Hello everyone!!!

This took a whole week to type🤦🏼

Its a long chapter!
Please help me manage the error. Some scenes may be fused with another....

No time for spacing.

They've not repaired the light.... The information reaching us Is that, it's gonna take a long while😂

Happy birthday Imoseyaya123

Chapter 33

Unedited

8th of March

12:03 am

Alonso entered the bathroom feeling sad over the death of Faqua. Poor guy! Thinking the boss was giving him an opportunity to sleep with that girl!

From the moment Sefa woke up on the journey to Anambra while the others were still in their Zombie state; he knew she was a bad investment! He suddenly remembered how him and the guys had spent the night searching for Sefa when she got lost! How they scoured the entire forest! Only to find where she rested for the night with not footprints around the entire place.

How she managed to escape still gives him sleepless night and now this?

First, she escapes...

And then Buchi gets hurts...

Now Faqua is dead!

Who's going to be next? What kind of power does this girl possess to cause this kind of Chao in their tent! He was scared, his hands were trembling. He doesn't want to die yet.

Ray looked left and right before walking into a room then he finally walked in to see Faqua's corpse lying on the floor with a white sheet covering his entire body. He cringed his nose from the smell of roasted meat. He heard the rumor about him getting burnt but for him, but just like doubting Thomas, seeing is believing.

He opened up the face to reveal a burnt faced Faqua. "Jesus!" He screamed then he moved back shaking his head.

"God!"

Alonso walked in with two men, he hissed on seeing Faqua, "What are you doing here?" "I ..." He stammmered facing him, "Are you not supposed to be guarding the" "I being hear wetin happen," He cuts in, "I just say make I come see am. JD dey block the corner, I no leave am unguarded, na see I say make I see "

He scoffed knowing reverse could have been the case. The men carried the corpse out of the room. "Where una dey carry am go?" "Him burial ceremony now, abi you no go come?" "This time?"

"Shey make we wait make day break so that you go get time to take wear fine cloth?"

"No... No. I dey una back, I dey una back"

5:30 am

Gbadamosi sat in the living room playing worship chords on the keyboard. He stopped and scrolled through his post once again.

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Next slide!

Word of Today- I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day. The night cometh when no man can work!

Next slide!

Happy international women's Day to my mother❤❤ Mummy Boys. It wasn't easy to raise the whole army including Dad but you did. There were times you separated fights, yes! All of you looking at me with your surprised side eye, your Pastor had fits with his brothers😂 back in the day. There were times you had to beat correction and sense into us! There were times you dished us advice. You taught me to be a big brother and care for my little ones. You taught me to lead by example so they can follow. You taught me things, you groomed me to love and be a great cook. This Pastor and Chef owe it to you . I LOVE YOU, MOM 💕

Happy international women's Day to you Aunty! She's my mother's replica! ❤

A happy international day to these wonderful, praying women of God. Each of them carries the fire of the Holy Ghost. Supportive to the core! Most times I ask what I did to deserve them! When these women say, 'Papa, we want to see you, forget it just clear your schedule for that day. VP alone will use half of the day to give an appreciation speech before matters Arising😂. If you know, you know! I pray more fire in the women's fellowship!

Next slide!

Happy women's day to this newly wedded somebody that doesn't stop disturbing me. Temi the Ijogbon (troublesome) woman! If Ijogbo was a person😂. May the spirit of Ijogbonizing catch fire this moment🔥

Happy International Women's Day to this woman of God. Even the young shall grow😂... Greater exploits shall you do! This one is a burning light, a city set up on the hill that can not be hidden. Shine on woman of God🔥

Gbadamosi laughed on seeing the picture. He couldn't wait for Kilahi to view the pictures.

Kilahi read through Gbadamosi's first post then she smiled sliding into his DM:

My Choicest💕😍

Good morning

First of all, have you prayed? This one you're online so early

Says someone that made this post this early

😂

Good morning love💗. My love just like this emoji is like onion, it's pregnant with more love

Awn, this kind of Onion love. I'm in tears 😭😂

😂😂

Awn. I was just moved by your post. This is beautiful, to think your Mom taught you all these. But I don't know why I sensed and discerned Pride when you mentioned, Pastor and Chef!

😂
I'm a great Chef, I don't need to be proud about it

Kai! May God help you, you're always feeling yourself oh. I can bet on anything that your cooking cannot match mine.

What can't I cook?

It's easy to cook anything. It's the taste that matters

😂

Dearie, have you tasted Egusi that will make you just give up on eating another? See, no cap oh, I don't have a food channel but I'm the best and certified chef when it comes to cooking. You can't beat it!

Now who's proud? I don't like when small children challenge me especially when we can't put this to a test

Uncle, there's nothing to test! Small girl, big God, small girl, creative with spices! Even your best cooking can't match my worst

Oshey🔥🔥
Okpei gang!

Ouch!😂
Okpei is common with the Igalas. We use it but not often. PS: I'm not bragging cause I don't like to brag.

Iffa hear

My Okpei rice is ten times time better than your average concoction rice

Where is the bragging in that?

🤷🏼

Let me check the remaining Status, I was moved by what you said. Have you called your Mom?

She typed moving to the next slide and then she saw her picture.

Dan boro uba! Where did you get this picture from?

Sorry... I won't reveal my source

It's Sewuese, right? I have a mole in my own house

We all do too! Bear with your mole, I've accepted mine.

That picture dates back to 2000 or so I think. I was five years old

To think i was 15 years old at that time😂

You just had to remind this salt of the earth that she's dating an old man

😂
Now I understand how you get to add this sweet taste and consistency to our love soup and why i also make you melt everytime

Hm! Wonderful Rhema, ride on Pastor!

😂🤣 Salt of the earth, is your heart melting already?

For who? It's not only melt. Does salt melt?

No, it evaporates

😂🤣 Simple question and they're using sarcasm to answer. Oversalted man!

We all know the importance of salt

Too much of it spoils taste

Answer the question now, your heart melted at some point when I said that thing

For who nau?😂

I don't like when people lie in my DM. Confess to me, I won't divulge.

Avoid me🏃🏼
I'll confess when you explain why you look like a hired killer here.

She sends a picture and Gbadamosi threw his head back laughing.

This table is finally standing on one leg. This was in ... What year was this sef?

Choicest... I want you to confess something to me and I promise not to hold it against you because I'm already choice-lessly in love. Deep down, I feel like you did something bad in that picture. Did you kill someone after you wore that suit?

Duh? I was always dressed to kill! I've always been known for having killer looks

Pride! Lemme wear my nose mask before I catch infection 😷

Just say you've been looking for a way to use that emoji since! 😛

That picture was from my bad boy days, I think I took some girls down with me😂

The girls didn't notice you almost burnt the suit while you were ironing it?

😂
I think the only thing they noticed was how handsome I looked.

But wait if you're not a principality and monitoring spirit, what were your eyes doing there? Of all places to look.

😂🤣🤣
Lemme alone oh

Are you sure you traveled abroad at all? With all this rashes on your face?

It's puberty

Yinmu!

Are you talking to a UK citizen like that?

😂🤣 You mean United Kaduna abi? Abi is it Katsina? Please refresh my memory, United Kano!

He sends a sticker of a speechless Sabinus and she sends a voice note of herself laughing at him.

He sends in a voice note as well

🎙 Well I'm not surprised sha. I'm not offended but after so many years of reciting State and Capital, i'm not surprised that the only UK you know is the one in Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi, I won't be shocked if you say that USA is United State of Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Asaba or Adamawa.. I understand baby, I really do.

He paused watching Kikahi type forever!

Kilahi typing.......

He stared at this for a moment then he laughed knowing he has scored a very good point.

Kilahi sends an emoji instead.

💔

😂🤣🤣. Here I was thinking you were drop a long note. Let me WhatsApp school you about countries

I'm all hears Uncle

UK is the United Kingdom

United Kingdom of what? Men in black over ironed suits?😂

What kind of student is this now?😂. I'll send you out of my class oh

Okay okay... Even if you didn't kill someone, did someone hire you as a bodyguard?😂🤣🤣

Hm!

You've not answered my question.

Is that question or a dig at me?

Thank God I don't own any digger!

No oh! Continue feeling yourself. I thought I won before, you're obviously on fire this morning so I'm going to leave you to shine... Once in a while now, a gentleman must allow his loved ones to shine

1. I'm definitely feeling myself and feeling love for you

2. I don't mind the shinning suit in that picture. I'm sure we'll all be covering our eyes if it wasn't in black and white

😂 You had me going sha now i'm speechless. Case closed you win! Class dismissed

Not yet Uncle. Just calm down baby, I'm going somewhere.

I don't mind your shining suit? After all, you're my knight in 'shining' armor😍

Scatter my head!

You do look like a bodyguard I want to hire to spend the rest of my life with me

Okay... This just got more interesting. Let me wrap my love in a gift box and I give it to you.
❤💛💜💚💙💖💗💓❤
Take it 💝

😂
Happy dating anniversary to us. If that's a thing Pastors do!

