Reflectionbookhub

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REFLECTION BOOK HUB

Written by Damilola Babs

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Thank You Jesus!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Damilola Babs is a drama Minister, and a prolific

Creative Christian Writer with a mandate to bring
up kingdom minded creatives who have the same
vision of seeing Christians enjoy deep knowledge,
and prosperity through books.
She is the founder of Reflection Theatre Ministry
where we reflect Christ in all we do

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PROLOGUE

Yeyeluwa stood and watched Fomisola deep her

daughter into the water again, and again, and again.
They were at the river bank since any attempt to
bring in the child without cleansing would mean
death. She had come to dedicate her daughters to
Yeyeluwa, many generations of them to come. She
served diligently and her time was almost up. She
could not afford to leave without initiating her
lineage. No! Boriade was going to be a mother to a
great daughter. It had been spiritually confirmed and
that was good news. Only daughters could continue,
sons were not even allowed to see the light of day.
They touched nowhere around the earth. Boriade
was not going to be an exception. Never!

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CHAPTER 1

Osun closed her eyes to eat in the airport lounge.

Vancouver International Airport was once the
busiest in Canada. She regretted the choice her
grandma made, buying her a ticket from Vancouver
was a bigger punishment than what her mother and
father were making her go through.

Who names their child after a goddess?

She faced the frequent challenge of everyone from

Nigeria living in Canada knowing her descent once
she mentioned her name, but that was nothing
compared to the horror she faced in church. Some
looked at her like she was a witch or that she had a
spirit husband that delayed her marriage since she
was twenty-five and had never had a boyfriend.
Nigerians in Canada especially.

She was dozing off. She knew she wasn't flying

anytime soon, but sleeping at home was nothing

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better. She closed her eyes gently for a nap.

*** *** *** ***

The battle drums sounded louder than ever. There

were maids scattered all around Osun. She was a
beauty to behold. A five-foot, four inches lady, her
hips were perfectly formed and her waist enhanced
her curve. She wore a white traditional ofi that had
her waist tightly packed and then the dress flowed
beneath her knees in full regal. It had cowries and
mirrors and a white bead went around her neck. Her
hair was a royal shuku style. The cowries on it were
a legion. Too many people danced around her as
others tended to her body and white dress.

Osun could not tell who was who, but it had seemed
like a preparation for war. The drums, the men ’ s
appearance, the chanting ladies that seemed taken
over by a spirit. They kept spinning and going
round in circles.

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A split image of her stood aloof watching the drama

unfold. The girls that surrounded her got themselves
busy with dressing her like she was going to be their
weapon of war. The atmosphere was thick, there
was going to be a war indeed. She wondered why
they busied themselves with dressing her up more
than preparing for what was about to come.

“Come child,” a fair beautiful woman dressed in a

simple ofi Iro and Buba spoke. She wore a seraphic
smile as she faced Osun where she stood and
wondered. She was wearing the same thing as the
woman. The only difference was in their hair. While
the enigma wore a cornrow style with cowries on it
all making the hair a perfect coiffure. Osun on her
part had an elaborate shuku hairstyle. Why did
everything about her have to be regal? She wasn't
even anything important as far as she was
concerned.

“ Osun, come. ” She repeated taking a few steps

further and beckoning to the younger lady who was

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suddenly struck with the reality that what she was

looking at was farther than it seemed. Her legs were
wet, they were walking inside a stream. Soon, they
stopped, still maintaining a good distance from the
dancers, chanters, and dressers.

“ Osun, Yeyeluwa, and Erinluwa have sent me to

you, they have asked me to prepare you. For once
your spiritual preparation is complete, we shall
come for you in Granville in Canada.

“ You know Grandville? ” Osun asked in a cool

Canadian accent, her eyes widening in amusement.

“Yes, we know people there too and we also control

the government with the help of a few persons. We
can't make a universal influence with very few
people in few places, so we are scattered all over.
You are a part of them too, but you can't work Yeye,
you must be served...”

The woman ’ s voice became an echo. The dancers

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and girls including the strange girl that was a split

image of her began to blur out. They became a
blurred sight until the image became that of a
contoured man wearing a patterned shirt and back
trousers.

“Miss, miss, miss...” he kept tapping her gently as

he Wole her up.

Osun’s hand went to her head, she wanted to touch

her elaborate Shuku hairstyle, but there was nothing
order than the attachment and scarf she had on...

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CHAPTER 2

...
“ Yes... ” she finally came alive, her eyes swollen
from sleep. Her view was blurry and she knew
exactly why. How could she have slept so deep in
such an uncomfortable position?

“Your flight is about to take off”. He told her.

“ What? You know my flight? ” she wondered

squinting through her sleepy eyes to grasp a proper
view of the man.

“ I know everything about you ” . He told her and

smiled.

it was the creepiest thing Osun had seen in a long

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time. She got up and stared at the man like she had
seen a ghost. The man stood there and kept smiling
as she walked out of his sight.

Who was he? What was he? Why was he just

staring and not moving? She asked herself many
questions until there was nothing more to ask.

She was traveling to Lagos, Nigeria, it was where

her father stayed after the man divorced his ex-wife,
her mother. The woman had moved to Canada
with her when she was two, but now as an adult, she
needed to see her him, spend time with him and
know him. Her only problem was the scary dreams
that had started on her twenty-fifth birthday. She
was suddenly feeling displaced in a place she had
always called home; Granville Street, Columbia,
Canada.

*** *** *** ***

The flight took about twelve hours, thirty-eight

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minutes before they landed at the Murtala

Muhammed International Airport. Another two
hours ride was going to take her to Obalende in
Ikoyi where her father stayed. She walked out to the
airport gate and saw her father waiting. He was
holding a paper with the inscription; “Arabella, it's
your father, Debo”.

The man was a hunk. At fifty-five, he looked like he

was in his early thirties. He wore blue jeans, blue
and white striped shirt, and a black face cap. He was
a big man, but thankfully, he had no protruding
stomach. She had seen her stepfather and the man
was nothing compared to the finesse that hung
around her biological father, even though he was
younger. Notwithstanding, she loved Brandon too,
he was a good Canadian guy. Although he was five
years younger than her mother, they had too many
issues that kept them apart too often.

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“ Arabella ” . The man called two of her names

together. Araoluwa and Bella. She loved the sound
of it, only that she wasn't used to it. Her mother
called her Osun all of her life and it was the name
on her birth certificate and all other documents.

“Dad”. She giggled and hugged the laughing man.

He had not seen his daughter in twelve years even
after all his unplanned trips and plea to see her.
Jolayemi wouldn't let him see his daughter. He was
glad she was now a grown woman who could make
her own decisions.

“Welcome, ma,” a young man greeted collecting her

bags one after the other. He wasn't going to be able
to take them at once. He was obviously her father’s
driver. She smiled and waved back at him as her
father showered her pretty face with so many kisses.
She felt warm, she felt loved and at home. They
proceeded into the man's Rolls-Royce Phantom. She

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was amazed but calm. Her mother had said one of

the reasons he divorced her was because he couldn't
meet each other's needs, howbeit that the same man
had picked her up with a fancy car and a driver to
Ikoyi where he said he preferred to stay instead of
his other houses on other islands.

“ How is your mother? ” the man asked her.

Distracting get from the view she was enjoying
outside. Although the glass was tinted, it didn't
affect her side of the view, it was just perfect. She
turned and looked at the man. She wanted to see his
countenance as he asked. One wouldn't know that
only from the tone of his voice. It was always rough
in a manly way, but he was always calm when he
spoke.

“She is fine,” she told him and added a grin.

“Oh, common wipe the grin off your face daughter,

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it's nothing personal, just thought I would ask for

old time sake, ” he told her and added rough
laughter.

CHAPTER 3

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“So tell me, dad, why did you, divorce mom?” she
asked giving him all her attention now. Her mother
never said anything beyond “ your father divorced
me,” but meeting the man again and having all the
time with him made her want to know more. He
seemed calmer and more collected, not that she
thought of him better than her mother in any way,
but the woman was a typical sanguine so that once
she was not responding to her many talk about her
father, she felt offended, like she was supporting
her father for leaving them as she always put it.

“Arabella,”

“Daddy please, the name is Osun. I am not used to

this Arabella thing. ” She told her father. “ I don't
like the name, but I am kind of used to it and so I
prefer it.” She told her father smiling at the man.

“ Osun is the name of a goddess, what makes you

feel she will be comfortable sharing her name with

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you? ” her father asked and she laughed. No one

had ever asked her that question before, it just
sounded fun and she dismissed it without asking
further questions. She was more disturbed that the
man who named her after a goddess also did not
like the name.

“ Just call me Osun, dad. I prefer that. I mean, the

name is royalty and l love it.” She lied.

“Okay. Noted. Osun, you see, your mother and I just

couldn't be together. Maybe it is something you
should talk to her about, I can't say much.”

“But you instigated the divorce, dad. Why?”

“Some things are better left unsaid. I loved Jolayemi,

but too much happened too quickly, and being alive
seemed more important than being in love,” he told
her and changed the topic.

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Osun wondered at her parents. Why was nobody

saying anything? She wondered why they decided
to keep quiet too. She looked forward to seeing her
grandmother. Her father’s mother, the one who had
married her grandfather at sixteen and became a
mother at seventeen, yet, she defiled the odds and
went on to get an education. The man was her last
son and the only living of seven children. That was
the story her mother narrated to her back home.
*** *** *** ***

“ Yeye ooo, goddess of the water. Purifier of men,

wife of Erinluwa, the giant serpent that lives inside
the deep ocean, daughter of yeyeluwa, the goddess
that lives in the sacred water. Welcome home my
darling.”

It was her grandmother. Her father’s mother and the

seventy-two years old looked very agile. She sat
there wearing an adire dress and had a big scarf
almost the size of a towel wrapped around her neck.
It was to protect her from the cold that the working

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air condition supplied the living room. It banished

the memory of hotness that had haunted them
outside the house. Nigeria was hot, notwithstanding,
Osun was happy to be home. It felt like the only
thing that suddenly mattered, plus she had been told
about the hot climate in Nigeria.

“ What does that mean, grandma? ” she asked her

grandmother after she showered the eulogy on her.

“Forget it Osun, trust me, you don't want to know!”

her father told her strolling to the kitchen to get
himself a bottle of cold water. The kitchen was just
in the same space as the living room. No door
separated them except for a U-shaped layout that
made it look all perfect.

“ Welcome home darling. ” a sweet voice greeted

Osun from the staircase. She took half a degree turn
to see the woman. It was Nkechi, her stepmother.

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The woman was beautiful and her command of the

language, English was even cooler.

“Hey, aunty.” Osun greeted her once she saw her.

She had an atmosphere of peace hanging around her
and her smile made Osun’s love for her increase.

“Hey babe,” her father called from the kitchen and

then gulped down the cold bottle of table water in
his hand. He walked straight to Nkechi and landed a
kiss on her forehead.

“ Welcome my love. ” She greeted him back and

clung to him.

“ Oh my world, you both look incredible together.

Aunty at, fifty you look like you are in your
twenties, and dad, cut down on the gym periods,
you look like a wrestler,” she told him.

“Well, we all wrestle every day. Although our rings

are just a little different here and there but trust me,

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every human is a potential wrestler.”

“ Talking about wrestling, I think somebody needs

to give all that sweaty body a clean wash, get some
food, and sleep,” Nkechi spoke attempting to help
her stepdaughter with her bag.

“ That would be me, ” Osun responded jolting her

hands beside herself like a happy child.

“Come with me, darling.” Nkechi beckoned on her

and calmly dragged her.

“ What about, me? ” Debo, her father asked

jokingly.

“ You can take care of yourself, Debo, ” Nkechi

told him and continued with Osun.”

“Foye would be so excited.” Debo’s mother started

once the ladies were out of sight.

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“Yes, he will,” Debo told himself and laughed in a

low tone.

“ And you need to take her to the waterfall before

she returns.” His mother started.

“ No, no, no. Maami, don't even start that water

thing because I am not interested. My schedule is
tight and so is her younger brothers’.” He told his
mother...

CHAPTER 4

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...

“ No, no, no. Maami, don't even start that water

thing because I am not interested. My schedule is
tight and so is her younger brothers’.” He told his
mother.

“Well, Foye is over eighteen and he has his driver’s

license so he can always take her.”

“Maami, what is it? You have been saying this thing

two months before her arrival and my answer has
been no. She ain't seeing no goddess before going
back home. My daughter is as ordinary as anybody
out there, treat her like a normal person please, let
that sink.” He told his mother and excused himself.

“Ish! If you like speaking English more than Judge

Bush, what will be will be. ” She finally said and
thought she would let the matter rest.
Osun ’ s room was beautiful. She had met a large

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teddy bear on her bed. It had an inscription on a

small paper that said, “here, big sister, you asked
for Fuzzy and she waited so long for your arrival.
We love you. ” It almost made her tear up. It was
the best thing that had happened to her since her
arrival.

She rolled on the family-sized bed and read the note

again. Then dropped it and hugged Fuzzy. It was
her favourite colour, pink and she loved it. She
noticed her wardrobe and saw that it wasn't empty.
Osun was surprised as she mused and walked closer
to it. They had clothes that she loved to wear. She
didn't joke with her flat sandals, jeans, and simple
tops. She loved the simplicity and wouldn't trade it
for anything. How did she not listen when her father
asked her to come with nothing.

A knock came on the door as Osun rushed towards

the thick glass to open it. It was Nkechi, she had
come upstairs with the rest of the toiletries she
might be needing. She saw the wardrobe open and

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smiled.

“Do you like them?” she asked.

“ Like? I love them. Where did you learn my style

from?” she asked in surprise.

“ Your father. ” She laughed calmly and waddled

into the bathroom.

“ What? I didn't think he knew me so well. ” She

asked settling herself on the bed while Nkechi
busied herself with arranging the toiletries in the
bathroom.”

“ Why did you say so? ” she asked, her voice

echoing into the large bedroom.

“Dad and I didn't talk that much.” She told her.

“ Maybe you didn't but he is very observant. Don't

worry, there is so much to teach you about him. ”

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Nkechi stood beside the toilet door and held her

waist. I made pounded yam and egusi soup for you,
I am sure you will like it.”

“ Hey...hey ghui... ” she tried in a futile attempt to

call the food.

“ Don ’ t try to pronounce it, just try to eat it, ”

Nkechi added a thundering laughter and strolled out
of the room. She was wearing a bubu gown that
blew after her as she walked.
.
*** *** *** ***
Osun stepped into the shower and had a weird
feeling, but it didn’t stop anything. Once she was in
the bathtub and the water touched her body, she felt
cooler than normal. Her five senses stood at alert.
She heard so many voices but saw nobody, she
looked around to see who was there, but nobody
was there.

Then, in a split second, it happened like a reflex

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action, she felt a pull from her feet lunching her

completely into the tub. At first, she struggled, as if
she was drowning, but soon, she felt comfortable
and saw herself again walking inside the shallow
stream, the enigma had returned in front of her and
they were closer to the people dressing up the split
image of her.

“Is that not me?” Osun asked in a calm voice, the

sound of the flowing water beneath them supporting
the calmness.

“ Yes it is, but that ’ s your enigma, separate from

your body. Erinluwa is in love with your spirit and
soon, he would need your body to be here so that
you too can consulate your love. So that is your
enigma.”

“Who is Erinluwa?” She asked.

“I like the fact that you are asking these questions.

First, I am your guardian, here. In time past you

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have been preparing physically, these host of men

have been preparing you, but now is the time to
prepare you mentally. The time is far spent and it is
time for you to come home. Erinluwa is your man, a
king here in the underworld. He has loved you since
birth and now, it is time to make it official.”

“Make it official? I don't get you.”

“ It is time for him to come and marry you. It will

mark the end of your time on earth and the
beginning of a new life here.”

“Does that mean that I am going to die?”

“ Technically. You will be leaving Debo and

Jolayemi, and you will be joining Yeyeluwa and
Erinluwa, your lover.” She explained.

“But I don't know him.”

“Shhhh...no one dares to say such around here. He

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shall let you meet him at the right time.”

“And when shall that be?”

“As soon as your preparation is done and the night

of K’ara ofin (final cleansing) is complete.”

“What does that mean?” Osun asked.

“ You have mixed with men on earth and Erinluwa

hates impunity. You must be purified for him.”

“How?”

“ The blood of your ancestral mother, Fomishola,

has been preserved over centuries, and every child
after her has been purified on the night of Kara ofin
because only she wasn't conceived by a man. It
makes her a pure breed, and that is what you need to
be for your lover, pure and untouched by the earth.”

“ Fomishola... ” Osun repeated in her funny accent

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like it was necessary to mention it again. She

sighted an image from afar but it wasn't clear, it was
too far for her to decipher who it was, she cover her
face with her hand and squinted but all to no avail.
She stopped trying and waited for the spirit to come
close.

“Osun! Osun! Osun!” Nkechi jolted her in a futile

effort to wake her up. It felt like she was dead. Her
skin was pale and her body was turning white.

“Honey is she okay?” Debo asked from outside the

baththroom not wanting to see his grown daughter
naked.

“I don't know. I am checking her pulse. I can't feel

anything. ” She reported. She began
cardiopulmonary resuscitation process on her and
then Osun opened her eyes without stressing or
coughing, she looked absolutely fine.

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“ Aunty, what are you doing? ” she asked in her

most coordinated state.

“You weren't breathing, Osun. You weren't...” she

paused and looked at her in the eyes. It was obvious
she was perfectly fine.”

“Yeah, I just fell asleep.”

...

CHAPTER 5
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...

“You weren't breathing, Osun. You weren't...” she

paused and looked at her in the eyes. It was obvious
she was perfectly fine.”

“Yeah, I just fell asleep.”

“Beneath a bathtub?” she asked her with her eyes

wide open in shock.

“Babe, is she fine?”

“ She is perfect honey. We will be out in a jiffy. ”

She told her husband and the man sighed as he
paced around the room.

“I will be waiting with your father. I guess we didn't

realize how tired you were.”

“Yeah, aunty. I’ll hurry and be out soon.” She told

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the woman and watched her exit.

Osun did not understand what was happening to her.

What was going on? Who were those people and
where did they come from? Her life was taking a
spiral turn and there was nobody to talk to about
what was going on in her life.

Soon she was done and out. Her father sat there on
her bed reading a fashion magazine. He wasn't
looking at her, he just buried his head in the
colourful paper he was holding. Nkechi entered
with Amaka, the maid Osun hadn't seen since her
arrival, they were serving her food inside the room.

“Eat here and relax. You need some sleep.” Nkechi

told her and turned to Amaka again, obviously
dishing out more instructions. She soon left them
while the husband and wife sat there staring at her.
Nkechi ’ s eyes searched for what the problem was,
she still couldn't get her mind off the fact that she
had no pulse just a few moments ago. Her father

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could tell the discomfort she felt from Nkechi ’ s

piercing eyes, he needed to do something quickly
before the young lady felt offended.

“Umm...Nkechi is a medical doctor, you know that.

They have their tendencies. ” He told her and
laughed briefly trying to relieve the thickness in the
atmosphere. “But are you sure you are fine?”

“ Very sure dad, I only slept off. ” She told them

smiling.

Her father looked stressed and so did Nkechi. She

was happy they cared about her that much.

“Don’t worry daddy, aunty, I am fine and grandma

is hearing none of this. ” She told them and they
both nodded in agreement. Amaka returned
carrying too many things. There was a balm, there
was warm water in a flask, and the like.

“What’re all these for?” she asked in amusement.

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“Eat up so I can give you a massage, it will help you

sleep better.” She told her.

“Mummy, ihe n’ille adigo.” (everything is ready).

She told the woman standing behind the family.
Osun didn't know how, but she understood what the
girl said. A voice interpreted it into her ears, she
couldn't believe it just happened, but it did. She
wanted to be sure she wasn't crazy. She was quiet
and then her chance came when Nkechi spoke.

“ Daalu, igbaligo. Ngwa kaodi. ” (well-done. You

have tried. You can go home). She told the girl.

“ Kachifo. ” The girl greeted and then exchanged

some sort of look with her before exiting. It was
creepy but she smiled back.

“Good night my dear.” Nkechi finally greeted.

“Aunty, I understood everything you said.”

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“That’s not possible.” Her father interjected.

“I did. I understood it all. So, she said everything is

set, and aunty told her she's done well and could go
home. ” She reverted to their disbelief. Once she
was done, her father got up and rushed out of the
room.

“I will be back,” Nkechi told her and ran after her

husband into their palatial master bedroom. The
room was too big for two people, but they stayed in
it and savoured every moment. It was theirs after all.
The themes were white and gold and it just made all
seem more like heaven.

“ What is it? ” Nkechi questioned once she stood

behind her husband in the room.

“ Read the writings on the wall Nkechi, she is

having the same symptoms as her mother.”

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“Symptoms. She isn't sick, is she?”

“ No, she isn't. ” He told his wife and grabbed her

hands. “ You see when these things started
happening to Jolayemi, that was when our problems
started. We couldn't have peace, she could stay
under...” he paused like he just realized something
more bizarre.

“What is it? Why are you not talking?”

“ She could spend up to an hour in the bathing tub

without choking, then an hour increased to two, and
then it became three days, a week. I couldn't take it
anymore. I decided to get a divorce the night I
caught her crawling around the house like she was a
mermaid, a giant sea serpent.”

“ What? All that happened with her mother? Why

didn't you say anything about all of these all these
years?”

