, he had never known how to tell lies, hence, most people tend to easily pick the holes in his extremely weak lies. Yet, he can't easily admit to his new friend that he trekked home because they were poor. Were they poor? He even thanked God for his family's status. At least he was in school and also his siblings were in school even though they had to sacrifice one for the other. They are what he called 'half poor'.
He thanked Tutu for her kind gestures and she told him that he needed not to hide anything from her. It is written all over him like a signboard and she had made her enquiries before making up her mind to become his friend. What are friends for?
They got a cab and in no time were at home. Ola thought about the day's events and concluded that it was nothing but an act of providence, albeit, God.
That was the beginning of the friendship between Ola, an almost nobody, and Tutu, a semi somebody. It grew stronger by the day. They were seen almost everywhere together, in school, at home, in the public library and wherever. Their parents knew them because they visited each other frequently. But as close as they were, Ola never for once thought of taking it above the platonic level. Tutu herself had no such intentions but believes that they already had a relationship going.
The dream of every serious minded student is always to excel in his or her studies. This was the case of Ola and Tutu, they grew in leaps and bounds in their academics except in Ola's perpetual customer- Mathematics. He just couldn't come to terms with the subject. He once said to Tutu, ''Why will I be looking for what is not lost? The formulae that had been propounded by somebody can't be changed and they expect me to accept it without asking questions. I just don't grab it.''
Their WAEC and NECO exams came and went. They read as if their lives depended on it. They left home before dawn, read through the day, kept vigils and came home late at night. Since their parents knew them, they had no problems whatsoever with their movements. All they both need to say was, 'I am going to Ola's place' or 'Mummy, mo fe de odo Tutu' and their visas are.... Stamped!
The results came out and both did well in the two exams. Tutu passed all her subjects while Ola had F9 in his Maths in WAEC and E8 in his NECO. He never expected something better than that.
For some months after the exams, the two jolly friends see regularly and made plans for the future. They even fantasised about getting married after their University education.
Tutu had been called by her uncle in Ife to take up a diploma in Economics at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. She would then be offered admission on successful completion of the course and into 200level. Ola on his part will still have to wait while his mother gathers money to enable him further his education. He would be working while intermittently trying to pass his Mathematics exam through GCE.
The parting of two united souls can be better imagined than witnessed. They both cried and wept like babies. Tutu's parents could not pacify them. She begged them to let her school in Ogun State which they rejected having done all necessary arrangements with only lectures remaining for her to start. Their parting was sad and heart rending!
For days after Tutu left Sagamu, Ola could not eat. In a week, he had become emaciated and looked like one that had full blown AIDS. His mother understood why but his father never knew nor asked but only compounded his woes when he announced that Ola was to soon become an apprentice to his friend, a tailor. Sadness raised to power two!
His mother pleaded with his father not to do such, he blatantly refused sighting financial incapability as the reason, since he can't afford Ola's University fees. His mother, who had by then got used to paying fees, said she will see to it. He said no and a row generated. It took neighbours some minutes to calm the two frayed nerves and resolved the issue for the two parties. The father alone on one side, the mother and children on the other side. Ola was highly depressed, he hated it when his parents quarrel. It usually generated noise and at time fisticuffs.
But in this, his mother had his backing. The next day, after his mother had told his father that Ola wanted to spend a week in Abeokuta with her elder sister, she took him and his baggage to Lagos.
He was to start another phase of life here. Still, he had not gotten over the loss of the first best friend he had, Adetutu Jejeloye. He still looked forward to seeing her before he packs up from mother earth...
Ola wished the ground could open and swallow him. He was ashamed of himself, he had never known how to tell lies, hence, most people tend to easily pick the holes in his extremely weak lies. Yet, he can't easily admit to his new friend that he trekked home because they were poor. Were they poor? He even thanked God for his family's status. At least he was in school and also his siblings were in school even though they had to sacrifice one for the other. They are what he called 'half poor'.
He thanked Tutu for her kind gestures and she told him that he needed not to hide anything from her. It is written all over him like a signboard and she had made her enquiries before making up her mind to become his friend. What are friends for?
They got a cab and in no time were at home. Ola thought about the day's events and concluded that it was nothing but an act of providence, albeit, God.
That was the beginning of the friendship between Ola, an almost nobody, and Tutu, a semi somebody. It grew stronger by the day. They were seen almost everywhere together, in school, at home, in the public library and wherever. Their parents knew them because they visited each other frequently. But as close as they were, Ola never for once thought of taking it above the platonic level. Tutu herself had no such intentions but believes that they already had a relationship going.
The dream of every serious minded student is always to excel in his or her studies. This was the case of Ola and Tutu, they grew in leaps and bounds in their academics except in Ola's perpetual customer- Mathematics. He just couldn't come to terms with the subject. He once said to Tutu, ''Why will I be looking for what is not lost? The formulae that had been propounded by somebody can't be changed and they expect me to accept it without asking questions. I just don't grab it.''
Their WAEC and NECO exams came and went. They read as if their lives depended on it. They left home before dawn, read through the day, kept vigils and came home late at night. Since their parents knew them, they had no problems whatsoever with their movements. All they both need to say was, 'I am going to Ola's place' or 'Mummy, mo fe de odo Tutu' and their visas are.... Stamped!