I remembered

I didn't say you forgot. Was thinking of how we've had an amazing seven days of real friendship. I found a lover and my best friend in you and it's just barely two weeks😃

A message from the Women President Popped in and his eyes caught the last statement.

President Elizabeth: Papa, when will our proposal Come?

He laughed and continued his chat with Kilahi

How's your evening going to look like?

I don't know I can't say I can make it free for you. You know with you i dont have choice. You're my choice😂

I'm serious.
If you don't have any engagement, i'll like us to have Dinner tonight? What do you think?

Is it somewhere fancy?

Why do you want to know?

So I'll know what to prepare down.

Anything you wear will be perfect.

🙄🙄

I'm not going to say anything. Just get ready for a date, I'll communicate the time and place to you

Wawawu. Surprise surprise! Don't worry, I'll dress in sack cloth since you're not bothered

I'll love you even if the designer of that that Sack cloth is Dangote Cement but it's you that have shame not me😂

No wahala. I have to go now, you're making lazy and I have to get ready for work! Get thee behind me!😂

Just this few word of Prayer for you today; I declare that God's wisdom, blessing, protection be with you in the morning, noon and night.

Gbadamosi switched to voice call in order to pray for her too.

"Happy International Women's Day" Manny echoed to Hilary on phone and she arced her brow in surprise, "It's that day?" "Yes Ma, it's that day!" He replied laughing.

"Well, I would have forgotten if Queen at the studio didn't keep reminding to be a gentleman to her today"

"So you've been mistreating women"

Manny laughed, "God forbid. I only bully her a once in a while but I know all the women will want to made to feel special today" "Abi, we deserve the pampering. Mehn, there are lots of women's day in the Calendar, I just lost track of them besides, I have a whole lot of my mind jhoor"

"Like Nicholas?"

"Nicholas is the least of my worry now. It's the school hunt that's on my mind right now."

"What we need to do is report that First school for how rude they were to you"

"Forget it, I don't want any organization suing me for defamation of their name. I don't have money to spend on law suit"

"You should be the one suing them"

"I don't have time for that headache"

"Can I talk about it on air?

Hilary hesitated, "Only if you don't mention the name of the school" "Ugh! People need to know the kind of school they're sending their children to"

"No. Don't expose them like that, just leave it to Karma"

"As you wish Ma. Happy International Women's Day"

" I almost said I wish you the same" She replied and they both laughed. "Thank you for having me in mind" "Is that something you should be thanking me for?"

"We haven't exactly been having our best moments, going back and forth over so many issues and yet you still found a space to call." "I'm not a bad guy"

"Have your called your Mom?"

Manny exhaled tiredly, "It's not her birthday"

"But you're celebrating women and the first person that happened to cross your mind was me. It should be your Mom, instinctively, if a man is to celebrate women on this day, he's always particular about his wife; if he's married, or his mother, sisters and then friends."

"You're right"

"Don't just say I'm right. Are you going to do it?"

"I'll do it."

"Great then!"

"Why are you particular about a woman you haven't met"

"She's a mother and I'm a mother too. Call it a motherly instinct"

"I spoke to Ossy last night. I heard the boy was giving the family quality stand up comedy"

Hilary laughed, "So I heard, and I was there thinking he'll miss me. Turns out he didn't, the boy was just bragging about everything he ate. I'm glad I took him there"

Manny cleared his throat, "How was your date?" "Well... It was ....er.... It just there" "You have no idea how happy that answer makes me. That means the date sucked" He replied and Hilary chuckled, "Gosh you're so petty" She snapped and he laughed.

"Save the details for this evening"

"What's going on this evening?"

"We're going to the cinema and if I hear pim that sounds like Uncle Nicholas already made plans, I'll just flip"

Hilary laughed, "I'll let Ossy know" "He knows already, we made plans yesterday" "Wow. No problem" "See you two tonight"

"You too"

Gbadamosi dials his mother's number but he father answered the call in her stead. "Good morning Mom" "Good morning Gbadamosi, sorry to disappoint you" "Oh, Good morning Sir. Where is Mom?"

"She won't be able to get to the phone at the moment"

"Why? Is she by any chance still mad at me? I should be angry one"

"No, far from that dear. She's on the mountain"

"Like the real deal?"

"No. Your mother is on a fast and she won't be taking calls, she wanted her phone turned off but I volunteered to be her personal Assistant"

Gbadamosi creased his brow, "Is everything okay?" "Yes, by God's grace." "Are you sure?" "Yes. She has never been better. Do you have a message for her?"

"I made a post.... I just wanted to celebrate her and tell her that I love her even though she's determined to make things difficult" "I'll relay the message to her. Any other information?"

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about but I'll let you know when I'm sure about it"

"No problem. Thank you for reaching Temitope George, youre message will be well delivered to her" He answered ending the call and Gbadamosi busted into laughter.

Temi sends in a message via WhatsApp:

If Ijogbon was a person? Who did you call Ijogbon?

😂🤣 What did I say there?

What did you... Are you seriously asking that?
Like seriously??
You see that Ijogbon, I'm going to triple it, I'll be breathing down your neck.

😂🤣

Please Avoid me oh.
Kilahi has managed to infect me with her Avoid Me slang!

😂
You know what they say about love

I don't know oh, please refresh my memory.

It grows on you, you start to take after the person's behavioral traits a times.

Relationship experts, you're the marriage one now, we are waiting for you to touch us with the anointing

🤣😂
It's Whine-ing day bah? So when will you propose?

Why is everyone asking that question? Our Women President just asked me the same question the moment she saw the post.

I

didn't think it will take this long

Today is our one-week anniversary! Long bawo?

Judging from who you are, how long you've been single and how much you love this woman, I didn't think it will take so long.

I'll propose soon. I have plans and I don't know how to execute the whole proposal thing. I want a simple proposal but then again, I want it to be special

Have you gotten the ring?

It's coming in today

You didn't pick it yourself?

I did. I saw the picture and I picked it.

Awn💕 I hope the ring won't be bigger than her finger

I don't think so. I have good eyes, i picked a good one

Oya pick a day let's plan! Excitement is killing me already

My only problem is Mom, she's the barrier in all this

Forget about her for now and focus on the future. She'll come around eventually but this is your life, you've defined your relationship already and it's already public. Why don't you define it even more?

Just say you're itching to see me engaged

Yes, I am! You know I'm your personal person nau! If you dare do this without involving me, I swear to God that I'll haunt you

Don't swear in my DM! I rebuke you by fire🔥

😂

Can it be today?

I'm not telling you that! Madam chill, I'm not going to disclose everything

Cause I'm a stranger

Madam onijogbon... Leave me or I'll report to your husband

Ade replies to Gbadamosi's first Status:

Awn💕❤. All Shades of love all for Mommy and our future Mama. Happy int'l women's day to all the beautiful, hardworking women in the world

Happy int'l day to you too Ade! May your walking step change in this new 🙏🏼
Amen

Gbadamosi laughed to himself.

Ah Papa!
He send in a tearful Sabinus meme.

Mr George knocked and walked into his wife studying the Bible. "Sorry but your personal Assistant is here with updates" "I already told you to turn off my phone, I don't the distraction"

"BelaAfrika called, something about coming to see you in the day"

"Oh"

"Gbadamosi called to wish his celebrate his mother"

"What's going on? On wait, it's March 8th again"

"Yes Ma. He posted something lovely on WhatsApp"

"He did. For show?"

"No. He really wanted to speak to, he dropped a message"

"What message"

"He said he loves you despite the fact you're trying to make things difficult for him"

Mrs George exhaled, "I love him too"

Mrs Coker's read through Mrs Salome's post on her WhatsApp status then she rolled her eyes.

Using this medium to celebraite all the grandmothers on this wonderful day. It's not easy to be a grandmother and look this young beautifull.

She hissed loudly, "What is it?" Reverend Coker asked arranging the sleeves of his shirt. He was about to step out of the house to work. "Salome" She answered, "She's taking time to celebrate grandmother's only. The idiot can not even spell properly" She added rubbing her forehead with her free hand while the other went through other statuses.

"The rate at which people post irrelevant things lately"

"That was how Brother Usiola posted something on his"

"I didn't ask for your opinion oh. I was just talking to myself"

Rev Coker gasped then he clicked his tongue, "Good bye and all the best for you" "I wish you the same" She replied watching him leave then her phone rang.

Her heart skipped Literarily when she saw it was Manny calling her. She couldn't believe it.

She cleared her throat and answered the call, "Hello" "Good morning Ma" "Good morning, today has to be a good day to finally remember your mother after you walked out on elders"

This was followed by Silence. He had nothing to say. Frankly, he was beginning to wonder why he called.

More silence followed, they both kept quiet listening to their breathing.

"You know if you had nothing to say, why did you call at first?"

