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⁣ Kevwe stamped her feet round the room. “She no dey go anywhere.” She kept repeating. Ayotunde sat at her father’s feet crying while Ayorinde stood by the door.⁣ ⁣ “You haven’t exactly said what the problem is. You keep repeating that she is not going anywhere. Don’t you want your daughter to be educated?”  Ayo asked his wife.⁣ ⁣ “Edu-wetin? Wetin all your education do for you?” Kevwe sneered. “Since I don know you, which real work you get?”⁣ ⁣ “Mama?” Ayorinde shouted.⁣ ⁣ “Wetin? Why you dey call me? Na lie I talk?” She raised her hands to hush her son as she eyed him.⁣ ⁣ Ayo put his head in his hands and took a deep breath. Times like this, he wish he were dead.⁣ ⁣ “You no want make she go school, Mama? I sure say na you take the kolo wey she keep for behind curtain.” Ayorinde spat.⁣ ⁣ “Me? Ayorinde? You dey call me your mama; thief?⁣ ⁣ “How many of us dey dis house? I no say Papa no fit take am.”⁣ ⁣ As Kevwe stepped forward to slap her son, he held her hand and gave her a stern look.⁣ ⁣ Kevwe snatched her hand and took a step backward. She beat her chest. “Ayorinde, na me you dey take play. The thing wey your papa no fit do.”⁣ ⁣ “Enough!” Ayo shouted. “I have had enough of you Kevwe.” He looked at his son. “Which kolo are you talking about?⁣ ⁣ “Mama T usually paid us money every time we cleaned her house. Ayotunde was keeping most of the money in her kolo so that we could use it when she wanted to enter secondary school. We have searched the whole house and can’t find it anywhere. Mama T noticed Ayotunde must have been crying the day we went to clean her house and she asked us to tell her the truth. That was when she offered Ayotunde the scholarship in her school and also asked that we seek your permission that she lives with her.”⁣ ⁣ Ayo took a deep breath. “Hmm….she seems to be a very nice woman.”⁣ ⁣ “Yes, she is sir. Please let Ayotunde go and live with her so she can go to school.”⁣ ⁣ Ayo looked at his daughter. He wiped the tears on her cheeks and hugged her. He was going to miss her but he had to let her go. “You can go Ayotunde. I will miss you.”⁣ ⁣ “I will miss you too Papa but I will come home sometimes to visit you.”⁣ ⁣. . Read with link in bio (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKMxQ4wlAuc/?igshid=188ksn2y0cc90

⁣ Tunde stood up from his desk as Shalewa walked in. He took her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. “You did not tell me you were coming.” He said with a curious look.⁣ ⁣ Shalewa shrugged. “I just decided to come here at the last minute. I initially thought about meeting you at home but I wasn’t sure what time you would get home.” Shalewa looked round his office. “You have a nice place here.” She said admiring the expansive office. A floor to ceiling bookshelf lay on the right while a comfortable sitting area with leather sofas lay to the left of the office.⁣ ⁣ “Thank you.” Tunde said. “Please feel free.” He pointed towards the refrigerator beside the sitting area in his office.⁣ ⁣ “I’m fine.” Shalewa said. “I just had an early lunch.”⁣ ⁣ “So to what do I owe this visit?” He asked as he led her towards the sitting area. He sat down while Shalewa took the cue.⁣ ⁣ “I came so we could have a heart-to-heart talk.” Shalewa said; her tone serious.⁣ ⁣ “Okay. What is this about?” Tunde asked; sitting up.⁣ ⁣ “It’s about the wedding.”⁣ ⁣ “Our wedding?”⁣ ⁣ “Yes. I am calling it off.”⁣ ⁣ “You are what?” Tunde shouted.⁣ ⁣ “You are raising your voice, Tunde.” Shalewa said calmly.⁣ ⁣ Tunde took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Why Shalewa?”⁣ ⁣ Shalewa was quiet as she looked at Tunde. Even though his eyes were closed, she could see he was hurting. She reckoned it would not be easy but there was no way to make it less painful.⁣ ⁣ Tunde opened his eyes and looked at Shalewa straight in the face. “Are you calling it quits because of Akin?”⁣ ⁣ There was no point lying; Shalewa nodded her head.⁣ ⁣ “You never loved me?” Tunde asked.⁣ ⁣ Shalewa blew air out of her mouth. “I said it so many times that I got tired of saying it. I’m sorry Tunde. I wish we did not have to go this far.”⁣ ⁣ Tunde looked at her and smiled sadly. “I wish I did not have to be so in love.”⁣ ⁣ Shalewa stood and walked to where he was seated. She sat beside him and removed the engagement ring from her finger, placing it in his palm. “Someone else would need this. Someone who would relish in your love and return it wholeheartedly.”⁣ ⁣ Tunde caressed her face with his thumb. “Shalewa!” He said.. (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKRo9XFQsN/?igshid=1nu9n7cmy132s

