My life: Episode 6 ::::::::::*****: we got a one room self-contained within four days, not up to four streets from Bolas place. I also got a shop in the market, I started selling provisions and soup ingredients. Eniola enrolled in a school close to the market, so she could come to me after closing from school. Business went on fine, atleast we didnt lack anything. ************** Eniola was trekking back from school with her schoolmates. They walked in groups,-in threes and in fours. Eniola hold my hand lets cross the road. A neighbours daughter called Tola,told her. She was older than Eniola, I had begged her to help my baby cross the road always. No Eniola said defiantly. Cmon give me your hand. tola said again. Nooooo Eniola said again. Eniola, your mummy will beat you o Tola warned her. I am a princess, my mummy wont beat me. Eniola said laughingly. Il beat you o Tola was getting worked up. Ehn? Me? Dont o! My father is a king! Eniola was enjoying the whole game. Stubborn geh! Tola snapped. Yes o! Eniola replied before running into the road. Eniola! Tola tried to hold her but she was far gone. An on-coming car screeched loudly before coming to a halt, almost banging into her. She fell down due to fear. Its occupant ran out. Are alright? David asked picking her up. Did you hit me? she asked No, I dont think so, I almost did... Errm, sorry. Im fine Eniola laughed, Tola ran to where they are. Sorry Eni.. she held Eniola. Next time you should hold her hands David cautioned Tola. She refused Tola explained. I want to learn how to cross the road Eniola said pouting. David smiled. not now baby ! you should go home now. he dipped his hands into his pocket and produced some naira notes here take this he gave Eniola No thanks. she smiled before running off. Mummy Eniola, good afternoon Tola flexed her knees as they got to my shop. Tola, bawo? Hows school today? I replied hugging them both. I placed a flask before them both Tola eat before going home. I instructed Mummy Eniola, one car hit your pikin today Tola informed me gulping down some water. ofofo Tola Eniola giggled. Sharrap! I chided her Tell me my dear. I told Tola. The driver even dash us money, but we didnt collect. she said with a mouth full of food I wan hold her hand before o, but she refused o Tola shrugged Eniola? Is that true? I asked she giggled softly is that a laughing matter? I glared at her She bent her head in remorse sorry but I was learning how cross the road her voice was low. Stubborn girl! I thought. Well Im not suprised, she took well after me. She was a real Tejumola offspring, I was tempted to laugh but kept a straight face. Never try that again I said sternly Sorry mummy. Eat your food I told her, before rising to attend to a customer. ********** ::::::::::**** what other five lettered words do you know? I asked Eniola. I was helping her with her homework. Errrm..M-U-M-M-Y.... she scratched her head. I laughed write it down. I dont know anyone again.. she said looking up. What about D-A-D-D-Y, DADDY? I dont want to write that she frowned Why? I dont have a daddy she looked down You do have a daddy I corrected her. I dont, i cant see him she squealed. Just then a customer walked in. Please I need a bottle of water he said. Okay, gerrit from the fridge! I replied without looking up. Good afternoon sir! I heard Eniola say. Hi pretty, what are you doing here? he replied. Mummy, look at the man that nearly hit me that day. Eniola informed me. I looked up with a smile, but... I just froze. The whole place became tensed; I could hardly breathe, what does he want here? How did he know Im here? Teju? David found his voice. He dropped the bottle of water he was holding. I....errm..Teju...what are you doing here?...I mean..errm...how did you get here? he looked pleased. My tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth. He hasnt changed a bit..still the good-looking guy that ruined my life. I swallowed hard. I...errrm...is she your daughter? he persisted. I felt anger surged through my veins. Yes o! Shes my mother Eniola quipped, Shut-up Eniola! I screamed at her, was suprised at my outburst too. The startled Eniola walked gently back to her book. And you! I turned to face David. You came to buy water abi? Now take your water and walk out. my voice was rising. Teju... he began. Im sorry...I really am.. he moved towards me. Sorry? What for? My voice was suprisingly calm. I never meant to hurt you... my cruel laughter cut him short. Im sorry Teju, I dont know why you hate me so... A resounding slap stopped the gibberish talk. now you know how much I hate you huh? Leave my shop I told him with my hands akimbo. I expected him to hold his cheeks or make an expression, but he didnt seem to care about the slap. Teju please, we need to talk.. he tried to take my hands. if you touch me ehn? I swear, I go wooza you! i threatened. He smiled, turned to Eniola, squatting beside her he said. Baby...whats your name? his voice was cool. Eniola David. she replied slowly with fear in her voice. He held her chin softly, he examined her face, his hands patted her eyebrow..he searched her eyes.. Take your filthy hands off my daughter! I retorted, pulling Eniola away from him. She is mine right? She is my baby huh? he was wearing a wierd look. see thief o... i clapped my hands. you hate me so much, you claim to love my daughter... he said in a lament. shes not your daughter! I shrieked. she is! Her name is Eniola David..which other David do you know apart from me? he moved towards me Isnt it so clear? She has my face... leave at once! i cut him short I will, but Id come back tomorrow to pick my child. he said stressing the word child I watched him as he left my shop. I turned to glance at Eniola, i knew i was in deep mess if he should sue me to court. I dont think I can survive Eniolas absence. mummy dont mind him you hear? Eniola said hugging my waist. Tears streaked down my cheeks. Is this my destiny? Do I have to suffer? In what way did i go wrong? Do i deserve all these? Tomorrow! He said. I needed to act fast. He definitely cant take my daughter away. Episode 7 @7am tomorrow morning.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 17:53:07 +0000
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