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“ I was protecting the image of my ex-wife. We

weren't involved in any battle of rage, I just could
not stand the things she did, they looked
diabolical.”

“And what about Osun? You can't throw her away,

you know.”

“That name, that name, something about that name

turns me off.”

“But you agreed to it once she was born.”

“ Because Jolayemi wouldn't let me have peace of

mind if I didn't let her have her way. She said she
was under durex and had to do it. She said it was
what Erinluwa wanted.”

“And who is that?”

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CHAPTER 6

“And who is that?”

“I don't know, she refused to tell.”

“Up till now?”

“Up till now, babe.”

“ Do you think we should call Jolayemi, tell her

something maybe she will have a solution or
anything?”

“She doesn't pick my calls and I wouldn't want to be

a big turn-off for my daughter. I haven't seen or held
her in ages, I can ’ t waste my chances on
assumptions”

“Are you sure these are mere assumptions or there

is more to it?”

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“Let’s look at the brighter side of things, Nkechi.”

He told her and hoped his thoughts weren't real.

“Big sister!” Foye almost tripped over. He dumped

his big school bag and rushed toward his sister. He
was seeing her for the first time ever, but he had
heard so much about her, her ravishing beauty, and
of course, they had spoken through the internet.
Seeing her life was a dream come through for him.
He had been a lonely child, growing up alone wasn't
funny for a SanMel like him.

“Osun! Osun!” he kept shouting as he entered the

house. Nkechi had heard him and was now standing
on the balcony and smiling. She rushed back into
the house knowing he was going to need some
control around her, or else he was going to bring the

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house down by doing too much.

“ Foye. ” Nkechi met the two on the floor. Foye

nestled himself here and there on the young woman
while Osun surrendered and laughed hard on the
floor.

“ You kids are unbelievable. Do you think you are

babies? Common, up.” Nkechi told them and they
instantly obeyed.

“ Foye, don ’ t mishandle your sister, ” Nkechi

warned.

“I don’t feel manhandled. I am happy, I am seeing

Foye for the first time. ” She told her stepmother
and hugged the young man again.

“ Who allows their baby brother to jump on their

body like that?”

“Me!” Osun replied.

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“ High five sis, ” Foye told his sister as they both

raised their left hands and gave each other a high
five. “Did you get your teddy?”

“Yes, I did and I love him.”

“ So I have a lot of things to show you... ” He

continued.

“And I have a lot of things you should do.” Their

father intercepted. Foye knew he couldn't argue
with the man or say no to him. He reverted to his
previous position without being told.

“Good evening dad.”

“ Good evening, son. Come on to my room. I have

things for you to do. They are from the office.”

“I am not even a graduate yet,”

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“ But you are going to be a decision-maker in that

office soon.”

“ These future tenses are not equivalent to the

pressure you mount on me.”

“ I wish grammar could save you Foye, but no. To

my room at once.”

“I am just coming back from school. I haven't even

rested.”

“ It doesn't matter son. You had so much time on

your hands just a few seconds ago.”

“ To talk to my sister, not do some...some...office

duties at home.”

“Dad, common. He is just returning home and he is

seeing me for the first time.” Osun intervened

Debo laughed heartily. It was apparent he wasn't

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listening to the young man or Osun.

“ It does not matter son, you are home now. ” He

told him and exited into his room. Foye knew it was
a final straw. He had no choice. It was either he
followed or he followed.

“Mom, I am not coming back to this house, I swear.”

Foye parched like his mother was at fault.

“ Then get your account frozen. ” His mother told

him. “CEOs do the most you know, unfortunately,
your father is one.”

“I swear...”

“Foye, one more I swear from you and I will make

your father do his worst. No swearings and I mean
it.”

Foye looked at his mother and without further ado,

he climbed the stairs leading to his father's room.

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“You guys are so hard on him.” Osun started once

he had left.”

“ Foye was a thorn in our flesh, but his change

started with his father treating him like a man. Debo
doesn't want to lose that.”

“ That young man has learned and you or daddy

don't have to be afraid. He is gonna be fine.” Osun
told her stepmother.

“You sound like you’ve known him since birth.”

“ Well, let's just say, we get along well on the

internet.”

“I see,”

Amaka was back in the house. Osun sighted her

walking out of the kitchen into another room in the
house. She bowed slightly and smiled at her. She

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adjusted herself quickly and moved closer to

Nkechi.

“ Are you okay? ” Nkechi asked observing her

stepdaughter.

“ I am very well aunty, I would just love to take a

nap.” She told her and rushed upstairs to her room.
Osun could not deny that sleep for her was no way
to rest. She was going to be busy getting dressed
and seeing all those people in her sleep. She was an
introvert and she hated all the noise and attention
that existed on the other side.

She slammed the door behind her and crawled into

her bed quietly. She knew there was so much to ask,
but it was apparent there was no human that could
answer her questions. Her room was cold as ever,
just the way she loved it. Her thick blanket went
over her gently as she covered herself up to get
some sleep.

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“ Nwanyi mmiri dinyerem I chebegi. ” (The water

goddess has sent me to protect you).

Osun jerked up once she heard the voice. How did

she get into the room? How come she could
understand what the girl was saying?

“ Who are you? What are you? ” she questioned

with her face lacing up with confusion? She was
sweaty and scared.

“My name is Bomide, I am the spirit in human form

assigned to serve you, Yeye, daughter of Yeyeluwa,
the bride of Erinluwa the great. Yeye ooo, Omi ooo,
Osun oo.” The girl hailed.

Osun cowered on the bed in fear. What was she

seeing? Was she crazy or something? Her life was
normal until twenty-five, why did twenty-five ever
come? She thought as she sat there sweating in fear.

“Is this real?” she asked shaking all over and that

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was all she could remember. Foye was walking her

up and asking her to follow him.

“Osun, Osun.”

“ Hmmm...Yes... ” she answered stretching her

hands over her body tiredly. She had truly been
asleep.

“Dad asked to call you.” Foye called her out of her

sleep. She was holding Frosty to herself as she
slept.

“I’ll join you shortly.” She told him and watched

him leave. She was soon up and out to the living
room wherever father waited.

“Hey, dad.”

“Hi, daughter.”

She walked behind the couch and settled next to her

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father.

“ Osun, I wanted you to meet this young man. His

name is Bankole Adedimeji. We call him AdeBanks.
He is our auditor and so the name just kind of suits
him.” Her father explained...

CHAPTER 7

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“ Osun, I wanted you to meet this young man. His

name is Bankole Joe Adedimeji. We call him
AdeBanks. He is our auditor and so the name just
kind of suits him.” Her father explained.

The man was undeniably a fine one. It felt good

seeing someone from outside the house.

“Hey Banks, how are you?” she shook him briefly

and added a broad smile. The young man seemed
mesmerized and he knew that she knew. He smiled
quickly and bowed too often. He was obviously shy.

“I am good and you?” He asked.

“I am wonderful. It's nice meeting you.”

“Same here, Osun. I have heard so much about you

from your father and meeting you feels like a
blessing.” He told her.

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“Hmmm... I see. I haven't heard about you though,

but I know it would be cool to catch up sometime.”
She told him.

“Sure, sure.” He responded quickly.

“Alright, have a good time auditing accounts.” She

told him and attempted to go back in.

“Where are you going to?” her father inquired.

“My room.”

“I want you right next to me Osun, common.” He

told her and patted the space next to him.

“I’m gonna sleep off in your arm.” She told him.

“That's totally fine by me.”

“ Great. ” She told him and sat beside him, resting

her head on the man ’ s lanky shoulder while Ade

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kept working. She was scared to sleep, she didn't

know what she was going to see this time around,
all the same, she sat there in all calmness. The man
was intelligent and at some point, their eyes had
met.

Soon, Osun’s eyes closed in deep sleep, and for the

first time in a long while, she had a very good sleep
devoid of all her evil dreams. Somebody's presence
was doing something to the dreams she thought
once she woke up and saw Banks waking out of the
living room with her father behind him.

*** *** *** ***

.
“Eku ile Maami.” (Good evening my mother).

“Welcome my dear.” Ade’s mother responded. He

went into his room quickly and dropped his office
bag and then loosened his tie and sat on the sofa in
his room.

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“Father, I am covered and every form of temptation

is kicked out of my heart and spirit. I refuse to think
of my boss's daughter like that. Yes, she is a fine
girl oo, with a good oyinbo accent and all her assets
intact, but see God, I can't afford to lose my job. I
am only three months old at work and I cannot
tamper with my boss’s love for me, so in the name
of Jesus, take out every temptation ooo. ” Ade
prayed and paced everywhere.

His mother had heard him and was now standing

behind him holding the door to his room in surprise.
She couldn't help but laugh at his prayer point. Who
prays for God to make them stop liking a girl?

“ Ade, what is it? Are you fine? ” she asked and

made her way into the house settling on the only
sofa in the room while her son told there and
watched.

“ Maami, ha, ” he started with all the excitement.

“ You know I told you I was going to my boss ’ s

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house to work.”

“Ehn, you did.”

“Maami, it is as if that man wants to set trap for me

oooh.”

“Why? What happened?”

“That was how I got to his house after office hours

today oo. The next thing I saw was his son Foye, he
passed, I greeted him normal, normal. Then his
father was like, “go get your sister from her room.”
He tried mimicking his boss ’ s voice as he spoke.
“The next thing, Maami, this girl showed. Ha! Ha!”

“Ehn, ha, what now happened?”

“You know I am not a womanizer and you know I

am a very straightforward person. See, this girl is
fine. This girl is fine like a dozen packs of a bevy of
ladies. When her father asked us to greet each other,

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you needed to see her height next to me. As tall as I

am oo, in my mind, I am like ha! Where did this girl
come from?”

“Wow! Are you serious?”

“Very serious ooo.”

“But wait, hope this is not lust?”

“ Exactly my point ooo, so that it will not be that

after three months, my boss wants to be using his
daughter to test my loyalty, how could he tell his
full-grown, Venus-looking daughter to come out
and greet me, me? Who am I?”

“ Hmm, Dedimeji, I think you should be very

careful and be guided. You cannot be carried away
by her beauty and forget about God ’ s assignment.
You know he gave you that job for a reason.”

“I know and I am being careful trust me. I am.” He

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told his mother and sat on his bed still sweating

from the energy he had used up. “ That is why I
thought I should pray that God should make what I
saw disappear.”

“What is the girl’s name?” His mother asked him.

“Osun.” He told her and proceeded to remove his

necktie.

“Ehn?!”

“Her name is Osun, you know how this rich people

name their children.”

“ Osun. Is that not the name of a goddess? ” his

mother asked.

“Ehn, but this one is human. She is a human being.”

“ Ha! Iro! The devil is a liar! My son cannot be

liking Osun.” She began her round of prayers and

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began to pace around the room.

“ What are you doing? Maami, stop it now. Ah,

Ahn!” it was Ade’s turn to laugh and he couldn't
help it.

The door to Ade ’ s room opened, the noise was

creepy and it woke him up. His only rescue was that
he never left the light off before going to bed. He
saw Osun walk into his not so spacious but
comfortable room. He sat up quickly and watched
as she sat there on his sofa and smiled at him. She
looked pretty, very pretty, just the perfect image he
had seen with her father a few days ago, and then
after that, she got up and left.

It had been the routine of Ade’s dreams every night

after he saw Osun. He knew it was high time he saw
his spiritual father. Even though he wasn't sleeping
with her in his dreams, he wasn't going to wait for
that to happen.

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Ade whistled as he got ready for work. It was a

Thursday morning and going late was not an option.
He picked up his phone and put a call across to his
spiritual father, Prophet Jethro. Ade ’ s biological
father had died when he was only eight years old
and so he grew up knowing Prophet Jethro as his
biological father and his spiritual father. The pair
were so close that he called the man PJ and the man
called him AdeBanks. Only those closest to him
called him that, but for Debowale Marshal Alakija,
the man had liked him at first sight and shortened
his name to AdeBanks almost immediately he heard
him say it. He saw him also as a father figure and
did his job with all his heart. He was never late to
work, he understood his onion and did his job like a
pro. He was quick to detect fraud and took care of it
diligently.

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CHAPTER 8

...

It was past 4 pm. The sun was heating hot. Ade felt
like his head was about to be roasted and served for
dinner.

“ Why would there be so much sun by this time? ”

Ade asked Ejiro his friend like he was supposed to
know the answer to his ridiculous question.

“ Abeg oo, which kind question be that now? We

gather dey inside office, we gather comot, you dey
ask me question like say na me dey here dey
monitor sun since.”

A loud honk car from the car behind them. The mild
traffic had made everyone impatient. They were
moving at a low pace and it gave the sun more
strength. The honk came again and this time it got
on Ejiro’s nerves.

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“Come fly my head pass now,” he said and added a

hiss.

“You see, next time, Dey buy car with AC, see now,
we dey inside the car, the sun still dey use me chat
like today subscription.” Ade teased.

“Abeggi, leave matter for Mathias. I heard you met

the boss’s daughter.” Ejiro shot the piercing arrow
into his body. What? Why do news travel so fast in
DEMAL Microfinance Bank?

“Wait? What? Who told you that? I haven’t said a

thing about it to anybody.”

“ Okay so, Opeyemi heard you on phone talking to

the boss. And since the news was already
everywhere in the office that the boss ’ s daughter
was around, we knew you would have met her.”

“What if I didn’t meet her?”

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“Ehn, but did you meet her?”

“What is it, Ejiro, what is it? Leave me now. Leave

me abeg.”

“ I am asking you a very simple question guy. Did

you meet her? I know you don’t lie and I know you
will tell me the truth. So, did you meet her?”

“Okay, yes, I did.”

“Oh boy!” The cars in front moved slowly and he

followed suit, they soon stopped again. “Guy, how
far? She set?”

“ Hmm mm, mathematical set ni. Please, say

something else.”

“I am not saying something else abeg. I will just say

the same thing in another way.”

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“How was she? Was she beautiful? Was she sound,

smart or dull?”

“Ejiro! Ejiro! Ejiro focus.”

“I am focusing now and part of what I should focus

on is meeting the CEO ’ S daughter. You no know
say if I marry CEO pikin, automatically, I don
blow?”

“Hey guy, chill! What are you saying?”

“Abeg yarn your guy gist. How far?”

Ade adjusted in his seat and sighed before starting.

“She is beautiful, she is smart and she has a strong

Canadian accent.”

“ Oh boy! You guys must have spent so long

together for you to have noticed all these?”

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“ Ah, ah? I don ’ t get it. You sound like it takes

ninety days to notice a lady ’ s beautiful and know
that she is smart and has an accent. It takes just a
few minutes to notice all these things oo. Nothing
special, abeg.”

“My guy! My guy!” Ejiro hailed.

“ Ejiro, you are such a wrong company to keep. ”

Wo, I pray this traffic moves. I need to get out of
your car.”

“Ta! You know I am your boss, abi? Behave jor, don’

t try me.” He told him jokingly.

“Ejiro, jo (please) now. Let me be. I have answered

your question. What more do you want from me?”

“My guy! Are you interested?”

“I will pass, thank you.”

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“Are you sure?”

“ Abeg, where will I get money to maintain a

high-class babe? Plus, my policy is if you are not
ready for marriage, then no dating.”

Ejiro laughed out loud as the car began to move at a

considerable speed. The traffic has lessened.

“AdeBanks!! The pastor! My pastor!” He stretched

his hand to his side and patted his shoulder laughing
heartily.

“Leave me, abeg.”

AdeBanks sat in the living room of the man that

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practically raised him. He sat on the floor drinking

garri as he listened to a sermon on the TV...

CHAPTER 9

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...

AdeBanks sat in the living room of the man that

practically raised him. He sat on the floor drinking
garri as he listened to a sermon on the TV. He felt so
at home and it was what what PJ ’ s house was for
him, home.

His Spiritual mother paced around the house e

during that the table was set for her husband ’ s
arrival. Sooner or later, the man’s voice resounded
in the house.

“Son.”

Ade jerked up happily and landed the cup of garri

on the table before proceeding to prostrate to greet
him.

“Welcome home, PJ.”

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“ Get up, get up. ” The man patted his back and
hoisted him up to face him. “My son is home.” He
kept repeating like he wasn’t the same son that had
given them a tough time at some point. His wife
walked back into the living room holding a jug of
water.

“ Dear, welcome home. ” She greeted and hugged

the man briefly before proceeding to the dining.

“AdeBanks!” He hailed him and hugged him again.

“ It is a pity none of your siblings are home
presently.”

“ Yes, mom told me the same things. She said

Gideon and Victory went to school while Seun had
to go give a presentation at her office.”

“ Yes, yes, each called to be prayed for before

leaving today. Come, you were saying something on
the phone, I didn’t really understand you.”

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“ Ah ah, are you both not going to eat first? ” His

wife, Jane told them.

“Eat? No, no...my spirit feels like it is an emergency.

Am I right?”

“Yes, you are, PJ. He told the man looking into his
eyes.

“ Come, let ’ s talk in my room. ” He told him and

dragged him after himself gently.
*** *** *** ***

The man’s room was the real definition of precise.

There was no unnecessary paparazzi. There was a
bed with a white sheet and lilac blanket and then
there were three pillows. A long sofa that faced the
bed sideways and then there was a wardrobe and a
home theatre. He grew up with the man and so he
knew nothing played from the speaker except it was
gospel music or a message. He sat on the bed and
faced his son who had explained that he felt like he

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was battling lust and needed help.

“Hmmm... you have been seeing her in your sleep?”

“PJ, for four days straight and I have been feeling so

uncomfortable about it. Yes, she is beautiful. Very
beautiful and undeniably I thought of this Osun girl
the first day I got home. I mean, who wouldn’t? The
girl is beautiful, I prayed and thought it was over
but low and behold, I started seeing her in my sleep
since then. I have prayed Baami PJ, I have prayed, I
have tried replacing her thoughts with the Bible,
but it isn’t working. I don’t know what to do.”

“ Hmmm...right now, I feel more uneasy about her

name than you.”

“ Ah ah? I don ’ t understand PJ, how can you care

more about her than me?”

“ Her name is Osun and as soon as you mentioned

that name, something set ablaze in my spirit.”

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“Ha! See PJ, I am still confused on that matter. Her

father is a Christian. My office has days that we fast
and pray so I am completely confused and don ’ t
know why a devout Christian would name his
daughter Osun.”

“ It doesn ’ t matter, there are bastards in this

kingdom too and that is why we just must careful
and watchful as believers.”

“ Hmm... so what about me? ” Ade asked still

looking confused.

“Are you sleeping with her in your dreams?”

“God forbid!”

“Are you making attempts to touch her?”

“God forbid, no oo.”

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“Then, this is simple son, set the door to your room

ablaze, choose what comes in and what goes out.
Don’t be pitiful when dealing with things like this.
Set that door ablaze.”

“Yes, PJ.”

“Have you forgotten the believer’s authority?”

“No, I haven’t.” He told him.”

Ade was glad he had this man in his life. He had

been with him since he was nine years old, the man
had patiently waited and led him to Christ at
eighteen. He taught him all he knew and some he
learned through revelation and experience. He was
glad the man was in his life and wasn ’ t taking his
grace for granted.

“In the name of Jesus, I am a child of the living

God and so my the authority in the name of Jesus,

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nobody, no demon or power passes through this

door except that which is of the Lord.” Ade prayed
earnestly before he finally got into bed. Although he
wasn't a pastor, jeopardizing his faith on the altar of
temptation was one thing he wasn't going to try out.
He opened his bible and read through as it was his
habit.

Soon, his eyes began to close gradually in a deep

sleep. He hadn't slept long When the door to his
room opened again. He got up slowly in wonder.

“I thought I prayed. I thought I prayed? He began.”

“Yes you did,” Osun responded and sat on the sofa

again, but God let me in.”

“ Why? Why would God let you in? ” Ade asked

almost crying.

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CHAPTER 10

...

“ Why? Why would God let you in? ” Ade asked

almost crying.

“Because I am not here to seduce you, I am not here

to make you fall into sin. I need your help.”

“My help? How? Why? Your father is rich, he has

so much money. He can help you now, he can help
you.” Ade cried.

“If it was that I needed money you would be the last

person I would ask. We are not even close, we've
never said much to each other, yet my sport says
you have answers to my questions.”

“ Exactly! We are not even close so what do you

want?” Ade lamented, his hands flying to his head
in frustration. “ Abi, is it a crime to meet

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somebody?”

“Easy, Ade. I am in your sleep so no one will hear

you.” She told him in calmness.

“Okay, Oya talk and go.” He told her and adjusted

to the far end of his bed, away from her.

“I don’t know where to start from but, I need your

help.” She repeated. “I am held bound.”

“By who?” He asked her.

“ Ade! Ade! Ade! ” Ade ’ s mother repeated. He

could her her loud from his sleep.

“ Hmmm...yes...help you? Bind you? ” Ade said

sleepily until the woman gave him a mild tap.

“Yes, ma.”

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“ Ade get up, Foye, your boss ’ s son is here to see

you.” She told him. He jerked up immediately and
shook his head many times.

“Why is Foye here?”

“I don't know, but he says it is a message from his

father.”

“Okay. Good morning Maami.”

“Good morning son. You slept late yesterday.”

“ Yes, I was just erm, a little tired. ” He told his

mother and picked up the phone from beside his bed.
It was then he saw that had missed his boss’s call up
to eight times. He dialed the man ’ s number
immediately making his way out of his room to the
living room.

“Hello sir, good morning.”