The results came out and both did well in the two exams. Tutu passed all her subjects while Ola had F9 in his Maths in WAEC and E8 in his NECO. He never expected something better than that.
For some months after the exams, the two jolly friends see regularly and made plans for the future. They even fantasised about getting married after their University education.
Tutu had been called by her uncle in Ife to take up a diploma in Economics at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. She would then be offered admission on successful completion of the course and into 200level. Ola on his part will still have to wait while his mother gathers money to enable him further his education. He would be working while intermittently trying to pass his Mathematics exam through GCE.
The parting of two united souls can be better imagined than witnessed. They both cried and wept like babies. Tutu's parents could not pacify them. She begged them to let her school in Ogun State which they rejected having done all necessary arrangements with only lectures remaining for her to start. Their parting was sad and heart rending!
For days after Tutu left Sagamu, Ola could not eat. In a week, he had become emaciated and looked like one that had full blown AIDS. His mother understood why but his father never knew nor asked but only compounded his woes when he announced that Ola was to soon become an apprentice to his friend, a tailor. Sadness raised to power two!
His mother pleaded with his father not to do such, he blatantly refused sighting financial incapability as the reason, since he can't afford Ola's University fees. His mother, who had by then got used to paying fees, said she will see to it. He said no and a row generated. It took neighbours some minutes to calm the two frayed nerves and resolved the issue for the two parties. The father alone on one side, the mother and children on the other side. Ola was highly depressed, he hated it when his parents quarrel. It usually generated noise and at time fisticuffs.
But in this, his mother had his backing. The next day, after his mother had told his father that Ola wanted to spend a week in Abeokuta with her elder sister, she took him and his baggage to Lagos.
He was to start another phase of life here. Still, he had not gotten over the loss of the first best friend he had, Adetutu Jejeloye. He still looked forward to seeing her before he packs up from mother earth...
Life's Symphony: A Short Story 11
'Dreams shall and will always be
dreams. Be it come to reality or it fades away, dream it forever will be.'
YTC... 013...
For a teenager that has not stepped out of the confines of his home town, Lagos is a London-like city. This was the case with Ola as he made his journey for the first time out of the city of Sagamu to his dream land of Lagos.
The rickety bus they were in made the journey a little interesting to 16 year old Ola who was busy looking out of the window at the buildings which lined the Sagamu Benin express road. He kept bombarding his mother with questions till the bus came down from the bridge to join the ever busy Lagos Ibadan expressway. His mother got tired at a stage and refused him answers to his
unending queries. The smoking bus later got to the popular Berger bus stop where his mother bought him a sachet of Gala sausage roll and sachet water.
Afterwards, the bus continued it tortuous journey to the new Ojota garage where they board another Danfo to Oyingbo which was to be Ola's home henceforth.
All through the journey, Ola was highly fascinated with the scenery of the Lagos metropolis. He admired the high rise buildings, the tall billboards shouting the
name of different products, the smart bus conductors who jump off and onto moving buses. The passengers who ran after buses in a bid to get into it first while the bus seems not to wait for them.
Ola watched in amusement as the conductors abused one another in a bid to beat one another to the few passengers waiting for buses. He concluded that this is going to be his home and Lagos is the best city on earth. He fell in love with the city at first sight. He wasn't leaving this city again.
His mother held his hand firmly as they walked through the streets of Oyingbo. They were headed for Kano street. That was where Ola's aunt and uncle lived. His mother's younger brother and her youngest sister lived there with two of their friends.
The cream coloured house was a three storeyed building and they lived on the second floor. It is a two bedroom flat with a tiny kitchen, better called a kitchenette, and a tiny bathroom and toilet. The males
occupy a room and the females did justice in the other room. The sitting room was for the whole house. It contained a three seater settee and a single-seater arm chair which were arranged beside each other to give access to the balcony which has a door leading to it from the sitting room. The room also boasts of a 21' television set with a DSTV decoder and a Compact disc player. Ola was elated because that was the first time he would see these things. His parents could only boast of a 20 year old black and white television which hardly shows anything but generates a hell of noise.
'Lagos is the brother of paradise.' he thought.
'Thank you mum for bringing me here.' He said to his mother after dropping his bag in the boys' room as it was called.
He was too excited that he hardly touched the food given to him by his aunt. She was happy to have him around and had been telling her sister to let the boy visit in a long while. Ola's father had been the stumbling block to his coming to Lagos then. But at long last, without his assent, here is Ola in Lagos!
His aunt promised to make his stay comfortable. His uncle also said he would try his best to make sure he has something doing while trying to pass his Mathematics.
''He cannot stay idle all the time,'' reasoned his uncle.
Two days later, his mother left him to begin his new life in a new city called Lagos.
The first few weeks were boring to him. He does nothing except sleep, eat, clean the house, watch films and play. When his guardians are out of the house, he will leave home as well, and explore the surrounding streets of Oyingbo. In no time, Ola had become familiar with his neighbourhood. He had traversed the area and could go out by himself.