"Same question I just asked myself"

"Feel free to end the call, not like anyone is holding a gun to your head"

"Is that all you can say?"

"You're not saying anything"

"Silence is better than the rubbish you always end up saying"

Mrs Coker paused, "Wow... Bye Maniola" "I'm sorry Mom.. I didn't mean that" "You did" "Okay yes I did. I did and it was out of line and also disrespectful." "I haven't heard you mean an apology. Scratch that, you've never meant an apology except when your were a child."

"I'm sorry for going out of line. Bye"

"Wait!" Mrs Coker blurted out, "Why did you call, you're not stupid enough to call only to make me hear your breathing" "Maybe I wanted you to know that I'm still alive since you never care to pick your phone to call"

"You guys never listen, what's the use then? I gave up trying"

"You're the one who never listened. I called to see if I can just look past the negligence and celebrate you and as mother. I can't lie, I don't know what to celebrate because you failed to be a mother most of the years. I don't know where we went wrong or what happened to you or what we did! We were just kids and we didn't deserve the way you treated us, not me, not Temi! Not Tanimola"

"Did you just... Did you just say Tanimola"

"The boy practically crawled, walked in our home but you pushed him away. I dont know what happened to you, you used to be a lot more cheerful, now you can't even force yourself to be happy on your daughter's wedding." Manny sniffles, "Motherhood goes past delivery, it's the nurturing, it's the love, care and moments created! If you're asked to judge the scenario, are you worth celebrating on this day? Happy international Women's day" He concluded and ended the call.

1995

London

Five years old Temi faced the wall counting down numbers while Sam, Gbadamosi, Feyi, Ere and Manny scattered across the house looking for a good hiding spot. "9, nine and the half, ten! Ready or not guys, I'm coming for you all!" She screamed turning towards her mother, "Mommy where are they hiding?" She whispered.

"In my womb, come and check it" Mrs Coker yelled pointing at the cabinet behind her and then Temi smiled and scuttled towards the place.

Manny got out and frowned at his mother, "Mom its not fair" "What did i do?" "You ratted me out" "How do you know?" "Because you use the same style every time!"

"All is fair in love and war" She replied busting into laughter, "Let's go and seek Gbada" He yelled running off and Temi followed him.

"Agbaya!" Mrs George yelled and she laughed even more.

The land line rings and Mrs George answered the call. "Good morning" "It's night time in Nigeria. Good evening Temi" Reverend Coker replied.

"Good evening" She replied then she called her sister to the phone. She stood up taking the call, "Good morning and evening dear" "Yes. Good evening..." He answered, he didn't sound so happy and she noticed.

"Are you okay?" She asked but he responded with silence. "I know you're not always happy cause you're missing your children and I but I sense this one is different"

"God!"

"Ah han... Badejo you're beginning to scare me. What the hell is going on?"

"Can you come over to Nigeria like really fast?"

"Are you going on about this again? I thought we already discussed this. Is anything wrong? Is it your Mom? I hope there's nothing wrong with her" "My mom is fine"

"Then what's going on?"

"Please just come back to Nigeria"

"I'm beginning to get irritated by this comsistent demand honey! You won't be the first man to move to a foreign country because of his family. There are Pastors as well as jobs here. If there's something you want to say, say it! What the hell Is going on cause if you're trying to use this thing as a gimmick to bring me to Nigeria, ko o jo! (It's not possible), ko le work cause my mind is made up"

"Why are you being so adamant"

"Why are you being so adamant too."

"Eyi ki n se'oro phone (This isn't a phone discussion). We need to see eye to eye"

"We'll see eye to eye when you come over. My ears are effectively working for ear to ear communication so unless you want us to go back and forth or act silly. You know that's my specialty right? I can do that. You had better make it a phone discussion or else I'll"

"I got a woman pregnant" He blurted out to her shock, not exactly what she wanted to hear. "It was a mistake that I made months ago and i regret it every day. She just had her baby, it's a boy but I'm not sure she's going to make it. She had her delivery in a prayer home without my knowledge, there were complications during delivery, she lost a lot of blood and I'm so confused on what to do. Honestly, I don't know what to do. Honey, I need you, I need your help"

Mrs. Coker dropped the phone on the surface of the stool. Her legs had become weak at this point. Quickly, she found a chair and sat quietly on it, "Is everything okay?" Her sister inquired and she shook her head affirming that things were not good.

Sge placed her hands on her fourteen weeks old tummy. It finally made sense when he said he didn't want any more children! Because he was having another one with another woman! He cheated on her!

"Teni!" Mrs. George called out and then the phone rang again.

Now

"Happy women's day" Sir Alao's voice brought Mrs. Coker back to earth from her heavy thoughts. She was stirring her coffee with a small spoon then she faced Mr Alao, "It's not like you're wishing me Merry Christmas day, I can't even wish you back" She pulled her coffee cup and saucer close to her lips then she took a sip.

"It's a day to recognize every woman, a day of glorification for every good woman"

"I guess I should be ruled out of those who deserve such acclamation" She answered dropping the cup on the table.

"Why?"

"Oh please don't pretend in front of me, you know better. I usually try my best to stay away from social media on days like this but I couldn't help but go through it, Salome used hers the opportunity to celebrate her fellow grandmother"

The old driver chortled, "O mbe lara re (It's part of her). She does have the characteristics to be excessive and boastful. Pay no mind to it" "The only thing I'm bothered about is her bad spelling and my children's statuses. There's nothing about me, everyone is posting about their parents, even Gbadamosi posted about his mother but when it came to my turn, the only thing he said was to call me his mother's replica. That's how much he sees me!"

"You know you and Gbadamosi are not that close."

"I'm sure he made that post out of courtesy! I've been a horrible Aunt right?"

"I can't answer that"

"I was your honesty Sir Alao, don't spare me. I'm an horrible Aunt right?"

"As you have been a terrible mother"

"Don't push your luck, all I wanted was yes or no" She warned pointing her fingers at him and they both laughed. "But really... I've never taken my nephews out before, the only time I played with them was the little time I spent in the UK with them. I don't blame them though for seeing me as a stranger, even my children treat me like a stranger"

"Why don't you post something about your daughter to celebrate her"

"Well she didn't post me"

"Do something different for a change, you two are very stubborn and one of you have to shift boundaries and reach a compromise, or else this unhealthy relationship will continue and your grandchildren will be given birth to in this condition and they will wake up every day to ask why they can't visit Grandma. You want to be a ggrandmother so badly, the question is, do you have what it takes to be one?"

Mrs. Coker's eyes widened in horror, "Oh you haven't thought of it" "Not in that way" "Very soon, lagbara Olorun, Temi will get pregnant and will need her mother to be there for her, what will you do when she gives birth? Will you push her away with complains or abandon her as you abandoned him?"

"Don't push it... There are boundaries Sir Alao and you know it" "I'm sorry Ma, you wanted me to be honest"

"Only in answering that question"

"Okay Ma"

"Then what do you advise I do?"

"I can't advise you when I have boundaries Ma"

Mrs Coker rolled her eyes, "Manny called me." "What did the young man say?" "He wants to know what he did, what he and Temi did to deserve the cruelty I showed to them." She paused wiping off a lone tears.

"I need a word of wisdom, I don't know how to pick my family back up and there's this anger still burning inside of me, this unforgiving spirit"

"Towards Oga or yourself?" He asked and she sniffled, "I'll like to be left alone if you don't mind"

"I only came to wish you a happy women's day and to inform you that my daughter just gave birth during the early hours of this morning and my hands are itching to carry my granddaughter in my arms"

A small smile curved her lips, "Lucky you" "Ma kan'ju, Iwo lo kan (Don't worry, it will soon be your turn)" "Don't you dare! I can't believe you used that on me" "I used it cause for all we know, Temi must have picked up something"

"Or maybe she's planning on not getting pregnant yet, maybe she wants to enjoy her husband first before picking up anything"

"Haba is she a child?"

"I'm open minded at this point! Nothing will take me by shock because they always end up doing the opposite of what I want."

"I don't think Temi has that kind of agenda and I also don't doubt that you think that way about them and that's because you don't know them." "They are my children"

"You gave birth to them and that's a different fact as a whole"

"I did my best and it was for their best, you know what i was going through"

"Maybe you should stop trying to get their respect by force, you failed to do that from the start, you failed to gain your children's love, they didn't even get an explanation for your ill behavior towards them. It's not too late, you know how you can get their love back and how you can get your peace back. Stop pretending and do the right thing Ma. I shall take my leave now" He bowed his head turning to leave then he turned back at her, "And you're wrong, i happened to stumble upon a post about you but you probably didn't see it" He chipped in then he finally left her alone.

The moment she picked her phone to scroll through her status once again, her phone rang and she answered it even though it was a strange number.

