The sun that melt the wax
Chapter One
He sat down recounting his ordeals in life, the ordeal from the fallacious prophecy of his prophet. The prophecy brought over the death of his wife, Mary, after the birth of her last born Nkiruka. A prophetic deal was given to him by prophet Malachy of his church. He couldn’t believe the prophecy then, but now he had no doubts, but was sure of the prophecy. But the antics of the prophet were not too convincing.
He pranced his room only but wondering about the death of his wife.
Why did God want my whole life to be miserable? The prophet prophesied that my wife will die after her last delivery and i will also die six months later. I didn’t believe you prophet, but your prophecy is coming to pass. My wife is dead, oh! Mary is dead, he soliloquized.
Who will take care of my children? Who will father and mother them? He asked rhetorically. He was close to tears, he stood up and stunted in the middle of his children sitting outside the compound, under a mango tree.
The moon that illuminates the night was sparkling bright, and the mango tree added glamour to the scene with its wide and cozy canopy. The house is fenced with palm fronds and tie-tie. In the day time, the mango tree looked green and luxuriant.
He was in a very bad mood that night; he looks depicted to the extremity of his bad temper. He managed to talk to his children because he had to.
My children, he began, it’s true that my wife, your mother is dead, he took a deep breath and wipe the tears rolling down his chin and then continued, but we will not kill ourselves with tears, I think the best thing to do is to pray for her soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Dad, we are not only crying because of our mother’s death, but, who will show us motherly love and care? Who will Nkiru call mummy? She doesn’t know her. Who will she suck her breast? Ejike asked moribundly.
I understood your feelings my son, but, we cannot question God, He is the one that brought her into this world, and now He has taken her out of it. I know that she is in the presence of the Lord for judgment. God, please forgive her all her sins and accept her into your heavenly city, he prayed. His children replied Amen with uncontrollable tears in their eyes. He took them inside the house and consoled them, your grandmother will take adequate care of you, especially Nkiru, please let us go and sleep, she will be here tomorrow, he said.
In the morning, umuada- daughters of the land came to John’s house to console them. The kinsmen also came in order to schedule the burial and funeral date of late Mrs. Mary Ugwu.
After all ramifications, they agreed to bury her in two weeks interval according to Roman Catholic doctrine, where she worships. The family and relatives were in a great pain because a sage is gone.
Mary was a tall and elegant girl born in the family of late Mr. Chima Eze in the year 1963 before the civil war. She was the first daughter and third issue of the family. Her father died during the war, in war front.
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He was a traditional great warrior, people feared and respected him, a man of no nonsense. He had many chieftaincy names, Chinemeze, Ozoumuogbenye. He joined soldier in the year 1966, showing his patriotism to his country. Seeing to his strong feelings and love of his people, he was made the commander of his group. He fought with all his energy and last drop of blood, in the war field, he had the crescendo of his subjects and moved with his men to rescue them from their enemies. Enthusiastically they fought to rescue them, but, unfortunately, he was shot to death. His death spread like a wild fire, the whole village and the neighboring villages mourned him. They gave him a tremendous burial to show their last respect for him.
His wife and children penitent about their action towards their father’s decision to join the army. The death of their father brought a repulsive havoc to them; they eat from hand to mouth.
Mary’s beauty emanated when she was thirteen, her black is pure and charming with pointed nose that hypnotized boys that come across her. Her mother was hysterically ecstatic when Mr. John came to her house seeking for Mary’s hand in marriage. Mary accepted to marry him because he is good, caring, loving, and a huge tall man.
John paid her bride price according to their traditions and took her to his house as wife when she was fifteen. He planted a new seed in her, in nine months interval she put to bed a bouncing baby boy who was named Ejike. The marriage was blessed with six children. Nkiruka was the last child of the family, her mother died three months after her delivery.
The burial mass commenced at nine o’clock dot people were in their various societal uniform. Women on their uniform, men on theirs, youths the same. The watchmen charismatic ministry where John worships was on black and white. Non-Christian members were there also, all to give the deceased person the last respect.
