Aduke
Aduke
Aduke
......Baami,Baami,Baami,ah! Mogbe,maami,i cried for help running round the house in search of my
mother, father was lying helplessly on the floor ,with some white fumes coming out of his mouth,i didn't
understand what was wrong with baami....
An elderly man,baba Ade,who lives hereby, touched him,and did some observation like they do at the
hospital,, he's fine,just a mixture of different alcohol,get me some water ADUKE,,i ran as fast as my legs
could to get water,and handed to baba Ade,who sprinkled some on his face,and he made a
sneeze,which was very reliving to everyone around.
Agbaya,rubbish,how can a full grown man like this be useless,see the emotional torture he puts his
daughter,poor girl thinking something evil had befallen her father,Iya Bisi said,,,
My sister,that man is very shameless, that's all he does from sunset to sunrise,he doesn't do anything to
assist his wife and daughter,very useless thing that calls himself a husband,one by one the neighbors
started going out knowing, that he had regained himself....
Aduke,baba Ade called me,if there's food in the house,please serve him, that would also help.thank you
baba,i said as he walked away.
Baba,why,why,why do you do this,why do you drink so much,I was scared,I thought I had lost you,i
cried,,,take your stupid face out of here,you thought you had lost me,how can you little brat,lost an able
body man like me,I am going to lost you and your useless mother,father shouted at me...
I went in to get food for father as Baba Ade had instructed,baba please eat something,i served him,who
told you I am hungry,who,if I am hungry I know what to eat,you and your useless mother wants to kill
me in this house,but believe me I shall deal with you two first, rubbish,he said and fell back on the
floor,soon started snoring....
Aduke, kiloshele,you don't look happy,seems you have been crying all day,what is it omomi,talk to
me,kilo happennnnnnn
Iya Aduke,leave the poor child alone joor,who wouldn't be tired,after the race and psychological trauma
she went through today.iya Bola our loudest neighbor had said..
Iya Bola,what are you talking about,what happened to my daughter today,Aduke, what is it,iya Aduke
who else, if not that your drunkard of a husband,he almost died today ohhh,if not for the way Aduke ran
and called for help,it would have been a different story,you needed to have seen people
here,fat,short,tall,slim,dark, everybody in this neighborhood were all at your place, trying to see what to
do to rescue your husband,iya Bola narrated in exaggeration.
Aduke where is your father,mother asked me anxiously,baami is inside,I said to her.she ran quickly to
her husband, baba Aduke,baba Aduke,Shola,she woke him anxiously, trying to see if he was still alive
may be....
What is it,why would you wake me up like that, why,he shouted at mother.how are you, what's is wrong
with you,how are you feeling,mother asked concerned.
Maami ,,,Baami is fine,he only drank too much as usual,but today's own was worse because fumes were
coming out of his mouth as he was lying looking lifeless on the floor.i had to call for help,and baba Ade
said he had mixture of liquor which didn't go well with his system...
Adeshola,when are you going to quit this shameful behavior of yours, when,when Shola...mother called
out her husband by his name in disappointment...
Get out from my face you shameless things,like mother like daughter,father said as he continued
sleeping and snoring away......
My child,,I am sorry for what you went through, business was slow today, when I was about to close,
costumers started coming,I had to delay about an hour or two to make more sales since tomorrow is
Sunday and I won't be going to the market.mother explained everything to me in tears.
Mother,it's okay,I was only worried when I got back from rehearsal,and saw Baami that way and you
weren't home too.i said.
Come and eat, please my daughter,you must eat ,have your bath and sleep, tomorrow is Sunday.mother
said to me.
......Where is my money?,who took my money,father was shaking the whole place in search of his money
the next morning.
Baba Aduke,what is it, kiloshele,what money are you talking about that you have to be shouting like
this,mother asked still feeling sleepy,may thunder and lightning,bend that you mouth to the back for
saying I am shouting,where is the 720 Naria I kept in my pocket yesterday,where is it,he shouted again,
Kaaro baba,kaaro mama,I genuflected as a typical Yoruba young woman greeting her parent.
Aduke,where is the 720 Naria I kept in the pocket of my shokoto yesterday,,father asked me in
anger,Baami,I didn't see your money,he raised his hands to slap my face, thankfully he missed.
Shola what's the meaning if this one this morning,you and I know Aduke doesn't steal,and has never
stolen from any of us,so maybe it's where you went to drink you dropped it,not in this house, please go
and ask them there,maybe one of them may have your money.
Bisola,so I am now a mumu,an ode,so I don't know what I am saying ni,you have connive with this stupid
daughter of yours to steal from me this morning,he said to mother.he dragged her and turned her to a
pouching bag that morning,I tried to stop him from hurting mother but all to know avail,soon neighbors
started coming to separate them, by then,mother had gotten a black eye and some bruises....
Maami,why does Baami hate us,are we not his family,maami,let us go away, let's go somewhere far
from him,i told mother.
My child, he's your father,you must love him no matter what,and he's my husband,I vowed before God
and man to be with him for better for worse.mother replied.
But maami,you didn't know he'd turn out to be like this.maami look at your face,which husband does
this to his wife,i cried..
It's okay my child,it's okay,mother held me in tight embrace with each other's tears touching the back of
the other.
Chapter 2
.....Aduke,how was your last exams,mother asked,it was fine, maami,I replied, looking exhausted,I had
just completed my Waec,I was happy to be done with secondary school.even though I didn't know what
fate has in store for me.mother Was the only one that saw me through secondary school, she's just a
petty trader,she definitely can not single handedly sponsor my University education,I concluded within
me, perhaps I'd learn a trade,I encouraged myself...
Maami,it's not like I don't want to be in the university,nor register for the joint administration and
matriculation board exams,it's just that,I figured there would be no need writing the exams since I wont
be going to the university anyways,I said.
Maami,I know how difficult it was for you to send me to secondary school since baami doesn't believe in
educating a girl child,I know it won't be easy for you to o sponsored my University education single
handedly,I said in tears...
Omomi,you are right,it wasn't easy sending you to secondary school,but then,I can not allow your dream
to be cut short,it's our duties as parents to see that you are well educated,,I shall do whatsoever
possible,to see you attain your desired educational status,I was not educated myself,but you won't walk
that path my child,maami said trying so hard to overpower the tear drops trying to betray her,she drew
me closer to herself and held me tightly,,,it was an emotional time for mother and daughter......