"Good morning Ma" Tanimola's voice echoed from the other end, "Tanimola?" "I'm sorry I called, I know I'm not supposed to but I couldn't hold back. I made a post on WhatsApp but I'm sure you won't see, you probably don't have my number and it's fine. I was hoping to read it out to you, I can't waste all that Eulogy without letting you know. Please feel free to hang up if it sounds like crap. I'm not the best writer, my girlfriend says I suck but....here's my attempt Ma. Who sat and watched my infant head, who bore the cross after the one's whose womb I lived in died, who spent sleepless night on my behalf? My mother, the one in whose hands I took my first walk. You might not be perfect but you deserve being celebrated, I'm not faking this, you're the first mother I knew and I still see you as one. Happy international Women's Day Ma and I hope you have a nice day" He hung up and willful tears trickled down her cheeks then she bowed her head.

1995

Nigeria

Bankole Hospital

Mrs Coker sighted Reverend Coker with his sister. They seemed to be arguing over something but she didn't care at that moment! Her only concern was her involvement in this.

"What's is she doing here?" She asked the moment she approached. Mr Coker snorts, "She's my sister" "Of course i know but I don't understand why she's here"

"There was no one for me to call, and someone needs to be there for the baby"

"How many people knows about this?"

"Just Me, you, my sister, your sister and George too."

"Let it not go beyond that or I swear I'll just kill myself"

"Isn't that too much"

"Too much? Too much is you cheating on your own wife. If we weren't in a public place, I would have slapped you silly." "Honey I'm so sorry. I can explain" "Save your stupid explanation"

"No one and I repeat, no one must know of this, it must not get to the ears of anyone else, even in my family members or the Church"

His sister exhaled looking up at her brother with so much anger in her eyes, "I'll leave you two alone" She said leaving them alone and Mrs Coker scoffed, "Is she your partner in crime?"

"How can you say that? She doesn't know anything, she's just as mad at me as you are at me"

"I'm not mad at you Badejo, no! The word for how I feel is just not in the dictionary yet. How could you do this to me, to us?" "It was a mistake"

"A mistake you waited 9 months to talk about"

"I didn't know how to tell you"

"That you were sex starved and you had to get it somewhere else. Badejo, you're an idiot and I'm also an Idiot to think you could be"

"Is this not Mummy Maniola?" A woman called out from behind and she instantly turned towards her with a fake smile, "Hey! Mrs Theresa" "Teni dear" She rushed towards her embracing her.

"I never knew you were back from the states"

"I was in the UK"

"Oh. I heard you traveled of the country, I just never got the full details. When did you come back?" "Today" "Why? This one you and your husband are here, i hope there's no problem"

"No Ma" She replied holding on her husband's hand, "One of his relative just gave birth and she's sick. Really really sick so I had to come down to see her" "From the UK? She must be a loved one" "Yes. I mean she's a close friend to me. The moment I heard she wasn't feeling too well, I knew I had to come be with her"

"Ehya.." She smiles facing Reverend Coker, "Teni has always been a sweet heart shey?"

"Abi" He replied and they all chuckled. "Anyhow sha, my daughter is sick and was admitted today"

"Oh I'm sorry. What's the diagnosis?"

"Who knows? How's Maniola, little Teni, it has passed one year like this oh! Very soon they will get used to the Oyinbo lifestyle, even their accent will change and they will now start speaking Queens English. I hope Maniola has started school already"

"He has"

"Good. Nice to see you again"

"You too Theresa. Warmest greetings to your daughter" "She'll definitely hear" Mrs Theresa took her leave and Mrs Coker slipped her hands away from her husband's grip then she felt dizzy all of the sudden, so much she had to lean against the wall in order to gain composure.

"Honey are you okay? Is everything okay?" He asked but she kept quiet, her eyes shut in tears, "Honey..."

"Where is she?"

Now

Temi drove slowly stuck in a traffic jam when a call from Tanimola had her smiling, "If it's not my baby boo." "This is not Mr Alade" "Of course i know" "Just wanted to make sure of it"

"Silly you! Good morning dear" "Good morning Ma. Happy international women's day to you. Since you didn't get my message on WhatsApp, I decided to call you in real-time"

"Sorry... I supposed you sent it late. I was online by 6 thereabout"

"I noticed but I was trying to compose a love letter"

"We need to discuss and study this your love for your girlfriend"

"I'm talking about a love letter to your Mom"

"Awn. Will she even appreciate or look at it? That woman is a wood, I didn't even bother calling her, the drama that comes with the call has been too much on me, I really don't need the negative energy anymore"

"What happened?"

"Long story boo. She wasn't the most supportive mother at my wedding, I don't understand her" "Funny thing for a psychologist to say"

"Exactly! That's what pisses me off the most! I'm a freaking psychologist and I can't crack my own mother" "Don't stop trying, I've never stopped and I won't"

"Tani"

"Huh?"

"Do you know something we don't know?" "Like what?" He asked laughing nervously, "Like why you were taken out of the house"

"I was just a child. I was just as much in shock as you all were"

"Now that you're grown up, what do you know?"

"Who am I supposed to get the information from?"

"You're not giving me direct answers, Tani you're hiding something"

"Aunty Temi"

"No! Thinking of it, you've always been acting all secretive, you don't ever stay with us for reasons best known to you and if you do, it's because we literally forced you to. What's going on?"

"You're the psychologist, you should know what's going on"

"Newsflash I don't! I don't think I should even be one anymore!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself"

"You know" She swallowed hard, "Then I'll think you're probably in trouble but when I remember that you're not that kind of person, I get confused. What's going on with you?"

"There's nothing going on with"

"Lies!" She cuts in, "I'm sure this has something to do with why Mom sent you away. Tanimola, you're grown up! I'm sure you must have asked questions and I'm sure you must have had answers or figured out your answer."

"Perhaps your Mom wanted to spend time with just her family alone without external party" "You were like a brother to us. I watched you crawl and take your first step, even though I don't remember it. You were like family!"

"I have to go Ma. Have a nice day"

"Tani... If you know something that should help me understand Mom more, I think you should tell me"

"Yes Ma" He replied ending the call.

Just as Kilahi sat in a taxi heading to work, she looked towards a school building when she got an instruction to get out of the taxi and head towards the school.

She didnt understand why, it didn't make sense to her but she had to obey. "Stop the trip, I'll alight here" "Ma, is anything wrong? Did i do something wrong"

"No"

"You've not gotten to your destination"

"I know. I'll stop here"

"I hope there's no problem"

"No there isn't. How much will I be paying?"

The man soon stopped and she got out and took a walk towards the school gate. Her heart thumped in anxiety because she had no idea what the instructions were am about and also in fear because she will be late for work at this rate.

She just had to trust God!

The school gate was wide open while students clad in plain White shirt, both short and long sleeves and Blue striped trousers entered into the school compound.

The moment she made her way in the security at the gate stopped her, "Who are you? I no recognize your face, you be new student?"

Kilahi laughed, feeling flattered yet insulted, "No Sir." "You come submit application for job shey?" "No Sir. Please I'll like to see the Principal of the school if you don't mind"

"I mind. Assembly is about to start, Mr Anosike will not be seeing anyone for now, will you come back later, maybe during break time preferably"

"Please Sir, I really need to see her"

"You will have to see the school secretary first and then you'll book an appointment. Mr Anosike is a very busy man"

"I'm sure the Principal is not doing anything, all this one wants is bribe before you can see him!" A female student snapped, she was standing by the gate with her hands folded.

The security man frowned her at her, "Will you shut your dirty mouth!" He barked.

Kilahi turned to the young girl who had tears smeared on her cheeks. She was suddenly moved with compassion to ask why she was crying.

Could this be the reason God brought her here? At this point she was confuse.

"Would you get out from this school compound!"

"You'll have to carry me"

"I have direct order from the Principal, if you go in, you're just wasting your time cause las las they'll still chase you"

"I'll take my chances" She hissed walking into the school and the man hissed too, "Every stewpid student in this school have turned to principality in their own domain"

"Don't call them stupid. There's power in the tongue"

"They are all stewpid! No sugar coating, stewpid is stewpid and they are all stwepid!"

Kilahi scoffed, at least he's saying stewpid not stupid! "Can I see the Principal now?"

The gateman sights the Principal then he observed Kilahi for a while as though he hasn't been speaking to her for the past five minutes. "Are you sure you're not an assassin?" "Do I look like one?"

"It doesn't really on the face Ma. What's the purpose of the meeting?"

"Will you be believe me if I say I don't know? The spirit of God only ministered to me to walk into this school" "You be Pastor? Why you no talk since?"

"I'm not a Pastor. Can I see the Principal?"

The man pointed to him and then Kilahi made her way down to him, "Good morning Sir" "Good morning. Do I know you?"

"No Sir. My name is Kilahi Agbo, I was just in the taxi heading off to work when I felt God leading me here." Kilahi paused looking around the school compound. "And you're not a kidnapper here to lure students"

"No Sir"

"The safety of my students is salient to me"

"You can be rest assured Sir. Sir... I know this might be too much but, can I evangelize in your school?" "Evangelism?" "Yes Sir... I know it's too much to ask for especially from a stranger. You can take time to think of it"

"What kind of evangelism?"

