FARIDA Episode 17 by Oge’s Stories
Zara felt Farida was too serious. She was always studying. When she wasn’t studying, she was selling things. She didn’t know much about her but she didn’t appear to be from a poor home. She dressed well, spoke well and had etiquettes she marvelled at. She knew most of the guys were after her because of her height and beauty. Farida wore no makeup, didn’t fix her hair or add extensions; she was just ordinary.
She liked her though. Farida was generous. She made soups she had never heard of and she always kept hers. She cooked and asked to store in her fridge which she obliged her. She comes back to the room to meet hot food in the warmer for her. Monica wanted to relocate to her room because of the food. She enjoyed a particular soup and asked Farida to make it for her again. She gave her money. Farida made a big pot with the money. Monica took half of it and left the rest with Farida. That was how she started making food for Monica too.
“I am snatching your roommate next year” Monica threatened Zara.
“I like her but there is something about her. Something isn’t just right. She only reads, eats, sells and sleeps. What might be wrong?”
“Look, Wura told us her school won a debate competition for Lagos state some time ago and she was the best debater. She told the story of how her mother had to leave her father after years of abuse so her children could get a better life. She is not affluent, but she is content and that is what shows. I like her too. She is someone who just wants to achieve and I think she will”
“She told me I will fail at the end semester because I hang around with boys. Just because Justin said he liked her and I was pushing for her to give him a chance. Why would she say so?”
“I don’t think she meant it like that. Probably she just wanted you to pay more attention to your studies as she does. We can’t all be alike”
“She feels she is too intelligent. didn’t we all pass WAEC and Jamb in one sitting?”
“Zara, the babe shattered both WAEC and Jamb, especially Jamb. She’s on scholarship and can’t afford to lose it. Don’t allow boys to drive a wedge between both of you. She is very good to you. She cleans the room and makes your bed for you without you asking. If I were you, I will enjoy it. My roommate gossips about me but smiles in my presence. She wants to take from me but never gives. She hides to eat her things but will be the first to take mine. Who is the two-faced bitch?”
Zara tried to discourage guys from Farida but they insisted. They were ready to do anything to get close to her. She wondered when playing hard to get became attractive. The more Farida rejected them the more they pushed. She was fed up.
Farida came to school with five bedsheets, pillowcases and three blankets. The girls that visit her room loved the bedsheets. They asked where she got them and she told them her auntie sells them. They made request for them. On a Friday evening, she went to the night market to see her customer, she gave her money to help her buy bedsheets and blankets. Then she met Akram at the drycleaner’s and asked him to pick the bedsheet to wash for her. Everything was sorted. She was to pick up on Wednesday as she had only two lectures that ended at noon.
She sold out the thirteen bedsheets and five blankets she bought. She made 500% profit. There were still in demand. She repeated the cycle and still sold out. She did it five times before examinations started then she stopped. She made so much money that it amazed her. Selling to rich students was profitable. She introduced clothes too and before long her business boomed. She brought goods once a week and she sold out every week until she left the university.
First semester ended without any drama.
At the wake of second semester, that was when problem started. She had an A in a course no one had ever had an A in. When Farida was told that no one had ever scored an A in that course, she hit the library to ensure she does. She loved challenges. She made it.
The lecturer called her matriculation number in class and she stood up. He was shocked that someone that young and beautiful could achieve it. He invited her to his office and interviewed her. Then he made a pass at her. She refused. Professor Charles Woka never takes no for an answer. He told her she would never pass his course in that department. She still refused and excused herself. The test he gave them, he marked her down. She kept it. He incited other lecturers against her. Four of them came after her too. When she refused, they started picking on her. She was upset about it. She reported to the Head of Department popularly called HOD and the Dean of the faculty but it became worse. She went to the Dean of Students Affairs but it ended there.
During the second semester examinations, one of the lecturers claimed she was talking in the examination hall and seized her answer booklet. This was just a few minutes into the examination. Farida became frustrated. She cried. She believed she had failed and would lose her scholarship. She felt hurt that no one was willing to help. One of her course mates advised her to read other courses to make up for the ones she failed so she could rewrite them next session.
When the results were released, she only failed that course her answer booklet was seized. She had two Bs and a C in the other three. She had As in the other courses. She was in 2.1. A combination of her first and second semester examinations took her back to 1st class. She was determined not to fall prey to them anymore.