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“ Good morning Ade, how are you doing? ” The

man ’ s voice came up on the phone. Ade felt
embarrassed. Here he was sounding like a croaking
frog while his CEO sounded like he had been up
since past 5 in the morning.

“I am fine sir. I am so sorry I wasn't picking up your

calls sir, I slept late last night, I apologize.”

He said as stepped into the living room and

exchanged a quit handshake with Foye. The two
men sat as Foye’s eyes mused around the nice but
petit apartment. It wasn't as big as theirs, but he was
impressed. The man had only started working with
them and his place was so decent, clean and
beautiful.

“ It ’ s okay. We all have our days. Have you seen

Foye?”

“Yes, I have sir, but we haven't spoken.”

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Yeah, I asked him to come early so it won't affect

your work hour and his school time too.” Ade’s
eyes flinched to the clock on the wall, it was only
seven minutes past 6:30 am. He sighed and looked
at Foye intensely.

Foye admired the man. He was a fine man, a certain

simplicity hung around him. Plus, it wasn't hard to
notice that the man had a certain presence around
him that made him lovable and favourable.

Foye wasn't surprised when for the first time ever,

his father allowed a worker into their home and
even made him meet his precious daughter, Osun.
The young man had just opened the door for other
workers who would be wise and play their cards
well.

“He is safe, sir. We will talk. Thank you, sir.”

“Take care AdeBanks. Bye.”

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“Bye, sir.” He finally said and dropped the call.

“Good morning sir,”

“Common Foye, if you have deals to run with me,

you would want to be very free so just call me
Adebanks or Banks like your sister does.” He told
him and added a cool smile.

“Okay, Adebanks. Thank you. Sorry, I woke you up

this early. I have been having a hard time with
classes and dad thinks only you can put me through,
so basically, I need your help on some topics.”

For a brief second, Ade wished everything could

pause. How ridiculous? How could he have dreamt
about his sister needing help and then he wakes up
to her younger brother actually needing his help?

“Oh, okay. Umm...that would be no problem, Foye.

I will simply check my schedules and tell you the

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best time for us to meet. I wouldn ’ t want to have

things mumbled up.”

“ Okay Banks. Thank you. That's all. I have your

phone number, I will drop a chat to remind you. So,
umm, I will be on my way to school now. Thank
you.” He finally told him and rose to his feet. Ade
rose too almost immediately and took his hand in
his.

“Take care, Foye.”

“ Yeah, you too. By the way, my sister sent her

regards.”

“Oh...umm...”

“ Osun. ” Foye reminded him, but Ade knew he

remembered the name, he just did not want to say it.
He had had enough of her showing up everywhere.
In his sleep, everywhere. It was overwhelming, that
was just how he felt.

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“ My regards to her, please. ” He told Foye and

watched him exit.

*** *** *** ***

The office was packed full. Today was
extraordinarily busy. Many people wanted loans and
others wanted to deposit or open accounts. Ade had
left his auditing desk and filled in for Boma who
had to leave almost as soon as she came in. The
woman was pregnant and her morning sickness was
beginning to interfere with her job. It was obvious
she needed a break.

“Take a leave Boma. You need it, your second baby

is not taking it easy on you in the mornings.” Stella,
a colleague had advised her before she left. If Boma
was not on her seat, Sola Kings was supposed to be
her replacement, but the man was nowhere to be
found, so Ade stood in for him.

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Ade adjusted his tie again as he shouted next. The

queue in front of him was so long that the man
didn't bother to raise his head anymore. He just
called next, listened to them, and solved whatever it
was that had brought them.

“Next,” he shouted again, waving to the queue but

not raising his head.

“Hi, Banks.” A fine female voice greeted him. Ade

raised his head and found his worst fear standing in
front of him...

CHAPTER 11

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...

“Hi, Banks.” A fine female voice greeted him. Ade

raised his head and found his worst fear standing in
front of him.

“Hi, Osun.” He greeted and stood to his feet. Just

when he thought he had an excuse to avoid her,
Shola Kings showed up. The man was rushing
towards him. For a second Ade wished he could
gesture to the man not to come to his space,
unfortunately, Osun stood too close and any gesture
from him was going to be detected.

“Sorry man. I was tracking down this prospect and

then the GM just called me to come. I couldn't give
him an excuse so I rushed out. Sorry. Has it been
long Boma left?” Shola kept talking. Ade knew he
thought the lady standing there was a customer, he
looked around and tapped the desk in discomfort.

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“ Young, lady, how may I help you please? ” He

faced her and sat quickly on his seat. “Thank you,
Ade. You can go, I will take it from here.”

“ You are welcome, man. ” Ade told him and

attempted to leave like he didn't know she was there
for him.

“Madam, yes...so...”

“ Umm, I am not a customer, I am Ade ’ s guest. ”

She informed him. Ade felt the floor beneath him
shift. What was that for? His colleagues were the
Lords of tease, they were never going to let this
slide. The taunting that would come from them
would be remembered forever.

“ Ade...Ade...she is your guest. ” Sola repeated

pointing at her slowly like he had not heard her say
it. He added a fake cough and it was annoying.

“Ehn, I have heard, now. Why are you repeating it

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as if it will save my life from something? ” He

patched back but tried to hide his anger. In
hesitation, Ade walked to her side and drew her out
of the queue.

“Can we talk somewhere else?”

“ It ’ s still work hours Osun, I may not be able to

leave, the manager...”

“My father spoke with the manager before I came.

He is going to let you be for some time. We need to
talk.” She insisted.

“ Nepotism isn't going to make us lots of money

around here, you know.”

“Yeah. I promise I won't do it again.” She told him,

happily raising her hand above her shoulder and
adding the brightest smile Ade had ever seen all his
life.

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The woman was too cute, saying no was impossible.

He stood there and smiled back at her.

“The office canteen would do.” He told her.

“Sure.” She agreed and led the way.

“Do you know the canteen?”

“I have never been here, but daddy and Foye did a

good job describing.

“Whoa! Okay...” He exclaimed and walked beside

her as they made their way to the nearby food store.
.
*** *** *** ***

“ So...umm, what are we here for? ” Ade started

once they had settled in the restaurant. He had
ordered two bottles of drink and a plate of salad.
Osun rejected the salad and drink, requesting water.
She was quiet until the waiter returned with two

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bottles of water.

“ I don't know why I am here, but I like the peace

around you.”

Ade chuckled and adjusted on his seat in

discomfort.

“You sound like it is a scarce commodity.”

“Isn't it?” she asked him.

“Peace isn't scarce, man hasn't just found it,” Ade

told her and smiled. He didn ’ t know what to feel,
why was she there and why was she talking to him?

“ How do I find it? ” she asked looking at him

intensely.

“I am a believer and Jesus gives peace, immensely.”

He told her and felt a tinge of shame. Then the guilt
followed. Why was he feeling ashamed for talking

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about Jesus to somebody?

“Yeah, I hear that a lot.”

“You hear?” He asked and added another sheepish

smile.

“ Yeah, way back in Canada, aunty Rhoda, she

always spoke about Jesus and about how good a
God he is.”

“She is right you know.”

“Yet she became a widow at thirty-five, lost her first

son to drugs, and now lives alone with two
daughters who loathe her and treat her like a piece
of shit because they think she killed their father. So
you see, if God can’t be good to aunty Rhoda, then
he can ’ t be good to anyone else. ” She concluded
and sighed.

“ I won ’ t try to convince you, I will let him show

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you. Plus, I know you are not here to talk about how
good or bad God he is. So what’s up? Why are you
here?” He started, wanting to know her reason for
coming to see him.

“I don’t know. Just wanted to see you.”

Ade laughed hiding his face. Why on earth would

she leave her father's house just to see him?

“ Better use your head, no dey waka anyhow for

Naija. ” He whispered to himself his face still
hidden away from her his

“Did you say something?” She asked, titling to the

side to see his face.

“Did you say something?” She asked, titling to the

side to see his face.

“Me? Nothing. Nothing, but then, I hope you know

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your father won’t let me off the hook if he finds me

here with you.”

“There is no hook and nobody is getting hooked or

sacked. I told him I was coming here for you.”

“What? Why?” He asked her in fear.

“Why are you so scared?”

“It is my fourth month here and I don’t want to spoil

things for myself. You are not part of job
jurisdiction, you know.” He told her.

“What if I want to be?” She asked, smiling at him.

“ I don ’ t understand you. ” He told her without

smiling. It was obvious he wasn't playing.

“What if I want to be part of your job jurisdiction. I

want to be your friend Adebanks. There is so much
peace hanging around you and I want some of it. ”

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she told him sounding urgent...

CHAPTER 12

...

“What if I want to be part of your job jurisdiction. I

want to be your friend Adebanks. There is so much
peace hanging around you and I want some of it. ”
she told him sounding urgent.

“Well, as I said, you can have all of it through one

man and that man is not me.”

“Then who is he? Show him to me.” She told him

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in a shaky voice.

“ Okay see, it's office hour, and whether you told

your father about this or not, I have to return to
work, but emmm...you can get my number from
your brother. We will talk about it later.”

He told her and got up quickly. Osun felt wounded.

How could one man bring so much peace yet be so
stern and strict? She thought as she giggled and kept
looking in his direction until he completely
disappeared into the bank.

Osun turned slowly to find a very familiar face

staring at her from across the canteen. She was sure
she knew the man from somewhere, but where? She
questioned herself. First, he was smiling, and then
suddenly, his smile became a frown. He got up and
walked out. Once he was gone, Osun remembered
his face. He was the same man from the airport. The
one who woke her up, reminding her it was time for
her flight. She had never been more confused all her

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life. She got up and walked out quickly. She was

going to find him and confront him. What did he
want?

“Hey! Hey! Hey! She kept calling behind the man.

He wasn't walking fast, she was not just meeting up
no matter how fast she ran. He stopped and for a
few seconds everything around stopped including
moving cars, a cold breeze blew and she saw what
he really was. He was half-human and half...half
what? Osun moved closer to see what he really was.
He grew out slowly, it was a tail, then his waist
grew out. He was enormous. She waited and then
there he was, half-snake and half-human. He had a
fine human face, the finest she had ever seen, his
hair grew out. It was so long!

“ Osun, stop asking him questions, you are mine, ”

he told her and fell on his chest, crawling his way
out of the place.
*** *** *** ***
“Osun!” She felt a hand grab her and throw her to

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another side of the road. She turned slowly and saw

Adebanks holding her and painting. A car sped past
almost immediately. It was obvious he was saving
her from the speeding vehicle. He adjusted a strand
of hair and looked away from her quickly looking
troubled. He looked like he wanted to find whatever
she had been starting at.

“ Thank you. ” She was told him calmly, trying to

get a grip on herself and be at her best. Some of her
father ’ s staff members had gathered round. It was
apparent they thought something evil had
happened to her.

She moved and Adebanks groaned. He was

wounded. His elbows were bleeding. He was
severely scratched.

“Oh my God! Sorry. Is there a clinic close by?”

“ There is a hospital. ” He told her. “ Help me up

please.”

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Osun hoisted him slowly and helped him into her

car. She had driven in her father’s right-handed car
even though the man had warned her not to as she
could get arrested or detained for driving a car like
that in Nigeria. She had no choice, she needed to
see Adebanks and it was urgent. She drove to the
His Grace Hospital where his clothe was removed.
The scratch was in more places than his elbow. He
had mild tears on his back and shoulder. Something
else fascinated Osun. It was the fact that the man
was well built and he had a tattoo. She couldn't help
but stare as the nurse worked on him.

“ Why are you starting that much? ” he finally

asked.

“Umm...”

He chuckled. Many people who saw his body had

that reaction. He had lived a crazy life before Jesus
happened to him. Yes, he was young, but very

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wild Living with PJ couldn ’ t even save him. The

devil still tried.

“It’s okay. I can tell you how I got this body and this
tattoo.”

“I...I...am sorry, I didn’t mean to stare that much. I

was just a little umm...”

“ Flabbergasted, ” he helped her and searched her

eyes to know her thoughts. And then she asked a
question nobody had ever asked him.

“Who were you before now?”

“Wow, you are the first person to ask me that in past

tense.”

“ Don ’ t get me wrong, where I come from, tattoos

aren't evil, but guys like you don't get tattoos,
especially that type, it's an eagle, a wicked looking
eagle if you ask me. ” She told him and they both

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laughed.

“I lived with my spiritual father all my life after the

death of my father at a very early age. He is a pastor
and he loves me dearly. He thought me so much
about God that I became firebrand.”

“When you say firebrand, I am guessing you mean,

you were very spiritually grounded in Jesus, right?”

“ Yeah. ” He told her and attempted to continue

talking. “ Tsh... ” he shook slightly from the
discomfort of the wound that was being treated.

“Sorry.” She comforted.

“ Yeah, it ’ s fine. So as I was saying, in no time I

began to operate in certain dimensions. I could see
visions, interpret dreams, give accurate words of
knowledge and all. ” He stopped and laughed
briefly. “ It was a crazy time of my life and I had
crazy friends. I was a teenager, 17 at that time. Soon,

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my friends started calling me the eagle eye and

began to hail me. They began to tell me how I could
reveal deeper things than even my spiritual father.
They also made me get the tattoo. I became a
vagabond instead of a prophet, I prayed and studied
less. I was everywhere. Preached here and there like
I was a shepherd over a flock until the devil burnt
me out and I became empty.”

“And the muscles?” She asked him.

“ Oh, girls. I wanted to be appealing to girls, but

guess what.”

”What?” she asked beaming with a smile.

“ I never got laid, I could not even get a girlfriend

and the only one my silly friends got for me broke
up the very next day. ” He told her and they both
laughed. “I wanted to look good for the girls. Well,
I still work out though, but with a different motive,
better than the first one, unfortunately, I can’t wipe

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my tattoo so I just cover it up well and properly.”

“Well, with a body like that, you must be doing a lot

of covering. ” She told him and laughed. They
talked until the nurse was through and they were on
their way to his house. He gave a perfect description
and they were in his place in no time.

CHAPTER 13

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...

“Ha! Ade! Ade! You got me worried.” His mother

started wearing a deep frown.

“I am sorry mum, I had a minor accident. I have a

stitch to my back and my elbows were also treated,
but I am fine.” He told her. The woman jumped up,
adjusted her wrapper, and knelt down amidst a song
of thanksgiving. Osun was fascinated. She laughed
happily and the woman was curious. Who was she?

“ Is this the lady that saved you? ” she asked

grabbing her too quickly.

“On the contrary, he saved me.”

“ Ehn ehn... ” she reverted, her jolly mood slowly

fading away and replaced with silence.

“Mom, this is Osun, my boss's daughter.”

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“ Ehn ehn. Osun is that your real name or a

nickname?”

“ Maami. ” Ade interrupted, winking at his mother

in caution.

“What is it? Can't I ask questions again?”

“No now.” Ade tried explaining.

“ It ’ s okay Banks, I got this. Emm...it is my real

name ma, but if you don't like it, you can call ma
Ara.”

“ Ha! I prefer Ara oo. Thank you ehn, Ara. ” She

called in sarcasm. It was obvious she didn't even
mean it.

“ I will be in my room, ” Ade announced to the

woman and walked to his room.

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“Can I help you?” Osun asked.

“Okay.” He agreed.

“Wo, my daughter, don’t worry yourself oo. I will

help him. He is fine. ” She told Osun and stopped
her from helping her son. “ Don ’ t worry, you can
come and greet him tomorrow. He is fine. ” She
snatched the nylon of prescribed drugs and nudged
her son into the passage leading to his room.

“ Okay ma. Good night then. Take care Banks, see

you tomorrow.”

“Bye Osun.” He greeted and watched her exit.

“Ade! Ade! What are you doing? Don’t tell me of

all the girls in this Lagos, it is Osun, I river goddess
that you are falling in love with.”

“ Ah ah, Maami, who is talking about love now?

Now, now, now, I will just fall in love, just like

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that?”

“Shut up! Shut up! Even your female cousins don't

enter your room, yet you felt so free asking her to
come in.”

“And you think of all times, it is now that I have a

wounded body that I would want to have sex with
an Osun girl.”

“I don't care oo. I don't. Just be careful. Be careful

around her.”

“Whatever Maami. Just stop treating her like she is

a plague or a pandemic?”

“Is she not?”

“No, she is a beautiful young lady that...”

“You just called her beautiful, you even know she is

beautiful.”

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“ I told you before now, and you just saw her

yourself. She is a fine girl now.”

“Ade, I cover you with the blood of Jesus! I cover

your eyes with the blood of Jesus! Ah! Jesu!” she
exclaimed and cried around the room. Ade collected
his medicine from her and left her there. He had
never seen his mother so dramatic. He couldn't deny
he liked Osun, a lot, but starting a relationship with
her was the last thing on his mind. How could he?
She was his boss ’ s wife, which made her
inaccessible, plus, her name, Osun. That even the
least of his problem.

“ I will boil water for you to bathe. ” It was his

mother from outside his room.

“Okay, Maami. He answered and sank back j to his

thoughts.

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*** ***

Mum! She’s home!” Foye exclaimed bringing his

parents down from the other living room.

“ Eh, God thank you! ” Nkechi kept shouting. Her

grandmother was not looking disturbed, unlike the
two dotting parents that stood in front of her.

“Osun,” it was her father. He hugged her quickly

Nkechi did the same.

“I am sorry. I had to help Adebanks to the hospital

after he got wounded trying to save my life.”

“What? Are you okay?” Nkechi twirled her around

with so much care.

“I am fine but not Ade. He was wounded. He had to

get stitched and cleaned up.”

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“ What happened. I thought you were going to the

bank.”

“ We were in the canteen, we talked, he left. I felt

dizzy in the middle of the road and couldn't move,
Ade dived in and helped me out of the road.”

“Wow!” her father exclaimed. “Where is he now?”

he asked her.

“Home. Dad, please, could you give him some days

off?”

“You can't keep influencing office matters from the

house.” He told her and walked away from her.

“But she is right this time honey. He saved our child’

s life, we should show him some gratitude.” Nkechi
buttressed.

“Fine! Three days off. That is all he gets.” He said

grudgingly and left to his room.

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“ Are you sure you are fine? ” Nkechi asked her

again.

“I am fine, I promise.” She told the woman and she

let her be.

“ Come to think of it, what were you saying to

Banks for so long? He never spends time with
anybody that long?” Foye asked.

“Says who? You just don’t know him? ” She told

her brother strolling into the kitchen. He followed
after her and stood next to her Ashe checked for
food.

“He must have been stuck under a trailer for you to

be able to have him talk to you for that long.” Foye
teased.

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Chapter 14

“He must have been stuck under a trailer for you to

be able to have him that long.” Foye teased.

“Hey, Foye. He is not that crazy. And yeah, he was

there in the hospital taking treatment so we were
able to talk.”

“I thought as much. So, do you like him?”

“ Of course, everyone likes Banks. ” She told him

and chuckled as she turned on the microwave.

“ Oh please, save me the everybody likes Banks

story. I mean do you feel attracted to him?”

“It has only been two meetings, Foye.”

“It doesn’t take forever to fall in love sister. Do you

like him? Like, that kind of like?”

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“You want the truth right?” She asked smiling.

“Yes.”

Osun turned off the microwave, removed her food

and proceeded to the living room with it.

“Well, yes, I like him, but hey I know nothing about

that man yet.”

“Oh, that’s easy, I can help you, plus, I thought you

guys over there don ’ t really care about these
things?”

“ Says who? Don ’ t believe everything you see in

movies.” She told him and added some ketchup to
the chips in front of her.

“ Not really. I have a lot of white friends too and

trust me, Shiela, Patricia and George don'give a
damn.”

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“ Omo nla (great child), see, these your parents are

trying too hard to protect you from your own destiny.
It will only lead to a big fail. A big fail. ” Their
grandmother interrupted. She was still in the living
room on her carefully carved seat.

“What destiny grandma. You have started again oo.

Why are you not sleeping yet? ” Foye asked the
woman almost parching.

“ It is fine Foye, I want to hear what she is saying,

all of it. Grandma, what destiny are you talking
about?”

“ The destiny that is none of your business. ” Her

father answered from nowhere. “Baby, maybe you
should eat in your room while I have a word with
your grandma.”

“O...okay dad.” She stuttered and obeyed her father.

Her brother followed after her.

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“Mama, what is it? Why are you doing this to me? I

don't want my child to have anything to do with
your goddess, your...your diabolical way of thinking
isn't going down well with me, can you please
stop?”

“ Stop what? Stop telling a child the truth?

Debowale, the truth you are keeping away from this
child will haunt you, it will hunt her and the spirits
will not spare anybody.”

“What spirits? Don't get on my nerves Mama, it is

late and I expect you to be sleeping by now. Please,
go to bed. ” He told her and returned to his room.
The old woman hissed and left the living room for
her room. It was the longest arguments mother and
son had ever had. It had lasted for years between
them and it was obvious that only death could stop
the old woman from bringing up the loathed topic in
the house.
*** *** *** ***

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The door to Mama's room squeaked, she got up at

once since she did not sleep deeply. Little things
woke her up and the squeaking noise from her door,
was enough noise.

“ Who is there? Who is that? ” she questioned too

many times.

“Mama, it’s me, Osun, your granddaughter.” The

younger woman whispered.

“Don’t worry, every door is noise proof, no one will

hear you.” She told her. “Come closer.” The order
followed.

“I can’t. I don’t know my way around your room.”

“Where are you standing?”

“Close to the door.”

