FARIDA Episode 23 – 25 by Oge’s Stories

FARIDA Episode 23 by Oge’s Stories

Farida was fascinated by the entire process, she couldn’t hide her excitement. These were things she only dreamt of. She couldn’t fall asleep aboard the plane until they landed Germany. Monica’s stepfather was at the airport to meet them. He was an elderly man, much older than Monica’s father. But, he was a very good man. The way he embraced Monica when he saw her made Farida realize there was indeed a bond between them.

The drive to the house was filled with chatter. Monica seemed to be more alive with Papi. Papi lived in a modest-looking four-bedroom duplex. Monica’s mother didn’t come home until very late at night. They waited for her so they could have dinner together on their first night. She had ordered some food as she had no time to cook but Papi stored them away and made dinner for them. They had the tastiest spaghetti with cheese. It was so delicious that Farida asked for a second helping.

Farida and Monica retired for their first night. Farida had left her phone behind with her mother so they could talk often. She called her mother on her first night. She promised to call her at least once in three days.

The next day, Papi took them shopping for clothes. Farida got five dresses, six tops, four skirts and three trousers. Monica got a lot more. Papi paid for everything. Next, he got them mobile phones so they could be reached.

Papi woke them up bright and early the next morning. He took them sightseeing on a dairy farm which Farida later discovered belonged to him. Farida was excited about this visit. She was having new experiences which she enjoyed. Monica wasn’t too keen but as long as Farida was having fun, she was fine. One of the reasons Monica liked Farida was because she made something out of every situation. Her other friends would have been bored by now and even show it. They would later use that experience to make fun of her but not Farida. Watching a cow being milked excited as much as watching an interesting movie. There was never a dull moment.

Papi observed a positive difference in Monica. He was very happy about it. When he spoke with her, she always had her new best friend to thank. Farida must be the new best friend. Monica was more responsible now. She could hold an intelligent conversation from start to finish. The Monica he knew in the past threw a lot of tantrums and always had her way. This Monica was reasonable and considerate. They came back from the dairy farm with milk and cheese for the pantry.

The next day, they went to the vineyard. It was a long distance from the city, further than the dairy farm. They went to inspect the grapes. Farida watched how wine was made. She followed the process keenly while Monica just tagged along. Papi brought out a bottle of wine and asked them to have a taste. Farida gladly did. She loved it but a gulp was enough for her. Monica nursed her wine until they were ready to leave. Farida compelled Monica to help in packaging the processed wine which she did. They went home with cartons of wine.

At the weekend, Monica’s mother was available. A housekeeper came in three times a week. Farida helped do the cleaning on other days. Monica was forced to help and in the process learnt to do some house chores. When Farida attacked her on not knowing how to do household chores, Monica explained her father never wanted her to do them because of the wickedness exhibited by her stepmother. Any form of house chore was punishment on her. So, she didn’t learn. And they had maids who did most of the work.

“You need to learn. A woman is responsible for taking care of the home”

“My mother doesn’t do house chores. Papi does most of the cooking while mom handles her business”

“A woman should know how to do basic house chores. If you don’t know how to sweep or mop and your maid walks out on you, what do you do?”

“Ask for a replacement immediately”

“While waiting, your children trip from the mess on the floor and injure themselves, who is to blame? Monica, do not take simple things for granted. It costs you nothing to learn these things”

“Agreed. I will learn the basics”

And she did. She also joined Farida to learn how to cook Papi’s delicious dishes which excited him. Farida cooked some of Monica’s local delicacies. Monica’s mother couldn’t believe Farida cooked it. She begged Farida to teach Monica how to cook it too.

“I will like Monica to marry an Ibibio man. Ibibio men love food. She needs to learn how to satisfy her man through his stomach”

“But ma, when you were married to an Ibibio man, you were very unhappy but now you are married to a white man, you are soaring. Why would you choose an Ibibio man for Monica with your experience?”