Second year, she had a new roommate. Monica made true her threat. She lobbied to be in the same room with Farida. She admired Farida’s lifestyle and believed she could learn some things from her. Her friends just enjoyed hanging out and partying which she felt was too much. She didn’t know how to exempt herself from all they do. She went to the club with them one night. She had a little alcohol and a man was groping her all over. The man was old enough to be her father. She felt disgusted. She went with them for a party and a guy wanted to make out with her by force. Monica’s problem was that she wasn’t confident in herself. Coming from a broken home where her father demeaned her mother on a regular basis in their presence affected her. When the woman couldn’t take it anymore, she left. Her father married a new wife who felt she was a threat as she was his only daughter. She had two sons for him. She treated her badly when her dad was not around and pretended to be nice when he was. The deceit messed up her psych and affected her self-esteem. She found herself being in people’s shadows and doing what they say.
Monica loved the way Farida responded to Wura the first day they met. She knew Wura was a bully. The way Farida carried herself and had a mind of her own endeared her to Monica. Monica knew, under Farida’s tutelage, she would change. She needed to stand up for herself. She was very brilliant but she wasn’t motivated to strive to excel. Her father didn’t care how she faired in school, all he was after was his business and women. Her step mother took her pain out on Farida. Farida had an elder brother who was five years older. He was in the UK. He had graduated from university and was working. They were not close but she visited him once every year.
Farida was happy to be in the same room with Monica. Monica, like her friend Zara, had all the appliances Farida needed to cope in the hostel. They chatted like old friends. Monica told Farida she would provide all the food while Farida was to cook. That was very fine by Farida. Monica was spoilt child. She hardly knew how to do anything. That was part of the problem her stepmother had with her. Her dirty clothes were picked up every weekend by the driver and returned laundered on Sunday. She had a driver at her beck and call. Farida was amazed. She wondered what type of wife she would be. A woman that can’t cook or clean is that a woman? Even if you have househelps, you must know how to do some house chores. She made a note in her head not to spoil her children like this.
Monica observed how early Farida woke up everyday to take a bath and dress up. She decided to join her. She didn’t realise she was doing that so nobody saw her nudity. She was shocked when she saw Monica in the bathroom beside her.
‘What are you doing here?” she asked covering her body with her hands.
‘I came to take a bath”
“Why so early? You don’t wake up this early”
“I just want to”
“Please use another bathroom”
“Why? There is enough space here for two”
“Please use another bathroom. There are empty bathrooms”
“Tell me why?” Monica then observed she was still covering up and shy. She understood and left.
In the room, Farida had quickly dressed up before she came in. Monica had questions for her.
“Why are you always hiding your body? You don’t change your clothes in my presence. Why?”
“I wasn’t brought up to expose my body. I don’t think it is right. I see a lot of nudity around me and I am not impressed”
“Did you go to a boarding school?” Farida shook her head. “That’s why you are talking like this. In the boarding school you will definitely show your nakedness. Where will you hide to bath or change? I can understand hiding your body from boys but from your fellow women? They might think you have a problem or you are a lesbian”
“Why would they think that?”
“You are always covering your body. Even in the room you are always on trousers or gown. Why not wear shorts or short skirt to feel free?”
“Boys come into the hostel. I don’t think it is appropriate for them to see me half naked. I can do that for girls but not boys”
“Farida, you are a very beautiful girl. You look like a Fulani girl. Why are you not interested in dating?”
“Dating? Why would I date? I can only date the guy that would marry me. He has to be very rich. I want him to provide for me and the family”
“My mother did the same thing. Her parents forced her to marry my wealthy father. Because of the class difference, he humiliated her even in our presence. He called her worthless and useless. He said she was of no value to him. His family members had no regard for her. She became depressed and threatened suicide. Still her family forced her to remain because of what they gained. One day, she packed up and left with nothing. She refused to come back. He looked everywhere for her but she was nowhere to be found. My mother went to Europe by sea. She survived the horrendous journey. She did odd jobs. When she found the opportunity to find out what was happening, my father had come back for his bride price and remarried. She met a white man while working. He took interest in her. He trained her in university and also Master’s degree. He later married her. She is happy with him. She came back to Nigeria to start off a business which she hopes I will take over when I graduate. She wanted me to study in Europe but my father refused, he wanted me with him. Now, he talks to her and about her with respect. My stepmother is receiving similar treatment from my dad. Even though she is a graduate, she refuses to work. I will marry a man who truly loves and values me. A man who will respect me. Someone who will know my worth. I don’t care if he is rich or poor but he will be mine and I will be his”
Farida understood the sadness she had seen in her friend’s eyes. She shared her mother’s story with her. Monica listened in shocked amazement.