"A Christian evangelism, I feel like God is leading me here this reason. I understand if you don't believe me"

"Young lady, will it be crazy if I say I believe you?This is a period where things are falling apart in the school. The rise of cultism is something else, you'll find students fighting or jumping the school fence to other buildings. Students are involving in relationships with one another, we've recorded two pregnancies this year and these children still abort even with the threat of expulsion if caught. We expelled about 10 students last year and two this year and I'm sure there are still more to come"

"I reject it"

"It's not the matter of rejecting it. These students have made themselves to be wild animals, therefore we treat them like one"

"Okay, Sir. What day do you think it's perfect so I can talk with them?" "Any day Pastor" "I'm not a Pastor"

"Okay Evangelist"

"I'm not an Evangelist, I'm just God's messenger" "It's okay, I just hope they listen to you. There's no one we have not called to speak to them"

Kilahi wanted to reschedule so she can go back to work but she felt it strong not to leave yet. "Will it be possible to speak to them today?"

"Assembly is about to start, there's no problem."

Anambra

Buchi bit her nails in shock, "Na so the investment just go like that" He exhaled, "I'll live to fight another day"

Ray entered, "Boss Good morning" "Wetin?" "I want enter outskirt karer in the day" "For wetin?" "I being don promise my Pops small money once I start work. Na borrow I borrow say make I just give them something"

"You go follow person"

"That one sure"

"No allow police follow you oh"

"God forbid!" He replied snapping his fingers, "Of you try rubbish, na that your Papa and him family we go use as collateral damage. You hear me?"

Ray swallowed, "Yes Boss"

FLAG BEARERS

Mrs Okojie entered into the office of the Principal of the school, "Good morning Ma'am" She greeted the woman who was busy looking through some inventories sent in by the accounting department for her to clear. "Good morning Okojie, how are you Ma?"

"Very well thank you"

"And the family?" She asked now wearing her glasses to look at the list well, "This one I'm seeing pencil packs all over again? I thought we already bought a good number of this? I'll have to vet this. Let's not buy anything unnecessary." She complained looking up at her head of human resource.

"This one you're standing, I'm nervous already. Are you here concerning the excursion?" "Not really Ma," "Please have the reminder about the excursion sent to the parents. I don't want anyone telling me they got the information on short notice"

"Some parents will still act surprised when they find out"

"How hard can parenting be? It's like these parents don't care about their children. Wasn't that how Timilehin's Mom forgot his son in school till 7pm, there's no excuse in this world she'll tell me, she forgot!" She hissed then she pressing a stamp on a slip.

"So what is bothering you that you can't sit again? Abi there's a nail on the chair"

"No. I won't be staying for long. Ma, I've been bothered since yesterday concerning a particular issue?"

"What's that? Inter house sports? Or Is it one of the students?"

"No... There was this lady that came with her son yesterday, she wanted to enroll"

"Now? What was she waiting for? What class?" She asked

"Basic 3"

"Let the child get his transcripts and sit for the entrance exam"

"That's the problem, there are no transcript. I told the lady that I'll let you know but I didn't bothered knowing you won't agree to it"

"Thank God you know me. Let her check elsewhere"

"I referred her to Remarkable"

"Good... I'm sure Mrs Adeyemi will agree, she's looking out for anyone, she can admit any student or pupil but not my school. This school has a standard to uphold"

"I know and I told the mother but the boy looks like a bright boy"

"Really? Are we going to start judging by looks? The transcript shows how well the boy was doing in his previous school and if he truly deserves to be in that class, it lets us know his weakness and how we can help him" "Let's just give him a try"

"No Mrs Okojie! Ah han! I can't believe this is you talking, if it's another person, I know what I would have done. We have protocols, we have standards"

"Let him just sit for the entrance exam, if he doesn't do well... Fine"

"No! If they can't get the transcript, another school will do. Must it be this school?" "I've been bothered since yesterday. In fact I couldn't sleep, all I did was think of the boy. There's something about this boy"

"I've never bent this rule for anyone! Not even my family, Mrs Okojie, I'm sorry. You knew I'll say no already, why did you bother? So I'll look like a bad person shey?"

"Its fine Ma. I understand, you're just following protocols and I respect that"

Remarkable Group of Schools

The secretary hands a note to Hilary, "That's the account number to pay for the form" "Thank you" Hilary replied pulling out her phone then she clicked on her banking app. The secretary waved at Ossy who was sitting at corner.

"Don't worry, you'll like this your new school"

"Okay" He replied and then Hilary's phone rang, "Hello, good morning. Am I unto Miss Hillary Nnamdi?" Mrs Okojie asked, "Yes. Who am I speaking with?"

A sigh of relief followed, "Thank God. I got your name from the log book, I was hoping it goes through. This is Mrs Okojie" "Oh. Good Morning Ma. Thank you for the reference, we are at the school. You're right, they said they admit without transcript and all he needs to do is sit for an exam"

"Oh. Have you bought their form"

"I'm about to pay for it"

"Please don't. I'm willing to give your son the benefit of the doubt, I'll let him sit for the exam and there access his performance"

"And if he doesn't do well... I'll be going through the same rollercoaster all over again"

"Didn't you say your son is a brilliant boy? I have faith in that boy, do you?"

"Of course I do! He's my son"

"Then come over let's take the test"

"Now?"

"We don't have time, we've done series of test which your son has to rewrite again. Your son doesn't need to lag"

Hilary exhales, "Okay.... Ossy will be so excited. I'll let him know. Thank you Ma" "You're welcome" She answered facing the secretary. "Um.... I'm sorry that I'll to come back, something important just came up"

"You pay, we'll give you receipt"

"No. I'm fine dear, maybe later" She replied walking over to where Ossy was then she knelt before him smiling, "I just got a call from Mrs Okojie... Remember Mrs Okojie" "Yes."

"She said you should come for the exam"

"No transcript?"

"None... Just the exam"

Ossy smiled, "Aunty Kilahi was right.There's nothing God cannot do"

Shortly before Kilahi went up to speak, she called Mrs Aisha to inform her she will be coming in later than usual although she already informed about the women conference Amazing invited her to. Apparently, it was looking like she'll be going to work very late.

After being called upon, she stood in front of the assembly and the whole students busted in noisy murmur so much she couldn't even speak. Even if she did, she probably won't be able to hear herself.

"Hello guys!" She tried to speak and a Male teacher stood beside her raising a long cane. From the way he did, Kilahi guessed he was the maths teacher.

"Will you all keep quiet before I descend on you all!" He barked but these the murmuring lessened but a few students were still murmuring and hissing. "Oh.. I guess I'm invisible and you can't hear me right?"

No Sir!

Some of us have kept quiet

"So you all want to act like animals abi?"

No Sir!

It's not all of us!

You guys should shut up now! Before you know now they'll punish everybody

"You are still talking abi? It's okay! Everyone, go down on your kneels and hold your lips cause if i see anyone talk or smile the kind of mark I'll leave on your body, your parents will be left speechless" He snapped and everyone went down on their knees with their fingers keeping the lips shut. then the teacher turned towards Kilahi to continue.

"I'm sorry this had to happen" Kilahi apologize but she was satisfied with the silence that came afterwards.

"Good morning everyone!" She waved but no one answered, "I'm sure some of you guys are answering in your mind." She added and a few chuckled. "My name is Kilahi Agbo, I work with Revive Foundation. It's a well known foundation if you look it up on google, it is owned by Mrs Aisha Bakare. If you're going through problems and you feel you can't help yourself through it. Maybe someone is abusing you, physically or mentally, it might be your classmate, a guardian or your parents. By God's grace, if your school permits me, I'll be speaking on those topics as much as I know on it." She swallowed hard, "We help you seek redress on those cases, if you're a child and you can't afford a lawyer, we also help with that. Its what the foundation do but I'm not here because of the foundation, my being here today is not related to the foundation, it's actually because of God's love that he brought me here" She answered and some students began to clear their throats in disbelief.

"Will you all stop that!" The Male teacher yelled and Kilahi chuckled, "I know it's funny but I wouldn't be here if God didn't order my step. It only shows how much God loves the students in this cardinal school. I'm strictly here for business, I've come to to share something with you guys, you might not like it but it's going to be of benefit to you and your generation. Your children are going to grow up see that thing and appreciate you for leaving that thing as an inheritance" She could see some student eyes lit up in interest.

"I can see you guys like business. Oya let's be up on our feet but you all have to promise to keep quiet, promise? She requested and they all rose up murmuring in low voices.

"Are you a social media influencer?" A boy in front asked and she shook her head, "No but there's handle that I want to influence today" "Which handle?"