⁣ Kokumo exhaled. He was hoping Ajoke would loosen up with him but it seemed she was bent on being uptight. He wanted the old Ajoke back. The Ajoke he had fallen in love with. The Ajoke that walked and danced with him on the road on their way back from secondary school. The Ajoke who never complained when her parents did not have enough to give her. The Ajoke he shared his heart and dreams with. He walked towards her, knelt on one knee before her as he took her hands in his. He looked into her eyes and deep into her soul. “Ajoke, please I said I am sorry. You are still upset with me.”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke had not expected his action and it had caught her by surprise. Ajoke looked at him and was about to speak but words failed her. She closed her eyes trying to stop the tears that were beginning to gather at the corner of her eyes. She had promised herself not to breakdown in Kokumo’s house or in his presence but her strength and resolve was failing her. I shouldn’t have come. I can’t keep still in Kokumo’s presence with my hands in his. ⁣ “Ajoke, please talk to me.” Kokumo said. “I love you and will always do.”⁣ ⁣ The words were the trigger Ajoke needed and she broke down into tears.⁣ ⁣ Kokumo stood up from his kneeling position and pulled Ajoke up. He hugged her tightly as she sobbed on his shoulders. He was in love with her and he could not deny it. The truth was that he never stopped loving her, but life had been unfair to them, throwing a curve in their lives. He wished there was something he could do to ease the pain they both felt. He wished there was something he could do to erase the last ten years and have them start their lives all over again. Ajoke’s tears were breaking his heart; the way they did ten years ago when he had told her goodbye to a life she detested. No one could match the love he had for her; not even Adunni. Adunni? Kokumo sighed. She does not matter now. Ajoke is who I want and need right now. ⁣ He raised her head as his lips found hers and he kissed her gently. Ajoke resisted as she put her hands on Kokumo’s chest and pushed him back. . . . Catch up on previous chapters of The Wait on my blog; Olubukola's Thoughts. Blog link in bio. (at Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKHmD0ill1Y/?igshid=1i9k0qxeoq3ye

⁣ ⁣“So, let’s see that eyes before you do anything.” Mrs. Taiwo said as she sat down and tapped the seat beside her.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “I think her eyes are fine now, ma. I have looked at it.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Ayorinde!”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Yes ma.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Sit down.” Mrs. Taiwo ordered. “Come here Ayotunde.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayorinde obeyed and sat with his hands in his laps while Ayotunde walked towards Mrs. Taiwo.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Mrs. Taiwo tapped the seat beside her and Ayotunde sat. “I don’t condone lies.” She said looking at both of them. “I want the truth.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayotunde burst into fresh tears. “Ma..ma..some..someone stole my money.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Which money?”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “The..the..I was..I was saving it..for my..school fees.” Ayotunde said in between gasps.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Mrs. Taiwo looked at Ayorinde. “Can you please explain?”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “We have been saving the money you pay us inside her kolo. She has written the exam for Government College and she passed. So she wanted to break the kolo today. We have searched the whole house, we can’t find it.