Kini?,what is this,what kind of nonsense is this one, useless daughter of a useless mother,father
remarked as he walked in.
Oko mi kaabo,mother greeted, Baami welcome,I added,I don't need your stupid greetings, Bisola,if I
don't get my food in the next 5 seconds,you won't like the plague that will before you,mother and I
quickly rushed to the kitchen to serve his food...
Oko mi,your food is served,mother said in respect,Agbaya, ode,food that took you forever to bring,
nonsense.he opened the plate of food and saw a nicely dished Efo riro and amala,I could tell he liked the
food,even though he was trying to suppress his excitement,are you going to watch me eat the food
ni,what are you doing standing like a pole beside me,he shouted at mother.
Oko mi,did you like the food,mother asked him as she clears the plate,which food,is that one food, that
was tasting like what I don't know,so tasteless,father gave an horrible remark.baba Aduke,it was
tasteless and you finished everything in your plate, Weldon ohhh,mother said in sarcasm as she walked
away smiling.....
Why is father ungrateful,for that sumptuous Efo riro and amala you served him he had to give such
remarks,,,I had asked mother, wondering how on earth she managed to coup with a man like Baami for
so long and yet doesn't complain.
come on Aduke,your father isn't all that bad,he wasn't like this when we started you know,he was very
loving and caring,so hardworking,he was nice,he only turned out this way when he lost his job with a
company owed by a white man over 12 years ago , the white man mr Williams,liked your father so
much,so very much,as a matter of fact ,he had even promised to take your father with him back to his
country so that your father could be giving bigger and better job, unfortunately,your father's friend who
be brought to the company to earn a living, got jealous of all the good things mr Williams was doing for
your father,so,he set Your father up,he stole an expensive bracelet gifted to the White man by his late
wife,which he loved dearly,out of anger,he sent your father away and withdrew all his promises,your
father was broken,he started drinking,and keeping friends of sort,after looking for a job all to know
avail,he went to learn carpentry,but has refused to stop drinking,mother narrated.
Hmmmmm,I exhaled, father's story is a sad one,but then,this incident happened so many years ago,he
drinks because he chooses to,not really because of that, unfortunate things happen to people every day,
but they don't allow that define them,they live pass it and move on like it never happened, but father
allowed his misfortune of over a decade define him and his attitude,I said.
My child, different people react differently to things,let's pray And hope for the very best,I believe
there's goodness in your father,don't worry, he'd change some day, let's hope.maami said in optimism..
Maami,maami,maami I rushed in calling out mother in joy,I had checked the results of my jamb score
and I had 320,I was so happy and announced my result to mother,,, Aduke,you mean with this score you
have passed to the big school,mother asked trying to understand,,,ehennnn maami,it is the first phase,I
would have to write another exam,and hopefully I make that too,and then I could be giving admission to
the university..I explained...
Olorun O seun,thank you Lord for this you have done,and the wonderful things you will still do, because
I know even in the other exam you will still defend your name,,mother was overjoyed,we both were,and
we couldn't help thanking God for his grace....
Chapter 3.
I wrote my post UTME exams and came out in flying colors,I was giving admission in a prestigious
university to study Accounting
.it was a dream come true,I rushed home to mother when I found out...
Oh God,thank you for this you have done for my daughter,she sang and danced in appreciation to God..
That evening,mother made father's favourite meal,well appealing and deliciously tasting,Okomi,your
dinner is here,she said smiling to him,I was at the other room,but was eavesdropping,as mother had told
me she would want to tell father the good news...
He opens the plate and saw a delicacy of fried rice,salad and two big chicken laps, that's his favourite
meal,he turned to her and asked, what's the occasion,so you don't know what to do with money again,is
to be cooking and wasting it,rubbish,he said in irony...
Okomi,since when has it become a waste of money cooking my husband's favourite,,,tell me you don't
like it.
Like what,is this one food,,are you going to allow me eat this food or I should leave it for you, father
asked,no no, Okomi,I won't say anything again,just eat please,mother said,..
Minutes after,he had devoured the food,mother went to him to announce the great news.
Okomi,our daughter Aduke,passed her exams and she has been chosen to go the big school,to
study.mother said smiling,even I, had this beautiful smile on my face.
Eheennn, how's that my business,he asked to mother and I surprise,what does her passing her exams or
not get to do with me,,did I ask her to take any exams In the first place...he said unconcerned...
Ahba baba Aduke,what kind of talk is this one na,it is the dream of every parents to see that their
children gets to the university and become something great in life,why is your own different,mother
quarreled...
Well if you like say what you life,when you are done you will take your self out of my presence so that I
can relax, rubbish,father said, picking his teeth with a piece of broom...
I walked to the back of the house, crying and asking God what I did to deserve baba as a father...
It was time to begin clearance and make payment in school.Mother didn't have the needed money for
everything,she started going to friends and family for assistance...
Everyone seems to have a problem,nobody was willing to assist,mother had no one to turn to,hence she
went to her box,and took out the most expensive wrappers she had,and sold all,with that and her little
savings,it was enough to begin my clearance.....
I step my foot in the university as an undergraduate the first day of clearance,and I was happy to be
there,my heart was full of thanks to maami,who had made this dream of mine a reality...
I didn't know what to do,or where to go,I was new,I had to ask some persons around who I believe were
students, thankfully,they directed me to all the blocks and offices I needed to know...
In the course of my clearance,I met a fresher like me, Joyce, who happens to also be in my
department,she looked and sounded nice,we bounded,and went to all the places we needed to go
together.we exchanged contacts,mother had bought me a small phone,since i would soon be living for
school.
Joyce and I kept in touch untill we were done with our clearance.we had become recognised students of
the institute..
We decided to live together as roommates,I told maami and she agreed,she gave me some money to
pay part of the payment for the apartment,and Joyce completed it...
It was matriculation,parents and relative had come to share in the happiness of their loved ones,as for
me,only my mother was there,of course Baami didn't show up...
Where's Baami,I had asked mother,you see,he,he,,,,,,he didn't come,as he didn't see the need of
celebrating me,I helped mother finished it,come on omomi,don't see it like that,I am here for you,and
am very very very proud of your my child.she hugged me beautifully,indeed I should be happy and
thankful for having a mother like maami,I cheered up and got encouraged.....