“My dear, there are many Ibibio men who are kind, respectful and rich. I was just unfortunate with the husband that came my way. I pray every day my daughter will not encounter someone like her father. The new wife is staying because she loves the money and is willing to be disrespected. He saw me when I was just eighteen, fresh out of secondary school. He wooed me but being that back then you must discuss with the girl’s family directly, he went to my family. He was well known in our community so it was an honour to have him ask for my hand in marriage. He made promises to me which he never kept. He refused me furthering my education because he felt male students will share me with him. Still, he embarrassed me for a lack of education. He called me unintelligent and unsmart. I don’t want to talk about the women. He belittled me. I lost my self-esteem. I knew if I didn’t leave, I would kill myself and this time for real so I left. It took years to find my feet but I did. I love my husband but he doesn’t understand or value our culture. He actually doesn’t care. He just wants me to be happy. He has given me all the support I need to grow my business. I shouldn’t have listened to Monica’s father. I should have gone ahead to study and call his bluff. I was naïve then but not anymore”

Farida listened with keen interest. Monica’s father, on the outside, didn’t look or sound like what his first wife described. But she could see the traits in the way he dealt with the second wife. But, she was happy with her current husband. For the three weeks, they were in their house, they never quarrelled, had an argument or ignored each other. All seemed rosy.

The second week of their stay, they went to spend a weekend at Disneyland Paris. They lodged in a beautiful hotel. Farida and Monica shared a room which was exciting. When they went down to join Papi and Monica’s mom, Sam was there. Farida was uncomfortable having Sam with them; it showed. Monica was surprised he joined them. Papi didn’t mention anything about inviting him. They went sightseeing and had a lot of fun. Farida got much more attention than she usually did. People walked up to her to admire her and take pictures with her. Most times she dragged Monica into the picture with her. Sam took pictures of them as they went on their adventure. Monica’s mother wasn’t happy Farida was repeating clothes so she took them shopping.

An observation Farida made was the closeness between mother and son. It was evident Sam loved his mother and she loved him in return. Monica was closer to Papi. Why did this happen? She knew mothers were closer to their sons but in her case, she was closer to her mother. Monica had no relationship with her mother. Farida wondered why. When she probed, she discovered Monica couldn’t stand her mother’s criticism. She complained about Monica’s weight, choice of clothes, friends and any other things she could criticize. Papi never allowed her to do that when he is present but once he is absent, she goes into overdrive. She also compared her to others which Monica disliked. She compared her to Farida. Farida didn’t like it at all. In as much as what her mother was saying was true, she said it in a condescending manner which affected Monica. This made her rebellious to her mother. She didn’t want to listen to anything the woman said. Iya Farida had told Farida during one of their conversations not to get involved in their matter but rather encourage Monica to be the best she could be. When mother and daughter are alone with Farida, tensions always flew. Monica had an answer to whatever her mother said and it was never said respectfully.

Sam tried to talk to Farida but she didn’t encourage it. Any time he tried to catch her alone, Monica suddenly appeared. It was like she was a monitoring spirit. Farida really didn’t want to be alone with Sam. She could still remember him taking advantage of her and she didn’t want a repeat so she does not disrespect him. Eventually, he used Papi to distract Monica while he had a chat with Farida.

“I know you do not like me right now but I want to share something with you. I think you should be the first to know. The pictures I took of you at the seaside in the village were viewed by a friend in the UK who loved them and asked to showcase some of them in his gallery. I need your permission to be able to that as you have not seen the pictures yourself”

“Really? Showcase my pictures? Why would he want to do that? I’m not a model”

“You are but you don’t know it. It’s inborn. You have many gifts. I wish you could see what you are capable of. Will you like to see the pictures?”

“I will love to”

Sam brought out a big envelope and handed it to Farida saying, “these are your copies of all the pictures. I separated the ones he liked”

“Thank you”

“There is one more thing. I am sorry for my behaviour the last time. I want to make a promise to you today, I will never treat you like that ever again. I will not do anything to you without your full permission. Please Farida forgive me and halt your police dog; she is making my life unbearable”

Farida laughed when he said police dog. Monica must be giving a hard time in her absence. “You are forgiven as long as you do not try what you did again. I will talk to Monica”

“Thank you. Can we still do lunch? I mean the one I asked for. When we get back to Lagos, I really want to get to know you but I promise to respect you”

“It’s my final year and I want to dedicate all my time into putting in my best in my academics. So, I will have to turn you down until after my final year examinations. Then, I will think about it”

“I will take your word. Don’t forget to call off Monica. I want us to be as free as we were in the village before this happened”

“I will”

Farida tossed the envelope in her box. She intended to look at them in her free time. She told Monica Sam had apologised. Monica said it was not heartfelt. She begged her to back down so they could develop their friendship again

Monica’s mom took them shopping. Monica was not excited about it but agreed to go when Papi said he would be joining them. Farida was asked to pick whatever she wanted and she picked a few clothes.