One day, he got lost between two streets. He was confused by a couple of buildings which he had used as landmarks to aid his identification of the route back home. Some of them looked alike and he took the wrong turn only for him to realise a little later that he was lost! Luckily for him, being an intelligent boy, he asked around and was shown the way
back home. His guardians were already at home when he got back and he had to explain to them. But they didn't get angry with him, they only told him to be more careful and that he was welcome to Lagos!
For a teenager that has not stepped out of the confines of his home town, Lagos is a London-like city. This was the case with Ola as he made his journey for the first time out of the city of Sagamu to his dream land of Lagos.
The rickety bus they were in made the journey a little interesting to 16 year old Ola who was busy looking out of the window at the buildings which lined the Sagamu Benin express road. He kept bombarding his mother with questions till the bus came down from the bridge to join the ever busy Lagos Ibadan expressway. His mother got tired at a stage and refused him answers to his
unending queries. The smoking bus later got to the popular Berger bus stop where his mother bought him a sachet of Gala sausage roll and sachet water.
Afterwards, the bus continued it tortuous journey to the new Ojota garage where they board another Danfo to Oyingbo which was to be Ola's home henceforth.
All through the journey, Ola was highly fascinated with the scenery of the Lagos metropolis. He admired the high rise buildings, the tall billboards shouting the
name of different products, the smart bus conductors who jump off and onto moving buses. The passengers who ran after buses in a bid to get into it first while the bus seems not to wait for them.
Ola watched in amusement as the conductors abused one another in a bid to beat one another to the few passengers waiting for buses. He concluded that this is going to be his home and Lagos is the best city on earth. He fell in love with the city at first sight. He wasn't leaving this city again.
His mother held his hand firmly as they walked through the streets of Oyingbo. They were headed for Kano street. That was where Ola's aunt and uncle lived. His mother's younger brother and her youngest sister lived there with two of their friends.
The cream coloured house was a three storeyed building and they lived on the second floor. It is a two bedroom flat with a tiny kitchen, better called a kitchenette, and a tiny bathroom and toilet. The males
occupy a room and the females did justice in the other room. The sitting room was for the whole house. It contained a three seater settee and a single-seater arm chair which were arranged beside each other to give access to the balcony which has a door leading to it from the sitting room. The room also boasts of a 21' television set with a DSTV decoder and a Compact disc player. Ola was elated because that was the first time he would see these things. His parents could only boast of a 20 year old black and white television which hardly shows anything but generates a hell of noise.
'Lagos is the brother of paradise.' he thought.
'Thank you mum for bringing me here.' He said to his mother after dropping his bag in the boys' room as it was called.
He was too excited that he hardly touched the food given to him by his aunt. She was happy to have him around and had been telling her sister to let the boy visit in a long while. Ola's father had been the stumbling block to his coming to Lagos then. But at long last, without his assent, here is Ola in Lagos!
His aunt promised to make his stay comfortable. His uncle also said he would try his best to make sure he has something doing while trying to pass his Mathematics.
''He cannot stay idle all the time,'' reasoned his uncle.
Two days later, his mother left him to begin his new life in a new city called Lagos.
The first few weeks were boring to him. He does nothing except sleep, eat, clean the house, watch films and play. When his guardians are out of the house, he will leave home as well, and explore the surrounding streets of Oyingbo. In no time, Ola had become familiar with his neighbourhood. He had traversed the area and could go out by himself.
One day, he got lost between two streets. He was confused by a couple of buildings which he had used as landmarks to aid his identification of the route back home. Some of them looked alike and he took the wrong turn only for him to realise a little later that he was lost! Luckily for him, being an intelligent boy, he asked around and was shown the way
back home. His guardians were already at home when he got back and he had to explain to them. But they didn't get angry with him, they only told him to be more careful and that he was welcome to Lagos!
Life's Symphony: A Short Story 12
'No matter the extent of darkness or
blindness. Your heart has enough illumination, and you know it.' Yoruba
Proverb...
Ola began to enjoy Lagos and looked forward to new challenges in this very big city. His aunt and her friends spoilt him. They took him almost everywhere. His uncle and his friend too were not left out. In less than three months, he knew the major places in Lagos. He had been to the two islands, Lagos and Victoria, Yaba, Obalende, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Ikorodu, among others. His uncle, after being sure that he can navigate his way around Oyingbo without stress, found him a teaching job in a private school not too far from their house. Thus, Ola began working and earning the sum of six thousand naira every month. Soonest, he had a bank account where he saved his money and once in a while, he sends little amounts to his mum for her upkeep and that of his siblings.
The year's GCE exams came and went with Ola writing it. The results came out months later and as usual, he passed all and failed his nemesis. His guardians never allowed him the space to brood as they consoled and praised him that he will make it soon. He made up his mind to concentrate on his work and attend evening and weekend classes for a year or two before attempting it again.
All along, he had not forgotten Adetutu in the inner recess of his mind and this affected the view he had of other ladies. He kept them at bay. Seeing himself as unworthy of them.
Change of environment can do a lot of wonders to man. By his seventeenth birthday, Ola had changed drastically from the short boy into a tall handsome man.