The university life is no way the same as my secondary school at all.here everything is on the high
side,indeed education isn't cheap.i thought the payment of school fees was all there's to know,not until
more and more bills started to pile up, especially the buying of textbooks and handout which lectures
makes compulsory and with outrageous prices...
Even in terms of feeding,things weren't so nice either, Thank God for my roommate who had become
my best friend, Joyce,she was cooking for the both of us,her parent weren't so wealthy,but she had the
support of both her parents,hence made the burden easier,unlike me,who had no one but maami....
One of our courses for 100 2nd semester,we were divided into groups of two to make a research on
given topics,I and Sharon were paired for the assignment.
Meeting Sharon, opened a new chapter of my life and the beginning of MY STORY..by the way I am
ADUKE ADESHOLA...
CHAPTER 4
Having Sharon as my partner was so difficult,she left me to do everything for us,she was never around in
the school's library to make research with me,she cared less..
Aren't you concerned about your grade or this assignment I had asked her one day,I mean this is a 3
credit unit course, aren't you worried you could fail,she laughed sarcastically,why should I worry when I
can get my good grades either by paying in cash or in kind,she said and walked away.
It was the day of presentation,and the lecturer had asked each group's representative to speak on their
given topics,soon it was my turn,I did a good presentation and the lecturer was impressed.Did you do
this alone or your partner gave a helping hand,the lecturer asked me ,like she had asked others.yes
mam,I didn't want to be responsible for anyone's failure.yes ma,my partner was very supportive,we
made the research together in the school's library,I had said in defense of Sharon's lackadaisical
attitude....
Well that's wonderful,you both have done a great job,she said.Sharon looked at me, surprised I guess....
Thank you very much, Sharon came to me at the end of the class to show appreciation.
Thanks for defending me before our lecturer,that was very nice of you,to think that I didn't even
contribute anything to the topic,she said.
No problem, just take your studies seriously,we might not be partners next time,I said to her and walked
away..
I was having lunch one afternoon at the school's canteen,when Sharon walked in,can I join you,she
asked,of course you can I replied...
You know,I think I like you,she said, since you defended me,I consider you a friend..
Well there's nothing special with what I did, anybody would have done that,I mean,what do I stand to
gain if you fail the course..I said..
You are a very nice person,can we be friends,she asked,of course why not,we can,I said...
She brought out her big phone and asked for my phone number,which I gave her,she flashed me and my
phone rang,I brought it out and she was likeeeee,,
Aduke,don't tell me that's your phone,she asked me,I smiled brightly and said yes boldly..
What?,a young beautiful girl like you uses this kind of phone,she was surprised,and honestly I was
surprised at her expressions..
Well,it can make and receive calls,so yes it is my phone and I am glad I have one,I said with all
seriousness.
Ohh,sorry I didn't mean to get you angry,j was only concerned as a friend should she said..
After lunch,she offered to pay for me and I was very grateful to her...
She became a constant caller,she calls me every day after school to cheek up on me,she buys snacks for
me during lecture breaks at noon, and so many other nice things.
she invited me over to her place,I obliged and went with her,to my greatest surprise,she was living in a
well furnished apartment,with a big plasma tv,air conditioned and what have you, in short,it was heaven
on earth..
Your must come from a very wealthy home,to have such well furnished apartment in school,I said.
She laughed sarcastically, wealthy indeed, sweetie,my parents are not wealthy, though not poor
anyway,call us the average family,but you see,I got all these by myself,my parent do not give me all I
want,they try to take care of my needs though,but you see I want more for me,so here we are....she said
sounding satisfying...
So you mean to tell me you work even as a student,I asked curious,I would want to earn some cash,to
relieve maami of all the expenses and stress I thought within me...
Of course I work,I take care of myself and my needs cause I don't want to be stressing my parents over
anything,,,she said.
Woooooww Sharon, please, I'd need that job too,as long as it won't affect my studies,you see my
mother is the only one struggling to see me through school,I would be very glad if I can be of help to
her,I said...
Well one at a time,slow down,with time I'd introduce you to my job,for now,just relax,she brought out a
pack of cold juice and some tasty snacks,I stayed for some hours and was on my way to my hostel...
Where have you been,class ended hours ago,Joyce asked,I went to Sharon's place,I had replied..you are
becoming too close to that Sharon girl for my liking,I don't seems to be free with your friendship with
her,Joyce had said...
Come on J,are you jealous your roomie and bestie is been friends with someone else,you would always
be my bestie,Sharon is a nice person,she only want us to be friends, I said.okay if you say so, Joyce said
without pushing too much.....
J,if you see where this girl lives,chai,you would never believe a student in this our school that drains our
blood and sweat can afford it,the air conditioner was amazing,is it the tv,or the assorted drinks in her
fridge,that girl is living large,I concluded.
What does she do to achieve all that you just said,Joyce asked...
She says she works part time,and I have asked her to help me with such a job,as long as it wouldn't
affect my studies,I said.I really hope you know what you are doing dear friend,JOYCE Concluded.....
My friendship with Sharon grew deeper,I spent most of the day at her place,I soon began to sleep over,I
guess Joyce became tired of taking about the situation with Sharon and I and decided to keep quiet.
Sharon soon suggested I moved in with her,I happily said yes, rushed to my hostel and was packing my
things when Joyce walked in.whats going on here,she asked confused.i am moving out, I replied.
Moving out,how,I mean why, Joyce asked .oh nothing J,Sharon asked me to come live with her and I
agreed,I replied.
Sharon asked you to come live with her and you agreed, Joyce asked back,,,well you know this place is
just but a room,I think it isn't big enough for the both of us,but at Sharon's I have a room to myself,you
know it's a three bedroom apartment.i said trying to convince J.Aduke,did I offend you in anyway,Joyce
asked concerned,,,,oh no no no,come on,you are my friend and I love you,I just feel this room isn't big
enough for us both,since I have the privilege to live in a bigger apartment,why not, I said..
Well, it's obvious your mind has been made up,and there's nothing I will do or say that will change
that,if living with Sharon is what you need,no problem,just be careful,Joyce said..
