Growing Wings - Episode 7

He had a banging headache! Why was he seeing the ceiling on the floor? Gosh! His phone kept blinking and he kept rejecting the call...Justice Anjolaoluwa Agunbiade was the last person he wanted to talk with.

What happened to the favour he was supposed to receive after finding a wife? He thought he had it rough before getting married; now he knew those experiences were just 'examples of life'. He wondered what demon possessed him to go after that demon that disguised herself as an angel. And those her blood-sucking co-demons that she called her relatives. Jeez! He couldn't believe all that was expected of him as a 'son' in the prestigious Agunbiade family. Endless parties with endless financial obligations. Mean comments masked as 'advice'. He wondered how these people coped. He had tried to make a joke once about it; he still can't believe he wasn't skinned alive by his in-laws.

He had less and less time for his career or personal devotion. The church activities were another issue altogether. He was always exhausted on Mondays. Throw in the fact that Yeside contributed more to the joint account and he usually had to get a loan from her by the middle of every month. She pretended not to mind but the frequency of phone calls he got from Justice Anjola told him otherwise. Her thinly veiled disdain for his job with the electricity company was enough proof that Yeside was just a pretending demon.

He found the marriage certificate as he looked through Yeside's things. He had been searching through her things for no apparent reason.
'Would the marriage be invalid if the marriage certificate was missing?'
The thought came to Wole from nowhere....He smiled as he examined and weighed the thought....
He decided to give it a try...Who knows what the witch had up to her sleeves, anyway? He would devise a means of destroying that certificate without drawing attention to himself. He could always stage-manage a break-in and blame the missing marriage certificate on the break-in. Brilliant idea! He checked the back of the certificate to see if there was an expiry date...hey, who knows? He held it a bit and dreamt of the freedom he would get once the certificate was missing...

He was startled when he heard the front door close. Yeside had come back from the office...He quickly returned the certificate and set things straight.

'Welcome dear, how has the day been?', Wole asked Yeside cheerfully.

Yeside looked back and saw Wole smiling at her in the kitchen. He was reaching for a bottle of water from the fridge. He had cleaned up pretty well and was looking really good...She thought she felt some spark but who had time for that? She had to deal with the issue at hand while the iron was still hot....She would process Mabel's stories later...

'Olawole Ibukunoluwa Akingbade, you are a sorry excuse for a man! Where did you go last night? Who were you with? Please tell me you went to work today, irresponsible man!'

Wole was shocked initially, then he remembered he was dealing with Demon Yeside with the angelic look...

'I guess that's how they teach you in your numerous Christian women groups to greet your husbands. Well, we already know we are in the last days.'

Wole got the water and went to the living room to see what was on TV.

'So, you won't answer my questions, right?', Yeside barked.
'Where is Olamide?' Don't tell me you didn't even pick him up from Mum?', Yeside bellowed. 'My God, you are truly good-for-nothing'

Yeside reached for her mobile phone and called her mum. They agreed that her mum would bring Olamide home and also talk to Wole about his unwholesome behaviour.

'Mummy will be here with Olamide in about an hour. She wants to bath him before bringing him over.'

'It's not like my opinion counts so I wonder why you're giving me all that information. Thanks, anyway.', he responded sarcastically.

About 20 minutes later, he got up and went to the room. 5 minutes later, he had dressed up and was heading out of the house...

'I thought I told you Mum was bringing Olamide.'

'Yeah, I heard you. What's the problem?', Wole asked.

'So, where are you going?'

'Outside the house as you can see'.

'But when Mum comes....'

'You tell her I said hello. I'm not interested in attending a coven meeting today and I don't feel like hearing about court cases, thanks. Take good care of yourself'.

As Wole breezed out, all that kept ringing in Yeside's ears was 'COVEN MEETING'....Did Wole just call her and Mum witches?

