TÓDÙN: CHAPTER 4

KUNLE

I stared at the littered street through the tinted glass as the driver drove the car. I just arrived from the United States of America to write my JAMB examination against my wish. I had been to Nigeria earlier to register for the exam and I went back to finish up all the businesses I had there. Including that of Ruby, my ex girlfriend. She found it had to suck in when I told her I was returning to Nigeria.

My Dad is a politician in Nigeria and as a way of fulfilling one of the numerous promises he made when he started his political Journey, I am required to attend my university education in Nigeria and there after go for my Youth Service.

I stared in disdain as the road looked dirty and the hawkers sold things in the traffic. I scrolled through my phone and called my sister. She had already graduated from the university after studying Business adminstration. She is now in charge of one of my Dad’s company. Like me she was forced to come back to Nigeria.

She picked the call after the second call and was so excited when she heard my voice she then promised to see me at home when she was done at her place of work.

***

I alighted from the car as soon as the car stopped. My parents stood at the balcony and smiled as I walked towards them.

“My baby has grown taller.” My Mum said as she encapsulated me in a hug even though I towered over her.

She was in Dubai when I came home to register for my JAMB. I reciprocated the hug and almost felt choked as she tightened the hug.

“Mum you gonna choke me.” I said and laughed aloud.

“Not at all my baby.” She released me.

“You look more handsome now.” She added as she looked me over.

“He got that from me.” My Dad who had been an audience cut in.

“Sure he must, that’s one of the reasons I chose you.” She eyed him playfully.

“Welcome big man.” My Dad hugged me as well but not as tight as Mum’s.

“Thanks Dad.” I replied as I watched Dad’s bodyguards taking my boxes inside.

“So tell me how was your last day in the States.” My Dad asked as we all walked inside while my Mum had her hand around mine.

“I have to leave to the kitchen now, the food should be almost ready.” My Mum said and disappeared into the kitchen whole I and my Dad continued our discussion. Halfway through our meal my sister arrived.

“My one and favourite sibling.” She shouted as she ran to the dining while I walked towards her and hugged me.

“You are now taller and you look like a man than those pictures. I felt so bad leaving you behind. How was your journey and your friends? I am sure Ruth will miss you a lot.” She asked me several questions at the same time.

“Not Ruth sis it is Ruby.” I corrected her.

“Oh Ruby, how did she take the news.” She pressed further.

“That’s enough Kemi, you should eat first before anything.” My Mum snapped at her and we both went to take our seat. Obeying the table manner rule, we all ate in silence and I must confess that it was such a great meal compared to what I used to prepare.

Feeling jet lagged I went to my room to take some rest and then I slept off without gisting my sister as I promised her.

***

I woke up feeling a little bit stressed out. The Ray of light that penetrated through the curtain centred on my face and I had no choice but to stand up. I went into the bathroom had a warm shower and then back to the room and changed into my cloth.

On hearing noises upstairs I left the room and met my Mum on the hall way with one of her maids following her.

“Good morning Mum.” I greeted her.

“Morning dear, how was your night?” She asked and signalled to the house maid to go ahead while we both walked back to the dining room.

“It was nice. It felt so peaceful since your arrival.”

I smiled and sat down on the chair while she did the same thing. Another round of noise from the private visitors living room reminded me the main reason I came out of my room.

“What’s up here? The noises.” I pointed towards the direction.

“Your Dad is holding a meeting with some of his party members. You know, he is contesting for senatorial seat in our senatorial district .” She smiled.

“Wow that’s big.” I said in admiration of the man that I am proud to call my Dad.

“It is so, very soon as in very very soon.” She adjusted her blouse playfully.

“I, your mother will be referred to as the wife of senator and you, son of senator Babasola.” She smiled exposing her gap teeth.

“It’s really nice.” I smiled in reply and stopped when I heard foot steps approaching where we were seated. My Mum on the other hand moved closer to me.

“It seems the meeting has come to an end. So now this is the plan.” She sniffed and I moved closer to her at the mention of plan.

“The other time you just greated me without prostrating. This people are quite different, you need to lie down flat.” I squeezed my face and she pinched me.

“Ewo omo yii sha( look at the child). It seems you don’t want me to become iyawo(wife) senator. You must do as I say.” She looked towards the approaching men in their various Nigerian native wears.

“In addition to prostrating, you have to put a welcoming smile on your face. Not that omo oyinbo ( white child) look. Understood.”

“Clearly ma’am.” I answered while she stood up with care and walked towards the men. My Mum is just another thing on her own. She combines her western behaviour with the one she learnt from her mother. I equally stood up and followed her.

“Good morning, Alhaji it so nice having you around. How about my friend and your beautiful daughter Amina?” She beamed a smile towards the man whom I guessed is the Alhaji.

“She is fine. She asked me to great you. I even have a gift for you in the car, she sent it.” He replied.

“That’s so nice of her.” She exchanged pleasantries with all the men while I watched almost forgetting the plan.

“And this must be Kunle. He looks so much like his father.” A tall dark man dressed in a beautiful embroidered agbada walked towards me.

“You must have forgotten me, I am Akorede’s father your best friend.” I scrunched my face and scratched my head trying to remember the Akorede that was once my “best friend.” My Mum turned and used her eyes to signal to me reminding me of the plan.

I immediately went on to prostrate and bumped my leg against the wall. I would have let out a yelp but I wanted to make them know I am man enough.

“Stand up ooo, you have to do it small small so that you won’t hit your chest against the ground.” One of the men said and tried to pull me up.

“Chief, he was so young then and must have forgotten.” My Mum tried explaining to the tall man who claimed I and his son used to be best friend.

“I thought as much. Anyway you guys have a lot of things to do together. I will inform him you about your arrival” The man replied and walked towards the door while mum pulled me to herself and we walked to the kitchen.

***

“So that was what happened in the morning, like when the fuck was I a best friend with to man’s son?” I asked while my sister laughed hysterically.

“Can’t believe you wanted to wound yourself to satisfy Mum and to think she called it a plan.” She laughed again

“It is not funny.” I snapped her and rubbed my kneel that I knacked on the ground while trying to prostrate something I hadn’t done for ages.

“So you have forgotten Akorede, the boy who helped you while you spoilt my Barbie doll.” She said in between her laughter.

“I have, I am damn serious.” I replied in my American accent.

“Well that’s that, tell me about Ruby how did she take the news.” She changed the topics and changed my mood as well.

“I left her sulking away in her room, it was too much for her to handle. Dave promised to come visit whenever he is on a break, but I wonder if his skin is going to like it here.” I smiled remembering all the friends I had and the moments we shared.

“Ohh…I feel bad for her, black girls are amazing too, you will find someone else and about Dave, who doesn’t want to get tanned?” She stood up and took the file from the table while I looked at my Dad who was dashing out instructions to one of his bodyguards.

My sister Kemi, came back to the chair and placed the file on my laps.

“Dad gave that to me this morning. It contains your files and your examination slip.”

I opened it and checked through the papers.

“Thank you.” I said to her as she stared at me.

“You are welcome brother. So prepare for your exam. I have a date.” She stood up.

“A date in a Saturday evening.” I questioned her.

“Yes, one of those numerous admirers. See you when I come back.” She hurried upstairs without waiting for my reply and after spending about an hour in her room she came back all dressed up and bid my parents a goodbye and winked at me.

@Ann

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Tell me what you think about this chapter.

I seem to like Kunle’s mother’s vibe, what about you?

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