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Oh dear!” Mrs. Taiwo said as she pulled Ayotunde close and hugged her tight. When Ayotunde stilled from her sobs, Mrs. Taiwo held her face in her hands and looked at her. “You want to go to school?”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayotunde nodded.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “You will go to school. I assure you of that. I didn’t realize both of you had started planning towards this.” She said as she looked at Ayorinde. “I had already made arrangements for her to attend my school in the new session. I just needed to speak with you so I could get permission from your parents if they wouldn’t mind Ayotunde living with me.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayorinde’s jaw dropped as he looked at Mrs. Taiwo. He had no idea that she had a school. And now, his sister was getting a scholarship they didn’t work for plus a beautiful home to live in. She would leave the shanties where they lived and get a proper education. He was overjoyed. He prostrated flat on the floor before Mrs. Taiwo.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “Ayorinde.” Mrs. Taiwo laughed as she tried to raise him from the floor. “C’mon.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayorinde was in tears. He couldn’t believe their fortunes could change so quickly.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “C’mon Ayorinde. Get up and stop crying.” He obeyed and knelt before her. He placed his head on her laps... (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKFPOE0FtDi/?igshid=df4l7f4r5bn

⁣ ....His last visit to his mother had not been pleasant. She had grumbled throughout his stay in her house. He had heard an earful from her. She had been upset about his inability to settle down. She had asked him what he was waiting for. He had said he wanted to be a graduate. He had said he needed a good job. He had gotten both but had still refused to settle down. She reminded him of all his friends who already had children and told him she was not ready to go down to her grave without seeing her grandchildren. That was six months ago.⁣ ⁣ He had left his mother’s house the next day and she had made him promise to settle down quickly. On his way home, he had thought over his mother’s request. She was right that he had to settle down but he couldn’t think of anyone who suited or complemented him. While he deliberated on what to do, Adunni had called him to tell him she was visiting an aunt around his vicinity and would not mind visiting him as well. He had gladly accepted her invitation. Out of all his female friends, she had remained a constant in his life.⁣ ⁣ He had told her that evening that he was willing to take their friendship a step further. Adunni had shrugged. If it worked out between them, it was fine. If it didn’t, she was willing to move on. She had told him. He had felt relieved that she had seen their relationship in that light.⁣ ⁣ *** The doorbell chimed bringing him out of his reverie. He looked at his wristwatch. It was 7.30pm. He stood up and walked to the door. As he opened the door, he smiled and let Ajoke in. Ajoke walked in with an expressionless face. Kokumo wondered what was on her mind.⁣ ⁣He observed her change of clothes and appreciated that she still looked as beautiful as she was in her teens. Even though she had filled out, she was still a beauty to behold. He imagined she would still be getting stares of admiration from men in her village. Ajoke! My love! : : : Read this story about Kokumo and Ajoke titled 'The Wait' by clicking the link in bio. Don’t forget to subscribe, comment and share to your friends 🙏 (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCMK27lGwc/?igshid=1fajwhgcx4czu