“Did your father beat your mother until she was unconscious?” Farida asked Monica who responded with her shake of her head. “He did it to her. When she reported to her family, the beating became worse. But she survived. Our mothers survived. They did it so we could get a better future. So, we need to make the best of the sacrifices they made. I’m sure you are proud of your mother now. She has to be proud of you too. Does she have any children with her new husband?”
“No. He had kids before and didn’t want more kids. He is a nice man. I love him dearly. I call him Papi. If I want anything, he gets it for me. So, my father has someone to compete with for my love” she replied giggling.
“You are lucky. My mother refused to remarry. I wish she had. I want her to be happy.”
“I wish I could be strong like you. I really admire you”
“You can be if you put your mind to it. It was my survival technique where I lived. People can use their tongue to bring you down”
“Tell me about it. My father never hit my mother but the verbal and emotional abuse was just too much. “Have you ever seen a cup like this in your life? If I sell your entire community will it be able to replace it?” My mother suffered. She would cry her eyes out. I know what people can do so I avoid it”
“No, you stand up to them. If you do it once, others won’t try the same thing with you”
“Most of my friends are close to me because of what they can gain. I know that. I don’t know how to cut off from them or even tell them no when they ask for things”
“You just tell them no without giving an excuse. Let’s try it. Monica can you buy me lunch”
“Not today. I am a bit cash trapped”
“Monica you are never cash trapped. Just say you don’t want to give”
“Emmmm”
“You see? Try it with me”
“Farida please can you buy me lunch?”
“I left my room with a budgeted amount I don’t have any spare money. Maybe another time”
“That was easy with finality”
“You need to learn that. Save your money for bigger things”
“Thank you, Farida. I feel so much better talking to you today. My friends don’t know the details of my parents’ divorce and I would like to keep it that way”
“Your secret is safe with me”
That was when their real friendship started. Monica followed Farida’s footsteps as best as she could. She went to night class with her to read. She stopped going for parties or the club. They had a wonderful time together.
When she came back, she gave a note to Farida. Farida thought it was a love note so she tossed it on the bed. Monica told her the guy sounded serious so Farida read.
Pirate confraternity have been commissioned to kidnap you.
Leave the school today. I repeat leave the school today.
Do not come back until Wednesday. Claim to be ill and disappear.
Don’t go home either. Look for where to go.
I am working on resolving the issue before you come back.
FARIDA Episode 18 by Oge’s Stories
Farida read it twice in a confused state. Her hands began to tremble. Monica, noticing Farida’s discomfort, read the note and also became scared. Cult boys were a no-no. She made Farida sit down then she went downstairs to make a call from the payphone. When she was done, she came upstairs, packed a few of her clothes and also clothes for Farida. She picked up the letter and shoved it in the pocket of her jeans.
“Farida, you are going with me to my mother’s place until Wednesday. I will take you downstairs while you pretend to have a toothache. Put this egg in your mouth so it would look swollen. We will talk after we have left here”
Farida did as she was told. She was in a state of confusion. Why would the cult boys come after her? Did any of them ask her out and she refused without knowing? She kept a low profile because of this and now it was happening. What was she to do?
Monica went downstairs with their bags. She came back upstairs and took Farida leaning against her downstairs. When they got downstairs, she helped her get into the back of Toyota Avalon and they drove off. The car took them from Akoka to Victoria Island where her mother resided. Monica’s mother wasn’t at home. Farida didn’t have the opportunity to admire the house. A room had been prepared for them which they both went to.
‘What could have happened? Why would they be after you? Did you offend anyone?” Monica asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I offended anyone”
“Has anyone asked you out recently?”
“No one that I know of. Why would they want to kidnap? What have I done?”
“I will get to the bottom of this. First, I need to call someone who just graduated from Unilag. He flew colour. He will know who commissioned the hit”
“You know someone who was a cult member?”
“Actually, he is my cousin from my mother’s side. He is protecting me in Unilag. I will ask him to protect you”
“I don’t need his protection; I just want to know who is behind this”
Monica left to use the phone in the sitting room while Farida was left alone with so many questions and no answer. When she came back, she said he would get back to them.
Farida met Monica’s mother later that night.