After the requiem mass, they moved to the cemetery for the corpse to lie. The family of late Mrs. Mary wept bitterly which made the people at the scene engrossed with pity. Few minutes, the compound was secluded and the priest blessed the grave, thus; “O God, whose blessed son was laid in a sepulcher, bless we pray you to bless this grave and grant that your servant Mary Ugwu, whose body is to be buried here, may dwell with Christ in paradise and may come to heavenly kingdom in the name of the father, the son and the Holy spirit”.
Amen, they answered in chorus.
“In faith and the hope of resurrection of eternal life, the priest continued, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend the soul of Mary Ugwu to Almighty God and commit her body into the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May the lord bless her and keep her, make her face to shine upon him and be gracious to her, may the lord lift his countenance upon her and give her peace”.
Amen, they answered.
May the lord be with you?
And also with your spirit, they replied;
Let us pray……..
After the prayers, the youth covers the grave. People cried loud upon the top of their voices. Mr. John and his children were shunned and went inside their parlor. After the funeral ceremony, the villagers left the compound to their various destinations.
Chapter Two
Two months after the burial, Ejike, who was the first son of Mr. John dropped out from school, he went to a nearby mechanic shop at Ogurute Enugu-Ezike to pick an apprentice form, the rules and regulations of an apprentice. He filled the form and submitted it next day. As a novice in the field, his work is to watch and bring tools to others who are there before him. They jeered at him when he was asked to bring 20-21 spanners and he brought a screw driver.
A month interval, he mastered the names of the tools and then he started working with his fellow apprentice.
Meanwhile, Obioma the eldest girl also dropped out from school and move into hawking. She hawks groundnut, cashew nut, and millet. People patronize her because of her good manners. Some did that because she is beautiful, and they like talking to her.
She is a slender young girl, tall and charming like her mother. She is sixteen, hardworking lady, since their mother died, she took over the work of the mother. She makes the earn living of the family.
John became weak and tired, he hardly goes to his farmland. One evening, he had the thought of going out for a spree, but when he recalled the prophecy, he became angry and went back to his room. The evening was tempestuous to him; the alternative for him was to lock himself off from any human being, right inside his confidential room.
God why me and my family? Will you allow this prophecy to come to pass? Will you make my children orphans at early age? John asked rhetorically with tears in his eyes. Isn’t it better for me to divulge this to my children? Ejike is eighteen, how can he manage my family when I’m……
Dad, the dinner is ready and we are waiting for you at the dining table, interrupted Sunday.
His father ignored him. Dad the food is ready, he repeated.
Ok my son, go I’m coming, he replied. After the dinner, John disclosed the prophecy to his children and advised them to love each other now and after his stay on earth.
You will not die dad, because the bible made it clear to us in psalm 91:7-9 that “a thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed. You will look and see how the wicked is punished. You have made the lord your defender, the most high your protector. Fear not, you will live, for him your God liveth, prayed Ifunanya. Our mother died without eating the fruit of her labour, but you will not die without eating the fruit of your labour, God will answer our prayers, added Ejike. Its okay my children, God will answer our prayers as we had believed in him, let’s go to bed now.
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Four years later, after the death of their parents, Ejike impregnated Nkechi and they got married. He forgot his siblings and caters for his new wife and unborn baby. Things became complicated to the family. Tochukwu became an apprentice to Mr. Uzo a business man in Anambra.
Meanwhile, Obioma got married to Hillary from their neighbouring town. Hillary is a business man who lived in Lagos. He was thirty two and his parents were worried why he did not want to marry and give them grandchildren. As the second son, he said that he wanted to stand before getting married.
His parents went to the family of late Mr. and Mrs. John Ugwu to ask for Obioma’s hand in marriage without the approval of Hillary. Obioma accepted him on seeing his picture; he is a tall, huge and handsome man, the type of man she wanted to marry. After paying her dowry according to their tradition, Alice took Obioma to Lagos where her son lives. He was at home when they arrived. Their coming jolted him, he thought that someone died. Mama welcome, you did not inform me of your coming, what happened? How is papa? Who is she? He asked pointing at Obioma.
She is your wife, I brought her to you, your father and I have done everything required for her, marry her she is a nice and hardworking girl. Your father is fine she said, turning to Obioma, he is your husband and here he lives. What can I offer you people? You came unexpected, Hillary asked going to the freezer.
