Tuesday, 24 August 2021

TEJUMOLA (EPISODE 12)

“Can you think of any other five-letter words?” Eniola was the one who asked.

I was assisting her with her homework at the time.

“Errrm..M-U-M-M-Y….” I chuckled and said, "Write it down."

“I haven't seen anyone in a long time.” she remarked looking upwards

“How about D-A-D-D-Y, DADDY?” I said

She grimaced and said, "I don't want to write that."

“Why?”

She looked down and said, "I don't have a daddy."

I corrected her, “You do have a daddy.”

She shrieked, "I don't, I can't see him."

A customer stepped in at that precise moment.

He said, "Please, I need a bottle of water."

“All right, Gerrit from the refrigerator!” I responded without the need to look up

“Good afternoon, sir!” I overheard her say.

“What are you doing here, pretty?” he replied.

“Mummy, have a look at the man who came dangerously close to hitting you.”

I smiled as I looked up, but... I simply froze. The atmosphere in the room got strained;

What does he want here? I couldn't breathe. How did he find out I was here?

“Teju?” David discovered his own voice.

He threw down the bottle of water he was holding.

What are you up to? I mean...errr... How did you get here? He inquired, his face beaming.

The roof of my mouth clenched around my tongue. He hasn't changed much...still he's the good guy. I was devastated by a good-looking guy who ruined my life. I gulped and swallowed hard.

“I…errrm… Is she your child?” he enquired..

Anger was coursing through my veins.

“Of course! 'She's my mum,' Eniola joked,

“Eniola, be quiet!” I screamed at her, I was furious.

I was surprised by my scream as well.

Eniola, shocked.

“How about you? I shifted my gaze to David.

“Are you here to buy some water, abi? Now go get your water and leave.” My voice was getting louder.

He began, "Teju..." “Please accept my apologies...

“I truly am...” He made a step towards me.

“Sorry? “For what purpose?” Surprisingly, my tone of voice was hushed calm.

“I didn't mean to hurt you...”

He was cut short by my nasty laughing.

“I'm sorry, Teju; I'm not sure why you despise me.

“Now you know how much I despise you, don't you?

With my hands, I told him to leave my shop.

I was expecting him to clutch his cheeks or make a funny face. He had a look on his face, but he didn't seem to mind.

“Please, Teju, we need to talk...” He made an attempt to take my hands.

“If you touch me, ehn?” I swear, I'm in a wooza mood.

“You!” I yelled.

He squatted, grinned, and turned to Eniola.

“Baby… “Can you tell me your name?” his tone was hushed cool.

“Eniola David,” she said softly and tremblingly in her tone of voice.

He gently rubbed her chin and studied her. He patted her brow with his hands.

“Get your dirty hands off my daughter!” I retorted as I yanked Eniola away from him.

“Are you sure she's mine?” Isn't she my baby?” he had a strange expression on his face.

I clapped my hands and said, "See thief o..."

“You pretend to love me, but you detest me so much.”

“My daughter...” he bemoaned.

“She isn't your daughter!” I let out a shriek.

“Yes, she is!” Eniola David is her given name.

Do you know any other Davids besides me?” he exclaimed.

Isn't that obvious? She... has my face...”

“Get out of here now!

“I'll do it, but I'll come back tomorrow to pick it up.”

“My child,” he said emphasizing the term.

As he walked out of my store, I kept an eye on him.

I knew I was in trouble as I turned to look at Eniola.

If he takes me to court, I'll be in a lot of trouble. I don't think I'll be able to cope without Eniola.

“Mummy, don't worry about him, you hear?” Eniola said as he hugged my waist.

My cheeks were flushed with tears.

Is this going to be my fate? Do I have to go through this? I'm not sure where I went wrong. Do I deserve all this?

He said, "Tomorrow!" I had to act quickly.

He definitely can’t take my daughter away.

CLICK TO READ EPISODE 11

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