His height shot out to five feet nine inches. He developed a broad chest and boasts of a six packs abs. Thanks to the beans he eats regularly and the weekend weight lifting he does with his uncle and
his friends. Anyone who knew him a little over a year ago will find it hard to recognise him save that his face did not change!
This change triggered a bout of confidence in him and he decided to try once again to move close to the feminine genre of the human species. He got close to different girls, ladies and women both in his place of work and in his immediate neighbourhood. He started on a platonic level and then tried building it from there.
His uncle and his friends never helped Ola's case at all. They came home with tales of their girlfriend and their escapades. They brought them home and at times the girls sleep over and when such occurs, the owner of the girl had exclusive VIP access to the room all night leaving the rest to scuttle for spaces either in the sitting room, or on the balcony. His aunt admonished him severally not to be like his uncles because it does not pay. She said it was better he kept only a girl at a time so that he can have his self respect.
Every other evening, his uncles gather either in the room or on the balcony to tell tales of their escapades and make jest of the women folks. They talked of different things ranging from their love for material things. Lack of in-depth love, to even the intimate aspect of their relationships. All of these to Ola's amazement. His aunt on the other hand debunked their claims at every available opportunity she gets.
Thus, Ola's view of the female folks was in a confused state as he knows not which was true or not. He reasoned that his uncles were partly right because they gave examples and he saw some of the
ladies exhibit the things said about them.
He also knew his aunt was correct because of the stint of friendship he had with Adetutu. He concluded in his mind not to be a bad boy like his uncles and that it was better to tread with caution.
As time wore on, he got attracted to a girl who lived just a stone throw from his house. He decided to try his luck at a real relationship for the first time ever. He decided to ask her out.
Did he succeed?
Ola began to enjoy Lagos and looked forward to new challenges in this very big city. His aunt and her friends spoilt him. They took him almost everywhere. His uncle and his friend too were not left out. In less than three months, he knew the major places in Lagos. He had been to the two islands, Lagos and Victoria, Yaba, Obalende, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Ikorodu, among others. His uncle, after being sure that he can navigate his way around Oyingbo without stress, found him a teaching job in a private school not too far from their house. Thus, Ola began working and earning the sum of six thousand naira every month. Soonest, he had a bank account where he saved his money and once in a while, he sends little amounts to his mum for her upkeep and that of his siblings.
The year's GCE exams came and went with Ola writing it. The results came out months later and as usual, he passed all and failed his nemesis. His guardians never allowed him the space to brood as they consoled and praised him that he will make it soon. He made up his mind to concentrate on his work and attend evening and weekend classes for a year or two before attempting it again.
All along, he had not forgotten Adetutu in the inner recess of his mind and this affected the view he had of other ladies. He kept them at bay. Seeing himself as unworthy of them.
Change of environment can do a lot of wonders to man. By his seventeenth birthday, Ola had changed drastically from the short boy into a tall handsome man.
His height shot out to five feet nine inches. He developed a broad chest and boasts of a six packs abs. Thanks to the beans he eats regularly and the weekend weight lifting he does with his uncle and
his friends. Anyone who knew him a little over a year ago will find it hard to recognise him save that his face did not change!
This change triggered a bout of confidence in him and he decided to try once again to move close to the feminine genre of the human species. He got close to different girls, ladies and women both in his place of work and in his immediate neighbourhood. He started on a platonic level and then tried building it from there.
His uncle and his friends never helped Ola's case at all. They came home with tales of their girlfriend and their escapades. They brought them home and at times the girls sleep over and when such occurs, the owner of the girl had exclusive VIP access to the room all night leaving the rest to scuttle for spaces either in the sitting room, or on the balcony. His aunt admonished him severally not to be like his uncles because it does not pay. She said it was better he kept only a girl at a time so that he can have his self respect.
Every other evening, his uncles gather either in the room or on the balcony to tell tales of their escapades and make jest of the women folks. They talked of different things ranging from their love for material things. Lack of in-depth love, to even the intimate aspect of their relationships. All of these to Ola's amazement. His aunt on the other hand debunked their claims at every available opportunity she gets.
Thus, Ola's view of the female folks was in a confused state as he knows not which was true or not. He reasoned that his uncles were partly right because they gave examples and he saw some of the
ladies exhibit the things said about them.
He also knew his aunt was correct because of the stint of friendship he had with Adetutu. He concluded in his mind not to be a bad boy like his uncles and that it was better to tread with caution.
As time wore on, he got attracted to a girl who lived just a stone throw from his house. He decided to try his luck at a real relationship for the first time ever. He decided to ask her out.
Did he succeed?
Life's Symphony 13
'Don't forget to remember that a
stone will forever be a stone, never mistake it for something else. Bite it in
a plate of beans and tell me how it is.' YTC...013
Ola had been seeing and watching Tope's movement on the street. He had done some preliminary investigations and had gotten some information about her.
Tope was the only daughter of her parents; she was fifteen years old and attended Queens College, Sabo, Yaba. Her parents were traders on the Island and they lived in the rented two bedroom flat that was a stone throw from Ola's domicile. She had an older brother and just one younger brother. Hence, she was a little spoilt and had numerous boyfriends mostly her brother's friends and could be said to be a little wayward.