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Growing Wings - Episode 6

'Wow, 6pm already?'
Yeside quickly dropped her handbag and headed to the kitchen. 
Thankfully, Olamide was asleep. Praise God for little mercies. Her conversation with Mabel on the way home was still playing in her head. 
Mabel had suddenly offered her a ride home. Yeside was still calculating how to get home from the office. Her car was with the mechanic. 
Mabel was an Assistant Partner in the prestigious law firm Yeside worked for. The firm had come to the University to administer tests in Yeside's final year. Of course, Yeside was one of the successful candidates. There were slight hitches concerning the service year but Dad easily sorted things out and Yeside served with the firm. She quickly rose to the position of Associate Partner. She sure was a high-flyer.
'Thank God it's Friday. I hope we can make it in good time for me to stop at the market to buy the ingredients for Pepper soup', Mabel said cheerfully.
Yeside wondered how peaceful this drive with Mabel would be. She had planned to just enjoy the drive while surfing the web - Facebook in particular. She was looking forward to just flipping through posts, learning more about humans in general and the weirder ones in particular...
'Would you like some sweets? My husband is the one that introduced them to me, now I'm so addicted to them'
Mabel broke into Yeside's thoughts.
'Oh Lord, I hope we're not going to have this 'My husband is so perfect' discussion', Yeside groaned inwardly as she restrained herself from rolling her eyes.
She didn't feel like hearing about 'perfect' husbands. She knew those women were lying through their teeth. Who knew Wole, our own meek Wole, would turn out to be such a snake? Perfect my foot!
'I hope I can convince my sister to help me watch my baby tomorrow. I'm thinking of going to work; Oga Hassan pleaded with me to come and review the research report for the court appearance on Monday. I'm not sure I'll be able to concentrate, if I take it home to review.'
Mabel broke into Yeside's thoughts again. As Mabel went through her routine of waking up early to cook and prepare for work, packing meals for herself, her husband and their kids, maintaining a top-notch career, keeping her husband satisfied and helping her older daughter out with her homework, Yeside wondered what Mabel's husband's role was in the house. Was he there just to eat, sleep, procreate and replenish the earth? She was contributing financially too so he should help with domestic chores too, right?
This woman was slaving away for this man to 'maintain' a marriage, Yeside thought. For what? Just to maintain her 'Mrs' title? You just had a baby a few months ago, girl! Hearing about Mabel's routine was making Yeside dizzy.
'You feel under-utilized, right?', Yeside answered as Mabel was expressing sorrow because her husband does not like 'swallow' and soups.
'I have to keep innovating so that meal times are not too boring. I keep looking for variants. My daughter doesn't like shrimps so I'm also constrained. I love to cook'
'You need to take a chill pill', Yeside thought as she smiled dutifully, dropping exclamation marks at the right places.
Mabel was monopolizing the conversation but Yeside did not mind. Who needs virtual life lessons from Facebook when there is a life lesson right in the car?
'I'll need to make the sauce for Fried Rice tomorrow. I'll make the Fried Rice on Sunday so we can use it for Monday's lunch'
'Fried Rice sauce? I haven't heard of such.'
'How do you make your Fried Rice?'
Yeside described her Fried Rice routine to Mabel. She really felt like eating some Fried Rice. Maybe she should make Fried Rice this Sunday.
'Ah, that one is not usually so sweet.'
Mabel went on to describe her own Fried Rice routine.
As Mabel described her routine, Yeside's thoughts drifted to yesterday's events.
................................................................
She had got home, all excited and all ready to try the tips she got from the Facebook group. She had asked anonymously for tips on how to encourage her not so eager husband in bed. It sure was time for another baby. According to her Yearly Planner, she should have had 2 babies now. They had to make up for the time they lost convincing everyone that they were made for each other.
Marriage with Wole was nothing like what she thought it would be. No breakfast in bed, no pampering, nothing. She wondered why he allowed her waste three years convincing anyone about anything. They were all right after all. They sure saw what she was too blind to see. She felt like such a fool.
'I have sent you to this man to help him', the words came again from within.
Those were the words she received when she flippantly prayed about Wole's proposal seven years ago.
'Welcome darling', Yeside stood up and hugged Wole. She took his laptop bag and began to remove his tie.
'Can I have that back?', Wole barked at Yeside. Olamide was startled and started crying.
Yeside quickly returned the laptop bag and picked up her 2 year old son, rocking him.
'Hey, put that boy down and don't turn him into a wimp. SHUT UP, BOY! I'm having a headache. Who is watching that nonsense on TV? Don't you know there is a live match?', Wole barked the questions out in quick succession.
'Hey, who are you barking at? If you're frustrated, please leave that at the door. The 'nonsense' I'm watching is 'Sunflower Girls', an exciting TV series about 4 ladies and how they find opportunities to brighten their days. You're welcome to join me'
Wole and Yeside began to exchange words.
'Maybe I'll be less bitter if you made me feel like a woman instead of hugging your laptop and the TV remote more', Yeside blurted out in anger.
Wole went silent for 30 seconds. Then he turned and walked back out through the door.
That's good riddance to bad rubbish, Yeside thought. Who did he think he was, talking to her the way he did? Nonsense. Let him go out and think about his life. She'll just spend the time caring for Olamide and surfing the web...
Yeside checked the time. It was 11:30pm. She had slept off on the couch after putting Olamide to sleep at 8pm. Maybe she should get a live-in maid. This current arrangement was quite stressful for her. Thank God for her car and the nearby playgroup she could leave Olamide in the mornings and pick him up in the evenings before heading home. Thank God home was not too far from work too. Still, the stress was beginning to tell on her. Wole's insistence on not hiring a maid was a huge problem for Yeside...Even the Proverbs 31 woman had help.
Yeside called Wole's phone number but it was switched off. She called Kunle, his bosom friend and his number was switched off too.
'Well, omo lomo o le pa iya oniya. Wole is a grown man', she thought as she turned off the lights. She tossed and turned a bit and drifted off to sleep.
She was startled when she heard some noise. She checked her bedside clock - 12:30am.
She went to the sitting room and found him in his drunken glory. Olawole Ibukunoluwa Akingbade was drunk...And what was that underlying smell?