Hunnnnnn,thanks bestie,I hugged her cheerfully,then I took my bag and moved my things to the taxi cab
outside,J stood looking at the car as he drove away with sadness in her eyes,like she has so many things
to say,and wanted me to stay back,but indeed my mind was made up.....
Chapter 5
Living with Sharon was so much fun,and very comfortable,I had enough to eat and drink,and even TV to
relax,it was more than enough for me,maybe because I didn't have such at home..
Living with Sharon,I soon discovered she was never home most nights,she sometimes receives calls and
hurried out of the house,I was always the one marking attendance for her in class and helping her with
assignments and test....
Sharon,please introduce me to your part time job, I would like to make money and take care of my
school needs like you do,I had asked her one evening.
Ad,do you think you can do my kind of job,she had asked me smiling, of course Sharon,you should know
me by now,I can do anything,all I want is to be able to make some cash.i said.
Hmmmmm,well if you insist,you see,there is nothing a beautiful girl like you can not achieve if she's
determined,you are young, succulent and every man's dream,any man would do anything to have you in
his bed,she added...
Sharon,you are correct,but I am waiting for my Mr right,I haven't meet anyone that my heart accept,I
said...
Oh so you belong to the land of fairy tales,prince charming meeting princesses,she asked laughing....
What is wrong believing in love, wanting to love and be loved in return,I had asked confused...
My darling, everything is wrong, because love is just a name use to define being stupid for someone.see
Ad,what is love when there is no money involved,when you can not live your life the way you want
to,when you can not buy whatever you want to,see which student do you think will help me achieve all
these I have achieved,or do you think If I was foolishly loving one student I would achieve all these,you
better open your eyes girl,she said.
I wasn't comprehending what she was saying or where she was driving at.,so tell me,what exactly do
you do then and how do you make so much,I asked her curious.
Well since you want me to spill it out for you,I will,I and some of my friends are call girls,we have fun
with the high and mighty in the society,i mean the men that matters in out county,all we need do is play
matured games with them on the bed,and then by morning,we get a fat brown envelope as thanks for
coming,she said...
Sharon, please If I understand you,you sleep with men for money,i asked her looking surprised..
Yes madam,I do,how do you think I made all these,more over it's just sex,she added..
How can you call sleeping with any man Just Sex,I asked her.sex isn't what you just give out like you are
giving out a cup of garri,you are supposed to keep yourself for that man who would be your husband,I
said.
She laughed sarcastically,so I should keep myself for one man somewhere,when I can use what I have to
get what I need,you that have kept yourself for over 20 years,what have you achieved,,,See if you wish
to be a big girl like me,you would have to change this your orientation,she said.
I was worried all hrough that day,what have I gotten myself into,is this really the right way,my mother
wouldn't be proud of me if I end up a prostitute,maami has sacrificed alot for me,I can not disappoint
her like this,,after much consideration,I decided never to get involved in such shameful act,even if it
means I live in little and lack.
I knew living with Sharon could be a temptation and I may one day decide to get involved with what she
does,hence I choosed to leave and go back to Joyce my bestie...
The next day,I arranged my bag and I was ready to go back to Joyce,what are you doing,and why are you
leaving,Sharon asked concerned...
Oh nothing Sharon,I just miss my roommate all of a sudden,I want to go back to my hostel,more over my
mother do not know I have moved to another,I am sure she won't be happy knowing of the latest
development...
Ad,are you leaving because I told you the kind of job I do,but come on,I am not disturbing you, neither
would I Force you to do what you don't want to,she said trying to convince me to stay back....
Maami had always told me there's is no need looking at a meal you know you don't want to eat,there
was no need enjoying the comfort that comes with living such life since I Know I don't want it,I said
within me, Sharon,we are still friends, nothing has changed,I just want to live the life I am use to and not
get carried away by a life I can't afford,I said,and hugged her...
Well if you say so,just know my door are always open to welcome you,and should you change your
mind,I am just a call away,she said...
I narrated my experience at Sharon's place to her and she was marveled at the kind of job Sharon was
involved in,and to think she's so nice in class ...
The educational system was going smoothly,thank God there was no strike,I had just concluded my
finale papers for 200 level,I was happy to go home to maami,I had greatly missed her....
Getting home,I couldn't believe what had happened,maami's shop were she sales provisions and food
stuffs had been raised down by fire caused by wrong electrical connection from the next shop,both
maami's shop and the other shop was finished..
Maami was looking a shadow of herself,but why didn't you tell me maami,I asked her in tears seeing
how thin she looked because of thinking...
Omomi,I didn't want to bother you, especially since you said you were writing exams,I wouldn't want
you thinking about the situation and fail your papers,she said trying to hold back the tears that was
trying to come down.my child,it's been three weeks,and things had not been easy with me, couple with
the fact that I even borrowed some money to stock up the shop before the unfortunate incident, she
said already in tears,I couldn't help but joined her in crying.life is so unfair,but why,why maami's shop I
kept asking...
They were days we had nothing in the house to eat,Baami will sometimes leave #500 and go out,what in
heaven's name would that do, people maami had borrowed money from, would also come and create
scenes demanding for their money,Baami would ignore like nothing affected him...
The humiliation was too much,the pains maami was going through,going to bed at times without food in
the stomach,and even waking up to nothing was too much for me to bear,I then decided it was high
time I called SHARON...
Chapter 6
I placed a call to Sharon,and told her I needed her help,she was the only one I thought could help
me,Joyce father had been in the hospital before we finished our exams,she was having a lot on her plate
already and I didn't want to bother her ....
Hello Sharon,goodday,I spoke from my end,AD what's up,how are you,she asked...not fine oh,Sharon
things are very bad here at home, mother's shop was burnt,things are very rough,I told her,,,hmmmmm
it's such a pity,so sorry dear,she said,Sharon please can you lend me some money,mother borrowed
some money to stock her shop before the unfortunate incident,and they aren't Taking it easy on her at
all,oh dear,I honestly wish I can be of help,but I just bought a car and I am not really financially stable
yet,she said. Wooww, congratulations Sharon,I said trying so hard to hide my sadness,,, Thanks dear,but
I can be of help in another way if and only if you will be willing to,she said..Sharon I really need to assist
my mother,we are going to die of hunger and starvation if nothing is done,I narrated..