“Search the wall close to you, the switch is there.”

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She told Osun and in no time, the light was on. It

was very bright and at first, the old woman had
squinted in discomfort. “Come child, sit.” She told
her, calmly touching a space on her gigantic bed.
“What is it child?”

“ Mama, I need to know about my destiny.

Everything about it.” Osun told the woman.

The woman laughed in a low tone and looked at her

grandchild intensely.

“Wait, tonight, I will take you somewhere.” She

told her and got up. She was wearing only her night
wear and so was Osun. Osun wore a very small
piece of clothing so that a larger part of her skin was
bare.

“Where are we going to?”

“I need to show you where you really belong.” The

woman told her and slowly grabbed her hand. In no

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time they made their way outside the house and

then outside the gate. The gate could use a remote
control and it just made it easy for the old woman.

“We’ve left the building Mama.”

“I know. I am taking you somewhere.”

“Where Mama?”

“You ask too many questions child.”

“ Sorry grandma. ” She told the older woman and

then they proceeded in silence. She soon stopped,
clapped three times and began to say things
Osundidn ’ t understand, the woman grabbed her
hand and soon, they were on a beach.

“Grandma,” Osun called hesitatingly.

“It is fine, I am not a spirit. I am still here with you.

This is where I can stop, the journey is yours to

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continue.”

“Why?”

“Because it is your destiny. Except I am summoned

by the Queen herself, I can't come with you.”

“Meaning?”

“Go into the water and find out by yourself. I will be

waiting for you.”

“ Okay, grandma. ” She answered and proceeded

into the water. Once her feet touched the water, it
sank her in slowly. She struggled a little and then
stopped. She just let it take her in. She was soon
beneath the water and the scene she met was very
familiar. She could remember every bit of it.

The drums she heard frequently in her dream came

to life. The atmosphere got thicker as she walked in.
Osun wondered if every other human could hear

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what was going on beneath this water. She lifted her

head and saw the water serving as the roof over her
head, she saw mermaids swim past her. All stopping
and bowing to her like she was their Queen or as if
she commanded some form
Of authority.

“Welcome, a familiar voice greeted her.”

“ Hi, I know you, ” Osun told the lady whom she

knew she had been seeing only in her sleep, but this
was real, she was real. She was with them, and as it
was in her sleep, so it was here.

“ Welcome. ” Her enigma greeted. She saw the

woman smiling. Osun looked at herself and realized
that this time she was wearing her pyjamas. She
stretched her hand and touched the woman, she was
real. She laughed and she heard her. Her soft
laughter resounding beneath the water. The dancers
looked so far off, yet the drums resounded all
through the water.

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“You are real.”

...

CHAPTER 15

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...

“You are real.”

“ Yes, I am, Osun. I have always wondered why

Yeyeluwa gave you her name, but Fomishola, your
ancestral descendant played a major role in her life,
here. She didn’t know how else to repay her, so she
struck a deal with her that from her daughter's
generation to your sixth generation, you will marry
her sons. ” She told her, paused and gave her an
intense look like she was expecting a reaction. Osun
returned the look and walked forward.

“Wait Osun, the distance,” she told her and clapped

twice. A ferry was pushed in by no one or so Osun
thought because there was really someone pushing
it towards them. He was a midget and the side he
had paddled from didn't allow Osun to see him
immediately. He bowed and left.

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The enigma entered calmly and then beckoned on

her to come in.

“I don't want to ride in it.” She told her.

“You can’t walk this water beyond here until after

your purification.

“But I could in my sleep.”

“Because it was permitted. Come, sit here with me.”

Osun sat without further questions. Her enigma was

right. The place was farther than it seemed. She
counted seconds in her heart but she couldn ’ t get
hold of her numbers. The numbers faded away and
she could barely calculate how many minutes it
took them to get to them. Soon, they got to where
they stopped. A place from where they could get a
proper view of the procession.

“Can’t I go closer?”

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“No, you can’t. she told her and stood side by side
with her as they looked down from where they
stood. The wave of water was greater there, but she
couldn't feel its power. She was sure the enigma
beside her too couldn't.

“See, these spirits have spent their entire life taking

care of you. From the day you were dedicated to us
here, to the day of your rebirth party where
Yeyeluwa chose you as a bride to Erinluwa. They
were selected to take care of you. As I explained to
you earlier, they are preparing you for your husband
and after this purification on the day of Ka’ra o fin,
you will depart from earth, and it your wedding to
Erinluwa here in the underworld.”

“Wait, so you are saying, I am going to die?” she

asked, her eyes widening in shock.

“ Yes. Your mother, Omiyemi, whom you call

Jolayemi should have told you this.”

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“ No! I don't want to die, not now. I love the earth

and I love my life.” They heard a roar of thunder all
through the water. The turbulence got worse. Every
one of the spirits that stood bowed quickly.

“ You can ’ t say that you love the earth, Erinluwa

will not hear of it. ” The enigma that knelt beside
her told her quickly.

“So what is happening?” she asked quickly.

“Erinluwa is coming.”

“What?” Osun asked fearfully. “Is he going to kill

me?”

“I don't know.”

“I don't know. Maybe not now or here!”

Osun looked around in fear but her last turn gave

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her the shock of her life. She was facing the man
with the giant serpent waist, but he wasn't facing her.
His back was turned to her.

“You, I have seen you before.”

“ It gladdens my heart to have you home, but

hearing you say you love the earth is despicable.”

“How? I am human an...d...”

“You were dedicated to my mother and betrothed to

me. I am your husband and this is home. Our
home.”

“ How? By who? When? You are half serpent and

half-human, how do we even consummate the love
you have for me?”

Once she landed, he transformed into a full-blown

man with two legs and a very fine figure. He wore
one of the finest linens she had ever seen, his long

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hair fell to his back.

“ I can be whatever I choose to be, I am Erinluwa,

prince of the water, king of my mother's heart, and
your soon-to-be husband. Go! Come back another
time, your grandmother has been given access to do
that anytime. Go! They are looking for you already.”
He told her and again the turbulence resumed. This
time, he was not the only one that disappeared,
she also found herself being dragged out by the
water. She met herself at the seashore coughing. Her
face dug into the soft sand by the seaside. It was
early hours of the morning, her grandmother sat
there waiting patiently.

“Osun!” the woman called and rushed up to her.

“Mama!” Osun heard a familiar voice. She looked

up and saw her father, but she was too used up to
say anything. She laid there tiredly panting. It was
all she could remember.
*** *** *** ***

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Ade couldn't sleep all through the night. The

thought of Osun kept his eyes wide open. He prayed
at intervals and paced round his room. A scripture
had dropped in his spirit, Isaiah 49:24. It was the
scripture about the lawful captives being delivered.
He prayed fervently with Osun in mind, he couldn't
pinpoint why, but he knew better than to restrain the
Holy Spirit like that.

At about 2:34 am, Ade dozed off on the bare floor

where he had managed to lay in a nearly
comfortable position. He felt a hand tap him,
knowing fully well that his door was locked he
jerked up and got ready to attack, but then he saw PJ
in his room. The man laughed at his reaction and sat
without being told to sit.

“ PJ now, you scared me. ” He told the man not

smiling.

“ Scared? That word shouldn ’ t exist in your

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dictionary, because more fearful things are about to

happen.”

“I don’t understand, PJ. What does that even mean?”

He asked slowly sitting on the bed his eyes fixed on
the man like the slightest distraction would make
him disappear. The plank of the bed squeaked
noisily as he sat.

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CHAPTER 16

...

The plank of the bed squeaked noisily as he sat.

“ Look here son, the Lord has sent me to you and

only he has asked me to tell you this. You shall play
an important role in the life of Osun, because she
shall bear your sons and daughters, out of whom
shall come forth a general who will birth a host of
army for me on earth. This is an old standing
covenant I had with your grandmother before her
death. Your own grandmother.”

“Why me? Why do I have to be the one to play an

important role and why is Osun going to birth my
sons and daughters? What if I don’t want to marry
her?”

PJ laughed, he laughed so hard that Ade could see a

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tear drop from his eyes.

“ Don ’ t worry. God will create the desire. We

underestimate the things God can be involved in
you know. Can’t you see? You are already attracted
to each other. And stop asking why you? I already
answered that. Your grandmother served without
asking God for anything specifically in return, she
only continually prayed for her children and
grandchildren, so the Lord decided that out of her
lineage shall come forth a general, one whose name
I shall write in the sands of time. Nations shall call
him blessed and come to the brightness of his
light.”

“ And Osun is worthy of carrying that child? ” He

asked in disbelieve.

“God looks into the hearts of men not the other way
round. Besides, the Lord calls her his wonder, made
by his own hands, who is man to think she doesn’t
deserve that kind of honour?”

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Ade sighed, got up confused and waddled to the

opposite direction of his room. He turned to talk to
PJ, but he was gone.

“ PJ, PJ, PJ! ” Ade kept calling and squirming. His

voice got louder and louder. His mother had at first
resisted the urge of knocking on his door, but as her
son’s voice got louder she couldn’t stop herself. She
rushed to the door and banged it. Ade got up as
quickly as he could and rushed to open the door.

“Are you okay?” His mother asked, spinning him

around and checking if he was fine.

“Yes, I am. I was only talking to PJ...” he closed his

eyes in regret. He shouldn't have said it that way.
“Umm...sorry I mean, I was only talking to myself.”

“ Ha! Ade! Ade! Talk to me, is there something

wrong?”

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“No, maami, I am absolutely fine, ma. Ermm...what

time is it?”

She tilted towards the clock in his room in

surprise. “ But your clock is working. ” She told
him. Ade turned by himself and saw that it was past
3 am in the morning. He wanted to see Osun again,
as early as possible. He wanted to be sure she was
fine, the burden about her came too strongly all
through the night again.

“Oh, okay. Good night maami.” He told his mother

and attempted to close the door,but she stopped him,
holding the door to herself.

“Ade, are you sure you are fine?”

“ I am maami. I am fine. ” He told her again and

closed the door quickly. He sat up and wondered
about everything he saw in his sleep. It was worth
meditating on. More than anything else, Ade was
beginning to realize that liking Osun at first sight

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was God ’ s doing and not just lust. Was he sure it

was just likeness or was it love at first sight? He
asked himself as he sat there and pondered on the
depth of PJ’s words to him.
.
*** *** *** ***
The next time Osun opened her eyes, she found
herself on her bed in her room. It was already past 6
in the morning, her father and Nkechi sat close to
her on the bed. Amaka came in holding a tray of
food. Once Osun saw her, she jerked up and flung
herself into Nkechi’s arms.

“ No, no, I don't want to die. I don't want to die,

please help me! ” she cried frantically wrangling
herself in her stepmother's arms. Nkechi jumped on
the bed and held her close.

“ It ’ s okay baby, you are safe. You are. I promise

you.” Nkechi assured her.

“They said I will die. They said I have to leave dad

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and mom and join them.” She reported like it was

something they understood.

“Who?” Nkechi asked confused.

Amaka’s face slowly became the face of Erinluwa,

he was cautioning her not to say a word.

“Get out!” Osun yelled at Amaka almost attacking

her, but for her father who held her back.

“Sorry Amaka, excuse us.” He told the young girl.

She dropped the plate of food quietly and left the
room.

“I guess it is time for her to know the truth Nkechi.”

“Look, if it is what you told me last night, then she

doesn't need to know, not now, please.”

“ But look at her. What if she gets worse? What if

something else happens or is already happening

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under that...that place Mama took her to yesterday.”

“ Debo, ” Nkechi got up and walked to his side of

the bed and then slowly touched his face. “I think
she will be okay. Just wait a little. She is not in the
right frame of mind now. ” She advised her
husband.

“ I am fine and I want to hear it all. Every bit of it

dad.” She told her father and gave him an intense
look that suggested that she was fine.

The man broke down in tears and wept hard. Nkechi

consoled him holding back her own tears.

“ I am sorry Ara, I wish I could save you. I wish

there was a way that I knew. ” The man told her.
Osun ’ s eyes quizzed from her father ’ s face to
Nkechis’. Who was talking next? She needed more
information.

“ Your mother comes from Osun State Nigeria, the

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part where the goddess Osun is worshipped

popularly. My mother comes from there too, but not
my father. As a child, we wanted you to spend time
with your grandmother ’ s mother who lived very
long. We thought it was a privilege for her to grow
that old and so, we often took you to her since her
daughter, your grandmother married a white man.
Arnold. I knew she worshipped the goddess. I mean
marrying your mother was a whole lot of trouble,
even Arnold could barely survive the anger of
whatever wanted your grandmother beneath that
water. He died just a year after marriage. I faced a
lot of problems in my businesses and all, but then
we met Baba Jobiewe. He was a herbalist who knew
how to tame the spirits from the water. He tamed
your mother’s water spirit, or whatever he called it.”
Debo got up from the bed. His full figure facing a
drape in the room. He sniffled and walked closer to
the window. “ Maybe I shouldn ’ t have married
Jolayemi, maybe I should have let her go, but I
loved her too much and wanted her so badly. I
thought the stress we went through with your

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mother had changed your great grandmother. I

thought she would have learned her lesson from her
daughter and your mother, but no, she did the same
with you. She gave you up to her god.” He said and
broke down again.

“What does that mean, dad?” Osun asked, slowly

sitting up.

“ Somehow, this water creature has a strong hold

over you and it is umm...legitimate.”

“ No, that is impossible. Nobody can just wake up

and own people.” She lamented sitting up.

“It is not like you think Osun,” Nkechi said.

“Don’t call her that, I hate that name.”

“ So why did you name me that? ” Pain asked

crying.

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“ Because I had no choice than to agree, I named

you Ara. After your great grandmother dedicated
you to her god and I wanted to fight it, it almost
took your life. Baba Jobiewe was our only hope, we
went to him and he insisted we named you after the
water, Osun. It marked... ” the man paused and
couldn’t continue.

CHAPTER 17

...

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Osun. It marked... ” the man paused and couldn ’ t

continue.

“It marked what?” Osun looked away from her step

mother to her father like the answers were in their
eyes. “What did it mark?” She asked, tears falling
from her eyes.

“ It marked that...that we, I mean, Jolayemi, your

mother and I agreed you belonged to the other side
and could be taken at anytime as you belong to
them.

“ What? How could you dad? How? Now, he is

going to kill me, he wants me dead.”

“No, Baba Jawebori said...”

“I don't want to hear that name again dad! I don't!”

They heard a knock on the door almost immediately.

Foye opened the door and came into the room.

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“ Umm, good morning mom, good morning dad,

umm, good morning sis. Ade is downstairs to see
you.”

“Ade is hurt from the accident, he shouldn't be here.”

She responded looking confused.

“ Yes, and why is he here looking for her? ” her

father’s hoarse voice came after.

“ Dad, he is my friend, he can come and look for

me.”

“I am not disputing that, I am just saying, this early,

he should...”

“ Dad, please. I want to see him. Let him come

upstairs, Foye. ” She told her younger brother
looking at her father in the eyes.

“Forgive us, Ara. We did what we did so you could

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live.”

“ Okay, dad, but now we have to do something. I

can't marry a snake.”

“A snake? How?”

“That is what he is. He comes to me always in my

sleep, at the canteen, he was... ” Another knock
came at the door. This time it was Adebanks. The
man entered and she could tell he was embarrassed
by the sight of her parents there.

“Good morning sir, good morning ma.” He greeted

with all regard.

“ Good morning Ade, Debo answered and then

kissed his daughter on the head. “ We will leave
you now. ” He told her gently. Nkechi robbed her
shoulder and walked out after her husband.

“ Hey, ” she greeted calmly, giving him an

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inquisitive look all over. He sat in front of her on the

bed and hugged her gently.

“Good morning Araoluwa.”

“What, who told you that?” she asked surprised.

“Who told me what?”

“ Who told you my name is Ara? I never told you

that.”

“Umm, God told me,”

“ God? Does he talk that audibly and accurately? ”

she asked looking into his eyes. She could tell her
heart was pumping faster. Something drew her to
the man in a special way that she couldn't explain.

“Yes, but only to those who know him.”

“So, do you know him?”

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“Yes, I do, Araoluwa.”

“Who is he? Show him to me.”

Ade chuckled and then smiled.

“Are you asking me to lead you to Christ?”

“Yes, Ade. If he can save me from this...this...man.”

“What man, Ara? Talk to me, please. God told me I

have a role to play in your life. I need to know you
to play my role. Help me, I don’t want to end up in
God’s black book.”

“He told you that too?”

“ Yes. I couldn't sleep. I stayed up all night and

prayed for you. You couldn't leave my heart one
bit.”

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“Do you love me, Ade?” she asked out of nowhere.

Ade did not know what to say. It wasn't the reason
he came, a burden brought him, but he couldn't
deny the fact that he liked her that way.

“Umm...ummm...” he stuttered shyly.

“Ade, I know we don't know each other that much

and we ’ ve only spoken a few times and all, but I
have never met a man so simple, yet principled and
nice and kind and thorough, and deep and spiritual
like you. I want you to love me if...”

“ I love you Ara, ” he told her quickly. “ ...but we

can’ t start with that. I need to know what is going
on with you, help me.”

She couldn ’ t hold back her laughter. She laughed

out so a loud with so much happiness. She never
thought she would find love in the most ridiculous
way and place, but she did and he was sitting right
in front of her.

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“There is a man. His name is Heyrin...heyrinlowa.”

She tried pronouncing it with her Canadian accent.

“Erinluwa?” He helped her.

“Yes, but how did you know?”

“ Ermm...it sounds familiar. I mean on campus, I

was in the drama department in my fellowship. I
had acted the role of James, the real life husband of
the woman betrothed to Erinluwa, a serpentine
husband of Sewa in the marine world. His mother
was Yeyeluwa and...”

“What? That’s my story.” She screamed.

“That can’t be true. I couldn’t have acted your story

so accurately. It is impossible!”

“But you said God talks to his children audibly and

accurately.”

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“Yes, but, but, this was a long time ago and...wait?

Did God tell me about you before your arrival?
What?! Through, through a drama?”

“ If he talks, then he can also act right. He isn ’ t a

wooden god, is he? Tell me about the story, I want
to hear it.”

Ade narrated the entire story and even though they

were differences here and there, Osun could tell
God had already told the man before her his role
in her life even before she thought of traveling to
Nigeria.

“Are you going to be my husband and help me fight

Erinluwa? ” She asked once he landed with the
story.”

“ What? Erm...that was an unexpected question. ”

He told her and got up quickly.

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“ Then what role are you suppose to perform.

Connect the dots, Ade.”

“We cannot help God to connect his own dots. He

has to make it happen.”

“Well he is making it happen, else we would never

have met in the first place.”

“What if I am only a helper and we are not suppose

to be together?”

“No, Ade, I have a strong feeling this is meant to be.

Look, I was not ardent believer of Christ, but you,
you are changing that believe already. I believe God
sent you.”

“But God doesn’t work with emotions.”

“Well, I know he is not stereotyped in his ways.”

“ Look, focus. You need to accept Jesus. You need

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to know he is your Lord and savior.”

“How?”

“I can pray for you.” He told her and sat back on

the bed quickly.

“ Then, pray for me. I want to know him. I want

peace.”

Ade pitied her. He wasn't sure he could say he knew

how she felt, but he knew she wanted a way out of
the too many drama that was now happening in her
life. He held her hand and asked her to repeat his
words. She did and then once he was done, tears
rolled down her cheek. She was quiet, her eyes were
tightly closed. Ade knew better than to distract her.
He held her hand and sat there with her quietly. He
suddenly felt a nudge in his spirit to pray in the
Holy Ghost. He began speaking in tongues calmly
still holding Osun’s hands. They were trembling but
he held them still. She suddenly began to laugh, she

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laughed so loud that Foye was back in her room to

check her. It took Foye by surprise to find his sister
sitting there and just laughing.

“Why is she laughing like that?” he asked Ade who

wasn't responding either, he just sat there and spoke
in other tongues. Next was her father. Debo rushed
into the room and then when he saw what was
happening, he simply went on his knees and joined
in. He couldn't say much, he can't get repeating
“ Jesus, Jesus... ” and cried as he did. Soon, the
tongue got louder, as Osun laughed louder and
louder.

Amaka couldn't take it, she burnt from within as the

prayer was going on. She wondered who it was that
heaven listened to with so much speed. She had
been in places where people prayed. Never had
anybody's prayer made her feel so much discomfort.
Her mission was not complete, there was no way
she was leaving the house, at least not yet. Her body
was shaking and soon, when she couldn't stand it

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anymore, she broke a plate.

“ Amaka, what is it? Why did you break it plate? ”

Nkechi questioned her angrily.

“I am scared, will aunty be okay?” she cried as she

asked the woman. Nkechi drew her closer in care.

“It’s okay. She will be fine. In fact, she is fine, very

fine.” Go and get the broom and come and sweep
this place so that you don't step on it.

“Yes, ma,” she responded and walked out quickly.

It was a saving grace. They didn't keep brooms
inside the house. They were in the backyard. She
swizzled out very quickly and then once she was
there, she had found an exit through the back door
and was out in no time panting. A hand tapped her
from behind and she turned quickly.

CHAPTER 18

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...

A hand tapped her from behind and she turned

quickly.

“ Why did you leave your place of assignment,

Bomide?”

“ It got too hot. ” She answered the enigma that

stood right behind her.

“Yeye asked me to take over from you.” She told

her.

“ But why? I deserve to be here to watch over our

queen.”

“The rhythm has changed Bomide. It is going to be

a war this time.”