“No, pick more clothes. You have a beautiful figure so pick clothes that will emphasis it. Why are you hiding your body shape in drag clothes? Let me select for you” She went ahead to select some clothes and wouldn’t hear no. She made Farida model in them. She completely ignored Monica. She selected the ones she liked and paid for them.

Monica paid her no heed as she knew Farida would not wear those clothes; she was just being polite. They were to leave in three days and her mother had a meeting the next day in America. She wouldn’t be back before they left. She knew she was using Farida to make her feel bad about herself but she refused to be consumed by it anymore. She just smiled at her stupidity.

Back in Germany, the next morning, Monica asked Farida to get dressed as they were going shopping on their own. They shopped at the mall for Farida, her mother and brothers. Monica spared no expense and Farida wondered where she got the money from. She had to stop her and ask her what was going on.

“Father gave me money for our shopping. Papi also gave me additional money as we were leaving. We can’t finish half of what we have”

“Must we spend everything? I wanted us to return the clothes your mother bought for me yesterday. You know very well I can’t wear them. I didn’t want to appear ungrateful that’s why I kept mute. The jeans, tops and a few of the clothes are ok but those short dresses are a no no for me”

“I know already. We can do that tomorrow. Let’s shop for our things”

“There are sales everywhere. Why can’t we buy some of these items for sale in school? Let’s start our business just before we graduate. We can open a boutique around school since you travel a lot and you have a good eye for fashion”

“I think you have a better eye Farida. Opening a business is not a bad idea but it is capital intensive. We have to pay rent for the shop, set up the place and all that. It’s our final year, we don’t have time for that”

“I agree we will do it after our final exams but we will sell some items we buy on sale here once we resume. We have more than enough money to start a boutique. We need to spend less on frivolities and invest in the business. You know the designer names and what is in the season so you are in the best position to make purchases. We can start on our own and as the business expands, we can call for investments. But we will start on our own”

Monica thought about it. They could go into business together. She knew she could trust Farida. She agreed for them to purchase some items on sale. Their hands were full by the time they got back to the house. They decided against returning the Items Monica’s mother bought for her and instead decided to replace them with items she was comfortable with and sell those ones.

They left Germany for Lagos. They received hugs and pecks from Papi and two envelopes. Each envelope had €1,000 in it. This was a lot of money. Monica hugged and pecked Papi while Farida knelt down to appreciate him. She knew it was from his heart.

Iya Farida was at the airport to pick Farida. When Farida saw her mother, she ran into her arms before kneeling down to greet her. Monica also greeted her. They all went home to Farida’s house where Iya Farida had made rice, goat meat stew and plantain. Monica enjoyed the food even with the pepper. She was sniffing and eating. She relaxed with them for two hours before going home. She was going to a boring house.

Iya Farida had her graduation. She insisted it must be lowkey. Farida still cooked food they took to the venue. Monica and brother Chris were the only invitees. After the graduation, iya Farida was surprised to meet guests in the house. People came to celebrate with her. Farida shared packed food to them. Iya Farida didn’t know what she had done was an achievement. Next was a university degree.

Monica sold out the clothes even before school resumed. Her friends bought them at the price tag she placed on them. She couldn’t believe she had such skills. She told Farida about it and they mad more than 100% profit.

“We have to look for a way to get these items without travelling. If we add the cost of the trip for both of us, we will make no profit”

“We can’t travel together then, or we will have to look for how to get the clothes way cheaper”

“Two good eyes are better than one. We will travel together. I will make my research and we will travel there for our next holiday”

“That’s good. In the meantime, where do we keep our money?”

“Don’t worry; it is safe with me”

FARIDA Episode 24 by Oge’s Stories

Farida found the envelope when she was preparing to go back to school. She opened it and found beautiful pictures of her in another envelope. She was shocked at the way she looked in the pictures. She quickly picked the other pictures; she could relive her Akwa Ibom experience again.

She showed her mother and brothers the pictures. She was able to share her experience with them pictorially. It was fun to see everywhere as Farida described it.

“Who is this?” Maami asked.

“Monica’s brother”

“He is tall and handsome. Not like his father, Monica is like her father. Where was this taken?”

