I lost my breath as
I saw them. I saw problems standing in front of me. They’ve not really changed much
and surprisingly, how come I never heard their name from Peter. We exchanged pleasantries
and went back inside. Debby asked me what to do, as I was panting inside my
room. I told her to lock the door, and we knelt down to pray. I cried out to God
to manage the situation for me. I knew something might go wrong or better, it
could be in the same manner Engr Philips’ case went. It’s two days to our
wedding, and I don’t think anyone can spoil his mind again. Both families have
spent money, thus we can trash any issue out.
I picked up my
phone and called him to check if he has gotten home. He picked to tell me he’ll
call back. They drove straight to Engr Philips house for a chat and there the
joyous moment I presume became a fallacy.
Engr Philip welcomed
them home, as his wife has cooked for them. They really were not hungry as
angry. They sat outside, under the moonlight to discuss a situation that could guarantee
the success of a family to be built, or better look further. With drinks being
served in glasses, they started. Uncle: Peter cannot marry that girl. Peter asked
why, Abdul continued, you can remember that time we came for Michael’s wedding,
and we told you about a girl we met in Nigeria, that had sex with the two of us,
and stole the money Uncle Philip said we should give you. Yeah, he said, that
girl is the supposed wife you want to marry.
It’s got a little
more interesting as Uncle Philip opened up. The same girl called me some weeks
after the wedding, telling me she got a missed call from my phone, and an
affair began. She hypnotized me, that it took deliverance, before I got out of
the problem. When I saw her the other day, I told her to come see me, and I spoke
with her. She told me she had changed. And I believe so.
Peter was furious
and the anger was getting uncontrollable. So I’ve been planning with a stranger
and a devil since, and I don’t know. That money that couldn’t make you pay for
your international research is what she stole. She even came with that her
friend Debby or what is her name.
Humphrey stood up
and said; as the Lord lives that marriage will not hold.
Our friend should not
dig his own grave with his hands. Beatrice is a devil.
Peter picked up his
phone, as he walked towards the gate and he called Beatrice. She asked for Debby
to come outside the gate that he wants to talk to Debby about some things. His voice
was subtle and reflected no violence, thus no need to panic. The drive to Beatrice
house was with great speed and in twenty minutes, he was back to Uncle Philips house,
for Debby to confirm what these guys were saying. Debby was fidgeting, and the
fear of saying the truth was like a stab on her friend’s back. But she would
try and do whatever to save the wedding. She and Beatrice had planned what she
should say, in case they asked her anything.
The confrontation
was different from what she planned. Deborah did you come to Ibadan with Beatrice
from your school then? Yes we did
Were you aware Beatrice
stole some foreign currencies from us? She opened her mouth wide and said “let
me not lie, she said it was you that gave her”. Uncle Philip looked at Deborah,
are you aware I bought that Kia Rio for Deborah? Everybody turned to look at Uncle
Philip. The same car that was bad that led to Peter meeting her, was bought by
the uncle? Debby said “she told me her uncle bought it for her, based on her
result”. Are you aware she has diabolical means of manipulating people? At these
point Deborah broke down in tears and told them: I introduced Beatrice to use
of diabolic means and both of us have stopped. Peter stood up and smashed the
glass he was holding on the floor. He picked up his phone, called his mum and
told her in all respect “mummy, I’m sorry for all the pains but I’m calling off
the wedding” Uncle Philip would explain to you later. He dipped his hands inside
his pocket and brought out a thousand naira, dropped it for Debby for transport
as he threw his key to Abdul lets drive….. Uncle I’ll keep in touch with you
and you alone. Let no one look for me I’ll be good.
In all respect he
picked his phone, and told Beatrice the same thing. Were you thinking we would
still go ahead with the marriage after sleeping with my friends and family? You
stole money from my friend, Money that was meant to better my life. It caused
me to stay an extra year in school. Used diabolical means to extort my uncle,
and now I’m next. Only God knows if you were sent to ruin our family. Beatrice’s
wailing and shouts of NO! STOP! Called everyone into her room. My auntie
grabbed the phone and saw peter’s name but the last thing she heard was “it’s
over and I’m serious it’s over”
The whole
souvenirs, aso ebi, food, drinks, and most especially joy for the family is all
gone. I never knew one person can determine the joy of many before that day. Everybody
kept asking what happened but how will I say it. The whole enjoyment lasted
five years, and the pains to follow are likely forever. The whole street would
now know my wedding was called off a day to go. There must be a story to that
effect. I wailed and asked God why? But I’ve not gotten a response. I wished I never
lived.
His mother came to
our house to ask what happened as Uncle Philip could not say it. Friday afternoon I sat everyone down, anyone willing
to know what happened and narrated my story. That is what you’ve just read in these
six episodes.
For the guys I skipped
their names in this diary I’ve written, I’m not trying to deny you, I just didn’t
remember. My private part was made public, because of temporary enjoyment. I’ve
ruined a future presumably better than the past. I am really devastated, and might die after
this. Tell my story to young ladies, to 100 level naive student, patience is a
virtue, greed is a devil, and prostitution condemns…………all I ever had is gone.
Beatrice
Tomorrow begins another series : A TRIP TO NOWHERE