Come and show her where to keep her luggage, she has come to stay, Alice said.
Luis! Luis!! Hillary called.
Luis is a houseboy in Hillary’s compound. His parents hardly eat twice a day. He is from Edem Nsukka in Enugu state. He went to Lagos to stay with Hillary so as to get what to eat and let things be easy for his parents. Hillary likes him very well because of his obedience and hardworking, he pays him his dues at appropriate time and at times sends money to his parents.
Sir, I heard you calling, Luis said.
Here is my mother and Obioma, they came from village, show her a room to keep her luggage and water to bath, Hillary said.
You are welcome ma, you’re welcome aunty, come with me, said Luis carrying Obioma’s bag.
Mama please who is she? Hillary queried.
She is Obioma, Alice began, the daughter of late Mr. and Mrs. John Ugwu from Ogurute. She is decent, humble, hardworking and well mannered, unlike other girls who flirt around with boys and sale their pride because of one thing or the other, mostly in what they called “love” which they don’t know the meaning. Some destroy themselves because of money or material things which are not love, boys use such people and push them out. Marry her and give me grand children, you will never regret marrying her, she is the type of woman you will like to marry, she is beautiful, tall, slender, everything you needed she has it. I know you will love her.
Mama, she is indeed an epitome of beauty, but, I think you people should give me time to choose my wife, the one I love and bring her to you. At the approval, I will pay her pride price, said Hillary.
No my son, your father and I have approved her, she is good for you. You know we want the best for you, and she is the best we can accept as wife for you, explained Alice.
I think I love her, Hillary said happily, I will marry her. But, have you paid her dowry according to the custom? He asked.
Yes, it remains the traditional marriage and wedding, said Alice.
Obioma finished taking her bathe and moved down to the dining room to eat. They ate happily and enjoyed the food prepared by Luis.
My dear, you’re welcome to my noble abode, my mother has told me everything about you and your family. Sorry for the death of your parents, it’s indeed painful when one loses his loved one. But I know that all hope is not lost, we will make a good home and help your siblings to succeed in life, Hillary promised.
Chapter three
Eight years after their marriage, God blessed them with four children; two boys and two girls. Obioma is indebted to help her siblings to be successful people in the society. Her husband is helping her to actualize her intentions towards her siblings.
Nkeiru is in SS 2 while Sunday is writing West Africa Examination Council; both were in Community secondary school Ogurute Enugu-Ezike.
On 29th of August 2006, at noon, a heavy rain befalls the house of Hillary and the whole place became dark. Hillary was expecting his container from Cameroon to Lagos that very day, but, it was quite unfortunate to him that his container sank to the bottom of the ocean and damaged.
On hearing the bad news, he collapsed and was taken to the hospital where he was revived. His wife was aback and dumbfounded. She began to ask herself many questions. How did this happen? What could have caused the ship to sink? Why me! God? She asked rhetorically with tears rolling down her eyes.
How can I start again? All my investments are lost. My container that worth million of naira sank in the ocean. Starting over again is a big problem, whom will I run to? God why? Hmm, I’m gone! He pause a while a then continued. Wait! Is this a dream or what? Please someone should wake me up from this slumber; lamented Hillary.
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When the monstrous story reached to the village, Nkeiru and Sunday became furious and shocked. They know not when they flopped on the ground.
Why always me, God? The day I decide to go hunting, the antelopes learn to climb trees and snail develop wings. I am confused more than confusion. When I was born, my mother died, now my turn to sit for WAEC, devil blocked the door. I’m finished! God please come and take my life. Nkeiru soliloquized.
Stop saying such things, God has a purpose for that. Bear it in mind that no man had been known to acquire common sense without suffering, there could be no sweet without sweat, not even the thieves. All we need to do is to study the past if we would divine the future. Wipe your tears okay, consoled Sunny holding her on shoulder.
Sunny, life is never one sweet song, it’s dynamic and didactic. Someone that is rich yesterday, but, today poor. I had never experienced such as a succession of disappointments in one short morning like this. This world is full of mystery, Nkeiru lamented.