Tope was a slim girl of five feet, four inches. She is dark in complexion, same as Tutu. Ola had a thing for slim, dark girls!
She was an excellent beauty who could easily have won the highly coveted MBGN, if only looks were needed. But she was not gifted in the intelligence department. She had the right curves at the right
places and had medium sized busts and very medium sized bums. Right for her age, you say?
She also was a happening girl. All parties in the neighbourhood are incomplete without Tope's presence. She would just find her way there invited or otherwise. She was just too much for our timid and shy Sagamu boy, Ola.
Upon his investigations, he had been told to stay off the girl as she would have known everything about him since he set foot in the area. Yet, he refused and decided to try his luck.
Wait! She was in S. S. S two Arts and wanted to write the year's G. C. E. That was what Ola saw as his advantage. He set about trying his luck as he gladly told his aunt about it. She encouraged him to start as friends and see what will come out of it. He agreed. His uncle only saw the glow in his face and countenance in the recent days and decided that all was well and sooner or later he would know what was burning on the mountain.
Ola had never approached a girl face to face, so he decided to use the first method he had learnt from Tutu. Letter!
At break time in his place of work, he drafted his letter,
Hi Tope, good afternoon or evening, whichever time you get this note. You might or might not know me around this area. But I have been watching you for quite some time now. I could say that I
like you and would like to be your friend. I know this might surprise you, but I just saw it necessary as I think I might be of help to you in one way or the other as I am a colleague of yours in the arts. I was in the arts class in my school.
I will like to know your response soonest.
Your new friend to be
Ola.
He read and read it again as he put it in his bag. When he got home, he watched till he was sure she was around. He gave the
enveloped letter to a small boy in his compound, the kids loved him, with a twenty naira note and with the speed of light, the letter was on his way to Tope's house.
The boy saw Tope at the gate and gave it to her. She smiled. It was as if she already knew the sender. She told the boy to wait a little while she read the letter. She laughed as she was amused at the
timidity of such fine boy. But he was too 'bushy' for her liking, still she thought of his proposal to help, without which she would had said an outright 'No'. She decided to tap from his knowledge base and get rid of him after her exams. Tope tore a part of the paper, and wrote,
Hello, note received. Meet me at the front of the mosque after the eight o' clock prayer for your reply. See you then.
Tope.
The boy ran back home into the waiting arms of an apprehensive Ola. He had another ten naira for his efforts and he thanked Ola effusively for that. Ola read the reply and jumped for joy. Hurdle one crossed. Patience is the key, he said to himself.
He patienly though apprehensively waited for night to fall. When his aunts and uncles came back to see him singing, his aunt knew why but his uncle was still lost.
Then he heard the call to prayer for the Isha'i prayer...
Ola had been seeing and watching Tope's movement on the street. He had done some preliminary investigations and had gotten some information about her.
Tope was the only daughter of her parents; she was fifteen years old and attended Queens College, Sabo, Yaba. Her parents were traders on the Island and they lived in the rented two bedroom flat that was a stone throw from Ola's domicile. She had an older brother and just one younger brother. Hence, she was a little spoilt and had numerous boyfriends mostly her brother's friends and could be said to be a little wayward.
Tope was a slim girl of five feet, four inches. She is dark in complexion, same as Tutu. Ola had a thing for slim, dark girls!
She was an excellent beauty who could easily have won the highly coveted MBGN, if only looks were needed. But she was not gifted in the intelligence department. She had the right curves at the right
places and had medium sized busts and very medium sized bums. Right for her age, you say?
She also was a happening girl. All parties in the neighbourhood are incomplete without Tope's presence. She would just find her way there invited or otherwise. She was just too much for our timid and shy Sagamu boy, Ola.
Upon his investigations, he had been told to stay off the girl as she would have known everything about him since he set foot in the area. Yet, he refused and decided to try his luck.
Wait! She was in S. S. S two Arts and wanted to write the year's G. C. E. That was what Ola saw as his advantage. He set about trying his luck as he gladly told his aunt about it. She encouraged him to start as friends and see what will come out of it. He agreed. His uncle only saw the glow in his face and countenance in the recent days and decided that all was well and sooner or later he would know what was burning on the mountain.
Ola had never approached a girl face to face, so he decided to use the first method he had learnt from Tutu. Letter!
At break time in his place of work, he drafted his letter,
Hi Tope, good afternoon or evening, whichever time you get this note. You might or might not know me around this area. But I have been watching you for quite some time now. I could say that I
like you and would like to be your friend. I know this might surprise you, but I just saw it necessary as I think I might be of help to you in one way or the other as I am a colleague of yours in the arts. I was in the arts class in my school.
I will like to know your response soonest.
Your new friend to be
Ola.
He read and read it again as he put it in his bag. When he got home, he watched till he was sure she was around. He gave the
enveloped letter to a small boy in his compound, the kids loved him, with a twenty naira note and with the speed of light, the letter was on his way to Tope's house.