“I am so sorry; I have been a bad host. How are you? Monica said you are not feeling well so she brought you here. It is so difficult to get her to stay here with me so I am glad you made her come. Have you had dinner”?
“Yes, ma” Farida answered as she looked at this tall slender woman with a beautiful figure which she flaunted. She was attractive facially but her body was hot. Monica only had a few of her facial looks and nothing else. Monica was of average height, plump although shapely, light-skinned as against her mother’s light brown complexion. Monica was down to earth but this woman looked sophisticated and pompous. Farida loved the way she carried herself. She wished her mother was like this too.
“We are going to bed now. Thanks, mum, for letting us stay with you. I didn’t want to answer a query from Dad’s wife”
“You are welcome anytime sweetheart. See your friend, she’s so slim. Why can’t you try to be like her?”
“Mom, please!”
‘Ok ok”
In the bedroom, they talked about the situation. Missing school for five days during examination period didn’t go down well with Farida but Monica insisted they obeyed instruction. Farida was still worked up. She would miss two papers while in hiding. Monica luckily could go back to school to write her examination. She was protected. She wanted feedback from her cousin before she could go.
They stayed home, reading together. Some Economics courses Monica found difficult, Farida explained to her. Her closeness to Farida had tremendously improved her academics. Her first-semester result baffled everyone in her department. She wanted to ensure she maintained the same tempo this semester.
On Sunday afternoon, Monica had a visitor. She called Farida to meet her cousin. After introductions, he said,
“You are fine sha. But, why did you challenge Prof like that?”
“Prof? Which prof?” Monica asked.
“She challenged Professor Woka. That guy na bad guy. You should have just settled him and moved on”
Farida was speechless at this point. She was just staring at Monica’s cousin.
“Settled him how? Given him her body? Why would she do that? She is a very intelligent girl so she doesn’t need to do that”
“He was the one that called for the hit. Some people have gone to broker peace on her behalf. Is your lover a cult member too?” he asked Farida.
“She doesn’t have a lover”
“Someone went all out on him. They killed his dog and hung it on the front door of his house. His wife was almost run off the road. Someone picked his son from school and dropped him close to his office with a note pinned on his uniform both front and back; a warning for him. All these happened in one day. He called off the hit. I had to meet with my people and prof. He has agreed to stay clear. He won’t tamper with her result. He will also not allow any other lecturer victimize her”
“I think I know who did this. The female invigilator during my examinations. She asked me to be patient, she will handle it” Farida suggested.
“Whoever did this scared the shit out of him especially with his only son. You can go back tomorrow, no one will attack you. You are now under my protection”
“How do I appreciate you for what you have done?” Farida asked.
“Be my girlfriend” he replied laughing.
“It can not happen. She will never agree” Monica emphasized.
“I know. I was told she is very principled. Many of the guys admired her doggedness. She’s safe. Don’t worry about anything”
After he left, they both released a sigh of relief. Farida hugged Monica in appreciation for all she did for her. They could go back to school to finish their examinations.
“But that woman couldn’t have killed the dog and hung it in his house, could she?” Farida asked.
“It doesn’t matter. We don’t care who stood up for you but we appreciate the person” Monica replied.
After the examinations, they left school for the holidays. Farida learnt how to make calls at the business centre. She had collected Monica’s number so they would keep in touch. She knew she would miss her new best friend whom she loved very much. The kidnap saga had brought them even closer than ever before.
Farida’s business flourished. She was going once a week to Badagry to buy goods for sale. Many of the young girls around her patronized her. Some of them were looking forward to getting admission so they were preparing. The business was very good. Farida hardly had time for any other thing.
The holiday dragged longer than expected because of the strike embarked upon by ASUU. This gave Farida more opportunity to continue her business. She hardly had time to visit anyone as she was only free on Sundays. Monica pressurized her to spend a weekend with her when she came back from summer, but Farida didn’t have the time. Apart from that, she was not willing to meet Monica’s stepmother.
Monica insisted on visiting her at home. Farida didn’t want that. She stayed in Monica’s mother’s house in Victoria Island. It was a beautiful house. She knew her house was not up to standard for her to come there so she quickly offered to come to visit instead. Monica refused. She wanted to visit Farida. Farida informed her mother. She tried to do some little refurbishing of some furniture in the house. Her mother watched her make an effort to make the house look presentable and smiled.