We shall not set sail using someone else’s star, and we are not born with a silver spoon. So, we have to struggle for our lives. That reminds me, I have been saving money from the money uncle Hillary sent to me for my exams, we can use it and start hawking business. I know that God will help us with the little we have; Sunny advised.
God I thank you for giving me a loving and understanding brother. We shall pass over all these agonies for I know that life is like a walking shadow and a mist; it passes quickly by, and is no more. Our suffering will soon pass by. It is better for us to suffer in the morning and rest or enjoy in the evening, than to enjoy in the morning and suffer in the evening. How much do you have? Nkeiru queried.
"I saved seven thousand naira, but I will take two thousand naira from it to pay for the money we are mandated to pay for the teachers that helped us in the extra moral lesson before the examinations. You know that am finishing my papers tomorrow", He said fastidiously.
Have you bought the form for the seminary school? Nkeiruka asked.
"Yes, Rev. Fr. Kelechi gave me money for that. The examination is next month"; he said ecstatically.
"Sunny, I will like us to go to brother Ejike's house to table our suggestions and decisions to him so that he will be aware of our next step", suggested Nkeiru.
"Okay, but that will be next tomorrow so that I will call him to inform him of our coming".
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In the community secondary school hall, the students were jubilating for their final examination in the secondary system. Many came with camera man and wine to drink after the exam. Puma the senior prefect and Kosi the disciplinary prefect came with four cartons of star and two crates of malt for ladies who do not drink alcohol.
Before the exam starts, Puma told the students that there will be party for them to thank God for their successful examinations and protection throughout their junior classes till their graduation level. So we are going to do some kind of contribution to support the party. Please we all will pay the sum of five hundred naira for the party and some of our teachers will attend the show, it will be at the principal’s guest house by 5pm till dawn. These cartons here are for the immediate celebration of our success after this exam.
It was Neil C. who said that he who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness, so we need to do it without showing lackadaisical action towards the issues, it is once in one’s life, Kosi reminiscences the way their predecessor did theirs. It was a very interesting party and I believe that ours will be livelier than theirs. Kosi said optimistically.
It is good to celebrate good things but mind you that too much joy causes constipation, we must do it to our reach, an adage says that a woman gives her husband what she has. We are going to celebrate it with the little we have, everyone should contribute the sum of two hundred naira for it, Sunny said open mindedly, and the other students shouted in acceptance to what he said.
After the exams, the students went to their various homes and reassembled in the principal’s guest house in the evening as was scheduled. The house was as bright as the day light due to the light in the house, tables and chairs were well arranged and decorated with white and blue clothes. The music oozing out from the speakers is loud and clear. Everybody was happy, they displayed their happiness by dancing to the tune of the music. The principal came in and greeted everybody, the DJ stopped the music and everybody sat down to hear what he has for them.
Good evening students, the principal greeted. It is true that many of us are not aware of this party until today. The senior prefect and the disciplinary prefect came to me and informed me about it and I bought the idea. Relax and feel comfortable for everything is intact.
We thank God for his mercies and protections upon our lives more especially in these exams that come to an end today, may he continue to bless us throughout our lives. O’ level is a stepping stone for your success, don’t stop here, keep on. Education is light and the key to success now, we are in computerized world, you can’t do without education. Many are saying, ‘Tomorrow! tomorrow!!, tomorrow I will be a great person, I will marry a rich and good husband/wife, tomorrow I will be a graduate with distinctions on my result and get a prestigious job’. Yes, tomorrow has all these mentioned but you cannot achieve it all if you do not plan for it. Tomorrow is pregnant and no one knows what it will deliver and he who fails to plan today is planning to fail tomorrow. As we are enjoying today I will like to hear that all of you are celebrating his or her matriculation in any of the higher institution, don’t say I must go to university. You can also make it through colleges of education or polytechnics, all you need are good results.
So I encourage you to focus all your attention on education or something that is useful in life, don’t stay ideal for it is devil’s workshop, advised the principal.
Sir, we promise to be good citizens and good product of this noble school, the senior prefect said on behalf of the students. DJ, please play the music on my head, he said.
It was time for dance and the hall was really lively with the students’ performance. They eat, drink and dance till dawn.
