NIGERIA DECIDES

Dear diary,

Eku ipalemo election ooo...

How are you faring this election period? It's only a few hours left until Nigerians decide who will lead the country for the next four years. Are you ready to vote? I hope you have your Permanent voters card and you are ready to make your voice heard. While we count down to #NigeriaDecides, let's take a look at some of the words that have lost meaning to a lot of people because of how they've been overused.

The masses: the masses this! The masses that! If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it was a family name in one village setting like that in a Nollywood movie. The masses, which in dictionary terms refers to 'ordinary people' has been overused such that even first class citizens that may never experience (even in their dreams) what the real masses are going through are also claiming masses. *sigh*

The North: at first, I thought it was stories about Kanye's daughter, North, making the rounds as usual but I was wrong. Since this election brouhaha, the north had gained more publicity than it had during the days of bombings and unrest. While some people have been using the north to score cheap political points, others have made the north the butt of their jokes in recent times. Some people talk about the north as if it's one island in Mars that they'll never have anything to do with. I hope when it hits home, you'll remember that the 'north' is in your own country, right under your very nose. 

Permanent voters card (PVC):  it sounds like a pass for a cool kids club. People put up pictures of their PVC's on Instagram and twitter with captions like: #GotmyPVC #readytovote #ilookcutetho #Fyngyalnopimples #Okbye i understand that it's a way of encouraging people to go get theirs but I hope these people actually make use of the card tomorrow. That's the only reason it was made, not for likes on instagram.

Violence: Everyone is talking about it. So many hashtags on one word; #sayNOtoviolence  #Peacenotviolence e.t.c. The irony of it is that some of the people trending the hashtags are also inciting violence with their words such that you have to ask yourself "errr.. What does violence mean again?!"

Election: well that's the business on ground at the moment. It is the reason you are reading this post. I agree it has to be over flogged but people are taking it to far. To a child, Election now sounds like a big party where celebrities are coming to perform, like an event where there'll be paparazzi's and all. Don't get it twisted, it's the act of choosing someone for a public office by voting. Start sensitizing the young ones on it's importance now so they'll be fully aware of their rights once it's their turn to vote.

Change: this particular word has to be the unanimous winner. Until November last year, the word Change didn't mean anything out of the ordinary, it was just a regular word used when you wanted your balance of transport fare paid to the conductor of a Danfo in Lagos. All that has changed now. Ask anybody, I mean turn to the person seated next to you and ask "what word has been used the most during this election period?" Yeah, your guess is as good as mine. One thing I'm sure of is that there'll be change when the results are announced. I just hope it'll be change for good.

Stock up: this one just came in last minute. People keep shouting "stock up! Buy stuff! You don't want to go hungry." and you have to remind them that it's just an election and not the Third World War. 

There you have it ladies et gents, hopefully these words would return to their actual meanings when this election season is over. Please go out and vote tomorrow, may the best man win. Don't lord your opinions over anyone. One man, one vote! 

"To keep Nigeria one, is a task that must be done!"

Pic credit: my able BBM contacts :)

P.S: please share if there are other words you feel have been overused.

3RD BLOGGIVERSARY

Dear diary,

On March 15, 2012, I published my first post on this blog; The Man in the mirror. I was quite skeptical about what the response would be like until someone said to me 2 days later, "madam blogger, I like your post o" lol. 89 posts later and it's our 3rd Bloggiversary. Thank you for reading my posts these past 3 years. Your comments (criticisms and words of encouragement) only made the blog better. I know the posts have not been as frequent as they ought to be in recent times but that would change in a little while. I hope to do more in the coming years, God willing.

Meanwhile, to celebrate this year's Bloggiversary is a poem titled, A man for all seasons. It's about a girl having different men in her life for all the wrong reasons. Enjoy!

A man for all seasons 

She has a man for attending family weddings

Another, for the annual thanksgivings 

She tells whoever cares to hear, "he's my bestie!"

And they smile in pity for the guy in the friend zone 

She needs a man to stand up for her;

To fight for her and to let her sit

She needs a man to sit down with her;

To remind her of her blue eyes and white teeth

She wants the man that others desire

Just so she could raise their jealous eyebrow

She knows it may end up in a quagmire 

Who cares? Unlike them, she's highbrow

She needs a man for comfort

For the days of weather for two

She needs the other to make the effort 

For the tubers and grains she'll chew

So many men in her life yet no courtship

To fulfill the desires her heart chimes 

She's not yet ready for a relationship

But the wait for Mr right can be tiring sometimes.