Monica came visiting. She came bearing gifts from her trip. She greeted Iya Farida with a hug which was alien to her. Then she sat down comfortably on the couch and relaxed. She stayed the whole day talking with everyone including her brothers. They liked her. Farida made her favourite soup served with pounded yam and her favourite soft drink. She ate while praising the soup.
Before she left, she told Farida that she would like her to accompany her to her village for the Christmas holiday. She needed the company and she would like her to meet her brother who would be coming back to join her father’s business. Farida turned to her mother who asked questions. Where was she from? Where would they be staying? What will her parents say?
“Ma, my father has a massive building in our hometown in Ibeno local government in Akwa Ibom state. That’s where we will stay. I have told my dad and he said I can bring anyone I want. My brother and I share a wing of the house but have separate rooms. She will love it there. We can explore the community and join in the activities together. I will be bored with just my brother, but with Farida, I will have an awesome time”
“Let us deliberate on it and get back to you. It was nice meeting you. Farida talks about you all the time”
“We are best friends. It was nice meeting you too ma. Farida only has wonderful things to say about you. I hope you will invite me to your graduation next year”
“Definitely. Safe journey”
Farida appealed to her mother to allow her travel with Monica. Her mother was sceptical about the trip because it would be her first time travelling with someone. She felt bad that Farida was considering abandoning them to join her friend and her family. Farida made her understand that Monica was more like a sister to her than a friend. She had done so much for Farida without blinking an eyelid. She told her mother a bit of Monica’s background. She didn’t get along well with her stepmother. Farida being there would make all the difference. Finally, her mother succumbed. She insisted on fifteen days.
Farida shared the good news with Monica. Monica was happy. Her family was travelling earlier but she would wait to travel with Farida on the 21st of December. They were flying down. Farida had never been on a plane before. This would be her first time; she couldn’t hide her excitement. She sorted out all she will wear during that period. She bought a smaller travelling bag she would use for the trip. Her mother was worried that she was getting too close to a girl that was far above her status but she didn’t want to say it and hurt Farida’s feelings.
Monica picked her up from the house and they left for the airport. Iya Farida had insisted Farida travels with more than enough money in case she had to come back home she won’t be stranded. She just had a ‘not too good’ feeling about this trip but since Farida was excited, she allowed her to go.
At the airport, their boarding pass was given to them. She followed Monica’s lead. They sat down chatting away while they waited for their flight. Someone walked up to them at the airport. It was Wura. She was surprised to see Farida at the airport. Farida was really stepping up her game. She looked nice. Her relationship with Monica was benefiting her.
“Charity case, what are you doing here?” Wura asked.
Farida and Monica acted as though they didn’t see or hear anybody talk to them. They continued chatting.
“Am I not talking to you? Are you ignoring me or something?” she asked again. Both of them didn’t respond to her. She was ticked off and decided to run her mouth. “I don’t blame you; I blame Monica for being your lapdog. How can a low-class girl like you ignore me when I talk to you? Because Monica has cleaned you up you now feel you can rub shoulders with me”
Monica stood up to respond but Farida stopped her. “Wura, my name is Farida and not Charity case. If you had called me Brilliant or Intelligent or Scholar, I would have known you were talking to me but referring to me in that manner shows you were talking to yourself. That’s one. Two, I delivered Monica from being your lapdog. You wanted her to meet your needs while you demean her. You get her to spend on you and you never reciprocate. She will never do that again. Three, everything on my body is mine. Everything in my bag I bought with my own money. I am stepping up all by myself. I am no longer a low-class girl because we are at the same airport taking a flight out. Yes, Monica made this possible but the next time it will be all me. If you ever see me and try to talk to me in this manner again, I will drop all my self-respect and teach you a lesson you won’t forget. Rabies dog!”
The airport erupted in laughter at her last statement which caused them to look around. Wura was embarrassed. Farida just had a way of shushing her. She walked away from them as people started clapping for Farida who quickly took a seat.
Monica hugged her in excitement saying, “That was awesome. You put her in her place. Why don’t some people like others to progress? She is so jealous of you. I am so proud of you. See how people are clapping for you. You should have studied Law; you know how to defend yourself. I could never have thought of all you said on my feet at that time. I still have a lot to learn”
Farida felt bad. She realized no matter what she achieved there would be some people who would want to remind her of her past. Why would Wura use every opportunity they meet to try to remind her of where she came from. She actually took her as a friend then but now she realized they could never be acquaintances.
