Oluwatomiyin X

Hello everyone!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Yes I know, this has been a long short story but we're almost at the finish line. The next installment will be the last.

So enjoy!!!

***

Lagos was different.

Lagos was noisy.

Lagos was crowded.

Lagos was all about the hustle and bustle.

It was a far cry from what I was used to. It took a while to adjust but I eventually got the hang of it.

We stayed with Mercy's mom's friend, we called her aunty C. She was a widow and mother of four children (two boys and two girls). They lived in a two bedroom flat. To say that the living conditions were a bit uncomfortable was an understatement. Aunty C and Mercy’s mom slept in one room, and all the children slept in the other.

Mercy's mom promised us that we wouldn't stay for long; so we managed. The money that we came with seemed to be disappearing at record speed. Mercy’s mom had to help out with purchasing food and the bills in the house.

Mercy's mom went out from sun up to sun down looking for employment. She'd come home frustrated. Her degrees and qualifications were practically useless. Everyone and their mother were looking for work.

By the time we clocked six months at Aunty C's house, we knew our time was up. Things became very tense and tough in the house. Mercy's mom had no choice but to take a sale's position at a local boutique.

With the little money that we had left, we were able to get a self-contain (studio apartment), it wasn't too great but it was a place to lay our heads. We couldn't afford to go back to school just yet. Luckily one of our neighbors just graduated from the university and offered to give us free tutorials. His name was Kenny Williams.

Mr. K as we fondly called him was very nice. He ensured that we were up bright and early to attend his tutorials, he taught us all subjects. He was very thorough and patient; he didn’t stop until we understood everything. He encouraged us daily; he didn't want us to feel bad because we couldn't afford to go to school.

He also was a born again Christian. Prior to meeting him, I never heard the term 'born again' before. After our tutorials, he'd teach us about God. We used to attend church in Warri; Mercy's parents were Catholics. But what he taught us about God was different, it was intriguing.

I learned that God loved me and that he gave us the best gift in the person of Jesus Christ. He told us that Jesus died, so that we could be saved from sin and its consequences (sickness, poverty and death).

One day, he asked if he wanted to give our lives to Jesus. We both shouted "Yes!" in unison. After repeating a few words after him, it felt like a large weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt alive and free!

Thereafter, he asked if we wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We replied in the affirmative. He laid his hands on our foreheads one after another. Mercy was first; she suddenly fell to the ground and started to speak in tongues. It was magical. I was next, as he laid his hand on my forehead, I felt warmth all over my body. I also felt an unexplainable joy from deep within, I began to laugh uncontrollably and spoke in tongues interchangeably.

It was an experience that I can never forget. I now had a second birthday; that I celebrate every year May 24! We were so excited we couldn't wait to tell Mercy's mom what took place. She came home exhausted and didn't seem too interested. So we let her be.

But I couldn't contain my excitement; I wanted the world to know! I told some of our friends in the neighborhood. Soon enough they were knocking on Mr. K's door so that they could have the same experience. He encouraged Mercy and I to teach and repeat what we saw him do. So there we were, getting people saved and filled with the Holy Spirit throughout our neighborhood. It was exhilarating!

We tried to get Mercy's mom on board but she still didn't seem interested. She told us it was youthful shenanigans. Soon enough things started to get better for our family. Mr. K taught us how to study the Word and pray. We began to release our faith for things to get better.

One day, Mercy's mom came home brimming from ear to ear. We knew that something was up, she usually came home dejected.

"My loves, you wouldn't believe what happened today!"

"What happened mommy? Gist us!" Mercy replied.

"I got a new job!!!" She shouted at the top of her lungs.

We all started rejoicing, it was a beautiful sight.

"How? Where?" I asked.

"Well a man came into the boutique today; he wanted to purchase a gift for his wife."

"Okay, tell me more" Mercy was impatient.

"Well we got talking, he asked me if I was educated and I told him about all my qualifications. He was shocked and said that I was just what his company was looking for. He told me to resume work tomorrow!!!"

The shouts of joy continued.

Mercy and I were ecstatic; we prayed that she'd get a new job. Indeed our God answers prayers!

Mercy’s mom went from being a sale’s person at a boutique to being a bank executive in a manner of hours.

***

In no time, we were back in school and things were going great for us.

Mercy's mom blossomed at work; she was given a company car. And we eventually moved into a four bedroom duplex (two story house) in Lekki. It was bittersweet having to say goodbye to our neighbors who had become like family to us. It was even harder having to say goodbye to Mr. K, he had become a father figure to us. The things he taught us changed us forever.