Because there were a lot of pictures, Farida did not see this particular picture. She looked at the picture and saw when Sam saved her from his cousins. Who took the picture? Was a picture also taken of the kiss? Farida couldn’t afford her mother seeing that picture or her trips with Monica will end. She answered her and stylishly collected the pictures from her. She gave her a fresh batch to look at. She took those pictures to hide away. When she later looked at the pictures, the picture of the kiss wasn’t there but there were pictures of them sitting closely. Maami won’t have liked it. It dawned on her she was now hiding things from maami. She didn’t think it was right but what maami did not know wouldn’t hurt her.

Ahmad and Akram passed both WAEC and Jamb. Maami was so happy that she danced all over the place. They made As in their five compulsory WAEC subjects. They were just waiting for admission list. Everywhere maami went, she was congratulated for singlehandedly raising three brilliant children. They had enough for the two boys to go to school. Unlike Farida, they did not make all As so they didn’t qualify for the SNEPCO scholarship .

Luckily, a man who was born and raised in Mushin had the opportunity to travel abroad and improve his life. He came back to give back to the community that raised him. He wanted to sponsor students who lived in Mushin, did very well academically and wanted to further their education. Ahmad and Akram went for the examination. Both of them topped the list because they worked hard preparing for the examinations. The man came to their house himself to see the twins that topped his list of beneficiaries. The first person he saw was Farida. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He asked her for the boys and she led him into her home. He explained why he was there. Tears of joy flowed from Iya Farida’s face while the siblings danced in excitement.

“Madam, you should be proud of your sons. They have made you proud”

“I am sir. These are tears of joy. I was wondering how four of us will cope in the university at the same time as I have also gained admission into Unilag for my part time studies. I had to go job hunting so at least a better income will come in. Now two of them have received scholarships just like their sister. I am happy; very happy. God bless you for this initiative”

“Your daughter is in the university?”

“Yes sir”

He turned to Farida, “What school are you in?”

“I am in my final year, University of Lagos”.

“That’s great. What are you studying?”

“Economics and statistics”

“And you already on scholarship?”

“Yes, I have two scholarships. One is from Shell”

“Final year? How old are you?”

“I will be 21 soon”

“You look younger. What is your GPA?”

“I have been on first class since year one”

“I am proud of you. I would love to sponsor your Masters degree abroad. Call me so I will tell you where I am so we can talk”

“Ok sir.”

He turned to Iya Farida, “Do you have a means of identification? I want to issue you the cheques for their scholarship. They won N50,000 each for their tenure in the university”

“I do not have but my daughter does, she has an international passport. You can issue the cheque in her name”

“Write down your full names as is on the passport. This is my card. Come on Monday to pick up the cheques. Just bring the passport”

Farida received the complimentary card and thanked him. After he left, there was jubilation. N100,000 would tide the boys through school as they were in Federal universities.

On Monday morning, Farida waited for Monica to meet with them at Maryland. Maami insisted one of the boys go with her to collect the cheque while Farida called Monica to make withdrawal of the money safe.

“Why not pay it into your account?” Monica asked

“Into which account? I don’t have an account’.

“Then, why don’t you withdraw it and open an account with the money?”

“I think I will do that”

“Better”

When they got to the address the man gave, they discovered it was a hotel in Ikeja. Farida called him. He asked her to come up to his room. She declined saying she couldn’t possibly do that. He insisted. Monica encouraged them to go. When he answered the door, the man was surprised to see the three of them. He thought Farida would come alone. His countenance changed. He offered them seats and went in to dress up as he came to answer the door in a bathrobe.

He didn’t have a choice but to attend to them. Farida gave him her international passport for him to write the cheques. He held on to it and was talking to someone on the phone loudly. He was talking about money he made which ran into millions. They were not interested in his conversation. When he was through, Monica asked him to kindly hurry up as her driver had other errands to run.

“I thought you were from a poor family. You don’t look it. Who did you come with” he asked Farida.

“She is my best friend Monica. She is from a wealthy home. I didn’t know this place so I asked her to bring me”

“I think you should come back for the cheques another day since you are in a haste. I will hold on to the passport; when the cheques are ready, I will call you”

Monica wasn’t having anymore of the man’s bullshit. It was obvious what he had in mind. When Farida called him, he redirected her to this address without telling her it was a hotel. Why would he want to see a young girl in a hotel room alone?

“Sir, if you do not want to issue her the cheques as was intended right now, please can we have the international passport back so we can go”

“Are you no longer interested in the scholarship?” he asked Akram who came with them. Before he could answer Monica responded.