The Wait - Chapter 12⁣ ⁣ Ajoke sat in the taxi taking her back to the village. She put her hand on her chest willing her heart to slow down to its normal rhythm. She wasn’t sure whether it was the sight of Kokumo after ten years or the hope that she was going to see him that evening that made her heart beat faster; but it did. He hadn’t changed much and seeing him again had awoken feelings in her that she thought were dead. She sighed as she closed her eyes. Is he married? He hadn’t mentioned anything about a wife. If he was, he would not have asked me to see him in the evening. ⁣ She remembered his question about when she intended to go back to school and she suddenly became upset. What guts did he have to ask me about that? He had had it relatively easy for him. His dream had always been to be a graduate. And now he even worked in a bank with his certificate. She hissed as she thought of her life. Her dream of ever going to the university had been truncated by her father the day he gave her hand in marriage to Adejoro. Adejoro had been more bothered about his own education. Hers was a distraction to the marriage as far as he was concerned. As long as he provided for her and their kids, she did not need to worry herself about an education; he had told her. If only I knew Adejoro would leave and abandon me in the cold. How selfish of him! Now that the sole responsibility of taking care of her children rested on her shoulders, Kokumo had the effrontery to talk her into getting a university education. She hissed again as she looked out of the window. She had promised to see him at 7.30; she would keep to her promise.⁣ ⁣ She closed from her shop about thirty minutes earlier, so she could make an early dinner for her children. Once dinner had been served, she told them she wanted to see a friend in town and would be back before their bedtime.⁣ ⁣ She boarded a danfo into town and hoped to be back early enough. Different thoughts ran through her mind as she sat in the bus taking her to the home of her beloved. If Baami hadn’t given me out in marriage to Adejoro, maybe I would also be working in a reputable organization like Kokumo... . . Click the link in bio to read (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ9NHeQHk49/?igshid=17w0izsn1m0zl

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⁣ When the forms for the state government colleges came out, Ayorinde broke his own kolo and counted nine thousand, five hundred naira. He purchased the form for his sister, filled it and submitted. Ayotunde wrote the exams and passed with high grades. She was overjoyed as she danced. Her dream of going to the secondary school was eventually coming to pass. The children informed their father of the good news and he gave a sad smile. How was he supposed to pay the school fees? He knew his children were working but it was a disgrace to him that he couldn’t afford to pay for their education. What he made from washing cars daily, he handed over to Kevwe to feed the family.⁣ ⁣ The next morning, Ayotunde woke up very early. She was excited. Today was the day she was going to break her kolo. She went to the corner of the room where she kept it. It wasn’t there. She assumed Ayorinde must have moved it. She tapped her brother and asked him.⁣ ⁣ “Your kolo is not where you keep it?” He asked her.⁣ ⁣ “No, it’s not there.” She replied as she began to tremble.⁣ ⁣ Ayorinde jumped up from the mattress. “I don’t understand. Did you change where you usually keep it?”⁣ ⁣ “No, I didn’t.” Ayotunde said as she began to cry. “It is always behind that curtain there.” She said pointing.⁣ ⁣ Ayorinde swept the curtain aside and began to turn everything upside down. He searched the whole room. Ayotunde’s kolo had disappeared.⁣ ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ Read Yesterday Lives on my blog by clicking the link in bio⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #olubukolasthoughts #olubukolasthots #yesterdaylives #africanwritersoninstagram #africanfictionwriters #nigerianstories #nigerianwriterscommunity #naijawriters #bookstagrammer #ebookstagram #writersinnigeria #authorsofinstagram #readinginNigeria #naijabloggers #instawriter #goodreads #amazonkindlebooks #amazonbooks #bookblogger #blogsofinstagram #blogstoread #nigerianfictionblogger https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ64KHVFbLw/?igshid=1o3wae365mp09