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Growing Wings - Episode 5

'4pm already? How time flies', Gbenro thought to himself. 
He had just got back from class and was expecting Esther. That girl did things to his insides that he couldn't really explain. Too bad she wasn't a Yoruba girl and from a well-to-do family. He couldn't risk annoying his dad by publicly flouting his policy of marrying within the tribe and not crossing class boundaries.
He remembered the one time he tried to stand up to his dad. It had almost destroyed his parents' marriage and almost took his mother's life. No one dared incur Chief Phillips' wrath. Gbenro did not have the strength of character to try. He was just going to have to learn to keep up appearances with Yeside. She was naïve enough to fall for his 'excuses'. Esther was another issue altogether, she was getting bolder by the day. She had started giving him subtle ultimatums.
................................................................
Wole checked the room number again. A202. Chioma Chiemeka. He had been assigned her follow-up card. Sis Halima, his follow-up partner, had cancelled late. He decided to go ahead with the follow-up anyway. The rest of the week would be busy and they had to submit their follow-up report on Friday.
'Please is this A202? Does Chioma Chiemeka stay her?', Wole asked the pretty petite lady that opened the door when he knocked.
'Yes this is A202. Let me check if Chioma is around', she replied and closed the door back firmly.
Wole started writing the note he would drop if she was not around, as he had been trained.
He had a familiar laughter. He looked up and saw Angel Yeside swaying towards him like a vision. He quickly lost concentration, mesmerized by the heavenly sight before him. As she moved closer, he felt like a metal trapped within a magnetic flux. He felt powerless to do anything else other than to stare.
She got to him and stopped.
'Bro Wole, how are you doing? Are you okay?'
'Huuuuh, huuh', Wole blurted out.
'What are you doing here?'
'I came to visit Sister Chioma. Do you know her?', Wole stuttered.
'I don't. I just came to say hello to my friend. Where is your partner?', Yeside asked.
'She cancelled at the last minute.'
'Eh yah, sorry. Can I come with you and watch what you're doing? I really need to sharpen my follow-up skills'.
'Sure, you can watch me'
The petite lady returned and let them in. Chioma was happy to see them. They spent some time chatting; Yeside was taking mental notes.
As they were leaving A202, they bumped into each other and their books fell. They both apologized and picked up their books.
It was 8pm when Yeside realised she had picked up Wole's course note....

