The Blue House S04 E14

Dear reader, this is the final episode of the series. I'm sure that you've enjoyed it. If you still haven't shared it with your contacts, please get to it!!!

As always, I appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

Merry Christmas!

Banke walked into George’s hospital room and saw him lying on his stomach, his head was facing the opposite direction. His skin was baldly scalded from the hot rice Joy had poured over him. She stood still not sure what to believe, Kunle had told his version of the story and so had George but why would either of them lie? Don’t be so quick to judge she told herself, he loves me. George had heard someone come in but whoever it was wasn’t saying anything.

“Banke?” he called out lying still because of the pain on his back. “Is that you baby?”

“Yes George it’s me.” Banke replied weakly turning to his side and facing him, she saw the agony of his suffering on his face. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m in a lot of pain. What took you so long?”

Banke pulled a chair closer and sat beside him. “I went home to check on Teni and I heard some stories, I want you to tell me the truth, what happened George?”

The Blue House S04 E13

Dear reader,  this is the second to the last episode of The Blue House(sigh)! I've enjoyed writing this series and appreciate you for going on this journey with me. I'm getting emotional (rolling my eyes)! So, enjoy this post and have a very merry Christmas.

P.S: The last episode will be posted on Friday.

Joy kept running until she realized that George wasn’t chasing her. She stopped momentarily and observed herself; her skirt was torn in front and she was holding the pieces in one trembling hand. She touched her face with her other hand and felt the welt on her face where George had slapped her. Her skin was burned where the hot rice had poured on her and her fingers were inflamed from carrying the hot pot. She began to cry feeling ashamed, terrified and in pain. If only she hadn’t let him in knowing what he had done before. Where could she go? Her only thought was to call Kunle but she had no money.

A black SUV pulled up in front of her and a woman’s head peeked above the glass.

“Hello dear, what happened to you?”

Joy looked around wondering if she could trust this woman in a black tinted vehicle. “I need money to call my Uncle.”

“No problem. But please tell me, who did this to you?” the woman asked again, coming out of the car this time around. She was a middle-aged, elegantly dressed woman.

Joy looked into her eyes and saw that she could trust her, she looked genuinely worried about her. “Somebody tried to rape me.” She said embarrassed.

“Who was it?”

“My madam’s boyfriend.”

The Blue House S04 E12

Ronke stared at Iya Ibeji as her customer left. She knew she was here for money again and she was determined not to give it. Her husband had said they should leave things as they were and wait for the baby to be born but he hadn’t said anything about giving Iya Ibeji money. Not that he needed to, she could see Iya Ibeji for what she was, a stubborn leech.

“What do you want?” she asked coolly.

“Peace needs money, she’s not eating well and we both know how important it is for a pregnant woman to eat well.”

“I don’t have any money to give you, you can come back and see my husband.”

Iya Ibeji laughed a cold laughter. “You just sold goods worth five hundred naira. I’ll take that.”

“The money belongs to my business, it’s not my personal money.”

“You and your business are one and the same. Don’t waste my time please, the day is almost over.”

“It is you who shouldn’t waste your time, I’ve already told you that I don’t have the money. Come back and see my husband.”

“You’re testing my patience, I may not be as rich as you are but I know my rights and I know what I can do to make your life miserable.”

The Blue House S04 E11

For the first time in a long time, Dapo considered the possibility that he had made a mistake. Raising children with the right morals and good Christian values had been his greatest pride as a parent but in the past few months everything had been tested- his capabilities as a parent was tested.  It was this, his seeming incompetence as a father that annoyed him the most about the whole pregnancy episode. His reputation had been tarnished, he and his family had been the image of the perfect family, church members rallied to him for advice and encouragement and he had relished the position of authority it gave him. To think that those same people would be praying for him, gossiping about him or pitying him was a devastating blow to his self-esteem. Ronke had said that he had to own up to his mistakes, to be a man. He had never thought he’d hear those words from her mouth, she had challenged his manhood.

The Blue House S04 E10

“Morning love.” George put his arms around Banke and nuzzled her neck.
“Morning…” Banke murmured, stifling a yawn to keep George from smelling her breath.
“You slept like a baby…?”
“Yeah… I wish I could stay in bed all day!”
George laughed. “Not with your daughter and maid here.” Banke moaned. “Tell you what, why don’t I bring you breakfast in bed? That way you get to at least sleep in.”
“You can’t cook George.”
“I’ll have help. Your maid is there. What’s her name again?”
Joy…”
“That’s right, she can help me. I’ll just tell her what I want, probably have to go to the supermarket to get a few things but we will get you breakfast in bed.”
Banke moaned again. “I really love you George!”
“Yeah I know you do.” He laughed and got out of bed, glad that his plan had worked. He had to do some damage control and quick. “Do you think she’d be awake by now?”
Banke rolled over and faced him. “She’s an early riser. I’m sure she’s awake now. Please tell her to give Teni a bath and give her breakfast.”
“Okay.”
“What happened to your lip?”

The Blue House S04 E09

Joy was happy to be with Teni, her mother barely knew anything about her or had the time to find out. She was always busy with work and often came home late, apparently she had changed her job because her previous one didn’t take up as much of her time as it did now. Teni was gradually getting used to the change in environment because she was there with her, although there were times she’d call out desperately for her Dad, Helen and Ada. Everyday when she picked her up from the crèche, she secretly wished that Ada would come to take them home and everything would be back to the way it used to be. She wondered how Kunle was faring without them, were Helen and Ada missing them as much as she hoped they were? Most of all she wondered if they would go back and when.

The Blue House S04 E08

“Thank God you’re here! I can’t stop her from crying!” Banke said ushering her mother into the house where she found Teni sucking on her thumb and crying.

“Have you checked her diapers?”

“I’ve done everything! I even sang her favourite song from when she was a baby, she kept quiet for a while and then started crying again.”

Banke’s mother sat and carried Teniola. “Hello darling, why are you crying? Are you hungry?” The little girl continued to cry as much as both women tried to pacify her. “Have you asked Joy what they do to comfort her?”

Banke huffed. “How can I ask Joy? She’s the maid, how would that make me look?”

“Then I think we better call her father.”

“God forbid it, I’m not calling Kunle and giving him a chance to gloat.”

The Blue House S04 E07

“I’m so sorry.” Ada cried beside Kunle who stopped crying after a while. “What can be done? Can you appeal or something?”