“Ha!”

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“ Exactly. Leave at once, I shall take your place

here.”

“ As the queen pleases. ” She bowed and

disappeared. Once she disappeared, Omiade
became her. She ran into the house quickly holding
a broom, like she was the former Amaka.

Once she was done sweeping the broken plate, she

walked into the living room where she met Ade and
Debo talking. Ade gave her a long stare that spoke
volumes. He was almost yelling, I know you, to her
face, but he kept talking to Debo not wanting to
expose her like that.

“ I will be back sir. I will be back later in the day.

Just let her sleep sir and umm, I will get her a Bible
while coming.”

“ Thank you. I would really appreciate that, Ade.

But, I am curious, why are you doing all of this?”

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“Because God has empowered me to.” He told his

boss, smiled, and left the house.

*** *** ***

“ PJ, she accepted Jesus. ” Ade started with too

much joy in his voice.”

“Who?” he asked trying to catch up with the happy

man that spoke with him on the phone.

“Araoluwa.”

“Who is Ara?” PJ asked again, still confused.

“I mean, Osun.”

“Your boss's daughter?”

“Yes.”

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“Good to know. So when am I meeting her?”

“Meeting her? Why do you want to meet her?”

“Really? Are you going to hide the woman you will

marry from me forever?”

“PJ, I am not marrying her.”

The man laughed so heartily that Ade was sure he

would have a teardrop from an eye.”

“Are you telling me that God told a lie?” he asked

his spiritual son.

“You don't have to be this accurate always, PJ.”

“Well, not me, but God.”

“ Anyway, you and God are right, I like her, I like

her a lot.”

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“So when are you bringing her over?”

“Umm, as soon as we are strong enough. We aren’t

in the best shape physically now.”

“ It is expected. I mean no spirit husband would

leave his bride just like that. Get ready, more is on
the way.” He told emphatically.

Ade could not deny his fear, but God was involved
and for him that was enough. He sighed and
continued with his spiritual father.

“PJ, wait, how much have you asking God about us?
I mean, Ara and I?”

“The speed with which I asked him if I should adopt

you after your father’s death.”

“PJ.”

“Yes, son.”

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“I love you, PJ.” He told him and smiled broadly.

The man was just the best, his best.

*** *** *** ***

“ Ade! Ade! Where did you go to so early in the
morning? When I know you barely slept and I also
know that your boss sent you a message to spend
time away from the office.”

“Maami, I went out.”

“To where, Ade? Talk to me, what is happening?”

“Okay Maami. This is it. God has been speaking to

me concerning my boss’s daughter.”

“Ermm... you mean, emm...Osun?”

“Araoluwa, her name is Ara.”

“Are you her father ni? Why do you want to change

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the girl’s name?”

“Because her father in heaven changed it.”

“Mi o get. I am not understanding you. Are you her

father in heaven or how is it your business?”

“Maami, please, listen to me. I love you a lot, you

are my mother and I respect you, but you see, I love
Araoluwa and I want to marry her.”

“ Mm mm mm, you are joking now, a bi? ” she

asked.

“ Maami, I am. not joking. I know you are a very

prayerful woman. Keep sentiments aside and ask
God about this woman, please.”

“ Okay, but have you told her you want to marry

her?” she asked.

“ No. I haven't told her anything. I will at the right

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time.”

“Ehn ehn, Ade. Just like that?” the woman couldn't

agree less, she had to pray. It was time to pray and
be specific. She watched her son go into his room.
Once he opened his door and entered his room, he
saw the strangest thing ever. A serpent was on his
bed like it was waiting for him to enter the room so
it could strike. Ade fled back and closed the door
behind him. His mother rushed to him knowing
something was obviously wrong.

“Ade, what is it?” she inquired attempting to take

the door from him.

“Nothing Maami, I am fine. You can go back.” He

told his mother and bolted the door. He dashed out
and got on the phone dailing PJ's number.

“PJ, PJ,” he kept calling frantically on the phone.

“Yes, hello, son, what is it?”

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“There is a snake in my room. A big black snake.”

He told him fearfully vibrating all over. PJ laughed
again. This time, Ade was mad at the man. He just
told him there was a snake in his room. What was
funny?

“And I can tell you are running away from it.”

“Yes, of course.”

“So, let me ask you a question,”

“What?” he asked almost sounding harsh.

“ Did Jesus run away from the cross or did he run

towards it?”

“PJ, I am not Jesus o and the cross is different from

a snake.”

“So would you prefer being crucified then?”

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“God forbid! PJ now.”

“Look, the cross was Jesus’s assignment and he ran

towards it. Araoluwa is your own cross, so run
towards her and everything that comes with her.
You don't have a choice.”

“PJ, a snake.” He told the man again like he didn't

hear him the first time.”

“Nothing is going to be by your power because this

war is spiritual. A lot will happen.”

“ Okay PJ, bug right now, I am on my way to your

house, I can't stay in that house.”

“ Are you really going to leave your mother with a

snake in the house?” PJ asked and for the first time
since Ade started talking, he remembered his
mother.
CHAPTER 19

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...

“ Are you really going to leave your mother with a

snake in the house?” PJ asked and for the first time
since Ade started talking, he remembered his
mother. He rushed back into the house and didn ’ t
see the woman inside. He began to call her
frantically, searched everywhere until he went back
out. Then he went to the back of the house and
finally saw the woman washing clothes outside the
house. He sighed once he saw her.

“ Ade, your food is in your room. Eat it and take

your medications. The woman told him.”

“You entered my room?”

“ Yes. It was locked but I opened it with the spare

key and served your food. ” The woman stopped
talking and observed her child. “ Ade, are you
fine?”

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“ I am fine. Did you see anything when you

entered?”

“You, did you keep anything there?”

“No, no, just asking.” He told his mother and went

in. He knew better than to open his door with speed.
He opened it slowly and found nothing. He titled
forward and looked around, yet saw nothing. Ade
knew there was a war brewing. He needed to finish
his medication quickly, there was too much at stake,
eating all day and sleeping like a log were the last
things he needed.
.
*** *** *** ***
Ade had left earlier than he promised the Alakijas.
He was in their house by 3 pm. He needed to be sure
his Ara was fine. What he saw in his room had been
no child’s play. He held the Bible he promised her
shamelessly as he knocked on the gate. He had no
car, but his Uber driver pulled over right in front of

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the house.

“Yes!” The security guy answered rushing towards

the gate. The guy enjoyed so much. He was allowed
to leave at anytime and resume whenever he could
as he worked more than one job. Mr, Debo was just
too good.

Once he was inside, he was directed to her room,

where she sat in front of her mirror staring at
nothing.

“Hi,” he greeted once he entered her room.

“Ade,” she called in the smallest voice he had ever

heard.

“Yes,”

“ You came back? ” she asked not getting up from

where she sat.

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“Yes, I did.”

“Ade, can you just say you hate me?”

“Why?”

“ Nothing, just tell me you hate and that you never

want to see me again.”

“No...no...that would be a lie.”

“If it will keep you alive, then say it.”

“What? What does that mean?”

“Ade,” she called and then got up and walked to his

side. “I don’t want to lose you. He said he is going
to kill you. He said he is going to hunt you and hurt
you and nothing will happen...”

“Erinluwa, right?” He asked fixing his eyes on hers.

She couldn ’ t look into his eyes in return. She

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lowered her head quickly.

“Yes.”

“ Wait, for how long has this man been in this

household?”

“I don't know.”

“ Why does he feel he owns everybody? Well, he

attempted. I saw him in my room.”

“What? You see him?”

“I saw a snake right on my bed and I know he is the

snake I saw.”

“ Ade, maybe we should just pray together and

nothing more.”

“Well, God didn't tell me that.”

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“What did he tell you?” she asked in curiosity.

“That you shall not die but live to declare the works
of the Lord in the land of the living.”

“Amen!”

“I was not praying, it is your inheritance.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Here, I brought you the Bible I promised.”

She collected it and kept staring at it.

“Don't you want it?”

“I am just happy you are giving me my first Bible.”

“ Wow! You know what? Let's read it together

somewhere in the compound. It is not okay that you
have been here all day cowering in your room. You

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are not a prisoner.” He told her and held her hand

gently as they both left the room.

“ I am happy I asked my father to give you some

days off.”

“ I'm happy I accepted. Spending time with you is

worth it.” He told her smiling and opening the front
door. To his surprise, Ejiro stood in front of them
with his fist raised to the door. He was going to
knock and Ade was the last person he expected to
see.

“ Hi, Ade. ” He dropped his hand but did not shift

his eyes from the woman that stood in between
them both.

“ Ejiro, you are here. Hi, ” he greeted Osun who

barely had the strength to answer him. She walked
past him and waited for Ade who expectantly stood
waiting for Ejiro’s never coming response.

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“ Yes, I am here. ” He finally answered back and

frowned at Ade. His eyes almost screamed, why are
you here? he went in and sat.

Ade led Osun out gently to the thatched house in the

compound where they sat and read the Bible. She
was delighted to find out the man she was loving
was a good singer. His voice could wake up
meadows and make dews drop effortlessly. She
hadn't read the scripture up to an hour when she
slept off and rested her hand on his shoulder.

“ So, I will be around on Monday unfailingly. You

just do the needful and let me know what you think.”
Osun ’ s father dished out instructions to his
distracted employee. He traced his eyes to what he
was looking at.

The sight of Osun’s head resting on Ade’s shoulder

disgusted him. He had thought of his visit as an
opportunity to see Osun and talk to her and even ask
her out on a date if possible, but seeing how Ade

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and herself had been too cordial, he could tell

something was going on.

“Ejiro!” Debo called the distracted nan to order.

“ I am sorry sir, your daughter is really beautiful. ”

He told the man, smiling.

CHAPTER 20

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...

“ I am sorry sir, your daughter is really beautiful. ”

He told the man, smiling.

“Thank you.” He answered. “Please, do as I told

you, ” he responded and went back in. Ejiro was
tempted to walk up to them, but he knew better than
to cause any kind of trouble so he left.

*** *** *** ***

“You are such a betrayal I swear.” it was Ejiro. Ade

had spent his three days break with Osun and it was
worth it. She had also gotten to talk to PJ on phone.
She liked the man ’ s sense of humour and the
weekend for them had been more beautiful. They
had prayed online and offline. Something kept
igniting their spirit to pray all through the nights
and mornings. Ade would call her and speak in the

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spirit, she would pray in understanding as well.

“I want to pray in the spirit like you.” She had told

him one of the times they prayed together.

“Ask God. Ask him to give you the gift.” He told

her. She chuckled and said she would. It was the last
conversation they had before he came to work and
now, he was standing in front of the angry Ejiro not
being able to decipher what angered him.

“Good morning Ejiro.” He ignored his attack and

greeted him gently. He closed the file he was
holding very calmly and gave the man his full
attention. He wasn't going to fight his colleague at
work for any reason.

“ What is good about the morning? I asked you if

you were interested in the boss’s daughter and you
said no. What were you doing with her in her father’
s house on a day you should be at work?”

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“Ejiro,” Ade tried defending himself, but the man

would have any of it.

“ Oh, you have thought of boss ’ s fat accounts and

what you would be able to inherit from him once he
does if you marry his daughter.”

“Excuse me Ejiro, what kind of accusation is that?”

He asked, his full brow rising in anger.

“Ah Ahn, action film. So suddenly you can raise a

brow for mentioning the same topic you dismissed.
I showed my interest first but you acted the serpent
and sneaked in.” Ejiro accused.

“Oh, is that what you think?”

“What kind of stupid question is that? You know I

am correct. ” Ejiro yelled and slapped the file off
his hands.

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Ade knew better than to bend roughly. His stitches

were still on him, he had to be calm. He wanted no
trouble. He wasn't ready to lose his friend or his job,
or Osun.

“ Ejiro, Ara is a woman, not a statue or a landed

property. If you like her, please tell her and ask her
if she feels the same way about you.” Ade told him
sternly trying to hide his anger.

“You are such a hypocrite.” He told him, gave him

a threatening look, and walked away. Ade could tell
he knew what he was going to do next. Make a
move, definitely. He chuckled, shook his head, bent
gently to pick the file in the floor, and then returned
to his space. As soon as he sat, there it was, the
snake he had seen on his bed, this time, it settled
itself close to Ade’s foot. He knew better than to run
or fidget. He sat there and quietly prayed in the
spirit. It crawled out and to Ade ’ s greatest
surprise, nobody saw it. He needed to close early,
his body needed it, his spirit and soul needed it as

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well.
.
*** *** *** ***

Erinluwa was angry, no one ever saw him, and

didn't show fear. Why was Ade not scared of him? It
was an embarrassment. He kept pacing and talking
as his servants stood round about him. None of
them dared to raise a suggestion, except of course
Eruku, only he could talk when Erinluwa was
angry.

“My Lord, May be you have been taking things too

easy on him. ” Eruku, Erinluwa ’ s slave suggested
bowing and not looking at the man.

“What do you suggest I do?”

“ Since he seems fortified spiritually, let us touch

physical things.”

“Hmmm...” Erinluwa reasoned it and liked the idea.

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He didn't say what he was going to touch, he just

fizzled off like he always did.
.
*** *** *** ***

Osun stood and held the door ajar. Her smile

dwindled slowly.

“ Yes, good day. ” She greeted the man in front of

her dryly.

“ Good day, my name is Ejiro. I am your father's

staff.” Ejiro introduced himself smiling sheepishly.

“ Oh, please, come in. ” She told him and opened

the door wide for him.

“Thanks.” He entered and sat, but he couldn’t be

quiet. He wanted to say something. Shoot his shot at
least. “You are beautiful.” He told her.

“ Umm...thank you. ” She responded, not knowing

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what to say.

“I was here some days ago, saw you outside with a

young man, your brother I presume.”

Okay, he turned her off already. Why was he

presuming things and talking like they were
friends?

“I told your father that you are very beautiful.” He

continued. Osun wondered if he was intentionally
ignoring the fact that he made her feel very
uncomfortable or he was just lousy.

“And I like you too.” He added.

“Okay, can you please stop?” Osun parched at him

and continued what she was doing. Ejiro wasn't
going to give up. Howbeit that only Ade who wasn't
interested would have a share of this beautiful
woman in front of him. His eyes kept rolling back

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and forth at her, making her more uncomfortable.

She hissed, dumped the book in her hand on the
table, and retired to her room. It was the safest place
to be.

Ejiro could hear father and daughter whispering. He

didn't know what they were saying but he was sure
they had met halfway and had a father and daughter
playtime. His boss laughed as he came downstairs
to him in the living room.

“Ejiro, why did you make my baby uncomfortable?”

He asked still smiling. The smile was enough for
Ejiro. At least it was not a turn-off, it was a good
sign the man liked the attention his daughter was
getting. Ejiro turned in his chair after the man who
was in his kitchen right there in the living room
getting a drink. He joined Ejiro with a glass for him
and the bottle of wine.

“Your daughter is very beautiful sir.”

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“ I know, but she is not for you. Keep off. ” He

warned him, not wearing a readable expression.
Ejiro could not place why the man told him so, he
just swallowed his saliva hard and adjusted
uncomfortably in his seat. He knew better than to
continue the topic. Mr. Debo could fire him if he did.
He had a mega plan and he was going to unleash it.
Ade would be finished by the time he was done
with him, that he was sure of.

*** *** *** ***

Erinluwa had found the perfect pet. Ejiro gave him

all the signals that he was good for the job. He
needed a male human body to operate in the
fullness of the capacity he wanted to. He was in
Ejiro ’ s room before him, scanning through like he
owned the place. The house was decent and
beautiful but it meant nothing to Erinluwa. Nothing
here meant anything to him, he wasn't a man, he
was a spirit. Instructions had also been dished out to
Amaka to ensure everyone in Debo ’ s house slept

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heavily except Osun. Erinluwa was done waiting for

her to become his bride. He was going to have her,
tonight, under her father's roof, at least before Ade.

Ejiro whistled as he walked into his house. The

house was very quiet since he lived alone. Erinluwa
adjusted and waited for him right at the door, once
he showed up, the enigma entered him and took
over his body. Ejiro stood there laughing like a
possessed demon. He was restless and wanted to eat
everything he saw, so far it was edible. Nothing was
edible, so he bit himself. A large chink of his own
flesh went into his mouth. The bl**d splattered on
his shirt but he didn't care.

“Ejiro, looked into the mirror.” A voice from inside

him commanded him and he obeyed without any
hesitation. How was he going to refuse himself? “I
need to talk to you.”

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CHAPTER 21

...

How was he going to refuse himself? “ I need to

talk to you.”

“Yes, who are you?” Ejiro asked but to his surprise,

his hand rose above his tie and slapped him across
his face. He couldn't believe what just happened.
The slap swept him across the room to the front of
the mirror, he jerked up forcefully and looked into
the mirror. “Who are you and what do you want?”
Ejiro asked fidgeting fearfully.

“ Good. My name is Erinluwa, husband of Osun,

your boss’s daughter.”

“ What? ” Ejiro cried, his sweaty face now paying

attention to the mirror. He wasn't seeing his own
face even though he was the one facing the mirror.
Erinluwa’s fair face was all over the glass.

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“ I never knew she was married. I am sorry, I

promise to let her be.” Ejiro tearfully pleaded. He
was sweating profusely and his eyes closed too
many times. His neck tie suddenly tightened more
than normal. His hands flew to his neck, he was
trying to prevent whatever was strangling him from
killing him, it obviously wasn't working as the grip
tightened.

“ I hate weaklings and they don't last with me. Are

you a weakling?” Erinluwa spoke through the same
man he was strangling. How could a demon be so
merciless? Ejiro thought and was immediately
refuted.

“ How dare you call me merciless? They who took

my bride are more merciless and they need to feel
my wrath. I need you to help me do that.”

“Anything, I will do anything,” Ejiro told him out

of a croak voice. He felt his tie released. For a

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moment, Ejiro couldn't see anything, he kept

coughing on his knees in discomfort, his eyes
tightly closed as he tries catching his breath.

“Good. Go back to your office, go and ensure that

the bank's chief accountant and Ade’s record don't
match.”

“ Ha! But...but... ” Ejiro stuttered but knew he

couldn't say no.

“Ejiro, we are friends, I am here for you and you are

here for me. I can be your friend only if you want
me to. If you do this, I will let you have Osun, here
on earth as your wife. ” Erinluwa promised and
laughed. His offer had obviously gotten Ejiro more
excited. He smiled and got up quickly. He was
going back to the office. He needed to do what
Erinluwa was asking. It came with the benefit of
having a woman like Osun to himself and at least
his life would be spared from the demon that was
now inside of him.

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*** *** *** ***

Ade could not sleep. Something kept him up and
convinced him to pray. He sat up in the living room
and prayed in a low tone. He prayed in tongues as
he had no specific prayer point in mind. It was the
best he could do.
.
*** *** *** ***
Ejiro stopped across the office starring at the
gigantic office from where the canteen was. The
gates were firmly locked, and there was no sign of
any living thing around it. He walked across the
road and went close to the gate in confusion. How
was he supposed to go through the gate that stood in
front of him?

“ Why are you standing there? ” Erinluwa ’ s voice

spoke from inside him. It startled him all of a
sudden and he fled away from the gate.

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“ I don't know what to do? How do I even go in? ”

he answered fearfully.

“ You fool. Just ask me. ” He parched and raised

Ejiro’s hand to the gate. To his greatest surprise, his
hand went through without much ado.

Ejiro walked through the gate and nothing stopped

him. Every door became easy to pass through
including the one that led to Ade ’ s office. The
desktop that held all the information needed, sat
right there on the table, but Ejiro just could not see
it. All he saw was an empty desk with a bunch of
useless papers that had nothing to do with what he
was there for.

“What you need is right in front of you.” Erinluwa

parched at Ejiro.

“ Where? Where? ” he turned around like a lost

puppy asking the enigma inside of him for help.

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“ Just there! ” Erinluwa parched again. He was

running out of patience. He still had to be at Debo’s
house with his woman before the first cock crow.
Earth wasn't his natural habitat and so it was only a
matter of time before discomfort set in. He had not
even been given the grace to be on earth for that
long, only his mother had that strength. She could
stay as long as she wanted.

“ Well, I can't see anything! ” Ejiro yelled still

spinning.

The spirit man inside of him dragged him close to

the wall and hit his head hard against the wall in the
room. Ejiro cried out painfully, but he still couldn't
see anything. Erinluwa dragged him to another side
of the room and hit his head again. This time, there
was blood. Ejiro ’ s hand fled to his face, but
Erinluwa was not done. He bent him over and this
time landed his face right on the desk where the
desktop sat.

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“Can you now see?” the spirit asked, but this time,
he stood right next to him. He had come out of his
body.

“ No, I can't but please, I don't want to die. ” He

pleaded, knowing what fate awaited him. Erinluwa
knew he wasn't going to listen. The man was useless
for all he cared. His time was up and death was
going to his portion. He cleared his feet off the
ground and landed his back on the tiles. The back of
his head hit the floor with so much force that he
passed out. Erinluwa dragged him out of the office
into the compound. He lifted the man off the floor
and faced him, his head slowly transforming into
that of a serpent, he bit his face severally until there
was nowhere else to beat. Ejiro heaved and gave his
last breath.

Erinluwa needed his hands, and his fingerprints on

the desktop. It was useless if he couldn't do it. he
was limited, operating gadgets was out of his ability.
It was the only thing he needed the useless man for

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and he couldn't deliver. Even he had been confused,

not knowing why Ejiro couldn't see a desktop that
was right in front of him. He had more to do than
worry about that, the man was gone for good.

