Chapter 11: Chapter 11

It was the end of the academic session and Fola finally went home.

Her father was absent when she got home and her mother used the opportunity to talk to her on how to conduct herself when he comes back.

When her father came back, they hugged and teased each other.

Two days later, Fola met her father in the sitting room reading a newspaper and she began, "Daddy, I missed you so much while in school", and her father smiled.

"I missed you too but you refused to come home despite my insistence."

"Dad, I did that because of my academics so I won't be distracted", she replied.

"I trust my daughter. She doesn't joke with her studies", her father said with pride.

"Daddy, there is something I want us to talk about", she diverted.

"I'm all ears", he replied without raising his head.

"First of all, I want to ask a question", she remarked.

"Ok?"

"Daddy, did you take any money from Olamide's father for my upkeep in school?", she asked in a polite way.

Her father looked up from the newspaper and dropped his glasses. He folded his arm over his chest and said: "I thought you said you don't need it, why then are you asking now?"

"I just want to know", she responded.

"Oh! Yes I did. He usually sends #50,000 every month. My ATM is in my drawer in case you need the money.... I did not touch it", he commented.

"Why dad?", Fola asked, putting her hands on her forehead.

Misinterpreting her question, he responded: "I did not touch it because I was keeping it for your future or probably when you realise......"

"Daddy, why did you take the money from him?", she interrupted.

"Why do you keep asking me that? Please let me be, I have no time for your nonsense", he said and picked up his glasses and newspaper to continue reading.

"My father has succeeded in selling me off. Dad, you told me the other day that I am priceless, didn't you? Why then are you making me look cheap to Olamide and his father. Daddy, you are not just selling me, you are also selling your dignity, my pride and my future as well as your own ego", Mr. Obed looked up at his daughter and saw tears in her eyes. "My life is shattered."

"Fola, don't say that", he said apologetically.

"Daddy it's the truth, I don't have a future any longer. My dreams and vision will be unachievable the moment I marry that boy", she said sobbing.

"Fola, why can't you understand me for once?"

"Daddy, I now believe the fact that I am an unwanted child. If that is not the case, you wouldn't want to sell me off just so you can have an heir", she blurted furiously.

"Fola.........."

"Daddy", she said trying to calm herself down. "I am not going to school again so please return the money", she finished and fled to her room.

Mr. Obed followed and met his daughter weeping.

"Fola, I am not doing this because I want Olamide to be my heir. The fact still remains that I didn't birth him. You are my only child and you will always be, nothing will change that. Fola, please don't stop your education, not at this level. You are our only hope, your mother and I are relying on you to put an end to our sufferings'', he pleaded.

"Daddy, you always treat mum with contempt just because she didn't give birth to a boy. Whereas, you are the one to be blamed not her."

"How?", he asked curiously.

"A man has an X and Y chromosomes while a woman has an X and X chromosomes. If the Y chromosome is being released by the man to fertilize the egg, the baby resulting from this will be a boy. On the other hand, if the man releases (spermatozoon) X chromosomes to fertilize the egg, the baby will be a girl", she explained in between sobs.

"Fola, please try to understand me. I don't blame your mother for anything and I know that all that you've said is factual. Leave that aside and let's focus on how to tackle the issue on ground."

"Daddy, have I ever been disobedient to you before all these?"

"Fola, you have been a good girl. I understand your point and I want you to understand mine", he uttered bitterly.

"Folake", Mrs. Obed called. She stood by the door looking at father and daughter.

"Olamide is here to see you, he is in the sitting room", she finished and left.

Fola sighed deeply and laid on the bed. Her father stood looking at her. He was about to say something when Fola spoke up.

"Daddy, why do you treat mum like trash if it's not for the fact that she couldn't give you a male child?"

"Like trash? My dear, you are getting the wrong idea of me. Or could it be your mother has been filling your ears with these ideas", he said sitting beside her.