The boy saw Tope at the gate and gave it to her. She smiled. It was as if she already knew the sender. She told the boy to wait a little while she read the letter. She laughed as she was amused at the
timidity of such fine boy. But he was too 'bushy' for her liking, still she thought of his proposal to help, without which she would had said an outright 'No'. She decided to tap from his knowledge base and get rid of him after her exams. Tope tore a part of the paper, and wrote,
Hello, note received. Meet me at the front of the mosque after the eight o' clock prayer for your reply. See you then.
Tope.
The boy ran back home into the waiting arms of an apprehensive Ola. He had another ten naira for his efforts and he thanked Ola effusively for that. Ola read the reply and jumped for joy. Hurdle one crossed. Patience is the key, he said to himself.
He patienly though apprehensively waited for night to fall. When his aunts and uncles came back to see him singing, his aunt knew why but his uncle was still lost.
Then he heard the call to prayer for the Isha'i prayer...
Life's Symphony 14
'Never expect too much from people.
Rather always expect the negative aspect, thus you won't be disappointed in
anybody.' Anonymous.
Ola left home that night for the prayer a little too early which was understood by his aunt and still baffling his uncles because he was fond of leaving home when the Iqamah (start of prayer call) is being done.
The Imam was somehow too slow for him that night. He prayed half heartedly wishing that his new found journey into romance would go well and free of hiccups.
The prayers ended and he strutted out of the mosque to the point of
his rendezvous with Tope. As he was arriving the point, he saw her
too exiting the mosque and approaching him, he fretted. But he managed to mask his feelings with the thought that this won't be his first time talking to a girl, hence, he composed himself before she smelt rat.
Tope saw him adjusting himself as she approached and smiled. What she had heard about him is true. As much as he could attract any girl, his confidence level to win her over his his weakness. She
can't go out with such a guy. Let's get this done with as soon as possible. He wants friendship? Friendship he will get, no more, no less!
They looked at each other for less than a minute when Ola spoke,
''You asked me to see you after prayers, here I am.''
Tope looked at him from head to toe as if to confirm if he was the same guy she had been admiring or not. The girl is just too pompous! She said,
''Why did you have to write so long a letter just to express friendship proposal? You could just have invited me over and said it to my face. You seem to be very shy.''
Ola did not deny the fact that he was shy around girls he wanted to ask out. He was free with others but immediately he feels like taking it beyond the ordinary, he
becomes timid and shy.
''I think that is my nature, Tope. If I had waited to say it to your face, I might have been stuttering. Which will be very bad.'' Ola said looking downcast.
''No problem, you tried. Only that the method you used is for small boys in junior secondary school. Or for bush boys. Now to your request,'' Ola looked up at her expectantly as she got to that point.
''I accept your request on the basis of the offer of help you promised to render in my studies. I know you are a little older than I am so I believe we can work together as friends. I will see you as a senior colleague, that's all. Mind if I call you Ola?'' she said matter of factly.
''No, I don't.'' intoned Ola as he inwardly rejoiced. He saw the name calling as a sign of better things to came.
''Thanks for accepting me as your friend. You are free to check me at home but please let it be in the evenings after school. When can I visit you at home? Or are male visitors not allowed in your house?'' Ola queried. Tope laughed. Before saying,
''Anytime you see me at home, you are free to come. And I will not hesitate to come over to your place when necessary.'' Tope replied.
They departed few minutes later, Tope first, then Ola. He was very happy as he narrated how it went to his aunts after his meal of Eba and Egusi with Sardine fish. His aunt was happy for him but she
told him to be careful around Tope. She also advised him to study her well before making his real intentions known to her.
The deal began. To and from each others houses they shuffle. Ola ensured there is no topic left uncovered by her, all were expertly explained to her. She too grabbed and learned, asking questions where necessary till she was in the know.
All along, his uncles, who by then were in the know of how things were going between them told Ola to be careful. They told him that Tope seemed to be using him as a cheap source to pass her exams, he said no. That the girl is developing a likeness for him and after the exams he will build on it to his own advantage. They just laughed expecting the day he will cry home heartbroken.
The exams came and went as usual. Tope was grateful to God for sending Ola to her. The guy was just too good at what he does. She was sure she will pass at least seven out of the nine papers she wrote. Six of which were tutored by Ola, with the exception of Mathematics which was handled by her elder brother, a Mathematics student in UNILAG.
She expectantly waited for the result but she had reduced the rate at which she visits Ola...
Ola left home that night for the prayer a little too early which was understood by his aunt and still baffling his uncles because he was fond of leaving home when the Iqamah (start of prayer call) is being done.
The Imam was somehow too slow for him that night. He prayed half heartedly wishing that his new found journey into romance would go well and free of hiccups.
The prayers ended and he strutted out of the mosque to the point of
his rendezvous with Tope. As he was arriving the point, he saw her
too exiting the mosque and approaching him, he fretted. But he managed to mask his feelings with the thought that this won't be his first time talking to a girl, hence, he composed himself before she smelt rat.