He headed for Debo's house. He was sure Amaka

had done her part. She was subject to him and none
of them dared to make silly mistakes.

Amara stood in front of the gate waiting for her

master. She had done her part and she was sure they
were all asleep in the house. Erinluwa appeared
right in front of the gate. Amara bowed quickly in
obeisance to him.

“Aremo Yeyeluwa, the eyes that cut across the sea

and earth, welcome.”

He gave her no response. The two entered the house,

Erinluwa leading the way.

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“He gave her a pleasing look once they were inside

the house. He could feel the intensity of her job. He
moved around with so much comfort. Amara kept
facing the floor, she dared not look at him in the
eyes as it wasn't allowed.

*** *** *** ***

It was past 2 am, Ade had stopped praying, he

dialed Osun’s number but to no avail. The woman
was sound asleep and each time she tried opening
her eyes, she felt too tired to do so. Her hand had
paced around her bed a few times searching for her
phone, but her strength failed each time she tried.

“ Ade knew the night was not a normal one. He

could feel the intensity from where he was. He
paced up and down in his room and then out of
frustration since she wasn't picking up her calls, she
began to call her name in prayers.

“Ara! Wake up now in the name of Jesus! I join my

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voice with the heavens, I join my voice with he who

is the host of heaven ’ s army and I say wake up!
Receive the strength to pray! ” This time, Ade
prayed with so much violence that his mother woke
up in her room. The woman knew her son prayed
almost every night but never had she heard him pray
so loudly. She joined him in the living room and sat
there looking at the young man in bewilderment.

CHAPTER 22

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...

Osun got up feeling thirsty. She got up and opened

the door and went to the kitchen to get a bottle of
water. She drank some and left the rest beside
herself crawling back into her bed tiredly. As soon
as her back touched the bed, she felt something cold
on the bed. Was her bed wet? She shifted the curtain
quickly to see if it had rained, but every where was
dry. At least, that could have been the best
explanation for the coldness. Her AC was not even
turned on, plus It wasn't even the rainy season.

She rushed to the switch on the wall and turned on

the light. The sight that embraced her was shocking.
There was a live serpent on her bed, crawling
happily as if it owned it. Osun shouted out the name
of Jesus, and it disappeared. She could not believe
her eyes, it only happened in the movies. How did it
even get in? She was sure who it was, she knew
once again, Erinluwa had come to show his ugly

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face, but then he stunned her. What was a serpent

going to offer her for God sake? She thought and
stood there in shock.

“ Ara! Ara! Are you okay? Can I come in? ” her

father asked from outside her room.

“Osun, Osun,” her grandmother called.

“Don’t call her that!” Osun heard her father shout

at his mother. She couldn ’ t move, she stood in
shock. Debo was losing patience. He pushed the
door open since it was locked with a key. He was
only knocking to respect her privacy, but all that
was nonsense now, he needed to get in. It was all
that mattered. There she was, standing and staring at
nothing.

“Ara, Ara, are you okay?” her father asked.

“ Nkechi soon joined them. Foye had gone back to

school. It was just the four of them and Amaka who

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was deeply asleep and was not coming out like the
rest.

“Os...”

“ Mama please. ” Debo stopped his mother. Osun

almost fell to the floor but for her father who caught
her half way and carried her to his room in his arms.
“Nkechi, what is wrong?” The man questioned his
wife for the umpteenth time since they brought her
into their room.

“She is in a state of shock.” She told him.

“You have said that before. My question is why?”

“I can’t say, only she can answer that.”

“God, God I am tired!” Debo lamented, closing his

eyes and exhaling in frustration.

“ It was in my room, dad. It was a black snake. I

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have never seen anything like that in my life! The

size, the shiny colour...” Osun tried describing?

“You mean there was a snake in your room?”

“Yes, right on my bed. Where’s my phone, I’ve got

to call Banks. He’s seen something like this before.
I want to talk to him about it.”

“ It is late. Talk to him in the morning. ” Nkechi

suggested.

“ I need a final solution to this mess. ” Debo

clenched his fist angrily and landed it on the wall.

“Hey Dad, it's gonna be fine.”

“ No, it's not going to be fine. I am tired of seeing

you this way. Maybe you should never have come to
Nigeria.”

“On the contrary, I think it's a good thing I I am here.

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At least, we are finding answers. It started way back

in Colombia.”

“Should I call your mom? There must be something

she did that is making her live well with her
husband, over there. I haven’t heard of any trouble
since they got married.

“They aren't living well dad, they are always at each

other’s throat.”

“What? Why is she still married to him?”

“She is Nigerian, staying single is a crime.”

“I’m calling her.”

“Dad,”

“No buts,” he told her sternly.

They couldn't sleep well all through the night. They

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could not wait for dawn.

*** *** *** ***

“ They were all supposed to be asleep, Eruku and

Omiade could not deliver such a simple task.”

“ There was a higher force in the hour all of a

sudden, she couldn't keep them asleep anymore no
matter how hard she tried.”

“ What are you saying? Are you defending her

because she is your woman?”

“ Not at all Master, not at all. I met her once you

returned, angry.”

“What happened?”

“She said, it was the man,”

“What man?”

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“ Adedimeji. His voice sounded like it was mixed

with a mighty rushing wind. It swept across the
entire house and even she couldn't bear it.”

“But I heard nothing.”

“ Because the voice came specifically for the

household and not you.”

“ Who does he think he is? Osun is my bride and

that she shall remain. She is my queen to be and
shall will take over after my mother, Yeyeluwa.”

“Yes, master.” He bowed and said nothing else.

*** *** *** ***

It seemed the Alakijas weren't the only people who

couldn't sleep. Ade was at the gate as early as 6 am.
Since Osun wasn't picking up her calls, he called
her father and told him he was outside the house.

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The man was shocked to his bone marrow but made

it quickly to the gate. His gate man was out as usual.

“Ade, you are here so early.”

“ Good morning sir. I just really needed to see Ara

before going to work.”

“Come in, please.” He told the young man. “We

could barely sleep last night. There was a snake in
her room.”

“ What? No wonder I couldn't sleep, too. I was so

worried, I prayed and prayed all night. The burden
was too heavy on me.” He explained as they made
their way into the man’s room.

“Ade!” Osun jerked up from the bed once she saw

him. “Why are you here so early?”

“I could not sleep all night. You were on my mind

and I kept praying for you. I asked God to wake you

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up. Did he?”

“Yes, he did. I was up just at the right time. It was

on my bed. The black snake you described.”

“ Oh, Ade. ” Nkechi ’ s croaked voice resounded

behind him.

“Good morning ma,”

“Morning.”

“Please, where is your maid?”

“Amaka?”

“ Yes, Omiade, not Amala. Her name is Omiade.

She isn't back from their morning possession. If you
go to her room, all you will find is the dress she
wore on bed. They are at war and today she is
exceptionally late. ” Ade said and smiled like a
wizard.

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The family kept musing at the man. How come he

knew so much?

The entire family rushed to the room Amaka slept in

anytime she stayed back in the house. Ade was right.
She was not there. Ade paced around the room and
began to pray. Every other person joined him.
Nkechi kept shouting Holy Ghost fire. It was the
best she could do. Soon, Omiade arrived. She wore
only her underwear and she was soaked. Ade turned
away quickly, while Nkechi dumped the bedspread
on her. The woman was too endowed to stand in
from of men wearing only her underwear.

“ What have you done? ” she inquired angrily

pointing at Ade.” He eyes blaring with pure anger,
her body vibrated from too much anger as she
spoke.

“ Amaka, are you mad? How dare you talk to our

guest like that?” Nkechi parched at her angrily.

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“ Shut up! Shut up! ” she yelled at the top of her

voice...

CHAPTER 23

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...

“ Shut up! Shut up! ” she yelled at the top of her

voice.

“Are you asking me to shut up?” Nkechi asked in

shock. The girl raised her and landed her on the
other side of the room to everyone’s surprise. Debo
rushed to his wife and helped her up.

“Why are you all making a war out of this. We don't

fight people. We only take what belongs to us and
leave. Osun is ours, she is our Queen.”

“I am not yours! Why can't you get it into your thick

God-forsaken skulls that I am not yours.”

“ They promised you were going to return when it

was time. They promised us!” she cried out loud.

“Who?” Osun asked almost crying.

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“Him!” she pointed at her father.

“ I am sorry, Baba Jobiewe said it was the only

way.”

“ Okay, fine. But now she is in Christ and every

promise made before now has been nullified.” Ade
told her.

“No! Impossible.”

“ That doesn't exist with God. With him there is

nothing impossible.”

“What shall I tell my master?”

“ That Jesus took over! Let me tell you what you

don't understand. She is a new creature and every
old thing including your promises and covenants
has passed away. She has a new name and that name
is Araoluwa, not Osun. Forget it, look somewhere

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else. This one is taken.” Ade responded.

“Never!” She shouted.

“Really. Do you want to battle with the Lord? You

know you can't win this war. Leave now in peace.”

“I would rather die!”

“ Oh, then you asked for it. For I know I do not

wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of
this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in
high places. I don't care where you come from, for I
know the one by whom all things consists and he
has given me the power to trample upon serpents
like you, now in the name of Jesus, I command you
out of this place, never to return, never to be heard
or seen in the name of Jesus!”

“Lord help me! Lord help me...” Osun kept praying

out loud. The girl standing fell to the ground and

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began to crawl around the tiled room.

“I command you to leave now! Get out in the name

of Jesus!” The lady disappeared but left shreds of
skin. It looked like a snake skin, but nobody cared.

The whole family remained in shock as they stood

and watched. Debo’s phone rang, and he picked up
the call very quickly.

“Yes, hello, Tunji. What?”

That was all the family heard. Debo rushed out

calling Ade after him, and Osun followed. His wife
stayed back home with Mama. She was going to
take care of her before their arrival.

The office wasn't filled up yet but a set of workers

stood around what Debo couldn't see. He hadn't said
anything to Ade and Osun in the car. Once he got

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there everyone made way for him.

“What? Ejiro!” Ade called out in shock.

“You know him?” An officer asked.

“ He is a staff. The one who came by the house

yesterday.” Her father answered her.

“You work here too?” Another asked him.

Osun dragged Ade to another side and allowed the

rest stand there in shock.

“ He has snake bites all over his face, Ade. ” She

asked, looking up to him.

“Yes,”

“It’s him. It is the spirit man. Ejiro made passed at

me yesterday in the house.”

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“What? You think he killed him because of that?”

“I know he killed him because of that.”

“Then why hasn’t he killed me?”

“ You have something he is scared of. You know

Jesus.”

“ This is more serious than I thought. ” Ade said

looking in worry.

“ Yes and we must do something as soon as

possible.”

“Like,”

“Pray more. Look, right now, I don’t mind spending

the rest days of my life fasting and praying. I just
want to be out of this deep shit.”

“It’s okay. Come here.” He drew her into his arms

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and hugged her. “You are safe.”

“And you?” She asked looking into his eyes.”

“I will be fine, trust me. Jesus is in this boat.”

“I trust you, but I don't trust him. See what he did to

this man.”

“ He played chess with him by chasing after you

without knowing Jesus. You are a big fish in the
realm. And I think Ejiro was lusting after you.”

“So you are not lusting?” she asked from a sincere

place. He could see it in her eyes. She needed
reassurance that after all the trouble was over, this
man would marry her.

“ No, I am not. I am loving you as God is helping

me.”
.
.

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.
.
Erinluwa hated that they stopped there and smiled at
each other like nothing was wrong. He was coming
for them. All of them. He caused chaos at the
procession beneath the water and ensured that every
other spirit preparing Osun stopped. He told them it
was time for war and not so much care about her
physique. They obeyed and for the first time,
everyone had to get busy doing something else.
Omiade was also back and that wasn't funny. It was
going to be war.

CHAPTER 24

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...

“ PJ, I will come and see you after office hours.

This is not funny anymore.”

“ It wasn't funny from the beginning, Ade. What

were you thinking? That the devil came to joke?”

“ I know, but somebody died this morning. He had

snake bites all over his face. It was terrible.”

“How does that concern you?”

“ This same guy showed his interest in Araoluwa

just yesterday.”

“Hmm...”

“I am not scared, but I am worried.”

“That is still the voice of fear, Ade.”

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“Then, what should I do?”

“Pray, concencrate yourself more.”

“I am, PJ. I still feel I should see you though. I will

bring Osun some other time. She had a very terrible
night. He visited her.”

“ Oh, wow! This one he is visiting everybody, he

should please visit me too now.”

“PJ!” Ade laughed out loud and then dropped the

call after exchanging more pleasantries.

He was at work and he needed to remember that.

The special treatment that came from the staff

members was top-notch. He was sure the news of
his sprouting relationship with the boss ’s daughter
had spread wide and wild, especially after they
hugged in front of everybody in the morning, but

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then, what was it with the special treatment coming

from all of them? “ Ade, do you want coffee? ”
“Banks, should I increase the AC or reduce it?” He
was getting sick and tired of it.

Ade kept calling his woman to ensure everything

was fine at home. No man had ever shown Osun so
much attention. Despite all that was on the ground,
Adebanks had found a way of making their love
grow, and to think they weren't even in a
relationship yet.

“My Mom is arriving in a few days.” She told him

on phone.

“What? Your dad called her, right?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Does she really need to be here?”

“ He is afraid she might blame him if anything

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happens.”

“ Oh, that's true, but nothing is going to happen,

trust God and trust me.”

“ Yes, I know. ” She told him and chuckled. “ So

what are you doing?”

“Waiting for an account to audit.”

“You work in a Microfinance bank, go and look for

anything to audit.” She told.

“Well, I am here auditing you, right?”

“ Banks! ” she called his name laughed out loud.

“ Never thought you had some jokes up your
sleeves.”

“I am a practicing Christian, not a walking zombie.

We just didn't meet under the best circumstance.”

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“You are such an amazing person, no doubt.”

“And you are even more amazing than I thought.”

Ade spun his chair as he spoke. His pen lifted lazily
above his head. It was just left lounging. “ You
know, the first day your father introduced us, I
thought you were going to be one proud yankee girl
that would be like “damn you nigga.”

Osun could not control her laughter. She laughed

until their was a tear drop in her eye.

“Growing up in the US is not an excuse to be rude,

plus I actually understand Yoruba, I just can’t speak
it.”

“Oh really. Omo Yankee gbo Yoruba, yeh!” (So a

white girl understands Yoruba).

“ You just said, a white girl understands Yoruba,

right?” She asked

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“ You are right. Umm...I think this would make it

easier to submit your CV for the post of a daughter
in-law to my mother. ” They both laughed. “ No
really, it is an added advantage.”

Adebanks was glad a lot had been suspended

because of the death of Ejiro. Not that he was happy
about the young man passing away, but the arrival
of the police and the questioning process slowed
down a lot of people’s work. It bought him time to
talk to his Ara.

*** *** *** ***

It was past 4 pm and the Uber man was moving on a

high speed. Ade warned him severally, but soon
gave up, concluding that the man must be deaf. He
was going to see PJ like he promised. The place was
still far. Adeniyi Jones was that far from the island.
Soon, they stopped. Two drivers were having a
tussle and had thought the middle of the road was
the best place to bring it to.

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Ade was exasperated, he didn’t have time for all of

the drama. He needed to see the man on time, they
had so much to talk about. He sat there patiently as
the rest of the passengers waited for the tussle to be
over. This was Lagos and misbehaving could cost
anybody their life. Suddenly a car from behind lost
control. It kept hitting the other cars and the other
cars and other cars. The car behind Ade’s Uber was
a petrol tanker. He knew better than to stay in the
vehicle. Anything could happen, explosion,
crushing, bad collusion. Nothing he imagined was
pleasant. The driver kept yelling at the others from
behind. He was trying to tell them that his tanker
didn't have a break and that they were only trying to
manage to their destination. The Hausa man was
shirtless and sweaty. He was obviously struggling.

“Fice daga hanya! Fice daga hanya!” the shirtless

Hausa began shouting, trying to tell them to leave
the way. Ade didn't understand Hausa, but he knew
better than to sit there and wait to be crushed. He

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pushed the car door open and maneuvered out of it.

Unfortunately, his Uber driver opted to move at the
same time. It was catastrophic...

PS---tonight, the Holy Spirit asked me a question

just when I was about to upload this episode, the
question is; every bride in the kingdom has a price,
what is your own?

Brides in the kingdom aren't just women, but also

men. If Erinluwa can fight and kill others because
of his bride imagine what God, the owner, and
maker of earth, demons, and angels, host of heaven
would do for you if you would just let him love you
that much. May God help us, amen!

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CHAPTER 25

...

It was catastrophic. His left leg and arm hit the

ground too hard. He didn't regret diving out, the
moving tanker did not stop, it kept climbing cars in
front, it was soon going to explode if nothing was
done. The other cars had started emitting too much
smoke. Whatever moved that tanker was not normal,
a car should move a tanker no matter what.

Ade couldn't move. His arm and leg felt too heavy.
He laid there and kept breathing hard. His back bled
from his torn stitch. He knew something was broken
but couldn't place what exactly it was. Soon after, he
was surrounded and carried into a car. People were
shouting all around him, he couldn't recognize
anybody. His relief was that he had no important
document on him. It was during the rescue that Ade
knew he had broken his arm, and his leg was badly

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dislocated. He groaned in pain as the rescuers kept

chorusing sorry.

The tanker had been stopped. It was obvious it had

set out for just him because it stopped right on top
of the Uber that carried him. His driver was stuck
and couldn't move. Some other sets had surrounded
him, trying to get him out and others like him were
trying to get out of their cars.
.
*** *** *** ***

Osun walked too fast, she was in front of her father.

The man tried calming her down, but she wasn't
pacifiable.

“Take it easy, we will find his ward.”

“Well, we haven't found it, dad.”

“ Wait! There he is. ” Her father announced tilting

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backward a little, she rushed into the ward without

missing any step.

“Banks! Are you fine? Are you okay?” She asked

and hugged him on the bed sobbing.

“ You don't have to cry, I am fine, I promise. ” He

told her and wiped her eyes with his right hand. His
left was wrapped up in a Plaster of Paris. “ Good
day sir.”

“Adebanks, how are you feeling?”

“Not good, but I am sure I will be fine.”

“Ade! Ade! Ade!” his mother rushed in calling, she

was followed by PJ.

“Maami.” He called calmly.

“Ha! Dedimeji, Dedimeji, ma pa mi. Don't kill me.

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Leave this person with their problems. Leave them

with their problems. Every day one problem to
another, you will not sleep, you will not eat, always
praying! Ade o de shanu mi. Have mercy on me!
Have mercy!”

“ Good day ma, I am Debo, his boss, and Ara ’ s

father.”

“ Osun ’ s father you mean? Look, there is nothing

good about the day sir, nothing can be good with my
son in this state. Ha! What is it?! Since your
daughter came into our lives, it jas been from one
trouble to another.”

“Maami, Maami, what is it now? ” Ade cautioned

his mother to stop.

“ Don ’ t! Don ’ t even try to stop me. See, he is

resigning from your office oo. He is not doing
again!”

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“ PJ, do something now. Maami can you just stop!

Stop! PJ. ” Ade, called on his spiritual father for
help.

“Emm, I am truly sorry Mr. Debo, I need to talk to

her outside.” He dragged the woman after himself
to his car.

“She is right you know.” Osun started. “I have no

right to show up and disrupt your life so much.”

“What are you saying?” He asked her frowning.

Debo walked away from the scene. He knew they

needed the privacy to talk.

“You are not disrupting a life you have always been

part of. Our meeting had been divinely planned by
God, so all of these are just necessary evils. They
will pass.” He stretched out his right hand and she
held it.

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“ I am scared. What if he succeeds and takes you

away from me?”

“He won’t because he that is in me is greater than

he that is in that demon.”

“But you are here and the sight of it makes my heart

beat faster.”

“ I will be fine, but you have to keep fighting like

nothing happened. Read your Bible more, pray
more, fast more. He will come soon.”

Osun couldn ’ t say a word, she just kept staring at

him letting her tears flow.

“I love you Banks, I love you so much.”

“And I love you too Araoluwa.”

She tilted down and landed a kiss on his forehead.

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“That was supposed to be me kissing your forehead.”

He joked and they both laughed. Her eyes were still
wet from crying. Ade wiped her eyes agains until
the tears were gone. “Stop crying love. Remember
that we are more than conqueror through Christ that
strengthens us.”

“Yes, yes.” She told him and nodded.

Debo strolled back to their side, smiling. He felt

pleased with himself that his office had hired a man
like Ade, else, he was sure it would have been all
over for his family.

“ How is Aunty Nkechi doing? ” Ade asked. Osun

sat next to him, resting her head on his good arm.
Her eyes were brighter. She was glad he was talking
to her. It gave her hope. They talked and they
promised to come back in the night to give him
dinner. Osun insisted on staying but Ade wouldn ’ t
let her.
“ Go home and freshen up, I will be fine. ” He

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assured her. Her agent succumbed and soon they

were on their way out. Ade’s mother met them half
way and stopped them. Osun thought she was about
to receive another round of insult, but the woman
simply hugged her and cried.

“I am sorry. I am only a mother who doesn’t want to

die lonely. Ade is my only child, my only proof that
I ever lived. I did mean to hurt you.”