“Yeah, I can. I plan to. The good thing is that she doesn’t have permanent custody. It’s temporary.”

“I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Kunle laughed. “I don’t know, I doubt that there’s anything you can do to help.” He saw the look on Ada’s face.  “I know you don’t like me romantically and that’s fine, I appreciate all you’ve done for me and Teni already.”

Ada looked away, she couldn’t exactly say that she didn’t like him romantically. “Okay, if you need me I’m a door away!” she said as cheerfully as she could.

The Blue House S04 E06

This is my 100th post(yaay!) I dedicate this to you my man, for being there from the beginning.

“You’ve insisted on leaving this hair on abi?”
“Dapo please let’s move on to other matters, this is what I’ll be doing from now on. I intend to look good for myself.”
“Ronke who is influencing you? Who are the friends that are putting strange ideas in your head?”
“No one is doing anything, I made this decision myself.”
“I don’t believe you!”
“Dapo let’s talk about Ayodele and the baby that girl is carrying, what will happen when it is born?”
“What’s there to talk about? The pastor has said we should get a paternity test done when it is born.”
“It doesn’t matter what the test says, those people will insist that Ayodele got her pregnant. What are we going to tell people, especially our church members?”

The Blue House S04 E05

Ada had stopped coming to his house and he almost never saw her whenever she was at her house, if he didn’t know better he would have said she was avoiding him but he hadn’t given her a reason to. Or had he? On the few occasion he did see her she always seemed to be in a hurry to get away.
Three weeks ago when he had been at her house he heard her talking in the sitting room as he was about to knock on the door, but when the door was opened she was nowhere to be found. Onyebuchi had said that she wasn’t around. That event answered his questions, Ada had realized that he liked her and didn’t share his feelings. She wanted to be left alone and he reluctantly accepted the message. His didn’t stop buying the Nwachukwus gifts but he stopped asking after Ada and even avoided seeing her. He had learnt from his past mistake not to hold on to a woman who didn’t want him.
He only thought of her this morning after his mother had called with a suggestion.
“Kunle you have to start thinking of your daughter.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You can’t take of that girl all on your own.”

The Blue House S04 E04

Dapo drank the water hastily and set the glass down with a thump. “What is this?” he asked yet again.
“Braids.” Ronke maintained.
“What led you to do this?”
“Nothing, I wanted to change my hairstyle.”
“You wanted to change your hairstyle? And you decided to do something that is forbidden.”
“Forbidden by whom?”
“Ronke what has gotten into you?”
“Look Dapo I’m tired…”
“Since when did you start calling me by name?”
“Oh you expect me to call you “dear”? Well you’ve stopped being dear to me so from now on it is Dapo”
“Ronke?”
“Since when did you start calling me by name?”

The Blue House S04 E03

As Ronke walked into the house with the baby she could feel her children staring at her and she was prepared for all their reactions- theirs and their father’s. She set her bag down and looked up at Joke who was still staring at her in surprise.
“Get me some water to drink please.”
“Mummy you braided your hair!” Joke said still stunned.
“What will Daddy say?” Ayodele asked equally stunned.
“I like it! You look beautiful.” Posi said as innocently as a child who didn’t know the gravity of what his mother had done. The family’s church had an unspoken rule against the use of hair extensions and relaxers and Ronke until now had faithfully adhered to this rule ever since she had become a member.
“Thank you my dear.” Ronke said warmly to Posi.
“But what will Daddy say?” Ayodele asked again.

The Blue House S04 E02

 

 

This post is dedicated to my mother, for the times I couldn’t understand.

 

Effiong burst into the room where Olayinka had been folding the laundry. She dropped the cloth startled.
“What happened? What is going on?” She hadn’t seen Effiong like this since the night he slapped her.
Effiong paced the room huffing and puffing, muttering under his breath and shaking his head.
“Would you please tell me what is going on? Effiong?”
“Where were you today?”
“Where was I?” Olayinka repeated the question unconsciously, why would Effiong ask her such a question? Had he been monitoring her movements again?
“Answer the question!” his hands were on his waist now and he stared at her daring her to lie to him.

The Blue House S04 E01

Everyday on the way from school Ayodele was on the lookout for Peace; his mother hadn’t listened to him and his only hope was to appeal to Peace. He had even tried to talk to Brother Tunji but that hadn't gone well at all. The man had chased him away and warned him never to come back, how dare he accuse him of such a thing? He had grown lean and had become even more introverted. As usual he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling pondering how to get out of the mess he was in.
As usual, Joke burst into his room again.
"Ayo!"
Ayodele shook his head, his sister could never change and he had grown used to her ways. Ironically, Joke had proven to be his only friend in this whole mess.
"What do you want?"
"Why are you lying here alone?" Joke flopped on to the bed beside him.
"I want to be alone."

The Blue House S03 E15

Dear reader, this is the last episode of this season of The Blue House and contrary to my projections, there will be another season (hopefully the last). I appreciate all your comments, suggestions and shares; it’s always good to know that people are reading and can relate to the characters I have portrayed. I’d love your feedback regarding this season and the previous ones so please send me an email at omololaopatayo@gmail.com or just leave a comment here.

Enjoy this last episode and please don’t forget to share!

After a series of meetings with the Pastor, Dapo and Ronke had decided that his counsel on the matter concerning Peace was the best. “That is what Pastor said and that is what we will do. In the meantime you must cut off all your association with that girl, do you understand?”
“Yes sir.”

The Blue House S03 E14

The atmosphere during the drive to the church office had been tension filled. Dapo wondered about his reputation and what the Pastor would say to him; would his position as a deacon be gone? Ronke wasn't at all bothered about what the outcome of the meeting would be; she had nothing to lose. Her children and her life were more important than whatever anyone had to say about her conduct. She was at peace so she leaned back in the chair and slept off. Dapo glanced at her in the rearview mirror and hissed, he didn't know this woman anymore.

Not wanting to have to wake her, he slammed hard on the brake in front of the church office building and the car rocked violently. The baby began to cry. Ronke woke up startled wondering what was going on till she saw the smirk on Dapo's face.

"You have problems!" She said to him and carried the wailing baby.

The Blue House S03 E13

"Brother Tunji?" Ayodele's head started to spin, the barber had been his greatest confidant and had helped him on his "journey to manhood” as he had called it. He was married with two children and had a booming business. What could he possibly want with Peace? Ayodele concluded that she must be lying.

"You're lying!"