I loved our new home. It was spacious and beautiful! It was my safe haven, my lighthouse, I loved coming home. I had so many experiences with God there. It was so easy to pray and study the Word as I sat on the balcony and enjoy the natural breeze.

The only thing that I missed was having neighbors. It was kind of lonely because our neighborhood was fairly new. However a new house was being built next door. I looked out of my window daily to monitor the progress that the construction workers made. While wondering who would live there and become our next door neighbor.

To be continued....


You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

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Oluwatomiyin IX

Hello everyone!!!

I want to apologize if it seems like this short story has been dragging. My apologies, I have been super busy in the last few weeks/months. But I promise to get back into the swing of things soon enough. 

For now, enjoy the next installment of "Oluwatomiyin"

****

Shortly after giving birth to Mercy, her parents began trying to conceive again. Each attempt was unsuccessful. After a number of miscarriages and accompanying health conditions, they decided to close that chapter and be content with the one child that God gave them.

However, Mr. Timothy's (Mercy's dad) family was not having that. They accused Mercy's mom of being a witch. They said that she used her womb to do witchcraft and trap her husband. Through it all, Mr. Timothy was supportive and protective of his wife. He loved and cherished her eternally.

Well three years ago, everything changed in a matter of months. Mr. Timothy's family had convinced him to secretly marry a second wife. He came from a royal family and he needed a male child to be his heir. In no time, he found himself dancing to his family's tunes. Soon after their wedding, his second wife gave birth to a baby boy.

All this occurred under Mercy's mom's noise. She had absolutely no idea. In her mind, her husband was the best husband in the universe. She vowed to commit her entire life to him and their little family. She was the epitome of a great wife and mother. I learned so much by observing her.

However, on November 8, 2013, I saw a different side of her. Mr. Timothy returned from work with a not so pleasant surprise. As Mercy's mum, headed towards the door to welcome her husband and exchange a kiss as they normally did; she paused as she saw her husband's demeanor.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" She knew that something was off.

"Dorothy, I...I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to happen like this."

"Shut up! Aren't you a man? Why are you sorry? For what?" Mr. Timothy's mother shouted from behind him.

With confusion etched all over her face, Mercy's mom said "Good evening mama, I didn't know you were coming today. You're welcome ma." She opened the door wider.

"Save your greetings you witch!" Mercy's grandma retorted as she entered with her new grandson in her arms. Her new daughter in law followed behind her smiling like she just won the lotto.

"Mercy and Oluwatomiyin, please excuse us."

We hurriedly made our exit and headed to our room. We pinned our ears to the door as the rest of the drama unfolded.

Mercy's mom was introduced to her husband's second wife and son. She was told that they were moving in that same night so that we could all live as one big family. If she didn't like it, she was told to pack her belongings and leave.

Mercy's mom began to wail and shout.

"Timothy, Timothy... What did I ever do to deserve this???"

Needless to say, no one had dinner that night. Mercy and I were too afraid to leave our room. We prayed that it was all a terrible nightmare and hoped that it would all disappear when we woke up the next morning.

Well it didn't disappear, it became our reality. The once cozy and loving atmosphere within the house became tense and uncomfortable. Mercy's mom turned into a zombie. She barely spoke or smiled. She took care of her responsibilities; she cooked, cleaned and ensured that we were okay. Afterwards she locked herself in her room, becoming a prisoner in her own home.

The other lady tried to be close to us but we never gave her the time of day. I felt a bit sorry for her; she was so young and beautiful. She seemed to be educated and had the potential to be someone great. She also seemed lost, for some reason, I feel like she was coax into all of this.

I overheard her speaking with someone on the phone one day.

"Chioma, I didn't bargain for all this o.

 I was just minding my business jeje and this ppl came and highjacked me. I am now doing second wife." She attempted to whisper.

"But I was promised my own house! This is ridiculous. The guy doesn't even send me...he hasn't touched me since."

When she noticed that I was around she smiled and changed the subject.

Something wasn't right.

***

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Nothing changed, everyone was in their own world. I hated going home, I always found an excuse to get home late.

I guess I wasn't the only one that hated being in that house.

One night Mercy's mom, tiptoed into our room. She woke us up and gave us our shoes. She put her hands over her lips and told us not to say a word. Before we knew it, we were in a car that was waiting for us outside the house. The car was filled with some bags. We were told to get some rest and not to worry.

We were on our way to Lagos.