Osun was too excited to respond. She just kept

laughing happily and hugging the woman tightly.
Debo was happy. What did PJ say to her?

“Thank you!” Debo kept shaking PJ like he was the

messiah even though the two weren’t familiar with
each other before.

“ Mr. Debo, I have a message for you from the

Lord.”

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CHAPTER 26

...

“ Mr. Debo, I have a message for you from the

Lord.”

“Umm...okay.” Debo answered sounding skeptical.

The man didn’t even look like a pastor even though
he could tell that there was something special about
him.

“PJ means Pastor Jethro. Don’t worry, I am not fake

and I am not looking for your money. Here is the
message, no matter what happens, never let your
daughter return to darkness. It will be her death.”

Debo starred at the man for a while and then

nodded.

“ Thank you. ” He told him and waited for the

women to round up their talk.

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*** *** *** ***

A week passed and Ade was getting better. He had

refused Debo’s offer of being transferred to his wife’
s hospital at Abraham Adesanya Street. A hospital
the Alakijas owned. Notwithstanding, it didn't stop
Osun from taking care of him. She seldom ate at
home, she spent all her time taking food to Ade in
the hospital. She would sometimes sleep in his
hospital room and pray all night as he could barely
stay awake. He had too many medication going into
his system. They made him too weak most times.

This night, her father had called her and told her
Jolayemi, her mother was around.

“What! Wow! I am happy.” She exclaimed. “But I

will see her in the morning.” She told her father.

“ Yes, of course. Stay safe and take care of that

young man there.”

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“ I will dad. ” She told her father and dropped the

call. She adjusted herself on the plastic chair and
put her head on the bed. Ade’s good hand touched
her head gently.

“Who are you seeing in the morning?” He asked in

a tired voice.

“My mom. She came in from Canada. I thought you

were asleep.” She told him, looking at him with all
the affection in her eyes.

“Wow! Wish I could see her too.”

“ You will see her soon. ” She told him and

chuckled.

“You are sounding so tired.”

“The dose, it makes me feel this way at night, plus, I

feel the pain more now.”

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“Kpele.” She told him and they both laughed.

“You just tried speaking Yoruba.”

“I am not so terrible after all.”

“ Let me be the judge of that. ” He told her and

laughed again.

“Get some sleep now.”

“And you too, you've been praying for hours.” He

told her.

“You taught me.”

“No, Holy Spirit helped you,” he told her and held

her hand still.

“How am I supposed to sleep with my hand stuck in

yours?”

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“Don’t worry. God gives his beloved sleep at night.

He will give you sleep, just wait.”

“ Do you always have a scripture for everything? ”

she asked him.

“ Maybe not, but the scripture applies to

everything.”

“ Fact gotten. Now sleep. ” She told him and he

obeyed.
.
*** *** *** ***

Osun ’ s mother could be overly dramatic and she

was ready. Foye had come to pick her up once Ade’
s mother arrived at the hospital. She was very tired
and couldn't hide it. She slept off in the car, it wasn't
so comfortable, but it was better than what she had

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the previous night.

.
*** *** *** ***
“Osun!” Jolayemi yelled once she saw her daughter.
It made Nkechi, her father, and even her
grandmother rush to the living room. The past
weeks had been hellish, no one was supposed to
raise an alarm like that around the house. Osun
sighed knowing the woman was going to cause
drama.

“Ara, please. Call her Ara.” Debo corrected.

“ Whatever. ” She shrugged and walked up to her

tired daughter. “ Oh my God! Why do you smell
like that?”

“How do I smell Mom?” she asked.

“Like the whole drug department was deposited into

you.”

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“Mom, please stop. I am too tired and...”

“And lean obviously. Have you been starving?” she

asked.

“No, I have not. I have been fasting to God to stay

alive.”

“What do you even mean by that?”

She didn't respond. She walked up to Nkechi and

hugged her warmly.

“How is he doing?”

“Fine. He was better when I left.” She told Nkechi

who took the food basket from her.

“ Go get some rest. I will run your bath water and

breakfast. Foye, come help me. ” Nkechi told her
son.

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“Thank you so much, Aunty. You are the best.” She

told Nkechi and left for her room.

“ Nkechi, let me tell you something, ” Jolayemi

started. She stood in her way and didn't let her move.
“If you think you can steal my daughter the way you
stole my husband, forget it. I am up for your games
this time.” She threatened.

“ O ma se oo (what a pity). Common sense is not

common at all. Somebody you should be thanking
and praising for taking care of your daughter. ”
Debo ’ s mother told her and hissed before leaving
the two women.

Jolayemi followed suit and went into her room.

Foye knew his father needed privacy with his
mother. The silence that pervaded the room told him
so. Without being told he left the two adults.

“Babe, I’m sorry. Whatever rubbish she spits, take it

as shit from me.”

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“ Did I steal you from her? ” she asked almost

sobbing.

“ No, no, you didn ’ t. I stopped being hers the

moment I knew we couldn’t be together. Babe, there
is no doubt that I was madly in love with her, but
not anymore. I love you now and your heart,” the
man paused and gave his wife a deep look like he
was learning to know her all over again. “ Your
heart makes me love you more. ” He told her and
kissed her forehead passionately. “ Come, let me
help you with breakfast.” Debo collected the basket
from her and gently dragged her to the kitchen area.
.

*** *** *** ***

Erinluwa had lost all patience, nothing could pacify

him except the death of Ade, yet he missed his trap.
How could one man be so stubborn and unbent?

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“ Her time is up. I can't wait anymore. ” Erinluwa

said to Eruku.

“ You would need your mother's permission to do

that.”

...

CHAPTER 27

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...

“ You would need your mother's permission to do

that.”

“ Fine! Prepare, we visit Yeyeluwa at once. ” He

told Eruku and left him standing. Soon, many more
servants appeared. They were all traveling with him.
He never travelled alone except he was going to
earth. He had over a thousand enigma traveling with
him, each had its own office. The seers, the marine
daughters, the mothers, the light-bearers for the
daughters, the light bearers for the mothers, the
singers, the care givers, the unforgiving daughters
of the underworld, the gate openers, the gate closers
and the gate watchers, the water demons of powers,
the water demons of war... They were numberless
and each had their representatives present.

The journey wasn ’ t a far one, but never would he

travel alone. His mother was the commander of

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principalities living under the water on earth. She

was next in line to the demon that served Lucifer;
Queen of the coast. No one came close.

Once the journey started, the singers also began.

They sang a solemn song in praise of Erinluwa.

“The serpent that is revered all over

He is bigger than most gods
Son of yeyeluwa
We live our lives for you...

Their lyrics made every other creature know that

the prince was traveling. No one dared to share his
path, none of them dared to look him in the eye.

As soon as they came close to the entrance of the

Queen’s habitation, the gate openers rushed forward
and did their job. The gates were heavily guarded.
No one could go in without being summoned. Only
the gate openers could do that. They chanted, sang

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and chanted again until the gate was open .

“ What has brought you, son? ” Yeyeluwa ’ s voice

echoed around the water.

“ I need to see your face mother so you can know

how wounded your son is.”

“ And who has dared to touch the Queen's

heartbeat?!” her angry voice ravaged the water and
the tides increased. They knew it meant she was
coming. She was a gigantic serpent. One that was
said to have existed centuries ago. She was first
known as Titanium because of her size, until she
visited earth possessing a human body. There, she
fell in love with a god and after his death returned to
where she belonged. A lot of people who saw her
return concluded she was a goddess and began to
worship her. It was what attracted the powers in
high places to her.

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Her waist down was that of a snake. She was big

and could barely move fast. Yet, she was revered.
The only principality that had talked to the devil
and the powers of darkness in high places. No other
could face her or match her record.

“ Son, what has happened? ” she asked once she

settled on her seat and everyone around her bowed.
She had the most beautiful maidens around her.
They had no blemish, they were the strongest, and
they were known to be merciless.

“Osun, my betrothed thinks the earth is better than

our kingdom.”

“What? When did this start?”

“I can handle her, but not without your permission.”

“Permission to do what son?”

“Bring her home since she has overstayed her time

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on earth.”

“ That means death? Hmmm...yes, we had an

agreement with Jolayemi and Debo, but since they
have not kept their part of the bargain, then let your
mission begin. You have my blessings.”

“Thank you, mother.” He thanked his mother as she

left. “ Eruku, gather your soldiers. Attack her in
sleep and bring her to me. Tonight, we tie the knot
here.”

“ As the master pleases. ” Eruku and his cohorts

bowed in allegiance.

“Haa!!” Nkechi yelled out from Osun’s room. She

had tried waking her up but to no avail. It was when
she checked her pulse that she knew something was
wrong. Foye and Debo had gone to get groceries.
She was home alone with Jolayemi and Mama.

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“What is it?” Jolayemi asked once she entered the

room. She fled to the bed beside her daughter.
“What did you do?”

“ What did I do? What kind of question is that

Yemi?”

“ The kind of question every mother should ask

someone who they find standing right next to their
unconscious daughter.”

“You are obviously out of your mind and I am not

doing this with you. We need to get her to the
hospital, now! ” Nkechi told her. “ Let me get my
phone and my car keys . ” She hurried out of the
room.

Jolayemi hissed and began to drag her daughter out

of the bed. She dragged her gently on the staircase.
Nkechi reappeared in front of the woman.

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“Yemi!” she called out in anger. “You should have

waited!”

“For who? You? I know you don't really care, you

are just pretending.”

“Help me, they are taking me away,” Osun begged

tiredly from her dead sleep and then became
unconscious again.”

“What! Did she just talk?” Jolayemi asked in shock.

Adjusting her over the staircase to make sure she
didn't slip. Nkechi ran and stood over her checking
her pulse again.

“Carry her! Her pulse just ceased again.”

“What the heck do you mean?!” Jolayemi yelled at

the woman.

“I mean this heck isn't normal or natural and I have

seen only one person deal with it and that is Ade.”

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“Then, let's take her to him.”

“He is in the hospital.”

“What? What do we do then?” Jolayemi asked the

woman.

“I don't know.”

“I know what to do then!”

“ What are you doing? ” Nkechi asked the

melodramatic woman.

“What are you going to do?”

“None of your business!”

“Then I am not carrying her.”

“You will not dare! Bend your waist over and carry

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her now!”

Mama had been waiting downstairs for the two. She

climbed halfway and saw the drama going on. She
was in complete shock. What was going on?

“ Are you two crazy? Bring her downstairs now! ”

She yelled at the women like they were both at fault.
They two struggled until they snuggled her into a
comfortable position in their hands and brought her
downstairs, into Nkechi’s car.

“ Give me the keys! ” Jolayemi yelled from the

driver’s seat.

“No, you don’t know anywhere.”

“ Are you daft? I stayed here until I was an adult.

Had my first baby here and you still think that I don’
t know anywhere?”

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“Things have changed, Yemi.”

“ Why are you wasting my time, witch! Your car

keys! ” she yelled and this time it was hysterical.
She lunched towards Nkechi angrily. The woman
fearfully threw the keys at her and let her drive. She
dived in once the car was open and they were both
in. “Get out!” Yemi yelled to her face again.

“Yemi! Yemi, let her follow you. Let her follow you.
You hear?” It was Mama standing outside the gate.
The gate man was shocked but he simply obeyed
instructions when the older woman told him to open
the gate.

Once they were on the road, Nkechi didn ’ t

understand the route they were taking. It seemed too
unfamiliar. It was obvious the woman was not
listening to the description she was giving her. It
was supposed to take them to the hospital that
belonged to them. Nkechi got confused looking at

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the woman in bare shock.

“Where are we going?”

“ And where does it seem like. I am taking my

daughter to Osun State. Baba Jobiewe will be able
to take care of this nonsense! ” she told Nkechi
without looking at her. Her focus was completely on
the road.

“What?! You can’t do that when Debo is not here,

plus, you can’t return her to where we brought her
from.”

“ Are you crazy or something? Is she your

daughter?”

“But she is my stepdaughter and that makes her my

daughter too.”

“Nkechi, shut up!” Yemi yelled. It was so loud and

violent that her hair was in complete disarray.

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“Then I need to call, Debo.” Nkechi announces.

“Try it! Just try it and see me drive us into a ditch.”

“ What? Yemi, are you on cheap drugs on

something?”

“ Yes, my daughter ’ s life is that cheap drug and I

don’t care but I am getting her to that village. I can’t
let my daughter die.”

“Okay. Okay. Let’s go, but we need to buy fuel.”

“ I don ’ t have cash on me. ” Yemi announced.

Nkechi turned and reached for her ATM at the back
seat.”

“ My ATM card is here. ” She announced

reluctantly.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you!” Yemi told the woman

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laughing hysterically.

CHAPTER 28

Debo thought it was a good idea to drop by the

hospital and see Ade. He had not seen the young
man in a while, plus, Foye wanted to also see the
man. The two walked into the hospital holding
beverages for the man. His mother was there and so
was PJ. The family laughed together. Ade was doing
fine and that was enough good news for them.

“Get well soon so that I can come for my classes.”

Foye told him.

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“You are so selfish.” His father tapped him

playfully and he cowered slightly.

“Don’t worry, we will have all the time in the world.

I will teach you all you need to know.” Ade told him
smiling.

“Thank you sir.”

“What about my daughter-in-law to be?” Ade’s

mother asked and it made Ade feel uncomfortable.
Yes, the man had seen them together but he had not
said anything to him officially.

“Maami,” he cautioned.

“What? You don’t want to marry my daughter?”

The man inquired and embarrassment washed all
over him.

“I...I want to sir.”

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“So, ma’am, your daughter-in-law to be is fine.”

Debo responded and they all laughed.

Soon, the women found a fuel station. Nkechi opted

to buy the fuel and also to withdraw from the POS
stand. It was an opportunity to get away from the
mad woman that sat next to her. She dialed her
husband’s number but he wasn’t picking. The man
had left his phone in the car while they went in to
see Ade.”

“How much much should I withdraw ma?”

“15, 15,000.” she told the young girl and kept dialing.
Then she remembered her son and dialed his
number.

“Dad, mom is calling.”

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“Go answer it, maybe she wants something from the

store.”

“Hello mom,”

“Foye, can you hear me? Look, there is an

emergency. Ara has not been waking up, I tried
taking her to the hospital but Yemi is it’s in taking
her to Baba Jobiewe in Osun. We are on way. Tell
your father I am sorry, I really tried stopping her.”

“Nkechi! Why are taking forever?”

Foye heard Yemi’s voice in the background. His

mother cut the call quickly. Foye was lost. What
was he suppose to tell his father?

“Dad, umm...”

“Yes, son, what is it?”

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Foye swallowed his saliva hard. His father was

going to be so mad.

“Foye, talk, what is it?”

“Osun...sorry, I mean Ara, she wasn’t waking up.”

“What?!” They all chorused. Ade struggles to seat

up on the bed.

“That isn’t the worst news. The worst news is that,

Aunty Yemi is taking her to Baba Jobiewe in Osun.”

“What!” Debo jerked up in shock and anger. He

didn’t even know which to express, anger or shock.
“Get my phone! Get my phone now!” He ordered
Foye. The young man ran out to the car. The key
was with him, he had driven them from the grocery
store to the hospital.

“Yemi must be raving mad! Jesus! Bringing her

here was a big mistake.”

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“What do we do?” Ade asked in distress.

“Relax Ade, we will get them.” Debo assured him.

Foye returned panting.

“You have five missed calls from Mom.”

Debo took the phone quickly and tried her line

again. It went through at once and she picked it up.
“Hey babe, what’s going on?”

Nkechi knew better than to say anything. She

laughed happily like she was talking to a friend .

“I will send you a WhatsApp message. Don’t worry.”

She told him and dropped the call.

“What did she say Dad?”

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“I think she is trying to be smart with Jolayemi.”

Debo told them and checked his WhatsApp.
“I don't know where we are but she is going to Osun
State, baba’s place.”

“PJ, get me out of this bed,” Ade told his spiritual

father.

“No, no, Ade. Stay still, please.” His mother

pleaded.

“I can't and I won't stay still. Do you know what

God told me about that woman? Nothing must
happen to her. PJ, get me out of this bed, please.” He
got no response and began to struggle on his own.
“Foye, help me.” The young man could not refuse
him and so he started helping. His father pulled him
away violently from Ade.

“Why are you so thoughtless, Foye?” Debo parched

at his son.

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“Sir, please, let me. I can't remain here and not

know how she is faring. I can't.”

“She will be fine, I promise you that,” PJ assured

him and turned to Debo almost immediately. “We
need to be on our way now!” He told him.

“Okay.” Debo turned to his son.

“I will take public transport home, dad.”

“Are you sure, son?”

“I will be fine.” He assured the man.

“I will travel with the groceries.”

“No problem, please be safe.” He told his father.

“I will. PJ, let's go.” Debo told the man and they
were out.

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“Ade, don't worry, she will be fine.” His mother

reassured him. He didn't say anything he just
muttered words nobody could hear and raised his
right hand over his face.

“Foye, can you stay here a while? I want to get

some things from the pharmacy.” Ade’s mother told
the young man and he nodded his reply.

“You have such a cool body Banks, yet you hide it

behind shirts and all. And whoa! That tattoo...”

“The only mistake I have been unable to erase.

Don't try it.”

“Really, but it looks so cool,”

“But feels so hot. Something you will not

understand. Look, don't just try it.”

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“Okay then, I won't.” He told the man and looked

around the room before talking again. “You really
love my sister, don't you?” Foye started.

“Yes,” Ade answered calmly.

Foye chuckled beneath his breath.

“Why are you chuckling?”

“Well, you seemed to me like a man that is too

serious about life. I didn't think romance would
surface in your life?”

“Get out, Foye. Every man has hormones and

emotions.”

“Hormones? So, are you with her for sex?”

“Common Foye, no. I want to marry your sister

and if I were you, right now I would concentrate on
praying for her.”

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“Praying? I don't think God will hear me.”

“Why do you say so?”

“I have never regarded him...umm... I mean God. I

have never given him so much regard.”

“He doesn't care about that.”

“More like how you don't care about my sister being

so much trouble?”

“Your sister is no trouble, okay.”

“Are denying it?”

“No, I am not. I just don't want to see it.”

“Oh, I see. So you think God sees me the same way?

But doesn't care about me being a problem?”

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“Who told you that?”

“Told me what?”

“That you are a problem?”

“Pts... I don't know. It is just there, in my mind.”

“Get it out and tell God to come and stay in your

mind.”

“Would he listen?”

“Yes,”

“Umm...okay, God, Banks says you would listen if I

invited you into my mind. Please, come take over
my mind. Thank you.”

“Great!”

“What do I do now?”

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“Say it often. Talk to him more and you will see the
difference.” He told him.

“I didn't think you were such a cool person.”

“Well, don't be deceived by what you see...” Ade

told him and they both laughed. They exchanged
more banters and Foye was glad that the woman had
returned with food for them. He was very hungry.
He ate and talked more with them.

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CHAPTER 29

“Hello, hi, please, I am going to Jobiewe’s

compound, where do I take from here?” Yemi asked
the umpteenth clueless person for directions.
Nkechi was frustrated. She was glad that she was at
least better dressed than the woman so people didn't
think they were both crazy.

“Hi, please, I am looking for Baba Jobiewe’s

compound.”

“Ha! Baba Jobiewe died a long time ago, but his

son is alive and he is still doing his father's job.”

“Okay, hop in, let's go,” Yemi told the young man.

“Hop in where? This is Nigeria and this young man

knows better than to hop into a stranger’s car.”

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“Hop in ke? (hop in?) Se e fi ogun si enu ni? (Are

you trying to jinx me?) Which one is hop in? Just
like that.”

“Okay, ma binu. I am sorry. How can you help us?”

Jolayemi asked.

“I am going to the house, just follow slowly. We

will soon get there.” He told them and they agreed.

Soon, they arrived at the compound. It was large.

Very different et from what Baba used to have and
there were a lot of workers scattered everywhere.

“Baba! Baba!” The young man started calling.

“Tani?” (who?) A man in his forties came out of the

very wide local building. He was all dressed in
white but his eyes didn't seem as bright as what he
wore. Nkechi hid behind Yemi quickly.

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“Ah ahn, Ifashola.” Yemi called in a familiar tone.”

“Good day, who are you?” he asked calmly.

“Yemi, Jolayemi. The great-granddaughter of Iya

Olose. The soap maker. I came home when my
husband and I had a problem. I stayed in your
former house for more than seven days, you
attended to me...”

“Ha! Aunty Yemi, I remember. I remember now.

What brought you here? Baba died years ago.”

“Ifashola, I know but I need help. Help me, my

daughter is in the same mess. Help me, please.”

“Ha! Your daughter. Osun, I remember. She was just

a baby when Iya Olose brought her here.”

“She is a full-grown woman now and there is fire on

the mountain. Please help me carry her from the

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car.” Jolayemi cried. The man ordered more hands

to help Yemi out. Another set rolled out a mat for
her. Once they got to the car, Ifashola began to say
too many incantations telling them no one would be
able to touch her if he didn’t say the incantations.

Nkechi stood aloof and proceeded to call her

husband. She was glad they was close by already.
While the herbalist ran from north to poll Nkechi
kept calling the name of Jesus beneath her breath.
After about two hours, of waiting, her husband
arrived in front of the house.

“Ha, Debo!” Nkechi called quickly. It was already

late, 5 pm had passed, but at least they were here.
She rushed into her husband's arms feeling secured
for the first time since their arrival.

“Where is she?” Debo asked angrily.