"I'm not! And you're the one who got me into the mess!"

"Me, how? And why are you just saying this now? When they asked you if you'd been sleeping with someone else why didn't you say something?"

"Who would have believed me? Even you don't believe me!"

The Blue House S03 E12

Last night hadn’t gone well at all. It had started well but ended horribly. They had gone to their bedroom as he had suggested and continued kissing and exploring each other’s bodies but he had suddenly become plagued with images of Olayinka and her boss having sex. Subconsciously he stopped touching her.
“What is it?” Olayinka had asked.
“Nothing, I got distracted that’s all…”
“What’s making you distracted?” she had asked softly touching his face. He pulled it away. Olayinka frowned, she became suspicious.
“I’m fine, really… it’s been a while since we’ve done this. I guess I’m a little nervous!” He laughed awkwardly.

The Blue House S03 E11

“Welcome!”
“Thank you! Oh I’ve really missed you!”
“Me too, I’m so glad you’re staying with us for a year and maybe longer…” Helen winked at Ada and they both laughed. “Has your brother told you about his new job?”
“Yeah he has and he said you’re not too happy about it.”

The Blue House S03 E10

Kunle was an optimist, he believed people could change and bad situations could turn around. In spite of the fact that he had been served divorce papers, he genuinely believed that Banke just needed to be pacified. This morning Teniola had said her first word 'mama', and he had been sad because he couldn't share the moment with Banke. He had spoken to her brothers as planned but they all said the same thing: "We can't force her to be married you."

The Blue House S03 E09

“Go!” Joke whispered to Ayodele who had begun trembling all over.
“Ayodele!” Dapo yelled again.
“I’m coming sir!” Ayodele said and finally walked out from behind the curtain, his entire body cold. Surely his father would kill him today, there was no way he could escape death after this kind of embarrassment.

The Blue House S03 E08

“Joke! Oh thank God! What are you doing here?” Ayodele looked around, whispering as he spoke.
“I followed you.”
“Why?” Ayodele was angry with this meddlesome girl who kept sticking her nose in his business. Joke was too obnoxious for his liking, no wonder she wasn’t pretty. “Why can’t you leave me alone?”

The Blue House S03 E07

Dear reader please note that this is the last season of The Blue House- yes I know I should have mentioned it earlier. Forgive me. A new series is in the works so don't despair!
In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the season while it lasts;)


"Hello?” Ayodele wasn’t sure he had heard correctly.
“Ayodele it’s Peace…”
He had suffered a great deal because of this girl, why was she calling him now?  “Peace? Why are you calling me?”

The Blue House S03 E06

“Mummy please I need your help. I’ve tried talking to Banke but she won’t listen to me. She insists on leaving me!”
“Kunle there’s nothing I can do. I’ve tried talking to her myself but she doesn’t want to be married to you anymore and it’s sad because regardless of your faults I think you are the right man for her but she says she knows what she’s doing. I can’t force her to be married to you.” Banke’s mother said sadly.
Kunle sighed. “Thank you ma.”

The Blue House S03 E05

Dapo waited for the children to be in bed before he confronted Ronke. “So what have you been telling Sister Funso?”
Ronke gave him a weird look. “What have I been telling Sister Funso? The only thing we’ve been talking about is choosing a good secondary school for Joke. What did she say I told her?”
“You’re lying. She came to me today after the fellowship and accused me of being a bad parent. She couldn’t have been so bold to say such a thing if you didn’t tell her what been going on in this house.”
Ronke didn’t know how to respond to Dapo’s accusations so she laughed and nestled herself into the bed.  

The Blue House S03 E04

Dapo was thoroughly embarrassed but there was nothing he could do about the situation. They were hosting another Sunday house fellowship and Sister Funso was leading the prayers. They had been praying for the past seven minutes for the purity of their teenagers, Sister Funso was convinced that a wave of sexual immorality was blowing and they needed to shield themselves from it. Ayodele was standing opposite her and the poor boy hung his head in shame barely moving his lips. Ronke was breastfeeding the baby in the bedroom but she could hear every prayer point, she gladly fed her baby for as long as she wanted.

The Blue House S03 E03

“I’ve been invited for an interview.”
Helen was changing into her nightgown even though it was morning, she had just returned from a night shift. “Is it the job you talked about?”
“Yes.” Obiora concentrated on knotting his tie, effectively avoiding having to look her in the face.

The Blue House S03 E02

“Hello ma.”
“Hello. It’s been a while, how is everything?... And how’s the family?”
“Everything is fine, we’re all fine. I hope there’s no problem?” Banke’s mother already knew what her in-law was calling her about but the preamble was part of the conversation between in-laws.

The Blue House S03 E01

Dear reader, this is the beginning of the third season of The Blue House. I apologise for the long delay but I assure you that it's going to be worth the wait.

Please note that you can now easily leave your comments especially when you read from your mobile devices. All you have to do is click on ‘post comment' and follow the prompts.

Thanks to Godwin Adoro for this picture and to you for being so patient with me.

Now enjoy the first episode and don't forget to share!

Ronke stared at the infant in the incubator praying under her breath. She hadn’t wanted this baby at first but now if there was anything she desired it was for this baby girl to live. She was smaller than all her children but she was struggling to stay alive. The doctors had commended her courage and predicted that she would definitely live but at times like this when she saw other mothers leave the hospital with their babies but hers was lying frailly in the incubator fighting jaundice she was doubtful.

“Mummy she will be fine” Joke said from behind her.

“Amen” Ronke sighed and leaned back in the chair.

“I brought you some food.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Downfall

My legs tremble as I open the door to the . I stare at the view and the ridge that awaits me temporarily immobilized by trepidation. His face and the surgical knives flash before me and I can move again, fueling my confidence on the images of him smiling, frowning, laughing, angry, furious, sleeping, sad, uncaring.

“It’s over… it’s over…” The echo rings in my head like a church bell.

The Man and the Handbag

We walked by different stores in the scorching afternoon sun looking for the perfect bag and the right seller. Dodging randy thick-muscled men who grabbed at us and over enthusiastic sales agents, we looked over the several bags on display as my friend Nneka whispered glancing at a peach leather bag with gold trimmings.
“That one is nice too but it might be expensive because the stall is by the road. Let’s go inside the market, we should find something as nice but cheaper.” I agreed. Just as we were about to make a detour into the market a middle-aged tired looking woman, dressed in a blue and yellow patterned wrapper and a white blouse stood in front of us.