FARIDA Episode 19 by Oge’s Stories
Their flight was called and they boarded the plane. Farida watched closely how Monica put on her seatbelt. They held hands when the flight was about to take off and also when they were landing. It was a fearful experience for Farida but she had to brave it. They deboarded the plane and picked up their luggage before heading out of the airport.
As they came out of the airport, someone caught Farida’s attention. The guy was tall, lean and looked good. His poise reminded her of someone. He removed the sunglasses from his face and then she knew whom she was looking at. The guy had to be Monica’s brother. He had his mother’s look, build and poise. Farida was immediately drawn to him. He woved towards them and Monica led her to meet him.
“How was your trip baby sister?” he asked Monica who was all smiles.
“Fine. This is my best friend Farida. Farida meet my brother Sam”
“Nice to meet you Farida. I noticed you immediately you stepped out. You are tall. Welcome to Akwa Ibom” Sam replied in a very British accent. Farida, learning how to speak from watching movies, came to play immediately.
She replied, ‘Same here”
They drove for about thirty minutes before they stopped at the gate and honked. The gate was opened for them to drive in. Truly, the house was massive. The house stood in the middle of an equally massive compound. There were a good number of trees around the compound. By the right was a shed built for cars. Most of the cars there were covered. Farida wondered what they needed all these cars for as there were other cars parked in front of the house.
They disembarked from the car and entered the front door into the sitting room. Monica introduced Farida to her father and stepmother. Farida knelt down to greet them. Her father was impressed while her brother was taken aback.
“You are such a beautiful girl. And you are tall. You remind me of my first wife” her father said to Farida.
“Your ex-wife you mean. Welcome. Monica will take you to your room. Your wing has everything including food items and a cook. There is a back exit from there if you want to avoid the main house. We will have lunch together on Christmas and New Year days. Anything you need, tell Monica and she will provide it for you” her stepmother responded coldly.
“No, she should have her own stack of cash. You are our guest. Take this, it should tide you through the holiday” Monica’s father handed Farida a pack of N200 notes.
“No thank you sir. I can manage”
Monica snatched the money from her father before her stepmother could say anything, “Thank you father. She’s just shy. Come along Farida” she dragged Farida with her. Farida noticed a grin on Sam’s face as she was dragged past him.
When they got into their room, Farida faced Monica and asked, “Why did you take the money?”
“My father was trying to impress you. Why would you say no to money? My stepmother’s eyes were large in anger. She will fight with him later but knowing him, he would just ignore her and walk away or threaten her. We have more than enough cash to play around with. We will paint this town red”
There was a knock on the door which Monica answered. It was Sam.
“You know she’s going to come after you because of the money,” He told Monica.
“Yeah. I will report her to dad when she does. We will keep going back and forth until she gets tired”
“She has separated the cooks and the children. I haven’t seen my brothers since we got here. It’s been very boring. The cook she gave us isn’t doing a good job and he is rude. He only makes lunch and dinner. Get dad to change him. You are the only one that can make that happen”
“I can cook during this period. It won’t be much of a problem once we can get the ingredients” Farida offered.
“You came here on holiday and not to work. I won’t allow you to work” Monica rebuked her.
“It doesn’t mean anything. Ok, I can work with him. I want to learn how to make your local delicacies. It’s not a bother honestly” Farida insisted.
“I will get dad to change him. When he is changed, you can then learn. The person will be under my authority and not that witch”
“Don’t call her that” Farida rebuked, “it’s wrong”
“That’s what she is. I am going to dad right away” and she left the room.
“She will get it done. She dad’s favourite. She can never do any wrong in his eyes. Now we are left alone, tell me about yourself”
Farida was shy but had to overcome it in order not to appear childish. She told him she was a 300l student of Economics and Statistics in Unilag, Monica’s roommate and best friend.
“Where are you from?”
“Kwara state”
“I have never been there. Where do you live?”
“Mushin”
“Where is that?”
“It’s in Lagos”
“Ok. What do your folks do?”
Farida was silent for a minute. He was asking too many questions. She didn’t want to answer.
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes, I did. My father is a businessman while my mother is a teacher”
“Nice. What type of business is your father into?”
“He is into haulage business”
“It is quite lucrative I hear. He must have loads of money”
“I don’t know about that”
He laughed. His smile and laugh were just like his mother’s. Monica was like her father. He was of average height and big. He must love to marry tall women because his second wife was also tall and attractive. The difference was that she was dark and hardly smiled.