Tope saw him adjusting himself as she approached and smiled. What she had heard about him is true. As much as he could attract any girl, his confidence level to win her over his his weakness. She
can't go out with such a guy. Let's get this done with as soon as possible. He wants friendship? Friendship he will get, no more, no less!
They looked at each other for less than a minute when Ola spoke,
''You asked me to see you after prayers, here I am.''
Tope looked at him from head to toe as if to confirm if he was the same guy she had been admiring or not. The girl is just too pompous! She said,
''Why did you have to write so long a letter just to express friendship proposal? You could just have invited me over and said it to my face. You seem to be very shy.''
Ola did not deny the fact that he was shy around girls he wanted to ask out. He was free with others but immediately he feels like taking it beyond the ordinary, he
becomes timid and shy.
''I think that is my nature, Tope. If I had waited to say it to your face, I might have been stuttering. Which will be very bad.'' Ola said looking downcast.
''No problem, you tried. Only that the method you used is for small boys in junior secondary school. Or for bush boys. Now to your request,'' Ola looked up at her expectantly as she got to that point.
''I accept your request on the basis of the offer of help you promised to render in my studies. I know you are a little older than I am so I believe we can work together as friends. I will see you as a senior colleague, that's all. Mind if I call you Ola?'' she said matter of factly.
''No, I don't.'' intoned Ola as he inwardly rejoiced. He saw the name calling as a sign of better things to came.
''Thanks for accepting me as your friend. You are free to check me at home but please let it be in the evenings after school. When can I visit you at home? Or are male visitors not allowed in your house?'' Ola queried. Tope laughed. Before saying,
''Anytime you see me at home, you are free to come. And I will not hesitate to come over to your place when necessary.'' Tope replied.
They departed few minutes later, Tope first, then Ola. He was very happy as he narrated how it went to his aunts after his meal of Eba and Egusi with Sardine fish. His aunt was happy for him but she
told him to be careful around Tope. She also advised him to study her well before making his real intentions known to her.
The deal began. To and from each others houses they shuffle. Ola ensured there is no topic left uncovered by her, all were expertly explained to her. She too grabbed and learned, asking questions where necessary till she was in the know.
All along, his uncles, who by then were in the know of how things were going between them told Ola to be careful. They told him that Tope seemed to be using him as a cheap source to pass her exams, he said no. That the girl is developing a likeness for him and after the exams he will build on it to his own advantage. They just laughed expecting the day he will cry home heartbroken.
The exams came and went as usual. Tope was grateful to God for sending Ola to her. The guy was just too good at what he does. She was sure she will pass at least seven out of the nine papers she wrote. Six of which were tutored by Ola, with the exception of Mathematics which was handled by her elder brother, a Mathematics student in UNILAG.
She expectantly waited for the result but she had reduced the rate at which she visits Ola...
Life's Symphony 15
'... And give glad tidings to the
patient. Those who when adversities befall them say: From Allaah we come and to
Him we return...' Qur'an.
'When He decrees a thing, He says unto it, Be and it is...' Qur'an.
Ola was hell bent in trying to win over Tope's heart. He had seen the changes in her immediately after the exams. Her general dispositions towards him was totally scornful. It smelt of dislike, yet he persevered.
On one occasion, he had gone to their house with the intention of laying it all bare and getting his reply. But when he got there, she was in the midst of her friends, male and female, she even did not acknowledge his greetings. When he requested to see her for a few minutes, the look she gave him was enough to abort a nine month old pregnancy before its birth. That day he left dejectedly.
His uncles laughed when he got home looking like one who had just lost his international passport with visas to five countries. They told him to expect more if he did not back out. He argued that she was just testing his resolve and until she says it with her mouth, he was not stopping.
'Carry on! Goodluck.' said one of them as laughter rang in the room.
His aunts never left him. They kept encouraging him and telling him that it can only get better. Poor boy, they were raising his hopes!
Exactly a month after the exams, Ola went to Tope's house as usual and requested to see her later in the day. He had expected her to refuse as usual, but she was in a good mood that afternoon, hence, she accepted to see him after the eight o'clock prayer as usual in front of the mosque.
Ola went back home and patiently waited for nightfall. He was going to make the last attempt at getting Tope to be his. He was going to ask her out. His confidence level had been super charged. He was not going to be put off by her recent attitudes. This was the night.
Tope on her part was a little unsure of the reason Ola had called a tryst. She believed that he wanted to beg her and ask her the reason for her changes lately. Something else told her he would ask her out that night. At that thought, she laughed and said,
'He dare not ask me out. I can't go out with a bush boy like him. Someone who can't stop a girl and express his mind straight forward. If he does, I will make sure he regrets it. He is just an intelligent bush boy, he should wake up.'
Ola too had doubts about what he was about to do, but he had to do it and get it over with. Hence, he headed for the mosque and said his prayers. This time, it wasn't a rushed and divided one. He discovered this prayer brought him a kind of peace. He knew thigns would not go too well, hence as he came out of the mosque and strolled to the street's lovers' haven, he was light headed and unusually calm.
He had not stayed for long when the familiar figure which was Tope's came. She spoke first,
''Ola, why are we here?''