"Jesus Handle"

"Some of us are Muslims"

"I'm quite aware and I remember those times when we do assemblies then it was always a blend and trust me I studied Philosophy so I know a thing or two about all religion and one thing i know do sure is that religions frown against some unlawful practices which is the business I'm out to speak about today. The bible says Occupy till I come and I'm here for the business of evangelism. Don't worry, I won't collect offering afterwards" She chipped and everyone chuckled.

"Have you guys heard of Ponzi schemes? If you've heard of it, lift up your hands" She asked and almost everyone in the senior secondary school lifted their hands and a few from the Junior did.

The murmuring started again.

"There's no point murmuring, I'll explain it. It's a fraudulent investment where returns are given to so called investors, you put in 1000 and then they double It, you put it 10,000 and then they double it too"

"Oookay" Some of the students kept emphasized in realization.

"And in weeks when people pump in bigger investment, these anonymous organization will make a run for it afterwards. I don't know why I'm starting with this but I see you guys playing this thing like a ponzi scheme. The devil is recruiting boys and you're recruiting more people to populate the kingdom of Satan when in reality you should be populating God's kingdom. You've forgotten that when the devil gives you a cap, he takes your head, if he gibes you a shoe,he takes the very essence you wanted to use the shoe for. Nothing in the kingdom of darkness is for free, I'm sure some of you guys know it but to those that don't; this message is for you. Social Vices, vandalism, cultism, stealing, lying, fornication, abortion, these are all the devil's scheme but yet you indulge it in. The bible speaking in the book of Matt 18:7 says Woe to the world for temptations to sin! And i love the second part that says, for it is necessary that temptations come. It is necessary for these cult groups to tempt you with all sorts of sweet promises, it's necessary for you to be wooed by these men or boys but your ability to stand and say No matters a whole lot. If you've been indulging in it, there's no problem there's still a chance for you, you didn't know better. Woe to you that makes another man to sin, there's one version that says it's doomsday to you! You think you'll have peace? It's not a curse! I'm not cursing you, you won't have peace being in a cult. Do you have peace when you're on a run from the enemy group or Police? Can you even sleep peacefully when there's a cult clash? Are you not always scared for your sister or mother. It's much worst if you take this behavior to the university. Much more worst! Or is those that fornicate? Or commit adultery with people's husbands. After school you're going to your boyfriend's house, you're scared you might find another woman there or you're scared his real girlfriend might bump into the two of you. Some of you are even scared of your parents finding out. Is that peace? No, I want you all to access this deep in your mind and answer appropriately, is that peace?" Kilahi searched the scriptures on her phone.

No!

"John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." She paused looking away from her phone, "So there is a peace that the world will offer to you but it's peace in disguise, peace that will not let you sleep. Perhaps you stole someone's money and you haven't had peace since....." She trailed off, "Sorry oh but you're not going to find peace, I know that some people will steal and sleep very well as though they took sleeping tablets without conscience"

Everyone broke out laughing while mentioning names.

"Heys!" The man threatened and they all kept quiet.

"I want to talk about the true peace comes from receiving Christ, that comes from doing the right thing that's my dear people is the true peace. Let me be generic here, there is a Joy that comes when you do the right thing and I know that according to our selfish nature, we choose to see right or good from our perspective. Good is you when you're not bullying your fellow classmates, 'good' is you not stealing or participating in criminal activities, 'good' is you being respectful to your parents. God wants you all to turn from your bad ways and turn to him for help. Have you ever asked yourself, why do I feel empty even after doing all these terrible things? Because those things can never satisfy you, they are just hoax created by the devil to blind your eyes in the name of fun and pleasure which blinds us and takes us away from who we are supposed to make our focus and primary example; Jesus. It's time to Arise from the shambles and shackles of death, shackles of unrest of sadness. It's time to have your mind renewed. From cultism to discipleship in Christ, cultism is the devil's culture, discipleship is God's culture. Why not be a disciple of Christ instead and follow Jesus steadily with all commitment, share in his blood, share in his suffering. You think your creed is the best, have you guys heard of the one from Philippians 3:10, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Why don't we press towards getting that Prize of a higher calling in God through Jesus Christ. Enough populating the kingdom ot the devil, it's all his scheme, we need to be wiser that he is. You think the devil has your interest at heart? No! His mission is to kill, steal and destroy, he sees the glory of God upon you, his own is to off the light before It shines. There are so many shinning lights among you, boys and girls with bright future" She paused noticing the smile on their faces.

"I'm not hyping you guys. I'm speaking scripturally cause remember when the Wise men wanted to locate Jesus what did they use?"

"Stars"

"Exactly! And God directed me here meaning there are stars here and the devil is just using you to lead people to hell because he knows the damage you can do to his kingdom so he tries his best to bring all kinds of temptation to you and make you an enemy of the cross, some of you are battling with yielding to those temptations currently, some have already yielded to it and right now I can hear you asking yourself and you're saying, Aunty you're too late, if you had come two months earlier, two weeks earlier, two days earlier but I'm here to say that I'm not late. I'm standing here to tell you straight to your face that I'm not late, the blood of Jesus sets you right and reconciles you with God. The devil is the one that's late cause we are going to gain back what God made for Himself. You need to gain back control against that voice that keeps telling you to sin! That voice that keeps telling you to touch yourself, you want to stop but you can't and now the voice is telling you to teach others. You're not happy with what you're doing so you want another person to be as miserable as you are. God is calling you back home today, he wants to redeem you, he wants to make you new again. He has prepared a mansion for you and I and that's if we actually make heaven. I don't know about you but I want to be in that mansion and I want to also influence people to have this heavenly goals with me, if there's anything that won't make you get there, you need to cut them off. Scripture speaking that if your hand or your foot gets in the way of God, chop it off and throw it away. What is that hand or foot on your way to making heaven? Is it your friends? If they don't have the same goals as you do, cut them off! You need to start associating and speaking to the right people about things you go through in life. I'll leave my phone number with your Principal, if you want access to me, you can always call and talk to me. Until you accept him and leave your evil ways, you're not going to find true peace. If you know one of these cases look like something you're going through and you know you want a change and you're tired of living in your sin and you want something good for a change, just stay where you and place your palm against your chest and just whisper an heartfelt apology to him." She paused and a few placed their hands on their chest but others who wanted to couldn't out of shame.

"This is not the time to let your friends influence your decision. This is between you and God, we'll all give account individually, your friend won't be there. I bet with you that after today, you'll need to sever ties with some people. Don't be ashame of the gospel of Christ, it is the power of God unto salvation"

The number of students placing their hands on the chest had increased.

"Thank you Lord, please say this after me.."

Gbadamosi receives a message while waiting for a church member to step in during counseling.

The package has arrived Sir

Gbadamosi messages them back. "Perfect!"

The Principal escorted Kilahi out of his office, "When do you think it's convenient for me to come Sir?" "Anytime you like except Fridays, just give me a call before coming"

"God bless you Sir"

"No Evangelist, I should be thanking you specially for availing yourself to be used by God. I better return back to duty"

"No problem Sir, I'll walk myself out"

"Thank you for coming Ma"

She suddenly felt uncomfortable being referred to as Ma by such a mature man, "Sir, I'm not Ma" "What are you, Miss?" "Yes Sir" "Where's the difference? Or let me just stick with the great Evangelist"

"Ma is okay Sir" She replied and they both laughed. Soon she was out of the gate when she noticed the outside filled with a few students who had been sent home for not paying school fees. They all went their way except the female student that responded rudely to the security that morning.

She was banging on the gate, Kilahi wanted to ignore the girl but she walked towards her instead, "Hey dear" She called but she kept banging instead.

"Can you stop that?"

"I'm not stopping until they let me in or they call the police on me"

"I'm sure you're disturbing the peace of the school"

"I don't care, I don't!"

"Why are you out here?"

"School fees, I haven't paid and we have a test today." "And your parents?" "If they can pay my fees, I won't be here" She snapped and Kilahi nods in understanding.

"I just want to know"

"If my parents are alive, well one of them is but she can't pay my fees and she's doing a whole lot already taking care of my baby while I go to school" She paused busting into tears.

"I'm sorry"

"Why are you sorry? You didn't get me pregnant, it's my fault but not going to cry over it. When has crying ever solved shit?" She blinked her tears in then she leaned against the brown rusty gate.

"You'll get your uniform stained" Kilahi warned.

"Who cares? Why do you care? Don't you have better things to do?"

"You think I'm wasting my time standing with you right?"

Mercy shrugged, "I don't think I'm worth your time or anybody's time, everyone just wants to use me, the only family I have is my Mom, my baby and the gang"

"Why will you think that?"