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“Why are you shouting?” Jolayemi asked from

nowhere. Debo turned and there she was, right
behind him.

“What is wrong with you Yemi? Why are you such

a stubborn, thoughtless and self-centered woman?”

“Oh really? Wanting my daughter alive is being

self-centered? No, Debo, you knew what to do
when all of this started yet you kept her locked up in
your mansion like everything was okay.”

“We were doing something about it and you don't

know half of the hell we've been through before
your arrival. My wife had herself flung to another
side of a room. Our sleepless nights and prayers,
having to be there for her on her worst nights and
then you show up just to ruin everything.”

“What do you mean? I am here to help out.”

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“But you are not and this help is not needed. Now,
where is my daughter?”

“She is my daughter too.”

“And right now, I don't care! We are going back

home!”

“Wait!” PJ told the man and he stopped.

“Madam Jolayemi, if I don't get to your daughter
this next minute, we might lose her,” PJ told her.

“And I am not taking you to her.” She told them and

sat.” Debo was angry, too angry to say a word.

“Oh Lord, forgive me.” He finally uttered and

violently removed her from the seat. “Come here!”

“Leave me alone! Leave me alone! You are hurting

me!” she led the way as everybody followed. They
went to the back of the house and she was there. A
white wrapper was tied around her chest down.

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“What the heck is going on here? Where are her

clothes?” Debo asked, but PJ began to pray. He
prayed so loud in tongues that all of the workers
gathered in one space in shock.

“Yes, who are you?“ Ifashola came back out

holding a pot. He was in obvious shock. No one
responded to his questions. They just paced up and
down supporting PJ's prayers. To their surprise, a
giant snake crawls up to the mat and stretched itself
around the mat. Ifashola knelt down quickly in
obeisance and so did the rest of his aid and maids.

“I do not bow before any other god except to the

Highest God of all. He is the Highest.” PJ began.

The snake lifted his head and the head became

human. Yemi felt faint, was she seeing well?
Nkechi passed out complete, but her husband was

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there to hold her and revive her with water from the
compound.

“You all are not supposed to see me.”

“Well, we are seeing you because when light shines

it exposes darkness.”

“I am not darkness, I am only here for my wife.”

“She is not your wife! She is human and you are a

spirit. You two cannot be married.”

“Says who?” he asked, hissing and tilting forward

aggressively.

“Says I, Jethro Babalola Peter.”

“Your name does ring a bell, but I am sure in all

your battles you have never met me. I am
Erinluwa.”

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“Save it, Erinluwa. I know you. I know you because

God reveals deep things to his sons. Are you not the
son of Yeyeluwa, next in rank to the queen of the
coast. Your mother is over four thousand years old
and you, a little over a thousand. Look, this one has
been taken by Jesus and you are not a competition
for him.”

“You lie! You and your God lie!” Erinluwa parched.

“You see, nothing is impossible for my God, but

listen, three things he can never do are that he can
never die, he can never fail, and can never die!
What do you want to threaten him with?”

“Her! I know her soul is important to him.”

“Then, do your worst and see if God will not do his

best! And listen to what Jesus says to you , he says
he is the resurrection and the life. Whosoever
believes in him as Osun does, shall live. And

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whoever lives and believes in him shall never die.

Your record doesn't fit any of this so death is your
portion Erinluwa and you must die.

“Never, I made a pact with Eledumare, my breath is

to infinity. I cannot die.” He marched forward and
launched towards PJ, but rather than flinch, the man
of God stood still in a position. He wasn't moving
an inch. “Are you not afraid?” Erinluwa asked the
man.

“No. I am not. Fear was nailed with Christ on the

cross. The year I renounced the world every
worldliness was put under arrest and fear is of the
world not my portion in this kingdom. Look, I am
done bantering words with you, now listen to me,
for we have been given a name that is above every
other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, in heaven and on earth and of things
under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Now, you foul spirit from the pit of hell, get out!”

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Erinluwa twirled and turned and fell to the ground.

They were all fidgeting except for PJ. The man
stood still, his eyes not flinching. He was just
waiting, waiting for the spirit in front of him to
leave. The demon stood as a man, yelled out in pain
and with a supernatural speed fled.

“Who are you?” Ifashola asked in shock. He got up

slowly and kept staring like the man in front of him
had just fallen from the sky.

“My name is Jethro and I serve a living God, Jesus.

You, who are you?” he asked the younger man who
was now in front of him.

“My name is Ifashola, I am a priest.” He told him.

“No, you are not. You are blind.”

“I am not blind!”

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“In the name of Jesus, let your eyes be opened!” he

tapped his forehead quickly and moved back, away
from him. Suddenly, Ifashola became afraid, he
began to fidget as he saw dead people all around
him, even his late father's dead body was with the
rest. The others around were so shocked. Fear was
not in Ifashola’s dictionary. They had never seen
him like that. He cried like a baby and fell to his
knees

“Help me, this is terrifying!” he cried hiring his

head in between his thighs.

“Esanu wa, Baba Ifashola fears nothing, what is

happening?” a young maiden from among those
cowering spoke up.

PJ strode to his side and laid hands on him. “In the

name of Jesus, receive the light of Christ in your
spirit.”

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The spirit became afraid as Ifashola rose slowly to

his feet. His fear had reduced greatly yet he couldn't
explain the mystery behind what just happened. He
stood still and watched the man in front of him.

“Except you all accept Jesus, what you just saw

shall be your fate.”

“Ha!”

“I am not cursing you, it is what is going to

happen.”

“Ehn, so what sacrifice do we bear to avert it?”

“This God does not want your small sacrifices.”

“Emm... PJ, she hasn't woken up yet.” Debo

interjected quickly.

“Let her be, she needs to be where she is right now.”

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“Excuse me, what does that even mean?” her

mother asked in worry.

“None of us can do this for her, just lift her off the
mat, put her in the car, and pray.

“And what if she doesn't wake up?” It was Jolaymi

again. This time, Debo gave her a look that
suggested she should shut up. She did quickly and
watched her ex-husband bend over and lift the
full-grown woman into his hands. It was obvious PJ
wasn't going to leave the priest and his maids until
they accepted Jesus.

“Ehn, so what do we do?” the priest asked again.

“Accept Jesus.”

“Mm-mm...” Ifashola shrugged stubbornly wearing

a frown.

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“The same God my father warned me against

sometime back?”

PJ laughed so loud that Ifashola felt offended.

“And what was your father's end?” Fashola went

mute. He could not say a word. “Let me help you.
Death. A very tragic one at that. But if your
decision is to not accept Jesus, then fine. I will only
pray for the spirit that just troubled you to return.”

“No, no, please, don't. I will accept Jesus. All I have

seen here is enough reason to accept him. Please
help me, help them...” he pointed at his maids.
“Please. I want my peace, please.”

“Everyone go down on your knees and let us pray.”

They all knelt slowly.
.
*** *** *** ***

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Debo was panting heavily as he dropped his

daughter in his car. Nkechi rushed to the other side
of the car to get her husband water. She knew he
always had water with him while driving. She
handed him the water and watched him take a big
gulp.

“Nkechi, Nkechi, don't worry, I know what to do to

you. You this thoughtless human being.” Jolayemi
parched at the woman.

“Hey! Don't you dare threaten my wife!” Debo

yelled at her. “Don't you dare! Do you think Nkechi
cannot handle you? She only respects me else the
Nkechi I know would have dealt with you without
mercy. Please, once we return to Lagos, just get
your things and leave. I made a mistake inviting you
here in the first place.”

“Debo, are you seriously talking to me like that?”

“And how else should...”

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“Help me...please, I don't want to go there...”

“-Ara!”

“-Osun!” Yemi called out.

“Don't you ever call her that again! Are you deaf or
blind?” Debo cautioned her and then turned to his
daughter very quickly. “Hey babe, darling, daddy is
here, your mummies are here, nothing is going to
happen to you.”

“I just want to go, let me go.”

“Go where now, no, you go nowhere...”

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CHAPTER 30

“Tie her up! Enough of this nonsense. If I can’t

have her, then no one will. How could that man
embarrass me in front of humans? They saw my
face and did not die.” Erinluwa kept pacing as he
spoke. The sound of the water created the ambience
they needed.

“Erinluwa, please don't kill me.” Pain begged

weakly.

“If I can't do it there, then I will do it here! Get rid

of her!” he ordered the other spirit gathered around
her.

*** *** *** ***

Ade prayed quietly in the spirit even as laid there.
His mother sat and cried reminding him of how
much he needed to rest. The man prayed more
instead. He just couldn't be quiet. Suddenly, his

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voice became louder, not that he was shouting, but

he spoke like someone was standing there. His
mother jerked up in fear and prayed with him. She
was clueless yet she didn't want to lose her son.

*** *** *** ***

“Who is he that says a thing and it comes to pass

when the Lord God has not commanded it.” Ade’s
voice echoed all through the water, yet no one saw
him. Erinluwa spun around in confusion just like
the rest.

“Who are you and how did you get in here?”

Erinluwa questioned without fear.

“The earth is the Lords’ and the fullness thereof, the

world and they that dwell therein. For he has
founded it upon the seas and established it upon the
waters. He that founded the earth upon the seas and

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made all the water, including this one you live under,
gave me access because he is my father.

“If you have the balls, show your face!” Erinluwa

ordered and in no time Ade showed up holding a
sword and dressed in a princely apparel.

“Maybe you haven't heard, that the Lord has given

me the power to trample upon snakes and scorpions
and you, you are a serpent, one from the ancient
lineage of Kasebi, the mother before your mother,
was called Titanium, tormentor of men.”

“We don't die! We are spirits.” Erinluwa told him

angrily.

“And so am I and only spirits can silent spirits. As

Christ is, so I am, Erinluwa. I am not here to banter
words with you, I have come to get my bride-to-be.”

“You have no right to, she is not married to you

yet,”

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“Neither does God recognize anything that binds

you with her for she is the bride of Christ, set free
by his blood upon the cross. What legal proof do
you have to bind her? Her great grandmother's
covenant with you has been nullified by gods bigger
covenant.”

“The heavens and the earth bore my mother witness

the day she handed her over to me.”

“Not even your mother will repeat that in front of

me!”

“How dare you! Ha!!” Erinluwa screamed and a

large wave rose behind him. His poisonous tail
followed.

“Don’t try to fight me with water, it will be a

grievous mistake.” Ade warned. “Look here
Erinluwa, before I was born, God destined Ara to be
my wife. You made a mistake by bringing yourself

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into the picture. My destiny can not be truncated.

Do you know who I am?”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Adedimeji Bankole,” once he

mentioned his name, there was lightning in the sky
and the water shook. “The child God raised,
brought me to sit right beside him far above
principalities and powers like you. As I said, I am
not here to banter words, now listen once and for all.
I command you in the name of Jesus, by your hands,
untie that woman and let her go, now and forever in
Jesus name!” Once he said it, Erinluwa bowed and
proceeded to untie her.

“Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you,

Jesus...”Osun kept whispering, she was too tired to
move. Ade went close and held her hand as they
walked out of their territory.

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CHAPTER 31

Debo drove on high speed. He needed to get his

daughter home quick. Nkechi had worn her one of
her dress from behind the car. They couldn't take her
through check points with a white wrapper round
her chest. They were probably going to get arrested
for money ritual attempt.

Osun coughed out from behind the car. Debo pulled

over quickly. The women did the same behind them
in their car.

“What is it?” they asked in obvious curiosity mixed

with fear. Yemi rushed to the other end in an attempt
to open the door.

“Leave there, you are too close to the main road,

Debo yelled from where he stood. She rushed
quickly to their side which was too small to contain

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them. Nkechi stood behind the car resting her tired

body on the car.

“Where am I, daddy?”

“Umm...we are taking you home. I will save the

details for later.”

“Okay.” She responded in a low tone. “Ade, where

is he? He was with me, he saved me. He wrestled
that demon. I want to see him, is he fine?”

“Calm down, we will take you to Ade, calm down.

Just sit and relax.” He told her.

“I am hungry daddy, so hungry.”

“She is hungry.” Debo shouted bringing his head a

little above the car. Nkechi rushed back to her car
and returned holding a carton of flakes and milk.
Debi picked the bottle water that sat close to him
and then, Nkechi again stretched her a cup.

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“Is your car a house? Why do you have everything

in there?” Debo joked and she laughed. It felt
awkward that she hadn't laughed with her husband
throughout the day.

“It is well with you?” PJ greeted her.

*** *** *** ***

Soon, they were in Lagos. Osun had gotten her

strength back and so she walked faster than
everybody. Once she got to his room, there was
nobody there and it was all clear. Osun looked from
North to South, East to West of the room, but there
was no sign of her man. She sat there on the bed and
began to cry. Her head was buried in his bed and
kneels touching the ground.

“Ade, why? Why? Why?”

“Ara.” Ade’s voice called from behind her.

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“Don’t tell me you care, don't tell me to learn to live

without you. Don't!”

“Ara, I am right here.” His voice came from behind

again.

“Ade!” Osun jerked up. He was there, helped by a

nurse in a wheelchair. “Ade, you are here.” She
knelt in front of him and hugged him tightly.

“What were you thinking?”

“I am sorry, I saw you in...umm...” she looked at the

nurse and stopped talking.

“Could you excuse us, please? She will help me out

of this chair. Thank you!” The nurse left politely
and left the two of them. PJ and the rest soon
arrived in front of the ward, but seeing the both of
them all loved-up decided to let them be. They
retraced their steps and sat in the waiting room.

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“You were there, you fought against that spirit and

won, you delivered me from his stake of death...”

“No, I have no power to deliver, God delivered you

because he knows you are mine and whatever
belongs to me carries life.”

“I don’t belong to you yet, Ade.” She told him and

laughed.

“Well, what if I want to make it official?”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“I have no legs to kneel on right now, but I promise

you that I am doing this from the deepest place in
my heart. Will you, Araoluwa become my babe, my
sweetheart, my love, my girlfriend, and then my
wife, my joy, my everyday brightness, and the
mother of Japhet and Glory until death do us part?”

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“Are you asking me to marry you or be your

girlfriend?” she asked him laughing.

“I may not be able to maintain my purity oath if I

keep you as a girlfriend, so I will just marry you.”

“What?! You are the strongest being I have ever met

Adebanks. You meet a lady and in just three months
you are proposing.”

“And you are the most beautiful thing that has ever
caught my eyes. Please, marry me.”

“And yes, I will.” She told him and hugged again.

She had to do it carefully not to hurt him.

Osun got up and ran outside the ward to announce

to the rest. They entered clapping happily. They
knew they could not be louder than they were. It
was a hospital, patients didn't need the noise.

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Debo squatted in front of the man and kept starting

as him. Ade turned his face away and smiled.

“You know, when I employed you, I didn’t have a

reason to. I had an auditor already and there was
nothing I needed another for, but then God ordered
my steps and then here we are. I have you here,
from my staff to my son-in-law...” the two men
giggled. “At least I am sure you love her. God! Who
fights through this thickness just to get the woman
they love out and make her free. Thank you
Adebanks, thank you so much!”

“Thank you sir for even letting me an inch close to

your daughter. It must have been a hard decision at
first. I mean an employee wanting the CEO’s
daughter is off the table for some people, but you
welcomed me and allowed me into your home. You
even introduced us...” everybody laughed. Osun
slipped her hand into Ade’s good hand as she
laughed.

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“Son, the devil did not bring her after all.” PJ told
him and they both laughed again.

“Emm...here, this is Jolayemi, Ara’s biological

mother.” Debo introduced. The woman came
forward and shook Ade’s good hand as her daughter
let go. Once she was done shaking the man, Osun
took his hand again and held it.

“Thank you for all you have done for my daughter. I

am grateful. God bless you.” She told the young
man to every body’s surprise but no one said
anything to her.

His mother came in and saw everyone, she was

surprised but happy.

“Osun,”

“Hmm Hmm...please, call her Araoluwa.” PJ

corrected the woman immediately.

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“Araoluwa, how are you feeling today?”

“Very well ma. PJ, my father, my mothers and my

love, they all prayed me out of every mess.”

“Ha! Thank God! Thank God o.” She kept saying

dropping the basket of food and raising her hands
up in gratitude.

“Mom, I asked Ara to marry me.” Ade told his

mother.

“Wow! Congratulations son. That is good news.”

She walked closer to the woman and held her hand.
“I am sorry for how I treated you at first. I am a
believer and I should have acted in faith, I am sorry
my dear.”

“It’s okay mummy. All that matters now is that we

are all together and we have a wedding to plan.”

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“Eh!” She yelled out and PJ covered her mouth

quickly.

“Ha! They will send us out oo.”

“It’s true, it’s true oo.” She whispered and turned to

Debo and his wife and ex wife. “My in-laws. Ha! I
am happy. Ade, oju o ni ti e. You will never be put
to shame. Congratulations again.” The whole family
enjoyed the moment and laughed together.

They soon left even though Osun had insisted she

wanted to stay back. She wasn’t allowed. Even Ade
kicked against the idea. She left with the rest of the
family.

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CHAPTER 32

“Lai lai! Do we even know him that well?” It was

Debo’s mother yelling. She wasn’t agreeing with
them about Ade marrying her grand daughter. As far
as she was concerned it was a no-no.

“Me I know him well oo and I think he is a good

man.” Foye told the woman and everyone turned to
him. He was not supposed to speak in the council of
elders.

“Sorry, too.” He told them and looked away.

“Will you get out of this place?” Nkechi perched at

him.

“Sorry,” he told them again before disappearing.

“E wo Maami, she is going to marry him and that is

final, we don't have to banter words with you,”

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Debo told his mother authoritatively without

mincing words.

“And what if I say no?”

“Your late husband’s house in Kogi is well

renovated and furnished, maybe you could go chill
there for a while and return after the wedding.” He
told his mother and started walking to his room.
“Nkechi!” his voice came thundering.

“Yes, babe.”

“I need you, now!”

Nkechi ran after him quickly, leaving Yemi and

Mama in the living room.

“Are you supporting them?”

“I am not supporting them, I am agreeing with

them.” She told her and walked to her room too.

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“Follish children, foolish children.” She kept

hurling as she sat there in frustration.

*** *** *** ***

The wedding took place in Debo’s house. It was a
small one. The couple did not want the usual noise,
they just wanted something small and quiet. Mama
had proven stubborn and her son simply ensured
she was bundled back to her husband’s house as he
promised. Yes, she was from Osun, and had married
a man from Kogi State, Debo’s father.
Notwithstanding, the party went on without her and
it was absolutely beautiful.

Ade’s eyes were fixed on the full figure dancing

towards him. She was fair, full and tall. She turned,
bent slightly and sometimes missed her steps. Her
four months of tedious rehearsal was not in vein.
Ade’s mother was there, she sat with PJ sitting as
the father of the day for her son. It was a happy

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moment and Debo was more than happy he had

employed Adedimeji Joe Bankole. Who was now
going to be his son-in-law. He knew truly in his
heart that he was going to be more than a son-in-law,
he was going to be the first of his children. He was
going to be his own son.

Epilogue

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Ade lifted his wife off the floor and she

laughed. Their living room was big. A surprise
gift from her family to them. They were not
expecting it, he had rented the same
apartment since Ara’s father had done the
house hunting for them. It was all a trick and
the house was all theirs for free. Once the gift
was presented, his alert returned to his
account with additional millions of naira. Ade
couldn't believe it. He prostrated and thanked
the whole family again and again and again.

Debo had wanted to promote the man

immediately but he opted to learn more
instead and not go for a promotion
immediately. They thought it was a wise
decision to make and agreed with him.

Foye was the man’s best friend, he had to be

stopped from following them to their house
on their wedding day. Who does that? Yet, it
didn't stop him from following the entire

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family the next day and presenting another

round of gifts to the couple. It included flight
tickets to Dubai and then to Paris. Foye opted
to follow but was met by the entire family’s
wicked response. “No!” they all yelled at once
and continued like he was not in existence.

The gift was massive. Not Ade or his wife had

expected it. They had wanted to stay back
since they didn't think they could afford to fly
anywhere. They were cutting their clothes
according to their size.

Once the family left, Ade drew his wife happily

into his arms and hugged her.

“I love you so much Araoluwa and God knows

when all of these started, never for once did I
think it was going to land us here.”

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“And never for once did I think I would not go

back home. She told him and laughed. “I love
you, my husband, and wherever you are is
home from now in.”

“And I love you, my wife.” He told her and

landed a kiss on her forehead. They were sure
their home was built on the right foundation
and so nothing was shifting it except God
permitted. Their love for each other and for
God was that rooted.

THE END...

Reflectors make a joyful noise oo!!!

Our next story is titled GREY LAKE. Who is

excited?

Please, Reflection Book Readers, we need funding

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for our upcoming program, and no amount at this

time will be too small to contribute. Don't worry if
you don't have anything to give, we are glad all the
same. Thanks for following us on this journey so far.
I love you, but if you do have, kindly send it to this
account with a message or with the caption “Project
Dry Gene.”
0466226920
GTB
Damilola Sarah Aiyedero.

Thank you!
If there are testimonies to share, kindly drop them
on the WhatsApp group chat. If they are too
personal, please, direct them to me @09052399526.

Appreciation

Back Cover Credit: Pastor Olumide Oki (P20)

Picture: DreamStream Photography.

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Editor: Mrs. Elizabeth John Ohida

To my Reflectors and my executives, thank you!

No part of this book should be plagiarized for any

reason except permission is granted by author.

Written by Damilola Babs

Thank you!

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