The Blue House S02 E15

Dear reader, this is the final episode of The Blue House Season 2. Please read, share and leave your comments. The date for the beginning of the next season will be communicated as soon as possible. In the meantime, I will continue to upload stories, so please don’t be a stranger!

Enjoy!

“What happened?”  Banke’s mother came rushing into the sitting room. “I heard Kunle shouting at the gateman. What happened?”
Banke’s father had resumed watching the football match, tapping his foot every now and then. “That husband of hers is an ungrateful fool.”
“What happened?” Banke’s mother asked again with her hands on her hips, frowning.

The Blue House S02 E14

“He said that? That boy has some nerve!”
“I was shocked, I definitely made a huge mistake getting married to him. I know that now.”
“Well there’s no use crying over spilt milk, tell him I want to see him. I’ll talk some sense into him”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea Daddy?”
“Yes of course, tell Kunle I want to see him tomorrow afternoon unfailingly.”
“Alright.” Banke was glad, her Dad always sorted things out and he would again this time.

The Blue House S02 E13

Dear reader, I’m sure you have enjoyed this season of The Blue House. Please note that there will be only two more episodes after this one. I’m always grateful for every comment and suggestion, and for those of you hoping that the series will one day be a movie, cross your fingers along with me!

Enjoy this episode and don’t forget to share!

"What happened Ayodele, why did you beat your sister like this?” Ronke was appalled when she got upstairs and saw Joke’s face.
“She was rude to me.”
“And that’s why you had to beat her like this?”
“Mummy he wanted to beat Posi and he wouldn’t tell me why.” Joke was glad her mother was finally home to speak some sense into her brother’s head.
“Shut up!” Ronke had always favored her eldest child, she believed only the best of him. “Did I ask for your opinion? That’s why your brother always beats you, you don’t know when to be quiet. Don’t you know he’s a boy and you’re a girl? A girl must learn to be respectful, if you grow up like this your husband will beat you."

The Blue House S02 E12

“She made a fool out of me, it’s over between us.” They sat on the sofa sipping cold drinks.
“What about your kids?”
“I’m taking them.”
“And you think they’ll want to go with you after they saw you holding a butcher knife over their mother?”
Effiong hadn’t thought of that. “I’ll file for sole custody”

The Blue House S02 E11

“What were you thinking fighting with them, you this Igbo man? You could have died!” Helen scolded Obiora halfheartedly as he lay on the hospital bed recounting his ordeal with the armed robbers. She smoothed his hair looking lovingly into his eyes, grateful that he was alive.
“I don’t know I just lost it, you know how things have been.” Obiora looked back into his wife’s eyes equally grateful to be alive.

The Blue House S02 E10

Helen paced the sitting room, holding up her phone trying to get a signal. As she paced she murmured under her breath. “God please… God please”
“Mummy what is it?” Onyebuchi asked worried. “Is it Daddy?” he probed when his mother didn’t answer. Helen stopped pacing and faced her children.
“Boys, Daddy is in trouble right now. Do you remember what we said about prayer two nights ago?” the boys nodded. “Well this is one time when I need you to pray. Just pray for Daddy to be safe okay?” she resumed her pacing without waiting for their answer when her phone rang.  

The Blue House S02 E09

“Boil some rice when you get back and don’t forget to sweep the backyard, I don’t want any excuses today.” Banke said to Joy bringing out her wallet and handing her some money. “This is for your transport and lunch.”
“Thank you ma.” Joy replied curtseying. Banke pried her chain out of Teniola’s hands and reached for her handbag. ‘Err.. Aunty, there’s something I want to show you”
“What is it?” Banke asked curiously as Joy handed her the note. Shock registered on Banke’s face as she read the note, what had been going on in Mrs Afebioye’s house?
“Where did you get this?”
“I found it in my textbook last night, I lent it to Peace”
“Have you noticed anything strange going on between them?”

The Blue House S02 E08

Olayinka limped back into the bedroom from the toilet and sat on the bed watching Effiong from the corner of her eye. She now realized that they had to solve their problems not just because of their children, she didn't want their extended family members to be aware of her affair. There were people on both sides of the family who had sworn that their inter-tribal marriage would not work, she didn't want to give them something to smirk about. Effiong was taking off his clothes getting ready to take his bath and she observed him, his strong arms and smooth fair skin, she let her eyes linger on his broad chest and remembered the many nights she had lain on it.

The Blue House S02 E07

As soon as Helen walked in, Obiora knew that Olayinka had upset her. “What is it? What happened?”
Helen sat on the bed beside her husband wiping her eyes. “I want to ask you a question and I want you to be truthful with me.”
“Okay…”
“Do you think I’m nosy and judgemental?”
“Where is that coming from? Did Olayinka say that to you?”
“Answer the question.”

The Blue House S02 E06

Joke was trying hard to concentrate on the programme she was watching but she was distracted by the sight of Ayodele and Peace hudded over a textbook. He was explaining an equation to her but there was something about the way they sat and talked that just wasn’t right. She had never liked Peace although she had been with them for about seven months and now shared her room with her. Even her mother had noticed it.

The Blue House S02 E05

Dear reader, hope you had a good week? Before you read today's post I want to call your attention to a website- www.shortstories.net where they publish literature for children. The stories are brief and propagate morals. Take a look and share!

Now, enjoy today's post and have a great weekend!

Olayinka sat up in her bed crying bitterly after looking through the old pictures on her laptop. She wondered what had gone so wrong with her that made her courageous enough to go against her strong convictions on commitment and marriage. She had turned her back even on her children, and for what? A flimsy affair with a selfish man who had dumped her the moment she told him of her pregnancy.

The Blue House S02 E04

Kunle came out into the sitting room yawning when he saw Banke and Solape huddled over a bag containing jewelry.
“Oh I love this one!” Banke was saying as Joy came into the house.
“What is she still doing here?” Kunle said irately startling Banke and Solape. “Madam please pack your things and leave right now!”  He snapped at Solape. 

The Blue House S02 E03

Joy stood outside the door for a few more minutes before Peace eventually opened the door. “What took you so long?” she asked angrily bursting into the living room looking around.
“What are you looking for?” Peace asked nervously
“Who is here with you?” Joy countered.
“Nobody…”
“And why are you sweating like that?” Joy asked curiously.