"The only time people genuinely decide to help me is when I'm giving them something in return. There are no genuine people in the world" "That's a wrong notion"

"Until i'm proved wrong. I don't want to cry but I have a test that's supposed to hold during the second period. What's annoying me now is already begged the Principal, the stupid security man promised my mom he'll let me in after everyone has been sent away"

"Don't take the anger out on him"

"You don't get it Ma! Mom already gave it to him"

Kilahi shut her eyes in realization, "Jesus Christ!" "She had to do it! She didn't want me to know but when she told me that she already sorted the whole thing with the stupid Wale. I knew what she meant. Why am i telling you? Now you'll think my mother is a slut"

"No. The only thing I'm thinking of is how serious this issue is for you."

Mercy gritted her teeth and banged the gate, "Calm down. The banging is disturbing the whole school and the environs" "I don't care" " What's your name?"

"Enogie Mercy"

"Mercy, I understand you're angry" "He promised" "Because he wanted something, don't put your trust in men but rather in God"

Mercy cried, "Ma, I know you're a Pastor and all but I've seen things and I know life is not easy. So is God going to come down and make everything easy or pay my school fees balance? Or make me write my test?" "No but he has a way of sending men to help others, trust me his ways are not the ways of man. The first time I used a flight, I didn't pay myself, God still uses people to bless others"

"I feel like God hates me"

"Why?"

"All the bad things I've done"

"This is not the right time to talk about this. You can have my contact and call me so we can talk at length but first you need to get in there and sit for your test"

"How? These guys won't budge"

"How much Is the fees?"

"Ma?" Mercy asked with her brow arced, "I said" "Ma you don't have to do this" "How much is it?" She asked with all seriousness. A part of her found it quite funny for a moment, to think she conceived the idea of sending the money back to Gbadamosi!

Look at her forming big woman! At least she'll be using a part of it for a good course. She felt fulfilled.

"Ma...."

"Oya let's go in"

"Ma... I'm not trying to look down on you but can you pay it? I don't want you to stress yourself."

Kilahi laughed, "Let's go" She knocked but there was no response, "Excuse me Sir!" She yelled and the security peered at her through the peephole. "Ah! It's you Ma. I hope no problem" "Can you please open the gate"

The man quickly opened up and then Kilahi walked in holding on to her but the security disagreed. "Madam no oh! This girl cannot come in, she dey owe school" "What if she's here to pay her fees?" Kilahi asked and the man stared in silence.

Then she faced Mercy, "Should we go to the Principal's office or Bursary"

Susequently Hilary paced left and right in the waiting room in anticipation for when Mrs Okojie to steps out with her son. It has been more a hour! Soon she saw the woman walk towards her direction. She had her hands clasped.

"I'm sorry for taking so much of your time but we had to go through a reevaluation"

Hilary blinked, "You just lost me at reevaluation. What are you people reevaluating?" "So we noticed he got 98% in the Primary three entrance assessment so we are trying to step it up to a more higher one"

Hilary shook her head in disapproval, "That's not fair" "I know but Ossy said he's up for it. Looks like your little boy loves a good challenge."

"Still! You said he should be assessed and now that you have, you want to take it far, to what end?"

"We are doing this without a transcript, if I have to convince the Principal on his admission into this school, I'm going to need more than 98% in his primary three assessment"

Hilary blinked again, "Wait... Are you trying to say the principal of the school doesn't know about this?" "Yes. I can explain" "Wow, how convenient Ma. What are you going to explain? How I've wasted my day coming here, explain how I left..." She trailed off then she exhales shutting her eyes regretfully.

"It's going to be fine. There won't be any scandal as long she doesn't go into the computer lab and she only goes there on rare occasion and I'm sure today won't be an exception and I'm such there's plenty of luck on Ossy's side"

The next voice they heard was that of the Principal screaming on top of her voice.

"What's that?" Hilary asked and Mrs Okojie rolled her eyes, "Looks like I spoke too soon and luck just left the building. Oh my God, I'm in trouble" Mrs Okojie muttered running off into the computer room to a screaming Principal and a helpless Ossy. He didn't understand why the woman who just walked in was ordering his invigilator to stop the test.

At this point his heart was racing out of fear! He wondered if it was a Lagos thing, perhaps everyone is Lagos is always angry about one thing or the other!

"What rubbish! Such unscrupulous practice under my very own nose." She hissed staring at Mrs Okojie who had her hands clasped, "Mrs Okojie, what is going on here?" "I can explain" "Oh it better be good cause I couldn't curtail my shock after Miss Omale informed me that this was an entrance exam without my knowledge, no transcript has been brought to me or any discussion of any sort tabled before me "

"I ... Ma... I was trying to help"

"Help me who? Is this the boy you spoke about this morning? The one without the transcript" "Yes Ma" "Oh there better me damn good explanation for this unethical conduct"

"Ma can we just step out and not do this in front of the child. Let him continue with the exam"

"This exam ceased to continue, in fact to me it didn't even happen! Get the booklets from him! " She screamed and Hilary walked in after so much consideration, "I won't appreciate you shouting at my son that way. Initially I wanted to sit the whole thing out so Mrs Okojie can sort out this mess herself but I won't fold my hands and watch you yell at my son"

The Principal exhales, "I'm sorry Madam but I didn't yell directly at your son." "Look at him!" Hilary snapped pointing at Ossy whose eyes were all welled with tears. "My baby is scared! He doesn't understand what is going on and you're shouting. The mental health of my son matters to me"

"I care about the mental health of my students and pupils but you'll understand that an exam has just been conducted without my knowledge. Are you a party to this?"

"No! I just found out about it and I'm not happy about it either. I've just wasted time been here"

Miss Omale collected the scripts from Ossy and Hilary faced Ossy, "Let's go" "Please!" Mrs Okojie rolled her eyes, "Can we all just be cool headed for at least two minutes? Ehn!" "Cool headed Mrs Okojie... You just broke the trust I had in you for a boy you know nothing about. You put your job on the line and I hope it was worth it"

"It was..." She lifted up the exam script showing it to her. "This Is the same assessment we gave the Primary three pupils we admitted last year, he had 98 %, that's the highest we've ever had. He's currently answering the Primary four questions and I did this because I knew if I wanted to convince you about not using the transcript, I'll need something strong. I know I could have done something more legal but you have to understand that i... I had to do this, you left me with no choice"

"Even though it meant risking your job"

"Yes Ma"

Hilary arced her brow in surprise then she lifted her hand not wanting to see the woman jobless as she is. "This Is not necessary Mrs Okojie, I think i have a clearer perspective why you did this and i appreciate your effort and the faith you have in my son but i don't think I'll like to see you lose your job because of it"

Mrs Okojie on the other hand was not going to give up easily, "Mrs Ajayi, there is something about this boy that I can't wrap my head around. He looks like a bright child who will have a promising future in this academy. We can train him from Primary to secondary." "And you know this because...."

"I feel it in my guts and I have never been this much disturbed about saying no to a person like I was the whole of yesterday"

"You're doing this out of guilt"

"Not guilt, guts"

Mrs Ajayi folded her hands, "So I'm just going to accept a boy without following due course because of a gut feeling" "Let him just continue the test Ma, I'll stake my job on his admission, If he doesn't perform well, then I guess i'll .... start looking for a job then"

"You know I can't fire you and I can't believe you're staking your job for a stranger. He better has more than 50% on the Primary four question or the deal is off. You might have to get that transcript anyways or take him to another school and that's all I can say" She snapped leaving the room and Hilary faced Mrs Okojie who was now clasping her hands at this moment.

Hilary chuckled softly, all the woman has been doing almost all through is begging so that all parties can be satisfied.

She had a heart warming spirit.

"I am so sorry Ma. This was not supposed to happen"

"It's okay..... I'm just shocked that you will stake your job for my son"

"I have children too.. Sometimes the good things we do is so other people can do the same for our children when they go out there." Thank you Ma"

"Don't thank me yet" She exhales facing Ossy, "Can you continue?" She asked and he nods. "Great. Miss Nnamdi, you have to leave the room now"

Hilary redirected a half smile at his son then she waved him sorry, "I love you" She mouthed blowing kissing at him then she went out to the see the Principal talking to a student walking in the hall way.

"What are you doing in Primary?"

"My brother's forgot his inhaler"

How can you forget that kind of thing? Did you forget his lunch box? Will you hurry up then and stop dragging your feets!" She yelled snapping her fingers. Her head turned towards Hilary and a rough smile formed across her cheek. "You must think I'm a difficult woman" "I'm thinking a lot of things and yes, you are right difficult is among them"

She shrugged in acceptance, "Fair Enough. You should understand I have every right to be angry"

"I do but did you see my son's face when you were exercising that right. Ossy is a strong boy but I'm sure he has a trauma to last him his entire stay in the school well, that's if you accept him anyways"

"Now you're exaggerating"

"Exagge.... Ma, you scared him. The only reason I'm not scared is because I'm an adult"

"I have protocols"

"Protocols are meant to be broken"

"Ah, you won't be smiling when your children grow up to tell you that oh." She replied and Hilary chuckled then Mrs Ajayi cleared her throat and continued from where she stopped, "For me, it's not about the number of students or the school fees like other schools do I'm looking to raise smart children" "It's not fair If you don't give them a chance"

"That's where the transcript comes in! There we see their errors and we know how to tackle with it. We see she's not good in mathematics in the last school and we try to work towards making her better. If the teacher reviews him or her to be see a trouble maker from the previous, we don't admit such. I know a lot of parents that frown at me because of that because they expect us to do the job they should have done. I mould students to be a better version of themselves, I am not a miracle worker. This year will make it my 25 years in the education sector. Have you seen what bad eggs does to the good ones in schools, I have done my research. That is why i follow the Protocols strictly because it has worked for my husband and I."