Of all the men she's known

she could have married one

But why stick to him alone

when you can have four?

Just like there are different seasons

For each time of the year

She needs a man to give her reasons

To never shed a tear

Photo credit: Google images

Are you still wondering why I had to use a picture of Lynxxx? Hello! It's Lynxxx! ;) 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

FEBRUARY 15, 2015: THE MORNING AFTER.

Dear Diary, 

Happy new year!!! It's ironic right, saying that on the last day of January. Well, it's never too late to start a new year. I believe that 2015 would be good to us all. The general elections are fast approaching and there's a lot of tension in the air. Yours truly has been watching it all from a distance and she decided to write a post about it. You determine how you'll feel when the elections are finally over. Right your wrongs now so you can smile when it's all over and have no regrets (whether your preferred candidate wins or not). It's fiction and I hope you enjoy as you read.

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

The sun is shining through the curtains and I can barely look into it. Celebrations are still in the air following yesterday's election. It's funny how the day we anticipated for months has finally gone by. People are off to church to make the first service, surely there would be lots of thanksgiving today. Yesterday was valentine's day right? How could I have forgotten? Even bae couldn't call to tell me sweet nothing's. I can't blame him, we haven't even had time for ourselves lately. He is too engrossed in his pursuit for change and I on the other hand have no will to be involved. Politics found a way to nest itself in our relationship despite how much I tried to stop it. He wanted change and I wanted it too but we wanted it for totally different reasons. I love bae as much as he loves me, so I believe now that this cloud has passed over us, we'll get back together.

When I saw my consultant in a heated argument with a fellow customer at the bank the other day, I couldn't but pray harder for yesterday to come. I mean who could blame him? The rains came and we needed umbrellas to protect us but they didn't do much for us. Even the brooms we thought would be useful in sweeping the country clean has shown to be of almost inferior quality as the umbrella. Who manufactures these things sef? Is it too much to ask for more variants and even better quality of these materials? I'm tired of buying the same things year in, year out. Aren't you tired too? So don't blame me for wanting an ordinary Nigerian to win yesterday's poll. Any change is change abi?

Twitter was crazy yesterday as a number of us were at home on our keypads monitoring the election. Wait, you actually thought we were going to go out and vote? We don't even have our Permanent voters card to start with, talk less of going to stand under that hot sun. I don't need all that vitamin D in my system. Don't even think of given me that "be the change you desire" speech, did you go out to vote?

At least the walls would be free of photoshopped bills of men and women displaying their surreal dentition all in a bid to get votes. My ears would be free of radio jingles of politicians promising the heavens and the earth if I vote for them. I won't mind getting free wifi though, that guy has my heart already. I'm still skeptical about going out today you know. With all those threats that some people were making if their candidate lost, I don't want any form of injury to my beautiful face. Those who lost friendships that were dear to them all because of different political views, I hope you can look yourselves in the face and see how low you've sank. It's the morning after the election and we are still alive, do we drop our grudges against each other or maintain the status quo? 

Look back from the beginning of the year till now and think of all the battles, the blood shed, the insults, the arguments and all that preceded yesterday's elections, were they worth it? The aspirants are still alive today and they are not particularly interested in knowing that some of their supporters died while protecting their interest. 

It's a new day and we now have a president. I think that's all that matters. Iya kemi is downstairs frying her bean cake as usual, so I guess nothing has changed. It's just the day after valentines day. Bae, can I get my valentines gift now? Thanks.

MY VALEDICTORY SPEECH (as written by 2014)

Dear You,

It's with mixed feelings I write this speech. I, 2014, am finally leaving this earth. My stay with you has been quite eventful so I don't know how you would take my departure.

When I came to your house that morning of January 1, you were not at home. Your neighbors told me that you went for the watch night service so I decided to wait. What's the hurry anyway? I was going to be with you for 365 long days. It seemed like eternity at that time but now it has come to an end. I notice you were happy to see me because you thought (or rather, hoped) I brought lots of goodies for you. Well that was my plan too but these things don't always happen the way we plan them.