The Blue House S02 E02

Mrs Adepetu hadn’t spent three decades teaching human psychology for her not to know that there was something wrong with her daughter’s marriage. Even Effiong wasn’t the same person she knew anymore and even though she had made up her mind not to ever interfere in her daughter’s marriage, she decided to make an exception now.

The Blue House S02 E01

Dear reader, this is the first episode of the second season of The Blue House. I’m excited about it, the drama continues in all the households. Please don’t forget to share with your contacts and follow the blog for updates.Enjoy!

Ronke sat carelessly, her legs stretched out and yawned, this pregnancy was so tiring and she was always hungry. It was time for her to begin the dinner preparations but she was too weary to even think about what to cook. Her husband Dapo would be home soon and he would be furious if she had not prepared anything. What could they eat that appealed to her?

White Cloth

Dear reader, I'm back again after an unplanned hiatus. The second season of The Blue House begins on Monday so be sure to tell your contacts and follow the blog!
In the meantime enjoy today's post and don't forget to share!

Ayangade slapped the drum expertly accompanied by his band members, they were the best in the clan and Olanrewaju the groom's father had wanted only the best for his son's wedding. The youths and a few young hearted older folks of the household gyrated to the rhythmic beats of the band and the sonorous  voices of the "Awonlewa maidens"; it was a rare moment of entertainment which couldn't be passed up on.
Olanrewaju and his friends sat in front of the compound watching the dancers and other spectators; on one side the women of the household sat chatting about the things only women would, the groom's friends also sat on another side conversing half-drunkenly about their friend's sexual prowess and the young maidens who sat on yet another side. Palm wine and food were in abundance as only the household of Olagunju could afford. It was by all standards a successful wedding night party.
**********

"The Madman Who Sits on the Bridge"

The man sat close to the end of the end of the bridge as usual, staring idly at the passing vehicles. His short dreadlocks were matted with dust, grease and any other thing his head came in contact with. His lips were chapped and pale, his face was black with grime and a lone fly danced undisturbed around his bulbous nose. His clothing was a combination of several rags acquired with discovery so that he looked heavy. A light drizzle began and as if on cue, he lay on the concrete mumbling to himself.
His name was unknown, he was simply called “the madman who sits on the bridge” and everyone kept their distance from him. Some mentally ill people are friendly; they entertain the people around them, dancing and singing or teasing them and they are in turn rewarded with food or money. Others chase people of the opposite sex in an awkwardly flirtatious manner. Others are almost imbecilic and morose keeping to themselves, these ones usually suffer physically assault from people who thus express their disgust with them. And then some are hostile, openly attacking anyone who confronts them or approaches them unsolicited. “The madman who sits on the bridge” was in this category, he had been known to attack children and women barging at them with his cane. So people had grown indifferent to him and even now as he lay in the rain they felt no sympathy for him, the demons that plagued him had probably placed an invisible tarpaulin over him for all they knew.

Desperation

The store was almost inconspicuous, but it was popular amongst those who patronized it. It was one of the four pharmacy stores on the road, and as it is with most businesses referral was key to patronage. The store was painted white and had been fitted haphazardly with shelves on which were several bottles and packets of antibiotics, antacids, pain relievers, antimalarial drugs, anti-fungal creams, allergy treatment drugs, birth control pills, sachets of condoms, cough medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs and creams, food supplements, and abortion inducers. A naked bulb hung from the ceiling and an old calendar swayed in the afternoon breeze. A wooden table on which were scattered old newspapers and fliers was placed in the center of the store with a black plastic chair behind it. In a corner near the door were empty bottles of beer.

Chiseled!

The car pulled up and the man and his wife alighted from it. They surveyed their bushy surroundings and walked gingerly to avoid steeping on thorns. From what they could see, the land was precisely what they wanted; a large plane of good soil in a quiet location. Houses had been built all around and the road network showed evidence of good planning. They were going to buy this land, whatever it took.
“So what do you think?” the man asked his wife.
“Nice, very nice. It’s almost as if the surveyor read our minds.” She replied.
“My thoughts exactly! So we’re buying right?” he asked with a smile.
“Oh yes, and quickly too before someone else buys it!” She answered just as they got to the surveyor who was conversing with a fair complexioned elderly man with three horizontally cut tribal marks.
“Good afternoon.” The surveyor said to them.

The Travails of a Lagos Commuter

I hate it when it rains in the morning, even more I hate it when it rains in Lagos. I probably would feel different if I had my own car but presently I’m restricted to the nimbleness of my feet and public transportation. This morning is no different and I climb into the bus grateful to be out of the drizzle. I always prefer the window seat, it is my only recourse against smelly passengers. I check my wallet for change, these bus conductors get aggressive when a passenger has only big denominations. Passengers fill the bus gradually as the rain slowly stops and the bus is surrounded by hawkers of cold drinks, recharge cards, snacks, books, beggars and ‘bus station evangelists’. I check my watch, it’s a quarter past seven and I can already see that there’s a traffic jam ahead. I’m going to be late and there’s nothing I can do about it.

The Blue House S01 E15

Dear reader this is the last episode of the first season of The Blue House. I know that some of the issues raised in this series have reminded some readers of painful life experiences and can I just say that I didn’t mean to cause anyone grief but to curse the darkness is never enough, we must at least light a candle and this is my way of doing that. The date for the beginning of the next season will be communicated as soon as possible.
Enjoy the last episode of this season and don’t forget to share!

“I’ve made a mistake! I should have just done it. How will I face the world, what will I tell Max and Sharon when they’re older? How do I look my boss in the face heavy with his child? Where do I start from? Who will marry me again knowing I cheated on my husband? What if Effiong gets full custody of the children and I never get to see them?” These were some of the thoughts that occupied Olayinka’s mind as she drove back towards her office. Her phone rang, it was Solape.
“Hello?”
“Olayinka, the doctor just called me now to tell me that you ran out of the hospital. Have you lost your mind?”
“S…Solape it’s…”
“It’s what? So you want to totally mess up an already bad situation? What are you going to tell Effiong, ehn? And what about your Mother, how will she take it?”

The Blue House S01 E14

Dear reader, I'm sorry I went AWOL. Seasons greetings in arrears to my Muslim readers. The series continues today but the first season ends this week. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I'm  grateful for all the comments and observations. I don't have a definite date for the beginning of Season Two but there will be stories every week before then so please follow the blog and don't forget to share!

Enjoy this episode.