Well like I have always told you,a pretty girl like you shouldn't be lacking anything,you can get all you
want,see I have an outing tonight,a group of politicians will be having a get together,and they need
beautiful girls to have fun with,trust me,the envelope is going to be large,and I think it will go a long way
to solve your problems,she said,,,I kept quiet on the other end,as I didn't know what to
say,hello,AD,AD,can you hear me,,,well I know you can hear me,if you are interested ,call me before
7pm,she said and hung up...
Oh my God,life is so cruel,I sat down thinking,will I lose my virginity this way,I am almost 22,and has
never had sex,will I give myself to a man who has no feeling for me,oh my God,what do I do,as I was lost
in thought,mother walked up to me,she was looking really pitable,she was so thin,due to too much
thinking,omomi,what is it,why are you looking so sad,what is bothering you.maami asked concerned...
Maami, everything is so saddening,why would all these happen to us,what do we do ,how do we get
money to survive and even pay those you borrowed,the embarrassment is too much,and Baami is not
showing any concern..I said almost in tears...
My child,I have called for help from all I know,no one seems to have,I have been thinking about the
whole situation,yet, nothing.
So,I have left everything in God's hands,when the people come and they demand for their money,I
would try and plead for some weeks,but if they refuse, anything they like,they can do with me,maami
said as some tear drops flowed down her cheeks..
Maami,it's well,there must be a way out from all these,there must be away, while we were talking,two
women came by, they were so angry.
Iya Aduke,why haven't you made return for two Fridays now,one of them spoke angrily,,, Please Iya
Joke,emabinu,I am sorry,you know what happenedddddddddddd,before mother could finish her line,the
other woman shouted,,pleases please please Iya Aduke, whatever happened to you is no fault of ours,
we won't tell others that contributed for you that they can't have thier money because something
happened to you, so please go inside and get the 16,000 thousand Naria for both last week and this
week's contribution, please.
Iya Bola,you know if not for the unfortunate incident I don't delay,I always pay as at when due,mother
tried to explain....
Iya Aduke ,please all these you are saying are stories,give us the money and let us leave here,,they were
already creating a scene,,,,,ma,please my mother will pay the money soon,please give us some time,we
woulddddddd,oh keep quiet, aren't you ashamed of yourself, can't you assist your mother in paying her
debt,you are just as useless as your fatherrrrrr....
Hold it there Iya Joke,don't your dare call my daughter useless,I am the one that owes you and not
her,so please direct your anger at me and live my daughter out of it,mother shouted at the woman
Insulting me,and that aggravated the situation.
So you have mouth to talk,you are talking and defending your worthless daughter,when you can not pay
your debt,she held mother's wrapper dragging her and demanding for her money, neighbors and
passersby had walked in ,some trying to suppress their laughter,while others were trying to plead with
the women to give mother more time...
She must pay the money,she and this useless daughter of hers are insulting us,upon our money,the
situation was going bad and I had to do something,,,madam please first thing tomorrow your money will
be ready,I had said to them,other persons joined me to plead with them to have patience till morning..
If by tomorrow,the money is not ready,all the valuables in this house,that's if you have any,will be
gone,they said and left...mother and I thanked all does that came to our aid.mother then sat on the floor
weeping....
I went inside, and placed a call through to Sharon,where can I meet you,I am coming,I asked her.okay no
problem, I'd send you the address soon,she said...
I had my bath,got dressed and came out,Aduke,where are you going,mother asked.maami,I want to see
a friend of mine and ask her for money,I might not be coming back as her place is quite far,I told
mother,,okay my child,just be careful,I pray your friend is able to lend us the money,she said....
I got to Sharon's place,her family seems okay,what more could make a child live a life like this having
such family,her both parents seems responsible and loving,indeed who has the hat has no head,and
who has the head has no hat..
Who did you tell your parent bought you a car,I had questioned,well I told them my boyfriend abroad
did,she said,hmmmmm I exhaled,soon we arrived at a five star hotel, suitable only for the important
figures In the society,soon,some other girls called Sharon that they were outside,she went out and got
them,she then ushered us to a mini hall exclusively reserved for the men we were coming to meet.they
were varieties of expensive wine,well spiced chicken,goatmeat, and even fish..Sharon seems to be the
only one they were acquainted with,she introduced the other of us,she then said to one,Chief chief,this
one is for you ohhh,she said pointing to me, she's just the way you like them,I promise you,this package I
got for you,when you taste it,you shall pay me double,she said smiling,the man was also smiling
sheepishly.After the eating and drinking,each man went Inside with a girl,and I went with Chief....
Getting Inside the VIP lounge of the prestigious hotel,it wasn't disappointing at all,it was magnificent,I
had never seen a room as fine as that my whole life....
While I was looking round the room in bewilderment, Chief's voice interrupted,my baby,sit down he
said,he was about touching me when I adjusted,oh oh oh,you want me to shower he said,no problem,let
me go and shower I would be back in a jiffy.he pull off his agbada and shokoto,to reveal his protruded
belly,my God this man is shapeless,I had said within me,and pecked my forehead and walked to the
bathroom..
Different thought went through my head as he went in, should I do this,is this really the solution,do I
really have to trade my virginity with money,I had asked myself confused,just then,I sighted a briefcase
just close to the bed....
Chapter 7
... Looking at the briefcase, different thought ran through my head,all I wanted was some money to
sought maami's bills,oh God,I was left confused, should I get the briefcase, try to open it and get some
cash?,I thought within me,or should I just do what I have come to do,oh God,but losing my virginity like
this can't possibly be the solution....
I went to the briefcase,took it and tried to open it, thankfully,it wasn't so difficult,I tried and it opened,lo
and behold neatly arranged bunch of dollar notes,my heart stopped beating for some seconds,I hadn't
beyond so much money, especially in hard currency.take everything and run away,that would change
your story and that of your family for life,a voice said, oh no,that would be greedy,take some and leave,I
listened to the other voice,I took about five bundles and ran out of the room...
The hotel was a magnificent one, finding my way out was another thing,I was rushing to the elevator,do
you even know how to use that, asked myself,I ran to the stairs rushing down as possible as I could...
Finally I got out and headed to the gate,it was late already but I didn't mind,where are you going,asked a
security,I,I,I,am going home,do you have a problem with that,I asked, trying to act normal,which
certainly wasn't working....