Through January, Febuary, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November an even December, i watched you struggle to make the most of my stay with you. There were good times between us where you felt on top of the world and there were also bad, even terrible moments where you wished me away. I was there when you cried your eyes out, sitting on the floor because you were tired of me and all the bad luck you felt I brought.

Today, you are smiling as you read this speech not because my stay with you was pleasant and rosy all through, but because you heard that my younger sister is coming tomorrow. Yes, you made a lot of mistakes while I was around but I didn't say anything to you because I wanted you to pick yourself up and learn from them. You feel my sisters presence will make a difference in your life but the truth is there would be no difference if you don't plan towards what you want to achieve during her stay. I saw you writing some things down on a paper last night, things you want to stop doing and things you want to start doing. Well, they look nice and all, like the perfect life I wish for you but I didn't see where you wrote (if you wrote) how you are going to achieve them. Please go back and analyse properly, the steps you would need to take to achieve them.

Hey, don't look too sad, I'm not rebuking you. I just want to make sure I leave you in the right frame of mind to receive my sister. Our father in heaven is sending my sister to you to avail you another opportunity in life. To right the wrongs made during my stay and to see how much you've learnt from the mistakes made. He was there throught my stay with and he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Anytime you feel alone, confused or just want to talk to someone, call his name and he'll be there in the twinkle of an eye. 

I'm happy now to take my leave because more than anything, you've grown in age, strength and mind. You know much more than you knew when my elder sister was around. I trust you to stand firm and weather the storm that may come with my sisters stay with you. Don't expect too much from her but be rest assured she will be good to you.

Till I come alive in your memory some time,

Yours in 365 days,

2.0.1.4

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

WHEN THE GRIM REAPER WALKS INTO A ROOM

When the grim reaper walks into a room

Silence fills the place

Everyone stares into space

The tears leave the eyes drop by drop

Memories begin to fly in

The life, the times

The happy moments

The sad moments

What did and didn't happen

What offense was committed 

Why her? Why him?

Why now?

How did it happen?

Couldn't it have been avoided?

What did we do?

What didn't we do?

We look at life with a new sense of respect 

Or rather a new look of disdain

If this is all it's worth 

Then what's the point

Some questions would never be answered 

Like; who's next? When next?

Arms folded in

We sit still, waiting for it's next victim

When death walks into a room

We remember that we are all spiritual beings

Traveling this earthly journey

With the cloak of death hung on our shoulders

This is for those that left with the year 2014;

Those that died in the air

Those that died on the land 

Those that died on the sea

Those that died from the Ebola epidemic

Those that died under the surgeons knife

Those that died from the bomb blasts

Those that disappeared in unfathomable circumstances

Those that died while birthing the heritage of The Lord.

Those that were knocked down by accident and left to die

Those that died in search of their daily bread

Those that died in the comfort of their homes

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. To those that are left to mourn them, may God's peace be your strength. 

Teach us lord to number our days. Surely, the coming year would be better!

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!!

Dear Diary,

It's been a great year so far on this blog. A lot of changes and reformations took place. New sections on the blog; monthly reviews, photoblogs, poems (that I once dreaded like crazy...lol) and even #Almostabride 

These things I'm thankful for couldn't have been possible without the keen follower-ship of ardent readers like you. Page views practically tripled beyond my expectations and for that I'm very grateful to y'all. For those days of writers' block and blank pages in this diary, I thank God for his directions. Words are not just enough to show my appreciation. 

In celebration of the holidays and also a way to say thank you to you, today being the 12th day of the 12th month of the year, yours truly would like to give a very dedicated follower of this blog, a box of 12 sumptuous cupcakes baked by her. Yeah, apart from writing, she bakes professionally (HQ!)

To win the box of 12, you must be living in Lagos, Nigeria (I can't be crossing the 7 seas for you -_-) This cake is yours for the taking and eating, only snag there is that you have to answer a tiny-winy question :D

"Which post on this blog has the  highest number of page views?"

This is an equal opportunity for everyone to win. Whether or not you have been following the diary, you can always go back and read through to see if you can guess the one with the highest number of page views.

This is a giveaway question, ladies and gents. Make your answers known in the comment section if you can and if not, mail them to youngblackwoman@gmail.com and make momma proud :)

The winner would be announced 12 days from today, that's the 24th day of December. So get reading people! Remember to tell a friend to tell a friend even as we spread the love this season.