“There is sand on this bed!” Dapo said hissing, getting off the bed.
“Sand? How can there be sand on the bed? The compound is cemented and the floors are tiled…”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“No, I’m just wond…”
“I don’t know what I’m saying?” Dapo asked angrily.
Ronke sighed, “I didn’t say that. I was just wondering how there could be sand on the bed”
“It’s the same way I’m wondering how you could be pregnant, but like the bed is full of sand you’re pregnant…”

The Blue House S01 E13

"She's getting bigger everyday!" Helen commented, patting the baby's bottom.
"Indeed!" Banke replied.
"I know I've asked you countless times but her name is Teniola right?" Helen asked rocking the baby in her arms.
"Yes! You got it right today!" They both laughed.
"And how are the stitches? They should have healed by now."
"Yes they have." Banke said with relief on her face.
"That's good. Hope you've done your family planning?"
"Er..." Banke said smiling nervously.

The Blue House S01 E12

"Boyfriends"

“That reminds me, you didn’t want to talk about what happened between Yinka and Effiong two nights ago. Can you talk about it now?" Helen asked her husband, lying on his chest.
"Yeah..." Obiora said reluctantly
"So what do you think is going on? And don’t say you don’t know because I know you do!”
Obiora sighed. “Effiong thinks Olayinka is having an affair.”

The Blue House S01 E11

“Pregnant!”

“I’m pregnant.” Peace said her face contorted with fear.
“You’re pregnant? Are you serious?” Ayodele asked somberly
“Yes…” Peace replied crying.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes…”
“How do you know?”
“It was your mother that said so”

The Blue House S01 E10

“Olayinka! Baby! Baby please answer me!” Effiong called out to his wife shaking her. In a short while she came to and stared at him with glazed eyes.
“What’s going on?” she asked temporarily dazed.
“You passed out…we… I…”
Olayinka’s memory returned and she stiffened. “You hit me!”
Helen and Obiora who had heard the arguments and the sudden thump on the floor above them were now knocking frantically on the door calling out their names.
“Olayinka! Effiong!”
Effiong opened the door and they barged in. “What’s going on?” Obiora asked. “Is Yinka alright? We heard something fall”

The Blue House S01 E09

"Out of control"

“I had no choice” Kunle thought to himself staring at the cheque in his hands. His father in-law had called him last night, two days after the baby was born to specifically ask him about his plans towards the naming ceremony. It had been an embarrassing conversation.
“So what are your plans for the naming?” He had asked
“We’re doing it at our house. There really isn’t much to do, I have a very good caterer in mind and one of my friends will handle the drinks. The other smaller things my younger brother will sort out.” He had replied earnestly.
“That’s your plan?” His father-in-law had asked incredulously. “Banke told us you were planning to do this but I refused to believe it. I said “The Kunle I know can do better than that, he knows he married the daughter of a popular man” but now I see I was wrong.”
“Sir…” Kunle had attempted to explain.

The Blue House S01 E08

Dear reader I believe you've enjoyed all the episodes of my new series this week. Again I appreciate all the comments and shares. The series continues next week, please share with all your contacts.

Enjoy today's episode.

"Revelations"

Banke was restless, she had been so all day. The baby was giving her no breathing space and she was perpetually tossing and turning.
“Are you okay?” Kunle asked concerned
“I’m so uncomfortable”
“How do you feel?”
“Look I can’t begin to explain how I feel, I just know I’m uncomfortable”
Kunle didn’t now what else to say but he also didn’t want to look unconcerned. “When did you start feeling this way?”
“Please stop asking me questions!” Banke snapped at him, sweating and readjusting herself on her seat.

The Blue House S01 E07

"All is not as it seems!"

Helen was pulling her braids into her hairnet when she heard the knock on the door. It was Obiora, she had heard him drive in a few minutes ago. She walked briskly to the door and opened it.
“Welcome” she greeted as he walked in.

The Blue House S01 E06

"Just a child!"
People underestimated Iya Ibeji a lot because she had a small frame. It was only those she had worked with that could attest to the fact that she was a very hardworking woman, undeterred by her size. She had cleaned Ronke’s house and laundered all their clothes for seven years without any problems, so when Ronke asked her to help her find a maid she was not only shocked but offended. Therefore she decided to show Ronke that she could not be used and discarded so thoughtlessly. 

The Blue House S01 E05

Olayinka looked disdainfully at Helen. “You want to do what?”
“I want to return them, my husband said he can’t afford the price.”
“If you knew he couldn’t afford it why did you take them in the first place? My friend would have taken them to others who can. You should learn to cut your coat according to your cloth!” Olayinka hissed, grabbed the nylon bag from Helen and slammed the door in her face.

The Blue House S01 E04

"Impression"

“Alright I’m expecting you… bye!” Olayinka disconnected the call. “They’re coming” she said to her friend Solape who had just come back from Dubai with boxes full of children’s clothes, shoes for children and women, bags, perfumes, jewelry and bags.
“Are you sure they’ll buy them well and pay on time?” Solape asked worried.
“Don’t you trust me? Do I bring poor customers to you?" she asked slightly offended.
“I know… I’m sorry, I’m just being a business woman jare, you know how people can be.” She said pacifyingly.
“Well I assure you , these ones won’t disappoint.”

The Blue House S01 E03

“She’s a very bitter woman”

Ronke studied the sheet of paper, shook her head and hissed.
“So you’re in the same class with Labisi and she came first while you came seventh. The last time you were in the fifth position, which means you’re getting worse. You’re not a serious child and you have no sense because if you did you would not go to her house every Saturday when you should be studying. What is it you want that we do not give you? Yet it is hard for you to compete with the daughter of a factory worker!”
“Good afternoon” Banke greeted panting from the exertion of climbing up the stairs.
“Good afternoon my sister” Ronke said with a plastic smile.
“What’s wrong with Joke?” Banke asked looking at the crying girl.
“Don’t mind her” Ronke said dismissively but Banke couldn’t ignore the sorrow and shame on the girl’s face. “Come here” she said, putting her arms around her small shoulders. “It’s alright, wipe your face. Don’t cry anymore okay?” Banke said pacifyingly.
Ronke was irritated at the seeming effrontery Banke had to make her feel like a bad mother. “Did you want something” she said.