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Growing Wings - Episode 4

'Enjoy your reading', Wole said to Yeside and he headed to his friend's room.
He couldn't believe his 'luck'. He felt on top of the world. Yeside talked with him all the way. Who knew that a simple 'E ki wa' could result in that beautiful walk. He wished he had told her that he was going to the Cafe too. But there was Bro Gbenro...Uhmmmm...Bro Gbenro was a perfect match for Yeside. They were both rich and famous...What did a poor orphan boy like him have to offer Yeside? His grandparents couldn't even afford his school fees...Thank God for his tutorial business...He definitely had no business thinking about Princess Yeside.
'Hey, look where you're going dude', a shrill female voice pierced through his soliloquy angrily....
Wole looked up and saw Bro Gbenro with his hands draped around the lady's shoulders.
'Sorry. Good evening, Bro Gbenro', he stuttered.
'Good evening, Bro Wole. How are you doing?'
Wole had to look again to confirm that he was not seeing things. Bro Gbenro seemed unfazed. Did he not just see his hands all over another lady? What about Yeside? Were they not together anymore? Uhmmm
'Fine, thank you. Have a pleasant day'
Wole quickly walked away before he would misbehave. He was so annoyed with Bro Gbenro. How could he treat Yeside that way? If she were his, he would not look at another lady....Should he tell Yeside?
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As Yeside walked towards the cafe, she quickly went over her walk with Bro Wole. The discussion was something else. That dude was definitely a student of the Word...She really enjoyed that discussion. Uhmmm...
Her thoughts quickly turned to Gbenro. Maybe she should quickly check him before going to the cafe? He had told her that he would go for follow-up but who knows. It'll be funny to come to Green Hall and not say hello to his room mates.
She decided to study a bit before going to Gbenro's room. She had a lot to read. The relationship with Gbenro was giving her sleepless nights anyway. There was something she really couldn't place her finger on. She'll just have to keep praying that God will guide her.
She saw a few of her course mates as she searched for a seat. A few minutes later, a huge argument erupted...She turned around and realised that some of her course mates were arguing with others about allocations for education. They were making so much noise! Ordinarily, she'll have joined them but she didn't have the luxury of time. She decided to go elsewhere to read.
As she stepped out of Green Hall, she caught a glimpse of a guy with his hands draped over a girl's shoulder. His backside was like Gbenro's. She quickly dismissed the thought and walked briskly to get to her new place of study...

Please leave comments with suggestions on how you believe the story should unfold....Please credit 'The Women Stories' if you choose to share. Thank you.


Thanks Bukola Olupona for the 'seeing Bro Gbenro in Green Hall' idea.

Growing Wings - Episode 3

 'Oh Lord, please help me with this course', Yeside prayed.
It was quite a struggle catching up after being ill for about a month. The doctor said she had typhoid fever. It was a bit of a struggle for her to decide whether or not to take medication. She really wanted to 'faith' it but it got to a point where she felt she was really going to die!
'Abeg, I'll faith it another time. Na person wey dey alive dey get faith', she reasoned.
'Sister Yeside,... e ki wa'
Yeside looked up and saw Brother Wole smiling sheepishly at her. She smiled back.
'Where are you going?' She asked.
'I'm going to Green Hall', he replied.
'Ah, I'm heading that way. Can we walk together?'
As they walked on in silence, Yeside wondered why she had invited him to walk with her. He just kept stealing glances at her without saying much. She was quite uncomfortable with the silence so she decided to break it!
'What are you going to do in Green Hall?'
'I want to get some books from my friend that stays there and I'll go to the Cafe to read once I get the books'
'Nice! I was going to Green Hall Cafe to read too. I need to catch up as I really missed a lot while I was ill'