See y'all in 12 days.

NOVEMBER OF LOVE

Dear Diary,

The November train has reached it's last stop. It's been a month of love so far even though a number of sad occurrences tried to becloud our judgement. A lot of birthdays were celebrated this month and it isn't a coincidence considering that the month of November is exactly 9 months away from February. Let's see what rocked and sucked this November.

November 1st was a beautiful Saturday this year. A number of weddings took place that day and  there couldn't have been a better way to start the month. #SLAM2014, Lamide Lagos' marriage to his boo paved the way for weddings this month and it wouldn't be forgotten in a long while. Nollywood actor, Okechukwu Ukeje also got married this month to his fiancée Ibukun Togonu-Bickersteth. They serenaded the guests with beautiful dance moves and you could literally see the love in their eyes. Let's not forget the all white wedding that dazzled us; the wedding ceremony between Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson. Yours truly is wishing the newly wedded November couples peace, love and beautiful babies.

Your favorite series, Almost a bride came to an end this month. Ihuoma finally found brother Shola and they are even expecting a baby. The faces behind the scenes of the project were revealed and the reviews have been beautiful. Incase you missed it, read it here.

Former Destiny child crooner Kelly Rowland, gave birth to her son Titan Jewel Witherspoon, this month. Also, nigerian comedienne Helen Paul, gave birth to her second child. Alicia keys and music producer husband, Swizz beats are expecting a child. One of my favorite couples of the year, Dr and Mrs Sidney Esiri are also expecting. Congratulations y'all. Meanwhile, a video went viral this month about a baby, Aneela being maltreated by her nanny in Uganda. A very traumatizing video that'll make you question the fact that we all were created by the same person. The baby is still alive, thankfully but the nanny is being prosecuted at the moment. As parents, let's be vigilant about our children and all that concerns them. Nobody can truly love them like we do.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost the chance to qualify for the AFCON 2015 games. The defending champions failed to emerge from the qualifying round and as such, they won't have the opportunity to defend the title. It's sad but it's time we face reality. Luck and chance have saved us in the past but this time, they were not on hand to save the day. 

Minister, author and motivational speaker Myles munroe, wife and daughter were killed in a plane crash with some members of their ministerial crew. It was quite a loss seeing that he just preached about death in his church, a few days back. Also, Charles Bruce Chukwuma, popularly known as Chaz B, shockingly joined the saints this month. Chaz B was a motivational speaker, relationship expert and life coach. He always had a word for every situation that one might be faced with in life. He brought hope to a lot of people. With the departure of these great men, the world has lost heroes but heaven has gained angels. Like someone said, the best way to honor these men is to live the right way. May the souls of the faithful departed, rest in perfect peace.

The insurgents struck Kano this month with a bomb blast that has sent scores of men, women and children to their graves. The series of blasts left many injured and bedridden in the hospital. With the  death toll now over 100, one cannot even begin to understand this madness that is fast becoming a norm. May the bereaved be comforted at this time. 

Elections are in full gear, declarations left right and centre. Please register and collect your permanent voters card so you can exercise your right as a citizen of the country. Ensure that you protect your vote, we've wasted a lot of good opportunities in the past. I believe 2015 would be better.

It's been 230 days since the Chibok girls were kidnapped and you cannot imagine the emotional trauma their families must be going through. Let's keep hope alive surely they'll return safely. 

Eleven months have gone by this year, with only one month left to end it. How has 2015 been for you? great? Not so great? Whether you fall in the former or latter category, I need you to understand that being alive this day is enough to be thankful for. Examine and scrutinize yourself in this coming month, outline your strengths and weaknesses, be truthful to yourself as we round up the year. Make plans for a better 2015 and watch it all come to fruition.

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!

P.S: there's going to be a Diary giveaway this Christmas to a keen reader of this diary. Stay tuned ladies et gents, 'e fit be u oh' :)

Photo credit: google images, instagram.

ALMOST A BRIDE: BEHIND THE SCENES

Dear diary,

How soon doth the great tide end?

Ihuoma has found her brother Shola.