All along, Ola had marvelled at the ease with which she spoke. She said so little, yet they carry weight. She was streetwise as they said.
''Tope, I just want to tell you that.. All along I have been your friend but I wish we can take it a little further.'' he reeled out the lines he had crammed from a movie.
Tope's fears were confirmed and she will make sure he regretted it.
''Ola, O ga o. I knew that was what you wanted to say. Wait, can't you see that you are too local for me. You are shy and timid, you can't talk to a girl at once, you write letters like a JSS One student. That your bushness is yet to be refined and you can't use me to refine it. Omo, o we si mi. (you are too small).'' Ola was shocked. He had expected a simple 'No' not this extent of tongue lashing.
''Things start one day. And you can refine me to your taste. Tope please now.'' he begged and moved to hold her hand.
That was his greatest undoing because, 'Wham! Wham!!' was the sound he heard next. Tope had slapped him.
''You want to hold me eh? You village champion. I just used your head take read wella. You no be my type. Make me, Tope, come blend you. You wan use that bushy hand hold me. If you no comot, I go saunch you another one. Mugu!''
That said, she stormed out and left Ola who stood there, stunned with unshed tears in his eyes and xmas bells ringing in his ears.
He managed to get home and told his uncles and aunts what transpired. His aunts pitied him. The big bad boys laughed out their hearts....
He couldn't eat that night. The image kept coming back to haunt him. He resolved to return to his former state. He needed to get into the University. And now, his uncles were right...
The female folks are devils...
'When He decrees a thing, He says unto it, Be and it is...' Qur'an.
Ola was hell bent in trying to win over Tope's heart. He had seen the changes in her immediately after the exams. Her general dispositions towards him was totally scornful. It smelt of dislike, yet he persevered.
On one occasion, he had gone to their house with the intention of laying it all bare and getting his reply. But when he got there, she was in the midst of her friends, male and female, she even did not acknowledge his greetings. When he requested to see her for a few minutes, the look she gave him was enough to abort a nine month old pregnancy before its birth. That day he left dejectedly.
His uncles laughed when he got home looking like one who had just lost his international passport with visas to five countries. They told him to expect more if he did not back out. He argued that she was just testing his resolve and until she says it with her mouth, he was not stopping.
'Carry on! Goodluck.' said one of them as laughter rang in the room.
His aunts never left him. They kept encouraging him and telling him that it can only get better. Poor boy, they were raising his hopes!
Exactly a month after the exams, Ola went to Tope's house as usual and requested to see her later in the day. He had expected her to refuse as usual, but she was in a good mood that afternoon, hence, she accepted to see him after the eight o'clock prayer as usual in front of the mosque.
Ola went back home and patiently waited for nightfall. He was going to make the last attempt at getting Tope to be his. He was going to ask her out. His confidence level had been super charged. He was not going to be put off by her recent attitudes. This was the night.
Tope on her part was a little unsure of the reason Ola had called a tryst. She believed that he wanted to beg her and ask her the reason for her changes lately. Something else told her he would ask her out that night. At that thought, she laughed and said,
'He dare not ask me out. I can't go out with a bush boy like him. Someone who can't stop a girl and express his mind straight forward. If he does, I will make sure he regrets it. He is just an intelligent bush boy, he should wake up.'
Ola too had doubts about what he was about to do, but he had to do it and get it over with. Hence, he headed for the mosque and said his prayers. This time, it wasn't a rushed and divided one. He discovered this prayer brought him a kind of peace. He knew thigns would not go too well, hence as he came out of the mosque and strolled to the street's lovers' haven, he was light headed and unusually calm.
He had not stayed for long when the familiar figure which was Tope's came. She spoke first,
''Ola, why are we here?''
All along, Ola had marvelled at the ease with which she spoke. She said so little, yet they carry weight. She was streetwise as they said.
''Tope, I just want to tell you that.. All along I have been your friend but I wish we can take it a little further.'' he reeled out the lines he had crammed from a movie.
Tope's fears were confirmed and she will make sure he regretted it.
''Ola, O ga o. I knew that was what you wanted to say. Wait, can't you see that you are too local for me. You are shy and timid, you can't talk to a girl at once, you write letters like a JSS One student. That your bushness is yet to be refined and you can't use me to refine it. Omo, o we si mi. (you are too small).'' Ola was shocked. He had expected a simple 'No' not this extent of tongue lashing.
''Things start one day. And you can refine me to your taste. Tope please now.'' he begged and moved to hold her hand.
That was his greatest undoing because, 'Wham! Wham!!' was the sound he heard next. Tope had slapped him.
''You want to hold me eh? You village champion. I just used your head take read wella. You no be my type. Make me, Tope, come blend you. You wan use that bushy hand hold me. If you no comot, I go saunch you another one. Mugu!''
That said, she stormed out and left Ola who stood there, stunned with unshed tears in his eyes and xmas bells ringing in his ears.
He managed to get home and told his uncles and aunts what transpired. His aunts pitied him. The big bad boys laughed out their hearts....
He couldn't eat that night. The image kept coming back to haunt him. He resolved to return to his former state. He needed to get into the University. And now, his uncles were right...
The female folks are devils...
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