"You must have been a prefect In school" "Labour prefect, they say I was cruel but I kept the compound clean and organized during my time but I did scare some souls too" she answered and they both chuckle.

"I've never skipped protocols before"

"It's okay if you don't want to."

"No one has ever gotten that high in that assessment. It's looking like this protocol will break after all" "Are you trying to say something?"

"Let's see if he'll at least make 40% in this one but I'm already blown by this result. 98? Your boy is brilliant"

"Thank you, he took it from his father, my husband was a genius.... He was already lecturing in the university at a very young age. "

"Was? He's no longer lecturing?"

"I'm a widow"

"Oh. I'm sorry"

"It's fine"

"Must have been had raising the boy alone"

"I just gained custody of him. He was with his grandmother"

"Oh. No wonder you're late, well... We'll see how we can make him comfortable in the school, then he'll understand that his principal shouts a whole, its just my voice. People say I had a loud speaker in my belly" She joked and they both laughed.

"Hopefully he'll make us proud in this school"

Hilary smiled, "This is going to make my baby so happy. He loved the school at first sight" "There's an excursion next week, just thought I should chip that in" "Are we paying for it?"

"No."

"Thank you Ma"

Monumental Hotel

Kilahi stared at the large bill board that had;

Leading Women Conference 2022
Influencing Power of a Woman

Free grant for Business owners
Free scholarship to students

There were pictures of various women, including Dara Funsho and AmazingGrace Bamidele Jones. Her phone rang and she quickly rummaged her bag in search of her phone.

It was Gbadamosi! He missed two of her calls already.

"Hey love" His smooth voice resounded and she smile, "Hey.. I left two missed calls" "I was busy" "I guessed so too." "What's up?"

"Nothing much. You know I love you right?"

"Yes"

"You know that you're the cockroach that I'll see in my cupboard and not kill. The honey in my honeycomb, the sugar in my tea, the flower that blooms in the morning, among the fairest of them all I chose you, my Choicest Choice, my...... I'm out of sweet words sef"

"Calm down. Who did you kill?" He asked and she laughed, "I met the maker of that your suit" "Ah! What did you do to him?" "Instead of killing him, I'll ask for a refund and return the suit back to him "

He laughed and snort, "What's wrong? What has happened? Did you catch revelation that the world will be ending today?" "The money you gave me" "I'm not collecting it back" "You too chill now... It's not that, I'm just coming back from a school evangelism, don't ask how I got there. I haven't even shown up at work, I'm the hotel for the women's conference"

"Oh. How was the evangelism?"

"It was fine"

"God asked you to sow bah?"

"It's not that... There was this girl that was sent home for school fees and I sort of balancedher fees. I know I should be meticulous with my spending but it was so heavy on me and I'm so sorry"

"Why are you apologizing? That mine belongs to you"

"I feel good for using it but I felt bad when I remembered I didn't ask you for permission" "It's no longer my money, you can do what you want to with it. You don't have to ask for my permission"

She exhales in relief, "I feel so relieved. Thank you, God bless you Gbadamosi, I really can't thank you enough. To just know that you can help someone who is in need. Look at me now feeling myself when I almost transfered it back to you."

He laughed, "Shey? Anyhow, I celebrate grace! Big woman, come and cut soap for me" "My Pride just elevated, what model of car do you want let me call my accountant to forward the details to the car dealers"

"Hei God when?" He teased and they both laughed. "This man, you can talk oh. How many minutes call that I wanted to make, you've almost finished my airtime"

"Oya do and be going. I was busy anyways"

"Ehn hen.. Is that all you can say"

"I love you too"

She blushed biting her lower lips, "I love you too. Bye"

Gbadamosi ended the call and then he smiled staring at the elegant love shaped seude ring box.

A woman handed Kilahi an entry pass Card that Amazing requested to be given to her on her entrance into the Conference hall. She was ushered her to a seat right in front.

Amazing was seated on the grand stage with her legs crossed alongside the other speakers. At this point Dara Funsho Duncan was the speaker handling the section.

Her gaze settled on Kilahi, she wondered why the face looked familiar but she continued anyway.

"Be bold, be beautiful. We are talking about leading women, being a leading woman in your career, your profession and vocation starts with your mindset. You need a mindset of a leader to lead, you need be be mind proof of negativity. Your mind to be 99% if not 100% sound. There are decisions to make and you can't do that out of intimidation or out of pressure from external bodies. I know it's hard because people are just looking for ways to vent and just manipulate you with words but that mind and heart proof matters. The rise in suicide rate is something else lately and it all stems from where?" She asked and the crowd echoes, "The heart"

"Exactly. So over the years, I've gotten two thing that I feel we all should have against negative energies, one Mind proof, two mind filters, my filters are not for pictures only, I filter words people speak out of their mouth. They may say it out of ignorance but most ignorance have caused a lot of lives so as I'm mind proofing myself, pardon my grammar, I also going through the process of mind filtration. Don't take people's negative word for it, some people are just naturally negative! The funny thing is that they can't help it. I've seen people who feel sad when people are happy, they just look at you and be like, why are you smiling?" She paused and a lot of persons laughed.

They could relate to it!

She chuckled, "The fact that you exist and the fact that you're laughing just doesn't sit well with them. It's crazy but that's how they are. Oh they weren't born that way, they perhaps grew up in that negative environment and they sucked into the whole negativity that the only time they find joy is when they say something negative to people or do something that will in turn feed off the negativity to the other people. They see you smile and the next thing they do is tell you, you don't know how your face looks like when you smile. Why is your lips that big, your head does not match your neck, I feel like your big head is straining your neck, are you sure you're not in pain when you walk?"

The crowd broke out in chuckle.

"You've not heard it before? I've heard all sorts, people confide in me and if you hear the things they are being told. You'll be amazed and it tends to take away your confidence. The truth Is you can't be successful if you don't have confidence in what you do or in your product, that product can be you! If you don't have confidence in how you look. I know a friend who hates her body to the point it was alarming and quite unsettling for me. Clients want to meet her but she would stays in the shadow and ends up sending other people to help her out. She lost clients who wanted to meet her in person because they felt she wasn't being honest, they felt something was definitely shady about her when in reality she was just ashame of her looks. . It took a whole lot of intervention to get her to open up. She's here today, CEO Marin@t's Cuisine." She pointed at the lady who was now waving her hands and everyone applauded her.

"You all know my story, I was just like her, working on the radio scene without wanting to have my picture out there. They told me that I don't have the back side or hips so much that I started taking all sorts to get fat, i decided to do squats where I met my husband." She blushed and some ladies screamed.

"You'll have better insight when you read my book Slim Hope. I still do squats till today, not because I'm not perfect the way I am, no but bodily exercise is important and besides, my husband owns the gym and i get to use his equipments for free!" She paused and everyone laughed.

"I'm sure he's watching right now and when I get back, he'll be stretching his hands to tell me to start paying up" She joked and they laughed again.

"Jokes apart, we the leading ladies, we're not bothered by their negative words! We turn that Negativity into something positive for ourselves. If they say you can't make it, turn it into a drive! They say your kind of face is not the type they post on social media, please pepper the haters! That's why I so much appreciate the lady going viral of recent and I retweeted it and i captioned it as, Where is the lie there? This lady said a whole lot that I actually had to pen it down. No kidding!" She paused.

"She's even here" Amazing announced to her surprise and Dara looked over at her, "For real?" She asked then she turned towards the direction of the woman she thought looked familiar.

There it hit her!

"I wss beginning to ask why that face look familiar"

Kilahi looked down in shame, "I don't want her to feel uncomfortable but if I must be honest, I love your response to the woman. Even though i don't know what transpired between you and her or what she said, I love your response, how you defended yourself and every other girls, how you dissected and shed more light of the anatomy and philosophy of beauty" She paused then she slowly began to clap her hands and everyone joined in.

"Popular or not, i feel you are one of the voices in the world and you will be heard. I don't care if you're not a celebrity, you already have me as a fan" She lifted her hands and Kilahi smiled.

"Happy international Women's day to you Ma"

"Thank you Ma" She mouthed and everyone applauded her.

What do you guys think of today's Chapter?

So the good news is coming.... And even more

Just let in on your opinions on Mrs Coker! I can't go into questions. I'm managing battery😂

Have a lovely Sunday!

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