"Daddy, I am now an adult and I have eyes. I can see all that is going on between you two. You don't treat her with love. When was the last time you even bought her a gift? Do you even know mummy is trying to conceive again to see if she can give you the heir you have ever wanted? No, you don't and she is doing that to make you happy despite the doctor's advice", she sat up and said in one breath.

"What?!", Mr Obed exclaimed. "But.......", he stammered with guilt.

Fola wore her slippers, cleaned her tears and stood up to go out. "I am off to see my future husband."

"Fola", he called after her, still sitting down and looking sullen. Fola stopped walking and looked back at him.

"Conduct yourself before Olamide. We would talk better when he is gone."

Fola nodded and went out. She moved slowly with her arms below her bosom and she saw him sitted on the couch opposite the television.

His attention was on the television as Fola's eyes roamed his outfit. He was looking calm in his clean white T-shirt and black trousers with a suede shoe. Fola scoffed and said within herself, 'Must this man always show-off with his designer's shoe and cloth?'

"Good day Mister", she said to announce her presence.

"Hey good day, how are you doing?", he asked with a grin.

'Fake smile', she thought before saying, "I am good, to whom do I owe this surprise visit?"

"Dad told me you came back two days ago so I decided to come see you before I resume work next week", he replied standing up.

"You can sit", she said with a tone of authority as she sat down too.

There was absolute silence and Fola could see him peeking at her from her peripheral view. 'My patience is wearing off. I don't know why I despise him so much. I can't even bear being soft on him for a second', she said within her.

"What are you thinking about?", he inquired, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Nothing", she replied. "So why are you here?", she took her eyes off the TV and rested her eyes on him.

Olamide muttered, "I am here to ask for a favour."

"Favour? I don't have any favour to offer you Mr pompous, I am a small girl, remember?", she uttered with sarcasm.

Fola's statement wiped off the smile on Olamide's face and she smiled to herself muttering, 'Fola you are a bad girl'

Olamide was silent for a while before saying: "Folake, I want you to give me a chance in your life. I am willing to change but I can't do that without you by my side. I am sorry for whatsoever wrong I might have done. The favour I want to ask is if you can possibly go out with me later tonight."

"I don't go out at night, sorry", she replied vehemently.

"Please.......", he pleaded.

Remembering her father's words, she said "I will think about it."

"Alright, thank you. Right now, I have somewhere to go so see you later tonight", he stood up.

He was peering at her closely and waited for an affirmative look from her.

"Olamide, my son, how have you been?", Fola's father asked, coming out from Fola's room.

"I am fine sir. How do you do too?"

"As you can see, I am well. Are you going already?", he asked Olamide.

"Yes sir, I need to be somewhere now but I will be back later in the evening to take Fola out. Am I permitted sir?", he requested.

"Of course you are", Mr. Obed laughed, hitting him on the shoulder in a playful manner.

"Thank you sir, I need to go now.'

"Fola, see your fiance off", her father ordered.

Fola frowned and stood up to see him off. His car was a BMW concept 24 coupe painted red.

"Take care love. See you later", he said hopping into his car and zoomed off without waiting for a reply.

"Take care love, see you later", Fola mimicked on her way back to the house.

Fola got back to her room and heard the sound of her phone ringing. She searched all around for it but couldn't find it because it had stopped ringing.

Immediately it started ringing again, she traced the sound and she found the phone under her bed.

"How did it get here?" she asked.

She got a hold of the phone and the ringing stopped. "Who could be calling?", she asked again. She unlocked the phone and Bolu's name appeared on the screen.

"Two missed call from Bolu, oh God! I am a bad friend. I haven't contacted her since I came back", she said again as she hurriedly dialled Bolu's number.

"Babe, don't be annoyed with me", she said to Bolu.

"Chill! How far?", Bolu asked.

"How you dey?"

"You don enter town?", Bolu asked.

"Yes babes."