The Blue House S01 E02

“House Fellowship”
Mr Afebioye was getting ready for the house fellowship which he usually hosted every Sunday evening. His neighbours had complained endlessly about the disturbance at a time when they relaxed in preparation for the coming week but he couldn’t be bothered. He knew he could prevail on his guests to be more considerate of his neighbours and say their prayers under their breath but he wanted to make sure that his neighbours heard the word of the Lord even though they had refused to honour his invitation. He smiled as he looked at his outline for discussion, they would be discussing temperance today.
**********
Banke was sweating profusely. They had just had a meal of steaming hot amala and vegetable soup, she had been dreaming of the meal throughout the entire service and it had been worth the wait. Kunle got a handfan, agitating the still air as much as he could to make sure that his wife felt some relief.
“Sorry dear.” He sighed, “I look forward to the day when we will have constant electricity supply in this country.”
“I hope it comes soon.” Banke said wearily.
“I’m going to turn on the generator, I can’t bear to see you this way anymore.” He said rising.
“No, no! We have to think of our neighbours. No one else has their generator on you know? We just moved in, I wouldn’t want us to create a wrong first impression.”
“Are you sure?” He said doubtfully, looking at his already naked and sweaty wife.
“Yes…”

The Blue House S01 E01

Dear reader a new series begins today after my long absence!  It’s called The Blue House and it chronicles the lives of the residents of a compound. I assure you it will be full of suspense, unexpected twists, comedy, and maybe some action. I’m going to do this one in seasons (I’m sure you’re thinking “uhn?”) and I promise it’s going to be worth your while. As always I appreciate all your comments, constructive criticisms and shares, so please share this one too!
Enough talk; enjoy the first episode of the first season!

"The New Neighbours"

The Agunbiades

The truck drove off as Kunle closed the gate. With a huge smile on his face he walked back towards his new home, his wife Banke was in the sitting room looking around the place impressed. She was glad that they had hired The Movers, not only had they transported their new things, they had also put everything in its place.
“So what do you think?” Kunle asked excitedly pulling her to himself and setting her on his laps.
“I love it, I’m really glad we hired Lydia to do the interior décor, she did a very good job.”
“Yeah, even though it cost me a fortune” he said rolling his eyes.
“Don’t be a scrooge jo!” She replied hitting him playfully on the chest.
“You know I love you and I would do anything for you?” He said, lovingly stroking her face. “And you too.” He added, his palm on her bulging stomach.

The Browns
“Kids! Bedtime!”
“Nooo…” the twins chorused still playing "horse" with their father.
“Get up and go to bed now!”
“But we still want to play with Daddy!” Max cried.
“You’ve played enough, go to bed!” She ordered.
“Mummy please!” Sharon begged. “Daddy?...” She said, hoping he would appeal to their mother.
“Go to bed guys, we’ll play tomorrow okay?” Efiong said. Max and Sharon obeyed reluctantly, sulking all the way to their room.

Guessing Games

Dare is having an affair, I’m certain of it. I can’t believe he would do this after everything we’ve been through.  My mother didn’t approve of our marriage but we got married anyway and then we had to wait for two years before our kids were born and even though he was the one with the problem, I stuck with him and then he chooses to do a thing like this?
“Babe, are you okay?” he asks adjusting his tie.
“Yeah…yeah I am” I respond hurriedly, reapplying my powder.
“Are you sure? You looked lost in thought” He says with concern that I’m sure is fake.
“I’m fine” I respond curtly
“Okay…” He mutters, unconvinced.
I pack my things, get the kids and bid him goodbye without looking in his direction.

What I am

I am a beautiful bird, no a butterfly, no a flower. Oh, I can’t decide! Anyway, I am beautiful. I am the like the radiance of the morning sun, the glory of a sunflower in  full bloom, my supple dark skin glows like melted chocolate, my body is the shape of an hour glass, my dove eyes call out “love me!”, my lips are pink perfection. I walk down the road and I can feel men’s eyes on me, they summon up the courage to approach me and ask for my number. I am loved; every girl wants to be me and every boy wants my arm in his.
But I’m beyond beautiful; I am many other things. I am intelligent, bold, friendly, kind, rich, graceful, generous, insightful, calculative, and a leader. Yes, I am all these things now, no longer who I used to be and now I am happy…
A slam on my table jolts me out of my reverie and I raise my eyes to the disapproving, cold ones of my lecturer. Not again!
“Yes, young lady we’re glad to have you back on earth, hope your trip was enjoyable?” He asks with mock seriousness and all around me I hear my colleagues giggling, it’s showtime, a comic relief from the boring lecture.
“S…sir?” I ask with trepidation.

Disturbance of the Peace

                                          Image from  health.wikinut.com

My eyes open to the ray of light piercing through the space between the curtains. I feel weighted down with weariness, they say in the morning it'll be alright but I swear I felt better last night. The air is still, the sun has already come up and the birds are chirping at my window. This morning I'm irritated by their constant shrill sounds, I just want to go back to sleep and dream. They must have read my mind because they fly away.
I'm drifting off to sleep again dreaming of distant lands when I hear the sound of water beating against a steel bucket. Those children have come again this morning.
"Come here, there is plenty water in this tap!" One of them yell to the others, completely jolting me out of my sleepiness.
I am angry.
Very angry.

Breaking Out 4

This is the end of the series...

 

"Yes...yes I did" Mama Joe said a bit surprised, this line of questioning was unanticipated. How could he have known that she went out?
"And where did you go?" the sergeant asked almost impatiently.
"I went to dispose of the bin"
"Around what time was this?" he asked gruffly.
"I'm not sure, maybe around past ten" she said.
"And what happened then?"
"Just as I stepped out to take out the bin, I heard gunshots so I got scared and ran back in" she said gesticulating with her wrinkled hands.
"Madam do you usually take out the trash by 10 pm?"
"No, but yesterday I got carried away by a film I was watching"
"And the trash couldn't wait till this morning?" Sergeant Fofah queried
"Officer is there a crime in taking out my trash at whatsoever time I please?" she retorted
"No, but it is suspicious that on the night of a chase, you coincidentally happen to be taking out your trash at an unusual time" he responded coldly.
"Young man I've had enough of your insinuations, accusations and insolence. If you want to arrest me for taking out my trash please do, and if not kindly get to your point or get out my house!" she said firmly

Breaking Out 3

So I have received reprimands for not posting yesterday (I'm sorry)! This is the continuation of Gloria's story and as always the series continues next week. Please remember to share the link with your contacts.
P.S: It's my birthday tomorrow so please shaaaaare!