⁣ “My parents are fine. All my brothers are now happily married.”⁣ ⁣ Kokumo thought about Ajoke’s statement and her emphasis on the word “happily married”. It was a pity that she was the married and abandoned one for no fault of hers. He wished he could turn back the hands of time. He wished life hadn’t been so cruel to their love. He sighed as he looked at his wrist watch. His lunch break was almost over and he had to get back to work. He wished he did not have to. He wanted to know everything that had taken place in Ajoke’s life since the last time they saw; when he had walked her home from the stream and parted ways with her. Even though it was ten years ago, it felt like yesterday to him. He remembered the look of despair on her face when he left her. He remembered her plea to him that they run away from the village to create the future they desired.⁣ ⁣ “I need to get back to work.” He said standing up.⁣ ⁣ Ajoke stood up as well. “No problem. I should also take my leave now. I need to get back to my shop and my kids.”⁣ ⁣ Kokumo moved closer to Ajoke as he held her hand again. “I wish I did not have to go back to work but.….” He stopped and sighed. “When can I see you again?”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke shrugged. “I don’t know.”⁣ ⁣ “Okay, when do you intend to go back to school?”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke gave him a surprised look.⁣ ⁣ “You always wanted to go to the university. It is not too late, Ajoke.”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke removed her hands from Kokumo’s. “You know what. I think you should get back to work.” She said as she started walking towards the door.⁣ ⁣ Kokumo got to her in two steps and held her hand. “Did I say something wrong?” He asked looking confused. “I thought that was your dream.”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke looked away. “Let me go Kokumo.”⁣ ⁣ Kokumo refused to let her go. “Okay, I’m sorry. Please I apologize if I said something wrong. I don’t want you to leave in anger and I really want to see you again. I close from work at 6pm and I am usually home by 7.”⁣ ⁣ Ajoke looked at him without uttering a word.⁣ ⁣ “Please, can I see you later today?”⁣ ⁣ Even though Ajoke would rather not, a part of her heart longed to come back. She had endured ten years of pain and heartache without her first love... (at Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJzDTnRlIXd/?igshid=tky4tixk3ops

⁣ In about an hour, they arrived at their destination. The house was a modest bungalow in an estate. It had a low wooden gate and the front door could be seen from the gate. Shrubs lined the fence of the house and Ayotunde’s eyes grew big. She tugged her brother’s arm.⁣ ⁣ “The house is beautiful.”⁣ ⁣ Ayorinde smiled. “Yes, I know.” He tapped the button at the gate and waited.⁣ ⁣ He was about to tap it a second time when a woman opened the door. She wore a brown blouse and wrapper and had her hair packed up in a bun. She was greying at the temples and had laugh lines on her face.⁣ ⁣ “Good morning ma.” Ayorinde said as he bent his head a little.⁣ ⁣ “Good morning. How may I help you?”⁣ ⁣ “I’m Ayorinde. This is my sister, Ayotunde.” He said as Ayotunde curtsied. “Your daughter in Unilag asked us to come here to help you clean the house.”⁣ ⁣ “Oh yes.” The woman said as she closed the door behind her and walked to the gate. She opened it and let them in. “Go on inside.” She said as she closed the gate.⁣ ⁣ Ayorinde held Ayotunde’s hand as they walked into in the main house. They stood by the door and looked around.⁣ ⁣ “Yes, Nana mentioned you were coming.” Mrs. Taiwo said as she walked in and closed the door behind her. “But I wasn’t expecting her to be so young.” She said pointing to Ayotunde.⁣ ⁣ “I can clean and wash very well, ma.” Ayotunde said; curtsying again.⁣ ⁣ Mrs. Taiwo sighed. “My dear, you should be in school. How old are you?”⁣ ⁣ “I’m twelve, ma.”⁣ ⁣ “She is very good at cleaning ma. She also washes clothes for your daughter in school. Please ma.” Ayorinde begged.⁣ ⁣ Mrs. Taiwo sat down and looked at the two of them. “When Nana said she was sending both of you here, my assumption was that she was sending adults.”⁣ ⁣ Ayorinde knelt down and Ayotunde followed suit. “Please ma, don’t send us away. We can work very well.”⁣ ⁣ “Have you had breakfast?”⁣ ⁣ “Ma?” Ayorinde asked; surprised at the question.⁣ ⁣ “I asked if you have eaten today.” Mrs. Taiwo repeated.⁣ ⁣ “No ma. We wanted to finish working before going to eat.”⁣ ⁣ “Get up and follow me.” Mrs. Taiwo said as she stood up and walked towards the kitchen. . . Click the link in bio to read Yesterday Lives. (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJwi31wFhF2/?igshid=1tgbanwdkl0yh