"So what's up?"

"Nothing much. Just preparing to go out with Olamide tonight."

Bolu whistled and whispered, "Really? What do you intend to wear?"

"My normal clothes na", replied Fola.

"Idiot, you won't wear those long old Stone age clothes of yours to your first date", Bolu insulted.

"It's not a date", replied Fola.

"You know what? I am coming right away" she said and hung up.

20 minutes later, a bike stopped in front of their house and Bolu came bustling in. She met Mrs. Obed on her way out and greeted her.

"How are you doing my dear?", she asked Bolu.

"Fine mummy", she replied.

"How is your mother's health?"

"She is getting better, all thanks to God."

"Tell her that I am sorry for not coming over to see her for a while now. It's just that I have been so busy since your friend entered the university. Her father and I have been up and doing to ensure her comfort in school. In fact, right now, I am on my way to the market to sell these bedspread", she said.

"I understand mummy and I will extend your greetings to her when I get back home", Bolu said.

"Alright bye....tell her I will come see her soon", she uttered as she proceeded out.

"I will", Bolu replied and entered through the front door to the sitting room.

The sitting room was empty and she rushed to enter Fola's room.

"Babes", she called out, opening the door.

"How far", said the sleepy Fola laying on the bed.

"What are you still doing laying on the bed", she asked her.

"Immediately after our call, I slept off."

"Come on, get up let's go shopping", Bolu stated dragging her up.

"What?!", she exclaimed wide-eyed. "There is no need for that. I will search for a good dress to wear."

"No way", Bolu said, still dragging her.

Despite Fola's protest, Bolu was able to force her out of her room and they quickly took a bike to a nearby store. Bolu selected a blue short gown for Fola which was Fola's favourite colour.

"Bolu, this dress is short, I don't like it."

"You dare not", Bolu answered absent-minded looking through the shoe section. She picked up a black shiny flip flop shoe from the shoe section and threw it at Fola who was able to catch it by sheer luck.

Bolu proceeded to make the payment, turning deaf ear to Fola's ranting and walked out of the store.

Fola gasped seeing the receipt. "#25,000?", she ran after her friend and gave her a hug from behind.

"Thank you", she yelled.

"Crazy babe! Do you want to block my eardrums?", she retorted.

"Thank you", Fola repeated.

"For?", she asked, pretending.

"The dress of course. I will wear it, don't worry."

"Whatever. Let's go back to the house so I can do your hair before It's time", Bolu checked her wristwatch as she spoke. "It's almost 2pm, let's go", she dragged Fola.

They got back to Fola's place and Bolu mde her hair. They had lunch after that and gisted till it was evening.

"What time is your boyfriend coming?"

Fola rolled her eyes and replied, "He is not my boyfriend, silly."

"Ok, what time is your to-be boyfriend coming?", she corrected and laughed.

"I forgot to ask", Fola said, scratching her head.

"What?!", Bolu exclaimed. "You are a big time idiot."

"You better shut your mouth, silly girl. You know I am your senior", Fola replied trying to put up an act.

"Weldone, senior woman. You better stand up now so I can do your makeup or else I will show you who the senior is here", she answered pulling her tongue out at Fola mockingly.

"You are a pain.....", Fola uttered.

"But you love me", she replied grinning.

"Unfortunately, I do", she replied faking sadness and they both laughed.

"I need to be out of here by 6:30pm. I need to help Biodun with some stuff."

"Ok, I will come over tomorrow morning. I hope the night goes well and I don't end up throwing a tantrum like I always do."

"It will, don't be nervous. I feel Olamide is a good guy and he is also good looking too", Bolu assured.

Fola sneered and asked, "So you know him?"

"Who doesn't know the handsome and hot Olamide Garba?", she questioned rhetorically.

Bolu straightened up to take a mascara from Fola's dressing table before bending slightly to continue the magic she was doing on Fola's face.