Mama Joe as she was popularly called had been disposing of her dustbin when she heard gunshots and saw the fragile girl running wildly towards her. Her first instinct was to run back inside the house, but there was something about the girl that made her decide to take her in. Looking at her lying on the carpet in her living room she saw that she had made the right decision. The girl was painfully thin and she could see from her healing skin that she had been brutally beaten. What kind of thing had this frail young girl gotten herself into?

"Unbelievable!" Madam B hissed disgustedly. "I was suspicious of that girl. I knew something was not right about her toilet story. Damn it!"
"Beatrice just calm down..." the Inspector was saying
"Don't you dare tell me to calm down!" she yelled. "This is all your fault. Who knows if both of you have planned this?"

Breaking Out 2

She froze, rooted to the ground. She had heard Madam B dismissing the boys for the night, the Inspector liked his privacy. Who then could be behind her, it was a voice she wasn't familiar with. Madam B would definitely kill her if she got caught, the last person who tried to escape had been taken away and no one had seen her again.

"I said where are you going?" the voice called out more sternly.

Breaking out 1

Somewhere in Southern Nigeria

"I heard that some of you are grumbling, you don't like this place and you want to leave. Listen and listen carefully! There's nowhere for you to go, you're all mine." Madam B thundered, looking at the girls disdainfully and taking a minute to wipe the perspiration on her upper lip with a sparkling white scented handkerchief. The ceiling fan was rolling at the highest speed but it could not stop nature- Madam B was a big woman.
"You young girls are not at all patient and you have no foresight because if you did you would know that we are moving into a new house soon. Not just any kind of house but the one built by Senator Brown. Very soon you would all be glowing, he is also making sure that all of you get a change of wardrobe and of course that means a higher class of customers like politicians" she paused observing the effect of this new information on the girls and wiping her upper lip again.
"So I'm warning you to be very careful and not test my patience. I don't want to hear of any grumbling again and before any of you decide to be smart, remember the oath!"

Gloria sat on her bed and bit her lips nervously, she had to get out of this place.

Traffic Lights

Kelani wiped his face with a dirty face towel and sighed. His polyester flower patterned shirt clung to his sweaty body, he had rolled up the sleeves and undone the first three buttons revealing his hairy chest and protruding belly. The light turned green and he drove frantically, trying to go beyond the traffic light before it turned red again. He felt another vehicle bump into his but he was more concerned with getting out of traffic, he made a mental note to check it later. He was seven cars away when the light turned red. He hissed angrily and wiped his face again, he couldn’t afford to be stuck in this traffic, he needed every naira he got these days and every moment spent in traffic was a waste of time, money, and fuel. He leaned his head against the headrest and wondered when he would get out of the holdup, he was approaching an intersection and he could see that the cars that had passed the traffic light were at a stand still. Even when the light turned green, they were going nowhere soon. 

He looked at the sidewalk and watched a pregnant woman waddling on, he knew he should take pity on her because it was a very sunny afternoon and she was very heavy but he felt nothing but contempt for her. He turned away from her, his wife had dared to tell him she was pregnant again despite the fact that they already had four children

Tender Love

It’s raining, long lines of transparent liquid falling on the cement floor. The raindrops falling on the roof create a din that soothes me, I’m alone with the rain, the thunder and lightening and that’s fine. I’d rather be here looking out my window than outside with my parents. It’s cold so I grab my blanket and resume my watch at the window staring at the rain and hoping it never stops.

“What do you mean by that?” my father shouts angrily

“I’m asking you to tell me the truth!” my mother shouts back.

I block out their argument, they’re always fighting so I’ve perfected the act of shutting them out. She’ll never hear the truth from him; she ought to know that by now. Lightening strikes.

“The neighbours have been telling me things” my mother says emphatically

“Then maybe you should stop listening for once!”

“I’m tired of making excuses for you…” my mother says wearily. I think she has reached her breaking point. The argument will soon be over; whenever she reaches her breaking point there is silence for a long time and then she’s happy again. I wish I was a mermaid, part human and part animal so that I get to choose when I want to be in the world and when I want to be safe under water. If I was a mermaid I would also be beautiful and wanted, I am ugly now and no one wants me.

There is silence now just as I predicted and I wonder what they do when they are quiet. Do they just stare at each other, walk away, think or fall asleep? I know when I’m quiet I think, there’s a lot to think about and when I’m done thinking, I fall asleep. I yawn and my eyelids are starting to close, it’s easy to succumb to the coolness of the rain.

“What did you just call me?”

The Perfect Hostess

She went about like an automaton; kneeling, smiling, and talking when necessary. She laid out the dining table and stood back to inspect her work, the flowers looked withered so she took them away to replace them with fresher flowers. She proceeded to the guest room and surveyed it, the bed was made and the bathroom was clean with freshly laundered towels and the necessary toiletries; everything seemed to be in place until she noticed a vague stain on the bedsheet, she pulled it off the mattress to get a cleaner one from the wardrobe. She spread out all the bedsheets but they all had the same satin, and were in the exact spot as the one she had pulled off. What was going on? There were clean ones in her bedroom, she would get one of those.

Her children were playing in the passage way and for some reason it upset her. “Go to your rooms now!” she ordered as the children scampered to their rooms. She smiled a lopsided smile and went into her bedroom where she found a clean bedsheet that was free from the stains of the others. She sat on her bed and cried into it like a mother whose child was going away to a far country “I will miss you” she said patting the bedsheet lovingly.

Tales of a year: the Gift

Dear reader, this is the end of the series Tales of a year. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed it and you have an idea of what my experiences were, please feel free to post your comments and suggestions about the series. I appreciate all the comments, suggestions and shares; every kind word has spurred me on. Tomorrow there will be another story so please don't be a stranger!

Patrick Oko sat down quietly, amused by the corp members popularly known as corpers. He had followed one of them after school to Mama Dennis’ joint where some drank beer while others waited for a ride into town. They talked about everything between their individual experiences in the village and with the villagers to their expectations after their service year ended. They were completely oblivious of his presence, freely expressing their disdain of some of the villagers. Patrick was greatly amused; what seemed strange and disdainful to them was the norm to him, it was the only way of doing things. They were the strange ones. He enjoyed being in their company though; he even considered it a priviledge that they would bare his company. It was like being in the company of higher beings who knew everything, he had just heard a new word, ‘swag’ and brought out his notebook to write it down (as was his habit) so he could look it up later.