Monica came back into the room. “Done, we are getting a new cook tomorrow. The person will be selected by me. He called Uncle Amos to arrange the cooks for an interview tomorrow. If eyes could kill, I would have been dead by now. I completely ignored her”
“You are getting away with all this because you are grandma’s carbon copy. If not, she would have dealt with you a long time ago” Sam reminded her.
“Who separates family during the festive period. I told dad I want to see my brothers this evening. I am happy I have Farida; I will no longer be lonely when I travel with them” Monica replied.
“I wondered why she asked them not to see us. She is being petty. Since I came back; she has been jittery. I keep wondering how I offended her. The things I bought for her and my brothers, she abandoned casually on the chair in the sitting room. The next day, they were still there. Three days later, I saw them there. I took them back and she never asked about them. Why is she behaving like this?”
“She didn’t want you to come back. She was grooming her son, who is still in secondary school, to take over from dad. Of course, dad won’t hear of that. He told her to stay out of his business. She can only have a say when she manages a business successfully. She didn’t find that funny at all”
“I didn’t want to come back. Dad threatened me with disownment; that’s why I came back. He didn’t put his house in order before dragging me back. The family is a mess. He is still trying to flirt with mom. If they makeup, where would he keep his second wife?”
“Mom can never leave Papi for dad. Never. Papi treats her like a precious gem that’s why she flies back every month to see him if he doesn’t join her here”
“Yeah, he’s a cool dude. He sent me money every quarter saying “Save it for the rainy days”. I saved every penny and invested in stock. He loves mom and she loves him in return. Dad is just wasting his time”
Farida listened with keen interest as the siblings gossiped about their family. Sam finally left when he was informed his father asked him to meet him in the library. Sam gave Monica a knowing smile which she returned.
“What’s special about the library?” Farida asked
“It is soundproof so stepmother can’t hear anything”
“Why is that a problem? Why won’t he want her to hear?”
“It’s a long story don’t worry”
There was wealth in the house. There was so much money but still, it was dysfunctional. Why would a man hide information from his wife? Why would a woman cause division in a home she is supposed to build? How can they be eating from separate pots? She was amazed at her findings. This was not what she wanted. “If I were the second wife, I would bring the family together,” she thought, “peace and harmony would reign in my home. I will love my stepchildren and they would love me in return”
Monica’s words cut through Farida’s thoughts. “Sam doesn’t enter my room. Why is he being so co-operative? Hmm. He must want something from me. Anyway, let me show you around the house”
They went out through the back exit and took a stroll around the compound. It was quite large. Farida loved the serenity of the surroundings. She wished she could live here forever. The trees gave amazing shade. Some areas had carpet grass planted with chairs and tables. At the back were kernels with dogs. Farida ran off to the amazement of Monica; she was not a dog lover. As they continued their stroll, they saw Monica’s younger brothers sitting under a tree playing games. Immediately she called out to them, they ran to her excitedly. She hugged them they all went to sit down. Not up to five minutes later, Monica’s stepmother came to meet.
“Your father is minimizing my movement because he is afraid I will try to kill his son. That’s his headache anyway. What are you doing with my kids? Do you want to kill them too? I don’t know what you are playing at. You have developed wings to challenge me. I know your scheming mother put you up to this. Bringing the heir back is the condition she gave your father for her to come back into his life. I am here watching. Let me see how she will enter. As for you, if you challenge my decision again, I will deal with you”
Monica released a burst of hysterical laughter. She looked at her stepmother and said to her face, “I am not your problem. My mother is not your problem neither is Sam. You are your problem; the sooner you figure it out the better. How can a man who claims to love you and you love him in return be scared of you killing his first son? Think about it. My mother is married to a nobleman, she has no interest in an unrepentant unremorseful serial adulterer. When was the last time he graced your bed? Wait o, you were committing the adultery with him while my mother was still in the picture; now I understand your fear. She will never go back to her vomit. Enjoy your husband. Boys, we will see later. Kiss kiss” and she walked off leaving behind her trail a heartbroken woman who the truth hurt more than ever.
“It was not nice talking to her that way. She’s your father’s wife” Farida cautioned Monica.