Then, she asked, "Do you know he has six packs?"

Fola pushed her to the bed and Bolu shrieked in laughter. "You are a bad girl'. How did you know that?", Fola asked with curiosity.

"Ask google", she replied, still laughing.

At exactly 6:00p.m, Bolu was done with the make over and Fola gasped when she looked into the mirror. "Is this really me?", she asked.

"No it's me", Bolu said packing up. "If that guy doesn't trip for you today and feels like eating you up, then it means he is gay."

Fola gave a short laugh. "Thank you dear. God bless you."

"You are welcome love", she answered and smiled.

They bade each other goodbye and Fola quickly got dressed. Olamide drove in at exactly 7p.m and Fola pretended like she was still getting dressed.

Few minutes later, her mother called from the sitting room for her to come out. She picked up her purse and wore her flip-flop before going out.

"Good evening", she said when she entered the sitting room.

Olamide stood up and couldn't help but admire the beauty in front of him. They both bade Fola's parent goodbye.

They got to where the car was parked and he opened the door for her before going over to the driver's seat. There was absolute silence as he drove. He kept stealing glances at her while Fola kept a straight face.

Unable to hold back his thoughts, he voiced out finally. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you", she replied without looking at him.

Another session of silence ensued till they got to Disney Chicken and Olamide rushed out to open the door for her once again. She smiled and thanked him. They entered and sat on the only empty seat which was close to the door.

"What would you like to eat?", he requested.

"Just rice", she answered firmly and he moved away to order the food.

He came back a few minutes later and sat opposite Fola. He placed a plate of jollof rice and chicken in front of her and kept the other plate for himself.

"I don't know whether you like costlow."

"I don't,'' she said, digging into the food.

Olamide also started eating after nodding at her response. "Our drinks will soon be here."

The waiter brought their drinks as they ate in silence.

Fola raised up her head and saw Olamide staring at her.

"Why the look?", she inquired.

"Do you know you look beautiful?", he asked her.

"Absolutely", she boasted before her attention diverted to the drinks in front of her.

"Who is going to take this alcoholic wine?", she asked, eyeing him. "You or me?"

"I bought it for myself but you can take it if you want."

Fola hissed and took the hollandia yogurt instead. Olamide ignored her reaction as they continued eating in silence. They were about to finish their food when Olamide's phone rang.

Olamide was reluctant to pick at first but after the second dial, he picked up the phone.

"Hello", he said in a baritone voice Fola never knew existed.

"What the hell are you doing with that bitch in there Ola?", a lady yelled from the other side.

Olamide looked all around to see where she was talking from. "Where are you?", he asked.

"I am now outside", the lady replied.

"Give me a minute", Olamide replied and hung up.

He stood up from his seat with a look of dismay while Fola continued eating oblivious to the disruption.

"I will be right back Fola", he said.

"Ok", she answered as she downed the remaining yogurt in the glass cup.

Shortly after, Olamide came back to see Fola dabbing at her lips with her handkerchief.

"Are you done eating?", he asked her.

Yes, I am ok."

"Alright, sorry for keeping you waiting", he apologized.

"It's ok. I thought you went to use the restroom."

"Umhmm... Yes", he lied.

"The night is still young", he stated sitting down. "Do you know any other hangout area around here?", he demanded.

"Not really", Fola replied.

"What do you suggest then?", he asked again to the annoyance of Fola.

"Today is your day Mr. Man, use your discretion. Remember how rude I can be..... because by tomorrow, I might not be this soft on you."

Olamide sighed heavily and looked at her squarely. Fola returned the stare not willing to be intimidated.

Olamide looked away after some minutes and Fola thought. 'This guy is a domineering bastard.'

"What are your favourite snacks?", he asked calmly.

"Meat pie and cake", Fola answered in the same tone as his.

"Alright then, let's go", he said standing up sharply.

Fola picked up her purse and phone on the table and followed behind calmly.