⁣ “Shalewa, please sit down.” Her father said.⁣ ⁣ Shalewa walked back and took a seat opposite her parents.⁣ ⁣ Bayo retrieved the remote control from the side stool and switched off the TV. He looked at Shalewa; his face grim. “Your mum and I felt it was important we spoke to you this night.”⁣ ⁣ Funke nodded.⁣ ⁣ “You usually don’t come in this late and we have been wondering what has changed. Of recent, you have been coming in later than usual. And I know you have been leaving the office same time as you usually did. Is there something we should know?”⁣ ⁣ “Nothing dad.” Shalewa answered as she looked straight at her dad.⁣ ⁣ Mr. Samuel nodded. “Tunde came for a business meeting today and he was asking about Akin. He was wondering how come you suddenly had a best friend he wasn’t aware of. I had to explain the friendship between you and Akin. He also said you asked for a break some days ago. Is that right, Shalewa?”⁣ ⁣ “Yes, I did.”⁣ ⁣ “Okay, so I am assuming this break is for a few days, then you can go back to your wedding preparations.”⁣ ⁣ “No dad. It is not for a few days. I am breaking up with Tunde.” She said; the muscles of her face taut as she refused to break eye contact with her father.⁣ ⁣ “I want to assume that because you are tired and stressed, you are probably not thinking right. So I would let you go to bed now, then we can talk about this tomorrow.” Bayo said.⁣ ⁣ “There is nothing to talk about, dad. I am not getting married to Tunde.”⁣ ⁣ “Will you shut up your mouth there?” Bayo said getting angry.⁣ ⁣ Funke patted her husband’s hands. “Please darling, not this way.” She pleaded.⁣ ⁣ “What do you mean? Did you hear what your daughter is spewing out of her mouth?” He said; looking at his wife in irritation.⁣ ⁣ “Shalewa, you can go to bed. We would talk about this tomorrow when everyone is calmer.” Funke said to her daughter.⁣ ⁣ “Good night mum, good night dad.”⁣ ⁣ “Good night Shalewa.” Funke said as Bayo ignored his daughter.⁣ After Shalewa left the living room, Funke looked at her husband. “Darling, I think we need to be careful with the way we handle this matter.”⁣ ⁣ Bayo looked at his wife, shock clearly written on his face. . . Link in bio (at Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJt8W_hlAoi/?igshid=2cbm6ljondp6

The Wait - Chapter 11⁣ ⁣ Ajoke walked to the bus-stop and was about to flag down a yellow danfo. She was still in shock as she thought about the customer service manager standing before her in the banking hall. Because of his sudden lack of composure, he had gone back to his office mumbling to his report as he walked away. He told her he would call her later as he had to attend to something urgent. Ajoke had refused to look up from the form she was filling till she was done. When she handed over the form to the customer service personnel, the lady had looked at her strangely. “Are you okay, madam?” She had asked.⁣ ⁣ “I am fine.” Ajoke had said as she faked a smile with trembling lips. The lady shrugged as she received the filled form from Ajoke and put it into a lever arch file on her desk which had “processing” boldly written on it.⁣ ⁣ The conductor stood and hung gingerly on the door of the bus shouting her destination. Ajoke waved her right hand to signal the bus to a halt to convey her back to the village when a grey Honda Accord parked in front of her. She took a few steps backward so she could get on the danfo which was about to park when she heard her name. She looked in the direction of the Honda Accord and saw the customer service manager stepping out of the car. She stood still as she looked at him.⁣ ⁣ “Ajoke, please come into the car.”⁣ ⁣ “What do you want from me?” Ajoke asked.⁣ ⁣ “Can we talk about this somewhere else please?” He pleaded. “Come into the car.”⁣ ⁣ The conductor who had tapped the top of the bus, signaling the driver to step on the brakes looked at her. “Are you a go?” ⁣ Ajoke shook her head and the conductor hissed.⁣ ⁣ “Kò lö jàre. Ó ti bá ökùnrin lö. Non-sense!”⁣ “She isn’t going. She has decided to go with a man.”⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ Read the rest of this chapter by clicking the link in bio.⁣ (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJrRV4hFtYg/?igshid=1i65begg5ptgv