Let The Daughter in-law live.

A friend got his girlfriend pregnant back then in school. The news got home.
Well, my friend was 'of age'. So his mom seek for the girl, but then rejected her because she is an Ijaw. she agreed to accept the baby.

My friend refused. The girl has no parents. Because of his refusal to break up with the girl; his mom got angry and he was denied from going home. And he never did for years.

Following, They graduated and both served same year. And as fate will have it; The girl was retained where she served, while my friend couldn't land a good job in time. With a good salary scale my friend's wife earned, she sponsored him so as to have his masters in the states.

He got a job there and worked on his stay. His wife and child then joined him.
On their third baby arrival last year May, he rang me after he'd missed my calls.
I was surprised when he told me, his mom was with them in the states for 'Omugo'

He told me, his mom and wife are now so close; like mother and daughter.
I wanted to ask questions but well..

Whoever loves his wife, loves himself!

Very early in my marriage, I remember vividly my wife complained about her phone which was not working well anymore due to battery 'ish' and distaste; so she was stylishly demanding for a new phone.

Each time the phone ‘make’ a mess, she get sad and i always feel like getting her a new phone forthwith.
I was using Q10. She was using a Techno phone but to her; it's like I should have compassion on her and give her my phone. She didn't say it but her body language did.

So I decided to surprise her with a Q10 on her birthday.
She was so glad. She threw herself on me and I felt relieved because she was happy to the 'extreme'.
I said to myself, at last I will have a rest of mind. But Little did I know that the phone will barely be for a while.

The phone was stolen the following day.
She almost fell sick, she locked herself up.
I was not happy also. It was surprising. I had to squeezed myself; denied some of my personal needs budgeted to get that phone.

That Night, I gave her my own Q10.
I searched my wardrobe for my long abandoned small Nokia Touch light tied with rubber-band as I decided to manage that till I will get another good phone.

So I met her. An old writer.
She said to me, I have read some of your stories and I must say, you write so well. I gave her a smile with my hands held together in much appreciation.

I like the way you speak, your voice is pleasing. I said to her.

And she laughed. This is how happy I am when I read you Mr Akeju.

I told her I didn't know it would be much fun visiting her and having a chat.

Well, Many young people believe we old ones are boring, She said.

True. Very true!

You know, I wish I can still write like I used to one more time.

I kept listening.

I have this story, my life story I will love to share with you.

It will be a great privilege to hear you share your life story, I said.

She chuckled, and then gave a face in deep thought.

Many many years ago as an undergraduate student in the university of Lagos. I met a guy. He was in my faculty.
That evening, he walked up to me while I was with my friends. He was so gentle in his approach and in a good manner requested I give him a few minutes.

At the mall. I was walking with my daughter in between the lovelies displayed.

She pointed to a toy. It's a small soccer toy. She has been a football lover; so she picked it.

We met a couple with their little boy.

We both queued for payment.

The boy loved the soccer toy with my daughter. He pointed at it. He made move.

My daughter fluttered her hands back hiding the toy with a No.

You know kids! He persisted.
The mom shunned him. He cried.

I kept watching.

My daughter went to meet the boy; Handed him the soccer toy.
Almost immediately, the boy stopped crying.

The mom tried to give it back; I said it's okay. Let him have It.

The boy's Dad held my daughter in his hand. Took her back where toys are displayed. Urged her to pick anyone of her choice. She pointed at a three-legged bicycle.

I refused it. He insisted. That's okay, he said

I was numbed.
He also paid for the soccer toy.

I was thankful.

My daughter loves the bicycle.

Why did I share this?

So my friend's wife rang me. It was late in the Night. I'd already retired in bed.

It's very unusual that any of my friend's wife would call. That should be her first time.

So I quickly answered the call.

"Hello! Our wife..."

"Daddy Desire, Pls is your friend with you?!"

"No! He is not. Is he not back?!"

"I haven't seen my husband. And it's already late"

"Have you tried reaching him?"

"Yes, his phones are switched off"

I looked at the time, it was 10:47 pm already.

That's very unusual of my friend, staying out late at night. He closes 5:00pm everyday. Apart from our seasonal hang out; i don't think he keeps late at night.

I got worried too.

"Hello dear, Just relax! He should be okay where he is, and I know he will soon be home. I am coming too"

"Okay! Please we are Expecting you"

She has begin to feel so worried.

My friend lives in a very far place. So, I left so quickly.

She was already outside. Looking cluttered.

Heavily pregnant; with three year old Anny!

The little girl was crying and asking where her Daddy is after seeing her mom in such a sorry state.