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He sat down recounting his ordeals in life, the ordeal from the fallacious prophecy of his prophet. The prophecy brought over the death of his wife, Mary, after the birth of her last born Nkiruka. A prophetic deal was given to him by prophet Malachy of his church. He couldn’t believe the prophecy then, but now he had no doubts, but was sure of the prophecy. But the antics of the prophet were not too convincing.
He pranced his room only but wondering about the death of his wife.
Why did God want my whole life to be miserable? The prophet prophesied that my wife will die after her last delivery and i will also die six months later. I didn’t believe you prophet, but your prophecy is coming to pass. My wife is dead, oh! Mary is dead, he soliloquized.
Who will take care of my children? Who will father and mother them? He asked rhetorically. He was close to tears, he stood up and stunted in the middle of his children sitting outside the compound, under a mango tree.
The moon that illuminates the night was sparkling bright, and the mango tree added glamour to the scene with its wide and cozy canopy. The house is fenced with palm fronds and tie-tie. In the day time, the mango tree looked green and luxuriant.
He was in a very bad mood that night; he looks depicted to the extremity of his bad temper. He managed to talk to his children because he had to.
My children, he began, it’s true that my wife, your mother is dead, he took a deep breath and wipe the tears rolling down his chin and then continued, but we will not kill ourselves with tears, I think the best thing to do is to pray for her soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Dad, we are not only crying because of our mother’s death, but, who will show us motherly love and care? Who will Nkiru call mummy? She doesn’t know her. Who will she suck her breast? Ejike asked moribundly.
I understood your feelings my son, but, we cannot question God, He is the one that brought her into this world, and now He has taken her out of it. I know that she is in the presence of the Lord for judgment. God, please forgive her all her sins and accept her into your heavenly city, he prayed. His children replied Amen with uncontrollable tears in their eyes. He took them inside the house and consoled them, your grandmother will take adequate care of you, especially Nkiru, please let us go and sleep, she will be here tomorrow, he said.
In the morning, umuada- daughters of the land came to John’s house to console them. The kinsmen also came in order to schedule the burial and funeral date of late Mrs. Mary Ugwu.
After all ramifications, they agreed to bury her in two weeks interval according to Roman Catholic doctrine, where she worships. The family and relatives were in a great pain because a sage is gone.
Mary was a tall and elegant girl born in the family of late Mr. Chima Eze in the year 1963 before the civil war. She was the first daughter and third issue of the family. Her father died during the war, in war front.
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He was a traditional great warrior, people feared and respected him, a man of no nonsense. He had many chieftaincy names, Chinemeze, Ozoumuogbenye. He joined soldier in the year 1966, showing his patriotism to his country. Seeing to his strong feelings and love of his people, he was made the commander of his group. He fought with all his energy and last drop of blood, in the war field, he had the crescendo of his subjects and moved with his men to rescue them from their enemies. Enthusiastically they fought to rescue them, but, unfortunately, he was shot to death. His death spread like a wild fire, the whole village and the neighboring villages mourned him. They gave him a tremendous burial to show their last respect for him.
His wife and children penitent about their action towards their father’s decision to join the army. The death of their father brought a repulsive havoc to them; they eat from hand to mouth.
Mary’s beauty emanated when she was thirteen, her black is pure and charming with pointed nose that hypnotized boys that come across her. Her mother was hysterically ecstatic when Mr. John came to her house seeking for Mary’s hand in marriage. Mary accepted to marry him because he is good, caring, loving, and a huge tall man.
John paid her bride price according to their traditions and took her to his house as wife when she was fifteen. He planted a new seed in her, in nine months interval she put to bed a bouncing baby boy who was named Ejike. The marriage was blessed with six children. Nkiruka was the last child of the family, her mother died three months after her delivery.
The burial mass commenced at nine o’clock dot people were in their various societal uniform. Women on their uniform, men on theirs, youths the same. The watchmen charismatic ministry where John worships was on black and white. Non-Christian members were there also, all to give the deceased person the last respect.
After the requiem mass, they moved to the cemetery for the corpse to lie. The family of late Mrs. Mary wept bitterly which made the people at the scene engrossed with pity. Few minutes, the compound was secluded and the priest blessed the grave, thus; “O God, whose blessed son was laid in a sepulcher, bless we pray you to bless this grave and grant that your servant Mary Ugwu, whose body is to be buried here, may dwell with Christ in paradise and may come to heavenly kingdom in the name of the father, the son and the Holy spirit”.