Wole finally regained his tongue. He had really struggled with the decision to say hello to Yeside. This girl had taken over his thoughts completely! He found himself thinking about her while bathing, praying, reading. She even featured in his dreams. He couldn't believe his 'luck' when she smiled back. The girl was so beautiful and gracious! And she was so out of his reach...
'How are you feeling now? I trust that all is well. What was the nature of the illness? I hope you prayed and took some medication?'
'Which one of us is the 'lawyer' here?' Yeside joked. 'So many questions!'
'Sorry'
Wole went silent.
'It's okay. I was just kidding. I'm feeling better now. I struggled a bit with taking medication but I finally succumbed, my faith was not strong enough. Can I ask a question?'
'Please, go ahead'
'What are your thoughts on taking medication as a believer?'
Wole and Yeside were so caught up in the conversation that they had gone a few miles beyond Green Hall before they realised they had missed their way.
They both laughed as they found their way back to Green Hall....
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Growing Wings - Episode 2

Wole remembered his first meeting with Yeside...Actually, he heard her laughter before he saw her. It was a heavenly sound. He just had to see where that was coming from...
'Oh my God! I've seen an angel and yet I live', he thought as he saw the heavenly vision before him. Before he could find his voice, she was gone...
He inquired about her from one of the ladies he saw talking about her and quickly learned her name and faculty. The lady refused to... give him her room number and he had to work up a plan to meet her himself. In the meantime, he learnt from one of her coursemates who was his next door neighbour that she was at the top of her class. Wow.
She was not in the fellowship for about 3 weeks. That was a perfect opportunity for Wole. He got her room number from the Follow-up Coordinator under the guise of following her up to ensure that she was okay. He learnt that Bro Gbenro, the choir leader was also interested in her and had actually spoken with the Pastor about her. Uhm...
'How are you feeling, Sis Yeside?'
'I'm feeling better, Bro Wole. What can I offer you?'
'Nothing, I just came to check you since I learnt you were not feeling well'
'Okay. I'm feeling better now'
'So, will you be in class tomorrow?'
'Yes'
Wole and Yeside had quickly run out of what to say and were left with an uneasy silence. Wole racked his brain for something, anything that'll replace the silence. Nothing!
'Sis Yeside, I'll have to take my leave now. I'm glad you're feeling better. Can we pray?'
'Oh yes, Brother Wole, thank you'
Wole said some starchy prayer as a force of habit, rather than anything heartfelt. He couldn't wait to leave Yeside's room. He felt like an idiot for coming yet she seemed so unaware of his love or was it infatuation?
'Thank you very much Bro Wole. Let me see you off'
'You don't need to, Sis Yeside. Good night'
'Good night, Bro Wole'

Wole walked back to his room, replaying the events in Yeside's room. Boy, what stupidity! 'Well, I hope she doesn't think I'm a complete fool', he thought as he tripped over a pot of beans left on the corridor.

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Growing Wings - Episode 1

 'Congratulations on your convocation. Did you convoke or convocate?'

 Yeside scowled at her dad's dry humour. She was really tired and she felt so hot from all the activities. All that smiling and kneeling to greet all the aunties and uncles that came to celebrate with their baby that made a first class.

 'E ku ori ire o. Ise gidi l'oma fi ri o', Aunty Gbemi broke into Yeside's thoughts.
'Amin'...
First class in Law from the foremost, or if you like, premier university. That was definitely a first! First female student to make a first class and top the faculty of Law! Wow!

She came from a family of firsts... Grandma Enitan, the first lady to be elected as the Senate President, though she passed on before she took the oath of office, her mum, Anjola, the first female Chief Justice of the Nation and Minister of Justice.

Still, this feat was hers and hers alone. She needed to bask in this achievement.
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Wole looked at Yeside, so beautiful and so accomplished. He was so proud of her. And there was that other feeling he couldn't afford to allow grow. He had nothing to offer her. A jobless graduate of Electrical Engineering with a Second Class Lower Degree. His prospects of getting a job after today was very slim. She was definitely out of his reach.

He'll just have to be content with being her friend. He remembered the first time he saw her in the fellowship...

Please leave comments with suggestions on how you believe the story should unfold....Please credit 'The Women Stories' if you choose to share. Thank you.