“I have kept quiet for so long. She is one of the reasons Wura would refer to me as a lapdog. She made me timid and fearful. She maltreated me. She would invite her friends over and ask me to perform for them and then they would make fun of me. They would insult me and call me names. It was a terrible time for me. She threatened me not to tell anyone. It came to an end the day my father walked in on them making mockery of me. He sent all her friends away and banned her from having friends and family over at our house. He dealt with her. She took it out on me. She called me ugly and fat. She bought me the most hideous clothes ever until my mother came back into the picture. She sent me boxes of clothes through my father. When she makes me wear clothes she buys, my father would object and ask me to wear what my mother bought. The animosity grew from there. I went through self-esteem issues for a long time. I felt I couldn’t be loved. I bought love. I hated my mother for leaving me behind. I was weak and fearful but that was before I met you. I am bolder now. I know what I want and can strive to get it. I can talk to my father and make demands. I can put her in her place although I have been avoiding her. When I am with you, I am very confident. Don’t ever think I am buying your love because what you are doing for me is more than what I can ever do for you”
“I understand Monica but that doesn’t mean you should use your new found confidence to disrespect her. You can tell her no or yes firmly without being rude or insulting. Show her some respect as your father’s wife. When she tries to disrespect you, just walk away. If it is getting excessive then bring it to the notice of your father and allow him handle her. You actually did what she did to you back there. You disgraced her in my presence and that of her children. It was wrong”
“Didn’t you hear what she said?”
“Your response changes everything especially when it involves an elder. You should have just hugged your brothers and walked away from her instead of words. Trust me, it will hurt more”
Monica was quiet for a few minutes while they walked. What was going through her mind was how Farida knew how to handle people. She spoke way beyond her years and knew the right things to say. Farida had no idea how much she loved and appreciated her.
The next day, they interviewed the cooks and chose a woman who was willing to come in at 6:00am every morning and close at 7:00pm at night. Farida was excited as the woman knew how to cook both local and continental dishes.
When she resumed, Farida joined her in the kitchen. She learnt how to cook Atama soup which was what they had for lunch. It was amazing. Farida asked her to pack the left-over soup into the freezer. She dragged Monica to the local market to buy fresh local food items with their money as the freezer had mainly continental items.
The market was interesting. They bought other local attires to play around with. It was fun exploring the market and its environs. The cook took them to where they would buy palm wine which was freshly tapped. Even though Farida didn’t drink alcohol, she couldn’t resist tasting this and she loved it.
On the 25th, Farida made Afang soup all by herself. Monica tried to discourage her since they would be having lunch as a family but she insisted. When it was time for lunch, they took down the food Farida prepared. Monica’s father and brothers were already at table when they arrived. Monica placed the dish on the large table.
“Ekaette what is this?” Monica’s father fondly called her Ekaette which means father’s mother.
“Farida made Afang soup. She didn’t want us to come to lunch without anything. Although I don’t think your wife will be happy about it”
“You made this? Monica’s father asked.
“Yes sir”
“I will have a taste” he said.
“I will have a taste too” Sam added.
“Someone won’t be happy” Monica answered them.
When her stepmother came out with the cooks to set the food, she saw the dish on the table. “What’s this?” she asked.
“Farida made Afang soup. I will like to have some of it” her husband replied.
“I don’t understand what’s going on here. Anyway, we have roasted turkey, fried rice, salad, spicy goat meat, ogbono soup and pounded yam. Afterwards, we will have fruit cake and ice cream”
“I am having the afang soup with pounded yam please. Put some spicy goat meat in another plate” Monica’s father requested.
‘Same here” Sam added.
The cook dished out the food according to their request. Farida opted for the fried rice, salad and roast turkey as she had never tasted roasted turkey before. Monica had the afang soup while her younger brothers had to eat what their mother decided which didn’t go down well with them.
“This is delicious. I don’t believe you cooked this yourself” Monica’s father announced.
“She did. Our cook is off today” Monica replied.
“Honestly, this is good. Very tasty. You are a good cook” Sam added.
Monica’s stepmother wanted to know what the fuss was about when her husband, who was supposed to be on a diet, asked for a second helping. She took a small portion to taste and from her initial expression, she liked it.
“Have you gotten your father a new wife? Did you get one that is domesticated? Am I not doing a good enough job? her stepmother asked Monica.
“Mercy, we have a guest present. Please respect yourself and all of us here. I will have more afang without the pounded yam. Reserve the leftover afang, I will have it tomorrow. Take the fruit cake and ice cream to my office for later”
That was it. No one spoke on the dining table until lunch was over. They spent the rest of the day indoors.
#OpraDre FARIDA
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