Amen, they answered in chorus.
“In faith and the hope of resurrection of eternal life, the priest continued, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend the soul of Mary Ugwu to Almighty God and commit her body into the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May the lord bless her and keep her, make her face to shine upon him and be gracious to her, may the lord lift his countenance upon her and give her peace”.
Amen, they answered.
May the lord be with you?
And also with your spirit, they replied;
Let us pray……..
After the prayers, the youth covers the grave. People cried loud upon the top of their voices. Mr. John and his children were shunned and went inside their parlor. After the funeral ceremony, the villagers left the compound to their various destinations.
Chapter Two
Two months after the burial, Ejike, who was the first son of Mr. John dropped out from school, he went to a nearby mechanic shop at Ogurute Enugu-Ezike to pick an apprentice form, the rules and regulations of an apprentice. He filled the form and submitted it next day. As a novice in the field, his work is to watch and bring tools to others who are there before him. They jeered at him when he was asked to bring 20-21 spanners and he brought a screw driver.
A month interval, he mastered the names of the tools and then he started working with his fellow apprentice.
Meanwhile, Obioma the eldest girl also dropped out from school and move into hawking. She hawks groundnut, cashew nut, and millet. People patronize her because of her good manners. Some did that because she is beautiful, and they like talking to her.
She is a slender young girl, tall and charming like her mother. She is sixteen, hardworking lady, since their mother died, she took over the work of the mother. She makes the earn living of the family.
John became weak and tired, he hardly goes to his farmland. One evening, he had the thought of going out for a spree, but when he recalled the prophecy, he became angry and went back to his room. The evening was tempestuous to him; the alternative for him was to lock himself off from any human being, right inside his confidential room.
God why me and my family? Will you allow this prophecy to come to pass? Will you make my children orphans at early age? John asked rhetorically with tears in his eyes. Isn’t it better for me to divulge this to my children? Ejike is eighteen, how can he manage my family when I’m……
Dad, the dinner is ready and we are waiting for you at the dining table, interrupted Sunday.
His father ignored him. Dad the food is ready, he repeated.
Ok my son, go I’m coming, he replied. After the dinner, John disclosed the prophecy to his children and advised them to love each other now and after his stay on earth.
You will not die dad, because the bible made it clear to us in psalm 91:7-9 that “a thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed. You will look and see how the wicked is punished. You have made the lord your defender, the most high your protector. Fear not, you will live, for him your God liveth, prayed Ifunanya. Our mother died without eating the fruit of her labour, but you will not die without eating the fruit of your labour, God will answer our prayers, added Ejike. Its okay my children, God will answer our prayers as we had believed in him, let’s go to bed now.
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Four years later, after the death of their parents, Ejike impregnated Nkechi and they got married. He forgot his siblings and caters for his new wife and unborn baby. Things became complicated to the family. Tochukwu became an apprentice to Mr. Uzo a business man in Anambra.
Meanwhile, Obioma got married to Hillary from their neighbouring town. Hillary is a business man who lived in Lagos. He was thirty two and his parents were worried why he did not want to marry and give them grandchildren. As the second son, he said that he wanted to stand before getting married.
His parents went to the family of late Mr. and Mrs. John Ugwu to ask for Obioma’s hand in marriage without the approval of Hillary. Obioma accepted him on seeing his picture; he is a tall, huge and handsome man, the type of man she wanted to marry. After paying her dowry according to their tradition, Alice took Obioma to Lagos where her son lives. He was at home when they arrived. Their coming jolted him, he thought that someone died. Mama welcome, you did not inform me of your coming, what happened? How is papa? Who is she? He asked pointing at Obioma.
She is your wife, I brought her to you, your father and I have done everything required for her, marry her she is a nice and hardworking girl. Your father is fine she said, turning to Obioma, he is your husband and here he lives. What can I offer you people? You came unexpected, Hillary asked going to the freezer.
Come and show her where to keep her luggage, she has come to stay, Alice said.
Luis! Luis!! Hillary called.