“These boys legitimately passed a scholarship examination organized by you. They didn’t sit together but had the first and second positions. It is obvious you are interested in their sister and want to play with your integrity. Do not let me mess you up. Farida may be naive but I am not. The moment you came to the door in a bathrobe, I knew your intent. Farida is smarter than you think. You thought she would come alone as she had not mentioned coming with anyone. Her mother would never allow her meet a man she doesn’t know alone. I have been watching the way you look at her. It is either you issue the cheques and we leave right away or you return the international passport”

“You are very disrespectful. How can you suggest I had bad intentions?”

“Can I have the passport?” Monica snatched it from and said to a dazed Akram and Farida, “Let’s go”

Akram was heartbroken. They thought that aspect had been sorted out. Farida was more concerned about what happened up there. If she had gone alone, what could have happened? She was grateful to maami who insisted she goes with Akram alongside Monica. The money was her least worry as they could manage with what they had.

The driver took them off their route to Victoria Island. Monica said she wanted to make a quick stop before taking them home. All through the journey she was busy on her phone. When they got there, she took them up an elevator to the fourth floor. The staff of the company greeted her as she walked past them to a door which had GMD written on it. As they walked through the door, the secretary stood up to greet her.

“Is he in?”

“Yes, he is. You can go in”

They walked through the door and into a massive office. Sitting behind a mahogany table was Monica’s father. He welcomed them and offered them seats.

“

Congratulations Akram and your brother Ahmad. Farida, I am sure your mother must be very proud of her children. All of you won scholarships”

“Yes sir”

“Monica told me what happened. Unfortunately, what you experienced is common these days. Men take advantage of those they can intimidate and conjure. I am happy you did not fall victim. Here is the sum of N100,000 which was promised your brothers. Immediately Monica mentioned it to me via text, I offered them the scholarship because they deserve it”

Akram and Farida looked at each other in disbelief and looked back at Monica and then her father.

Farida was first to speak. “We can not possibly accept this. We can manage sir. You have done so much for us. We appreciate but we cannot possibly take this offer”

‘Well, you can because it is not coming from me. We have a foundation which gives scholarship to intelligent students to the tune of N100,000. I told them what happened and they were willing to give them the N100,000. A letter is attached”

Akram laid flat on the floor to thank him while his sister went on her knees. Monica was shocked at the gesture especially Akram’s.

“I am proud of your mother. I thought she trained you well as a girl but I can see she trained all of you very well. Your brothers deserve the scholarship and more”

Farida was upset with Monica for not discussing with her first but Monica knew she would decline. They went back home.

At home, Farida narrated everything to maami. Maami was offended. She felt Farida and Akram shouldn’t have collected the money from Monica’s father. She dressed up and went to the school who had suggested Akram and Ahmad for the scholarship examination to report what happened. The principal was disappointed in the man. He apologized to Iya Farida.

Farida on her own wondered what the man wanted to do to her. Would he have forced after she entered the room? There was no way she would have entered the room if she had seen him in bathrobe. Monica made her enter. She realised she had to be very cautious; men could not be trusted.

A week later, the man was at their house with the principal. Farida had resumed school by then. He explained to Iya Farida (even though she didn’t believe him) that he had no intention of harming Farida. He claimed to be just busy that day so he couldn’t issue the cheques. He handed her the cheques and said they won the scholarship fair and square and deserved to have it. Iya Farida told him another foundation had given them scholarship but he insisted on them having his too.

When Farida heard it, she was amazed. She got double scholarship and now her brothers have gotten the same both fully paid for. Her mother kept saying, “When your ways are right with Allah, he will order your footsteps aright”. Now she believed it.

FARIDA Episode 25 by Oge’s Stories

Farida was the undisputed best graduating student of the department and even faculty. Monica was graduating with a first class. Farida and Monica were inseparable during their final year. They went to class together, came back together, and went back for night class from the day they resumed lectures; they never missed it. The period was tough on Monica so she lost a lot of weight. Farida actually helped her with it by making sure they walked to and from class. They fasted together during the Ramadan and afterwards, Monica fell in love with her new figure. Farida hoped Monica will maintain the figure and she did. She started swimming during the first semester holidays which helped tone her body.