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi


7. Follow me on Instagram: destinationdestiny_mlmt

Oluwatomiyin VIII

Hello! Thanks for stopping by today!

The story of Oluwatomiyin continues...I hope that you've enjoyed it thus far?

Read, Comment, Share & be Blessed!!!

***

The day finally came to an end. I couldn't wait to crash; I was exhausted physically and emotionally. I wanted to be alone and away from all the noise.

I said my thank you(s) and goodbyes to the few guests that lingered around.

I couldn't wait to get home, I was exhausted. I just wanted to crash.

I had been staying with my friend Sharon and her family since big mummy left the scene. As I was about to get into the car and drive home with them, Mercy's mom called my name.

I turned to face her.

"Please come, I want to speak with you."

She then motioned for Sharon's family to be on their way.

I reluctantly dragged my feet and headed in her direction.

As I thought to myself "Couldn't this wait? This has already been an emotional/stressful day."

She reached out for me and gave me a big hug. I found solace in her arms for a few minutes, it felt heavenly. She then pulled back from me gently and looked into my eyes.

“I just finished speaking with your grandmother; she want you to stay with us. I promise that you’ll be well taken care of. “

I just stared back at her in unbelief as my jaw dropped. I was speechless as she held my hand and walked me towards the car where Mercy and her dad were waiting for us.

Mercy tried to cheer me up but it failed. The car ride was only fifteen minutes long but it felt like fifteen hours.

I had enough for the day; as soon as we got home I headed straight for Mercy's room and crashed on her bed with my clothes and shoes still on. I slept like a baby.

I didn't want to wake up the next morning; I laid in bed and tried to extend my sleep for as long as possible.

My dreams were far better than reality. At least I got to see big mummy in my dreams. The memories that we shared often replayed in those dreams. I took it as a sign that she was fine and wanted me to be at peace.

I decided to finally drag myself out of bed after tossing side to side for about twenty minutes. I wanted to head over to the house and get a few things. I informed Mercy's mom that I'd be back soon, but her reply stopped me dead in my tracks.

"The house has been locked permanently. Your grandmother sent someone over early this morning to bring your belongings."

I broke into a rage and started shouting at the top of my lungs.

"Who does she think she is? She can't control my life! I hate her! I hate her!!!”

I dropped to the floor wept uncontrollably. Mercy's mom placed her hand on my shoulder.

And she whispered, "Its okay dear, you don't need to cry. We are here for you."

For the next week, I barely ate nor spoke. I was out of it. Mercy and her family did all they could to get me out of my funk but I didn't budge. Life had dealt me some serious punches and I wasn't sure if I could take anymore.

***

One morning, I woke up with a new attitude; it was like magic, I decided to see everything in a new light. At least I had a family that loved and cared for me. Mercy was the sister I never had and this was the family structure that I never had. Mercy's parents treated me like their own child.

Deep down within me, I felt that somehow things would get better. My goal was to keep that hope alive.

One day Mercy's mom called me into her room.

"Yes ma, I'm coming."

"How are you dear?" She inquired.

"I am fine ma."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"I hope they you're comfortable here?"

"Yes I am, thank you ma."

"I know your mom, her and I were very close when she was pregnant with you."

I was all ears.

"She really loved you; she wanted to be there for you. She always wanted to come back for you but her parents didn't allow her."

"We kept in touch after she left. She'd always ask about you and beg me to send her pictures of you."

"She called me when she was about to get married. She was devastated because her parents made her swear to never mention you to her husband or even think of seeing you again."

I became visibly livid.

"She wanted to run away and call off the wedding but she couldn't muster the courage to. She felt like no man would ever want to marry her after they found out that she had a baby out of wedlock."

I sighed.

"So she accepted her fate and went ahead with the wedding."

Tears began to drip down my face.

"I didn't hear from her for a few months. She then called me and told me that she was relocating to America with her husband. And she made me promise to watch after you."

"So she actually cared?" I asked rhetorically.

"Yes she did. And I am glad that I'm actually in the position to fulfill my promise to her."

She stood up, smiled and held out her arms to me. We exchanged a hug.

I felt like I was in good hands.

"Your grandmother has promised to send 50,000 naira every month for your upkeep but my husband and I have decided to save that money instead. We will keep it for you until you're ready to go to university. "

"Wow! Thank you so much ma. I really appreciate it! God bless you."

The next three years were heaven on earth in the Onyema household until all hell broke loose.

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:



1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi


7. Follow me on Instagram: destinationdestiny_mlmt