Luis is a houseboy in Hillary’s compound. His parents hardly eat twice a day. He is from Edem Nsukka in Enugu state. He went to Lagos to stay with Hillary so as to get what to eat and let things be easy for his parents. Hillary likes him very well because of his obedience and hardworking, he pays him his dues at appropriate time and at times sends money to his parents.
Sir, I heard you calling, Luis said.
Here is my mother and Obioma, they came from village, show her a room to keep her luggage and water to bath, Hillary said.
You are welcome ma, you’re welcome aunty, come with me, said Luis carrying Obioma’s bag.
Mama please who is she? Hillary queried.
She is Obioma, Alice began, the daughter of late Mr. and Mrs. John Ugwu from Ogurute. She is decent, humble, hardworking and well mannered, unlike other girls who flirt around with boys and sale their pride because of one thing or the other, mostly in what they called “love” which they don’t know the meaning. Some destroy themselves because of money or material things which are not love, boys use such people and push them out. Marry her and give me grand children, you will never regret marrying her, she is the type of woman you will like to marry, she is beautiful, tall, slender, everything you needed she has it. I know you will love her.
Mama, she is indeed an epitome of beauty, but, I think you people should give me time to choose my wife, the one I love and bring her to you. At the approval, I will pay her pride price, said Hillary.
No my son, your father and I have approved her, she is good for you. You know we want the best for you, and she is the best we can accept as wife for you, explained Alice.
I think I love her, Hillary said happily, I will marry her. But, have you paid her dowry according to the custom? He asked.
Yes, it remains the traditional marriage and wedding, said Alice.
Obioma finished taking her bathe and moved down to the dining room to eat. They ate happily and enjoyed the food prepared by Luis.
My dear, you’re welcome to my noble abode, my mother has told me everything about you and your family. Sorry for the death of your parents, it’s indeed painful when one loses his loved one. But I know that all hope is not lost, we will make a good home and help your siblings to succeed in life, Hillary promised.
Chapter three
Eight years after their marriage, God blessed them with four children; two boys and two girls. Obioma is indebted to help her siblings to be successful people in the society. Her husband is helping her to actualize her intentions towards her siblings.
Nkeiru is in SS 2 while Sunday is writing West Africa Examination Council; both were in Community secondary school Ogurute Enugu-Ezike.
On 29th of August 2006, at noon, a heavy rain befalls the house of Hillary and the whole place became dark. Hillary was expecting his container from Cameroon to Lagos that very day, but, it was quite unfortunate to him that his container sank to the bottom of the ocean and damaged.
On hearing the bad news, he collapsed and was taken to the hospital where he was revived. His wife was aback and dumbfounded. She began to ask herself many questions. How did this happen? What could have caused the ship to sink? Why me! God? She asked rhetorically with tears rolling down her eyes.
How can I start again? All my investments are lost. My container that worth million of naira sank in the ocean. Starting over again is a big problem, whom will I run to? God why? Hmm, I’m gone! He pause a while a then continued. Wait! Is this a dream or what? Please someone should wake me up from this slumber; lamented Hillary.
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When the monstrous story reached to the village, Nkeiru and Sunday became furious and shocked. They know not when they flopped on the ground.
Why always me, God? The day I decide to go hunting, the antelopes learn to climb trees and snail develop wings. I am confused more than confusion. When I was born, my mother died, now my turn to sit for WAEC, devil blocked the door. I’m finished! God please come and take my life. Nkeiru soliloquized.
Stop saying such things, God has a purpose for that. Bear it in mind that no man had been known to acquire common sense without suffering, there could be no sweet without sweat, not even the thieves. All we need to do is to study the past if we would divine the future. Wipe your tears okay, consoled Sunny holding her on shoulder.
Sunny, life is never one sweet song, it’s dynamic and didactic. Someone that is rich yesterday, but, today poor. I had never experienced such as a succession of disappointments in one short morning like this. This world is full of mystery, Nkeiru lamented.
We shall not set sail using someone else’s star, and we are not born with a silver spoon. So, we have to struggle for our lives. That reminds me, I have been saving money from the money uncle Hillary sent to me for my exams, we can use it and start hawking business. I know that God will help us with the little we have; Sunny advised.