While we were still talking,two bouncers walked up to where we were and one of them carried me on
his shoulder like I was a baby, what's the meaning of this, put me down,you are harassing me,I said
hitting his back,it was as though my words or hits had nothing on him,he was walking hurriedly back to
the hotel while the other bouncer was behind us,as the headed to Chief's room I knew I was doomed.....
They took me to Chief who was sitting on the bed angry,Sharon was there too,I believe chief had called
her,she was in a very short pyjamas..
Immediately the bouncer threw me on the bed like a piece of trash, chief stood up like an angry
lion,came to me and landed two sound slaps on both my cheeks.how dare you,how dare you try to steal
from me, Chief honourable Babatunde,,,I am going to deal with you.
AD,how could you,I mean why,why would you do this, if you weren't ready to do this why did you come
over,you weren't forced, were you,I am totally disappointed in you,you are such a big disgrace,Sharon
scolded..
Chief, please,I am very sorry for this misconduct, please temper justice with mercy,have mercy on
her,please chief,she is just a girl who has refused to outgrow her naivety, please chief,please..
Sharon,I am very disappointed in you,how could you bring a criminal to me, chief said to
Sharon,,,,Emabinu sir,I am very sorry,please sir,it will never ever repeat itself again.please sir,Sharon
pleaded..well you can go to your room and don't keep my friend waiting,I know how to handle this little
brat, chief said to Sharon...
Thank you sir,Sharon said as she walked out,not without giving me a disgusting look...
Chief took his phone and dialed a number,come inside,he said and hung up..the two bouncers soon
reappeared..
Gentle,go get ropes for me,he said to one of them who went out and soon returned with some ropes..
Tie this thing hands and feet to the bed,he said to them,they grabbed me and were trying to tie my
hands and feet,please sir, please sir,am sorry,please sir,have mercy on me,I am sorry,I was shouting and
pleading,look for something and tie her mouth,I don't want to hear a word from her,one of the
guys ,took an handkerchief and tied my mouth...
You can go,he said to them,they went out and he shut the door from Inside,I was crying prousely,hot
tears rolling down my cheeks
Chief stood before me and removed his towel,it was the first time I was beholding a naked male adult in
full,I exhaled in fear...
I wanted to have this with you easy and calm,but you pushed me by revealing the criminal tendency in
you,I hate thieves,I hate them with passion...
He pounced on him,and he raped me mercilessly,oh my first time with a man was very horrible,I cried,I
wept bitterly,but his heart was like a rock,he didn't even have Mercy on me knowing it was my first
time.oh I wished I was never born,the pain was too much...
When he was done,he stood up and licking his lips foolishly...oh baby,you are so sweet,,,I didn't know
you were still intact,I mean in this age and time,a girl like you in her twenties a virgin, that's a miracle...
He called his boys to come untie me,I was too weak to get up .soon it was dawn,.you see,I had planned
to deal with you by not giving you a penny for trying to steal from me,but because you were pure,and I
had the privilege of been the first man to taste your honey pot,I shall give you something.he brought out
another briefcase,it was bigger than the previous one,he opened it and it was full of Naria note,one
thousand Naria notes to be precise.He brought out 20 bundles and handed to me, looking at him I hated
him,I wanted to spit on him and his money,but on a second thought,I realized maami needed that
money.i took it with pains and tears in my eyes, realizing I had traded my virginity for it....
I took the money and kept in my bag, the other girls and I drove in Sharon's car,while in the car,the
other girls and Sharon were over joyed at the generosity of the men,they were happy,but I didn't say a
word, instead I was in tears,I had betrayed myself and maami....
I didn't allow Sharon drop me at home,she and the other girls were seductively dressed and maami
could figure it out.i bought a bottle water and washed my face,I wouldn't want mother suspecting
anything.i managed to coordinate myself and went inside,maami e kaaro,I greeted,omomi
welcome,what is it, your eyes are swollen like you have been crying all night,mother asked concerned..
Indeed the instinct of mother's are unbeatable,maami cry?,no ohhhh, what would make me cry,you
know been with my friend,we just talked and jested most hours of the night, that explains my swollen
eyes...I managed to cover up...
Young girls and gossip are like five and six,maami said,how are her parents,maami asked,oh they are
fine,they sent thier regards,infact when I explained our situation,they were so compassionate,they gave
me some money,and they asked us to keep it,no need paying back..I said..
Ahaaaa,oluwa ohh, God will bless them,they would never lack,they would never know a better
yesterday,infact Aduke mi,you are going to give me thier number or call your friend so I can appreciate
her parents,maami said...
Okay mam,no problem,but I shall go in first and freshen up.i went inside and cried some more,I felt dirty
and unworthy,I managed to have my bath.counting the money,I discovered a shocking sum of 2million
Naria,I was surprised and angry at the same time...
While in the room,I heard voices outside,it was the women that had come the previous day,they had
come for their money,and they sounded ready for war,oya madam our money,you asked us to come this
morning,where is the 16,0000 thousand Naria you asked us to come collect this morning,one of the
women said...
Goodmorning maaaaa, nothing is good about this morning,the other woman attacked me,just give us
the morning and spare us all these pleasantries,she said...
Ma,please if you don't mind,give me the total amount maami is owning you,I said calmly,maami was
surprised at the question..
The women starred at each other and laughed sarcastically.you haven't paid common 16,000,you are
asking of the total amount,well if you must know,you mother borrowed 200000 with interest of 20000
thousand Naria only, making it a total of 220,000,but your mother has paid only 3 times,so 8,000 times
three,she asked me,,24,000 I replied,well that's how much your mother has paid, her balance is 196000
thousand Naria,she said,and opened her hand like she wanted to receive something.
Excuse me please,I said to them,I went inside and brought out 200,000 thousand Naria,here,I said
handing the money to one of them, that's the sum of 200000 thousand Naria,you can keep the change
for your inconveniences,I said.the women were shocked to their bones,the left in shame like snails in
their shell.
Ah, God will bless that your friend,for doing this for me,it shall be well with them all,maami showered
praises,while I went inside my room to cry my eyes out..
I Chapter...I hated myself for what I did,I had so many regrets in my head,if I had
known I wouldn't have called Sharon,if I had known I wouldn't have went in with Chief,if I had known I
wouldn't have stolen from chief,so many if I had known..seeing the money was another problem for me
cos it was a constant reminder that I had traded myself for it.