Farida waited for Monica outside her examination hall while she was writing her final papers. Monica had waited for her when she wrote hers the day before so she was reciprocating. After the exams, she stood by the door while students filed out. She saw a face which looked very familiar. The person was talking to someone and didn’t see her. She walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder to be sure. He turned around and saw her. He smiled at her.

“Wale? This can’t be you. What are you doing here?” Farida asked obviously baffled.

“Hi Farida. It has been a long time. Congratulations on your graduation”

“I asked a question. I saw you come out of that lecture room. What are you doing here?”

“I am or rather was a student here” he replied laughing.

“You attended unilag and I never knew?”

“You asked me to disappear and I did”

“This is unbelievable!”

Monica sighted Farida talking to a guy. She looked confused. She went to meet her. As she tapped Farida, she turned and gave her a hug. She introduced Monica.

“Do you remember a guy I told you about; his name is Wale? The one Wura and Aisha created a scene over?”

“Yes, I remember. Is he the one?” Monica asked.

“In the flesh” Farida replied.

“I know him. He is my coursemate. He was the one wh……”

“No, Monica” he stopped her. “It was nice seeing you again Farida. How are maami and the boys”

“They are fine. The boys are in university now”

“That’s great. Please give them my regards. I have to run now” he left them.

Farida could not believe she just saw Wale after how many years. How could he have been right under her nose and she never saw him? He was even Monica’s course mate. He couldn’t be in a place and not be known. He had to have friends who tagged around him. He had to live big. So, how come he wasn’t popular on campus?

“So that’s the Wale Aisha was killing herself for. Hmm, such a small world”

“Do you know him?”

“He is my course mate. He is quiet and mature. I think he is older than us”

“Yes, by a year or so”

“He acts way older. He doesn’t talk to anyone in class, he stays by himself. It was in 200l I became friends with him because of his SUV, he drives a Toyota four runner. We were in the same group for an assignment, we fixed a time at night to meet but he said he couldn’t make it as he comes from home. We had to meet by 5pm so he could go home. That was when I noticed the SUV. He told me he lodges in the guest house during exams when I ran into him during night tutorials. He is a very brilliant guy. Doesn’t talk too much”

“I don’t think we are talking about the same person. The Wale I know is not calm. He loves to have friends around. He likes the world to know he is a big boy”

“Not this guy. Probably he has changed. You know we get mature as we age. I think he did. He is a cute guy. He looked genuinely happy to see you. Are you sure he is not still into you?”

“Into who? We were just friends and nothing more. He never asked me out. We didn’t have a relationship rather friendship”

‘You sound bitter. What did he do?”

“It was because of him Aisha disgraced me and I couldn’t stand up for myself. I learnt to defend myself from that experience. I can never forget what Aisha did to me. Today, I am a graduate of Economics and Statistics. Nobody can take that away from me”

“And he is a graduate of Accounting. Both of you make a good match although he is shorter than you but you are tall”

“Match for what? Please, I am going to dust my WAEC certificate to apply for Law immediately”

‘I thought we were travelling for our Masters’ degree together”

“Let us set up the boutique then we will go in turns for the Masters’ degree”

‘We are going to school of business even before we serve. I told dad we are starting a business together and I would like us to attend a Business School and he accepted. Although he said he felt you had better potential in Economic reforms and policy making. He believes you shouldn’t deviate from your core competence. When I told him how we became friends, he was shocked. He was also impressed that you are multi-talented. We will start the business and also pursue careers”

‘That is not bad at all. We will do it but we will serve before we go anywhere. My mother won’t allow me travel for further studies without going for youth service”

‘No problem then. Where do you want to serve?”

“I don’t know. Where do you suggest? I want a place with opportunities”

“Abuja?”

“It won’t be bad”

‘Abuja it is”

———————————————————————————–

During the convocation, Farida received awards from her department and faculty. Maami, her brothers, brother Chris, and Madam Joyce were present. She graduated with a first class. She won several other awards. She was so proud of her achievements.

Monica’s parents were present along with Sam and Papi who flew in on the special invitation of Monica. Monica refused to see her mother until that day. They were all shocked when she was called out amongst those with first class honours. They were all surprised when she was the seventh person on the list. She flunked her first year hanging with Wura and co but found her bearing with Farida. Her mother watched a new Monica walk up the podium to receive her certificate. She was slender and taller. She looked different. She was a beautiful swan.