God I thank you for giving me a loving and understanding brother. We shall pass over all these agonies for I know that life is like a walking shadow and a mist; it passes quickly by, and is no more. Our suffering will soon pass by. It is better for us to suffer in the morning and rest or enjoy in the evening, than to enjoy in the morning and suffer in the evening. How much do you have? Nkeiru queried.
"I saved seven thousand naira, but I will take two thousand naira from it to pay for the money we are mandated to pay for the teachers that helped us in the extra moral lesson before the examinations. You know that am finishing my papers tomorrow", He said fastidiously.
Have you bought the form for the seminary school? Nkeiruka asked.
"Yes, Rev. Fr. Kelechi gave me money for that. The examination is next month"; he said ecstatically.
"Sunny, I will like us to go to brother Ejike's house to table our suggestions and decisions to him so that he will be aware of our next step", suggested Nkeiru.
"Okay, but that will be next tomorrow so that I will call him to inform him of our coming".
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In the community secondary school hall, the students were jubilating for their final examination in the secondary system. Many came with camera man and wine to drink after the exam. Puma the senior prefect and Kosi the disciplinary prefect came with four cartons of star and two crates of malt for ladies who do not drink alcohol.
Before the exam starts, Puma told the students that there will be party for them to thank God for their successful examinations and protection throughout their junior classes till their graduation level. So we are going to do some kind of contribution to support the party. Please we all will pay the sum of five hundred naira for the party and some of our teachers will attend the show, it will be at the principal’s guest house by 5pm till dawn. These cartons here are for the immediate celebration of our success after this exam.
It was Neil C. who said that he who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness, so we need to do it without showing lackadaisical action towards the issues, it is once in one’s life, Kosi reminiscences the way their predecessor did theirs. It was a very interesting party and I believe that ours will be livelier than theirs. Kosi said optimistically.
It is good to celebrate good things but mind you that too much joy causes constipation, we must do it to our reach, an adage says that a woman gives her husband what she has. We are going to celebrate it with the little we have, everyone should contribute the sum of two hundred naira for it, Sunny said open mindedly, and the other students shouted in acceptance to what he said.
After the exams, the students went to their various homes and reassembled in the principal’s guest house in the evening as was scheduled. The house was as bright as the day light due to the light in the house, tables and chairs were well arranged and decorated with white and blue clothes. The music oozing out from the speakers is loud and clear. Everybody was happy, they displayed their happiness by dancing to the tune of the music. The principal came in and greeted everybody, the DJ stopped the music and everybody sat down to hear what he has for them.
Good evening students, the principal greeted. It is true that many of us are not aware of this party until today. The senior prefect and the disciplinary prefect came to me and informed me about it and I bought the idea. Relax and feel comfortable for everything is intact.
We thank God for his mercies and protections upon our lives more especially in these exams that come to an end today, may he continue to bless us throughout our lives. O’ level is a stepping stone for your success, don’t stop here, keep on. Education is light and the key to success now, we are in computerized world, you can’t do without education. Many are saying, ‘Tomorrow! tomorrow!!, tomorrow I will be a great person, I will marry a rich and good husband/wife, tomorrow I will be a graduate with distinctions on my result and get a prestigious job’. Yes, tomorrow has all these mentioned but you cannot achieve it all if you do not plan for it. Tomorrow is pregnant and no one knows what it will deliver and he who fails to plan today is planning to fail tomorrow. As we are enjoying today I will like to hear that all of you are celebrating his or her matriculation in any of the higher institution, don’t say I must go to university. You can also make it through colleges of education or polytechnics, all you need are good results.
So I encourage you to focus all your attention on education or something that is useful in life, don’t stay ideal for it is devil’s workshop, advised the principal.
Sir, we promise to be good citizens and good product of this noble school, the senior prefect said on behalf of the students. DJ, please play the music on my head, he said.
It was time for dance and the hall was really lively with the students’ performance. They eat, drink and dance till dawn.
For the complete work, pay the sum of #4500 to the account details below
Bank: Diamond bank
Name: Mbah, Chukwuemeka C
Acct.no: 0054882893
Bank: Fidelity bank
Name: Mbah, Chukwuemeka C
Acct.no: 6233221400
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