I called maami later in the evening of that day,maami,which other person do you owe money,I had
asked her,my daughter it's an organisation for mone lending,I borrowed 300 thousand there,with an
interest of 60,000 Naria,but I have paid 120,000 to balance 240,000,maami said.maami,dress and let us
go there,I said, but omomi are you telling me your friend's parents gave you that much? she asked
concerned,, actually maami my friend's parent are Very rich,when I narrated our situation,they had
compassion and gave me the sum 2 million Naria cash,I said .
Oluwa ohh,aha,you said 2 what? Maami asked anxious,maami two million Naria,they are very nice,I
said.Aduke I can't wait for you to take me to thier place,this people are angels in human form,put a call
across to them let me appreciate thier kindness,she said,my head was spinning round cos there weren't
any parents,,,you see maami,they actually left for America today,both of them are going for vacation,I
managed to say,,okay no problem,call your friend so I can appreciate her,maami said.okay ma,let me get
my phone Inside..
Getting inside the house, I quickly placed a call across to Sharon to inform her the situation at hand,and
that she should play along ...
I came out with my phone and dialed Sharon's number, hello Sharon,my mother wants to talk to you,I
said and handed the phone to maami..
Oh my daughter,thank you very much for what you and your parents have down,thank you for helping
us so much,I really appreciate,I can't Thank you enough,you are such a good friend,good bless you and
your parents with kindness just as you have done for my daughter and I, God bless you,maami kept
praying and thanking Sharon for over 15minutes...,in my heart,I was like,if only she knew what the truth
was I said within....
Maami and I went to the place she borrowed money,and we paid completely, getting home we had
about #1,556,000 left. I brought out the whole money and handed to maami.
Maami,this is the remaining money, please use it to rent another shop and start up your business again,I
had said..
My daughter, God bless you,you have taken pains and shame away from my eyes,may you know no she
in Jesus name,she prayed..but omomi,take some of the money,and buy yourself some clothes,shoes and
bag,she suggested out of concerned and love,oh maami,don't worry,I didn't need any of those for
now,just start up your business and make it grow,that's all maami..
Oh my child,you are a diamond among stones,the brightest of all stars, God in heaven will be the one to
reward you,she hugged me passionately,while my tears dropped on her back...
Omomi,are you okay,you don't look happy at all,maami asked concerned.indeed mothers are
supreme,we can never hide our feelings from them...
Oh maami,they are tears of joy,I am just so happy that nobody will come here to embarrass you ever
agian,I said..
Seeing the joy in maami's face,it was a food to my weeping soul knowing at least maami is happy...
Maami really opened a new shop,things were back to normal, except I was unable to forgive myself....
Soon school had resumed again,and I went back,maami gave me some foodstuffs and some money.
I was no longer the happy and smart girl I was,I was dying of guilt and self condemnation,I isolated
myself from everyone,I just wanted to be alone,it was even affecting my focus in school..
ADUKE,what is it,you have not been yourself since we resumed for 300l, did anything happened at
home,?,how is your mother and father,Joyce asked concerned, they are fine.i managed to answer her.
If they are fine ,then why are you like this, what's going on,she wouldn't stop asking,but I was done
talking with her...
AD,AD, Aduke,wait,a voice called me at the end of one lecture, turning back it was Sharon, of course I
should know, she's the only one that calls me AD.
AD what is it,I noticed you have been avoiding me like a plague since we resumed,is it because of the
other day,you know I should be the one angry at how you embarrassed me before chief, but I am
not,she said...
Well Sharon I am not avoiding you,I just want to be ony own,I said,,,common AD,was it because it was
your first time,come on,you were going to do it one day you know,she said smiling sheepishly,I
wondered how she knew cos I didn't disclose that to her,,,don't give me that look, chief told me oh,how
pleased he was with you for being the first to swim in your pool,he also told me how handsomely he
rewarded you,babe 2million Naria for a night is a jackpot,you know chief has not stopped asking about
you ohhh,the man seems to want more of you, she said,,
Well tell that your good for nothing chief that he will rot in hell,and as for you,please I beg you,stay
away from me,I am trying to get my life back, please I don't need you around,I said and walked away...
What Is going on between you and Sharon,is she the reason for your change of attitude this semester,
Joyce asked,J please I don't want to talk about it,I said to her,okay if that's what you want,she replied
and dropped the topic....
The academic and non academic staffs went on strike for two months over non payment of salary,I went
home and assisted maami at her shop, thankfully the strike was called off and school reopened.
It was almost five months after the incident,I was looking very fat,my cheeks,body and every part of me
was looking very big,,,Aduke you are looking so fat ohhhh,what are you eating,Joyce teased one
after,fat ke,abeg ohhh which fat?,I replied,I am serious ohhh you are looking like a pregnant woman,she
added.J please I don't have your strength this afternoon I said...
Joyce words started ringing in my head,I look pregnant,how possible,I have been seeing my period since
the incident,so how possible is that, but on a second thought my period hadn't come for almost two
months,at that minute my heart skipped...
I went to a nearby laboratory and had a pregnancy test done,and indeed it was confirmed I was
pregnant,but how,I had an unprotected sex about 5mintgs ago,and I have been seeing my period only
for a month plus has my period delayed...
Well young lady at times that happens, but to be double sure,let's have a scan.i did a scan immediately
and I was confirmed 18weeks and three days almost five months and about the time I had an encounter
with chief.it was as if my whole life was crumbling before me,but how come I didn't experience the signs
of pregnancy like vomiting, weakness,and all that I asked the doctor,well in as much as those are indeed
signs of pregnancy,but it varies from woman to woman.some experience those and more,while some
like you experience nothing,the doctor explained..
But my tommy is almost thesame way,I asked again like I was still in doubt even after the scan,well been
that you are a chubby lady,it may take time before your baby bump can be obvious,but that doesn't
mean you aren't pregnant or that the baby bump wouldn't eventually be seen,may be at five,six it will
be very obvious,but if you are in doubt you can confirm the result elsewhere,the doctor said and
excused me...
His last words were encouraging,indeed maybe they don't know what they are doing or saying,I decided
to have the test else where,the result was out in a matter of minutes,and indeed it was confirmed I was
pregnant..