Two positions ahead of Monica was Wale. Farida could not believe how well he had done. So truly Wale had changed? Wale gave her the first experience she had with wealth but Monica topped it all. She was quite impressed with Wale’s transformation. She saw his mother with her friends wearing aso ebi. Who sells aso ebi for their son’s convocation? She must be a proud mother. Farida’s two good friends had made it and she felt proud. Her mother had told her that morning before the convocation that she attracted the kind of people she desired around her. She hoped to keep it that way.

After the ceremony, the families found spots for them to stay to eat and have some fun. Iya Farida officially met Monica’s family. Monica was on another planet. She was so proud of herself. She refused to give her mother attention. Her stepmother hired a caterer who set up for them. Farida on her own part woke up very early and worked with the women hired to cook. She organized those that would serve the food. She had enough take away plates. Everyone was settled, eating and happy.

Monica dragged Wale to where Farida was.

“See who the cat dragged in”

“Congratulations Farida. I always knew you would make us proud” Wale said.

“Thank you. And congratulations to you too. To be honest, I am so impressed with your transformation. I am proud of the man you have become”

“You made me this man. Have you forgotten all you taught me? I owe you all I have achieved. Would you mind meeting my father? He knows all about you. He is here today”

“I wouldn’t have minded meeting him but I don’t want to receive credit for what I didn’t do. I only advised you just like I did Monica and you rolled with it. Why give me the credit?”

“I will still like you to meet him”

Monica added quickly, “Go with him. He wants you to meet his father”

Farida went with him. His father was in the company of another man. Wale signaled to him and came over.

“Who is this damsel? Is this our wife?” Wale’s father asked.

“Dad, this is Farida” Wale replied.

“Farida? Farida who?”

“The Farida I told you about”

“Oh, oh, oh. Our Farida. How are you my dear?”

Farida had a smile on her face as the man made to embrace her but she gave him her side. Wale had smiled at his father rush of emotions. He understood. He understood his heartbreak when Farida ended it. It took courage not to come back and beg her. She helped him get on the right track. His father took over from her. He encouraged him every day. When he changed to unilag, it was mainly to be close to Farida and also because of work. His father trusted his opinion. He was a new being. He refused to stay on campus so he wouldn’t stray. His father gifted him the Toyota four runner when he concluded the Abuja mega filling station. In school, he knew he was a big boy but he didn’t need to show it. He knew Monica and also knew she was best friends with Farida. He missed Farida. He wished they could be friends again but this time, he wanted it to come from her. The only thing he heard his father say was,

“You have to bring her to the house so I can meet her properly”

Farida took Wale to greet maami. Maami was shocked but excited seeing him. They exchanged pleasantriesand he promised to come around if Farida wouldn’t mind.

As they walked away from maami, Sam walked up to them. He took off his sunglasses and said, “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you”

“Hi Sam. Meet my friend Wale, Wale meet Monica’s brother Sam”

“Hello” Wale said as he stretched out his hand. Sam took it reluctantly. He was pissed Farida introduced him as Monica’s brother and not her friend. Who was this guy? She seemed very comfortable with him. Sam didn’t like it.

“Farida, can I see you for a minute” Sam asked.

Wale, sensing he had just been dismissed, excused himself and left.

“What were you looking for me for?” Farida asked.

“Who is that guy?”

“He’s an old friend. Why were you looking for me?”

“I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. I got you a gift”

“A gift? What for?”

“A graduation gift”

“Ok. It wasn’t necessary to be honest and I can only accept or reject it after I have seen it”

He brought out a small rectangular wrapped box. Farida opened it. It was a case. She opened the case and saw the most beautiful bracelet she had ever seen. It was a charm bracelet made in gold. She loved it at sight. Sam could see the love in her eyes for it. He brought it out and wore it on her wrist. She stared at it.

Then she said, “I shouldn’t accept this but I must confess, it’s the best gift I have ever received”

Sam felt like the world had come to a standstill for him. She knew how to make a man feel good. He was no longer worried about the other guy he saw her with. She appreciated his gift and it was the best.She asked him to unclip it for her so she doesn’t lose it.

Wale watched them from a distance. Obviously, the guy was good at wooing women. Farida was not a materialistic girl but the guy seemed to know how to get her. From where he stood, he could see the bracelet was beautiful. He felt someone pat his shoulders. His father whispered to him, “She will be yours some day soon. Trust me”

#OpraDre FARIDA 2

To be continued

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