I know I was doomed, pregnant for another woman's husband,and a man old enough to be my father,
pregnant out of wedlock, pregnant while in school,what will I tell maami,how do I explain myself,who
will believe my story..
Oh I wept,but unfortunately the cry had no solution,the only idea that came to me was to take my own
life....
Chapter 9
couldn't believe my ears when I was confirmed pregnant by another hospital,but how,I mean why would
God allow this to happen,but God saw that I was raped,I don't even know who chief is or where he
lives,moreover chief is a man in his late fifties or early sixties,old enough to be my father,if not my
grandfather..
Oh my world,how do I face maami,oh Baami will laugh at her,he told her a female child didn't deserve
education,and I have proved him right,oh why me...
I cried for days, but nothing changed,instead the pregnancy was growing by the day,from the moment I
was confirmed pregnant,all pregnancy signs just seems to pop up,whether it was because I was thinking
about it too much,or it was waiting for me to know I was pregnant before the signs,I couldn't
comprehend.i was always tired,vomited sometimes,have apatite of food that I normally don't....
ADUKE,what is wrong with you,you are looking a shadow of yourself,are you pregnant?,talk to me, Joyce
asked me concerned.
I could see the care in her face and in her eyes,but I couldn't bring myself to tell her I had an
unprotected sex with an old man for money,I just couldn't.
Well,if you feel like talking,just know am right here,and I love you so much,she said and went out....
Who do I talk to,who would understand my plight, Sharon came to my mind,she is the only one that can
understand me,I thought ,I mean she brought me into the mess in the first place...
I brought out my phone and dialed her number,AD,ah thank God ohhh,you remembered me
today,hmmmmm,are you sure am safe,she asked,Sharon,I need to see you now,it's very important,I said
to her..this one you are sounding like this,I hope you are okay, anyways am not at home,I went to a bar
around with someone,but in 20minutes I should be home,she said and hung up.
Woow this sounds serious,she sat close to me,what is it,talk to me,am all ears..she said.
She hissed loudly,see how you got me worried like it was something serious, pregnancy, girl you dey fall
my hand,she said removing her shoes and jewelries..
Sharon,you mean what I just said is not serious enough, Sharon my education is at stake,I am about to
bring disgrace to my family,I am about to become the mother of a child to a man old enough to be my
grandfather and you say it isn't serious, seriously,,, I asked in all anger....
Girl calm down ohh,you are making a mountain of a mole hill,belle na new thing,see been pregnant isn't
a new thing,and it can't stop your education or what have you If you don't want it to.she said bluntly....
Sharon, definitely I don't want it to,so what are you talking about,what should I do,I asked her...
There is no two ways about it,terminate it and move on with your life,she said like it wasn't a big deal..
Girl,you are left with no option ohhh,you are in your 300l,just one more ladder to go,are you going to
throw that away,even your mother would be heart broken,your father would laugh at you,you would
live a worthless life,trust me, chief isn't going to accept that bastard in your womb,he has a wife and five
adults children of which three are already married with their own children,he is also a big politician like
you know and he wouldn't want any thing affecting his image and reputation,so tell me, would you want
to be a mother to a bastard child and face the discrimination and stigmatization for life,she asked...
But Sharon,what if I die,or any thing goes wrong,I asked her,what is killing you,I have done abortion 4
good times,and nothing happened to me as you can see I am still alive,I have a good specialist for things
like this...she said.
My dear there are two ways, it's either you abort the child and move on with your life,or keep it and
regret it for the rest of your life,....and by the way you had better be fast with the thinking,if am not
mistaken it's been five months with your encounter with chief,that means you are five months
pregnant,you better act fast for your own good,she said...
I went back home,I couldn't sleep all through the night,I was thinking about my situation,indeed there
are only two options,it's either I terminate the baby and forget this night mare,or I keep it and live with
it for the rest of my life,after much consideration,I decided I was going to abort the baby and pretend all
this was a bad nightmare....
The next day,I placed a call to Sharon,hello Sharon,I am ready,I said.that's my girl talking,come over
later,so I can take you there,she said..
Well,to be very honest with you,a five months pregnancy is no joke,why did you wait this long before
coming young lady,the doctor asked me...
I didn't know I was pregnant,I was having my periods and no signs of pregnancy,,I said...
Hmmmmm,nature played a though one with you, nevertheless,I am going to do my best to get it
out,hope you know drugs would not work at this stage,it's going to be a DnC,the doctor told me,I turned
to Sharon for explanation,cos I didn't know what a DnC meant...
Calm down AD,it's just another way of getting out the baby without the use of drugs,but trust me,you
would be fine,she said and held my hands..
So young lady are you ready to do this,the doctor asked to me,I nooded my head slowly in affirmation..
He took me with him to another room,and asked me to lay on a small bed,he spread my legs apart ,and
started the process,oh the pain was excruciating,I thought I was going to die right there and then,I
cried,like I was crying for help and to be rescued,I called on God, because at that moment it seems God
had turned his back on me,after about 40_50 minutes,he was through,at least so he said..I had blood
stains all over my dress, thankfully Sharon had brought something for me to change, truly she knew
what to expect...
I could barely walk straight,I bent like an old woman and could only walk with the support of
Sharon.your friend is obviously new in the system,she was very tight, she's going to feel some pain for
some days, ensure she takes her medications, they would go a long way in reducing the pain she's
feeling now the doctor said..
No problem doc,thanks alot,she said,and took me to her car, obviously she had sorted the bills....
Should I take you to my place or yours,she asked as she drove,take me to mine,I said believing the pain
was going to stop soonest.
We arrived at my hostel and thankfully nobody was around,they had all gone for lectures.Sharon took
me inside,she went and bought some energy drinks and provisions for me,she stayed for like 30minutes
and she left promising me she would come check up on me latter....
The pain didn't stop,oh it increased instead,I went to hell and came back,it was like God and the
universe was angry at me because of the evil I had done,my phone was off,It was out of power,I couldn't
Reach anyone for help,neither did I have the ability to walk out and get help or go to the hospital.i knew
right there I was going to die,for I felt life going out of me,I slowly was losing my sight and couldn't even
feel anything,then suddenly all I behold was darkness,for the end has come.....