Our darling series; Almost a bride has come to an end. The search for brother Shola was written by yours truly; Young black woman and Mz perry. You enjoyed the manner of suspense, promptness and accuracy with which it was delivered right? Well behind this beautiful story, a lot of work went into play (see what i did there?) We brought out new episodes with pictures every monday and on time too. A number of people were responsible for the success of this project and we would like to appreciate them. Watch the video to see all the beautiful faces behind Almost a bride.

 

So after watching the video, you must be wondering, "how were they able to get so many people on board?" Well it was quite feasible seeing that we all attend the only university in Nigeria: the University of first choice and the nations pride. Let me introduce to you, the stars of Almost a bride.

TEMITOPE 'SEAN OJELADE;

Twiiter: @topsyojel
IG: topsyojel

When we wanted to start this series, all sort of ideas came up for the title (let me save you the details and not embarrass myself). Tope came to the rescue with the title: Almost a bride and we loved it immediately. A Christian and a Physiotherapist (in view). Tope is also a writer, debater and actress. Check out her blog here

SANDRA IMAZENOBE: 

IG: Ms_imaz

 "A dental student. I love dancing, traveling and singing. i'm a very jovial and easy going person."

What's a story without a picture? We wanted our readers to imagine every part of the story as they read it, hence the release of pictures with every episode. Sandra agreed to be our "Ihuoma" without a hitch. We enjoyed every minute of the shoot with her. Sandra is fun personified!

SEGUN ISIOYE:

Twitter: sm1uknow
IG: segunisioye

"Don't be afraid that your life would end, but be afraid that it wouldn't start."

Standing tall at 192cm, Segun was our "Shola" for the series.I told Segun about the shoot, the exact day we took it. Worse off, i told him on the phone and he agreed immediately. Yeah, he's cool like that. Segun is a cool, calm and collected dude. He enjoys playing football and basketball.

SAMUEL ABIOLA: 

Twitter: @saga_christos

"A 600l medical student by chance, active dreamer by choice. Aspiring Jack of many trades and master of all."

Our photographer! Better known as SAGA (you don't wanna know how this name came about). We needed a photographer for our first shoot and Samuel was it. We had seen his "work" previously and being a friend of the house, it was easy for us to convince him. Samuel is very jovial and care-free to a fault but we love him anyway. Visit his blog and have the laugh of your life.

GRACE EKPO:

Email: ekpococo@gmail.com
Twitter: I don't tweet :D
IG: it's only for fine girls :(

"Book lover, food lover, Dentist, sometimes funny, writer. I'm passionate about planning and bringing ideas to life, either mine or yours"

Poet of life! Remember the poem in Episode 7? Well, it was done by Grace. Ideas, support, and lots more, she gave us to help this project. Somtimes, words are just not enough to show appreciation.

MOYO AJAYI:  

Email: moyosoreajayi@ovi.com 
Facebook: Moyosore Ajayi

"Almost a bride swept me off my feet. A beautiful story line, fine Ihuoma, the drama and heartbreaks dealt one beautiful lady. It's been so much fun, especially the part where i got to listen to unending ideas and offer advice, make remarks and just smile gently in patience. I really appreciate everyone especially my friends and roomies that let me use their devices, i love you guys"

Editor Moyo! As human beings we are all susceptible to errors. Moyo took care of our mistakes, errors et all so we ended up looking clean! A law student, Moyo writes poems, stories, plays, articles e.t.c and she enjoys editing too.

ADAMMA OLISA: 

Email: adammaolisa@gmail.com

"I love to guard my heart with jealousy for out of it flows the issues of life"

A pharmacist, nurse, editor, lawyer and dentist all in one, Adamma is a very disciplined and outspoken young lady. She loves travelling, sleeping, shopping, eating (don't call her fat) and chatting. She also brought ideas to the table to ensure the success of Almost a bride.

JANE IKONDU: 

"I love everything musical. I love listening and singing (still looking to learn the guitar someday. I also love styling people; make-up, clothes, shoes, the complete outfit. i hope to become a professional someday. On make-up: I just love the whole concept of transforming people and making them look more beautiful. I still have plans to go to a make-up  and fashion school, so help me God"

Our very own BMpro! Yeah yeah, we know we have talented friends you don't have to tell us. Janey was our make-up artist for the shoot and you'll have to agree, she did a good job.

SEUN ALAKIJA:

"I was delighted and really interested when i was asked to take pictures of other crew members of the project. I was really captivated by the sub-title: looking for brother Shola and it turned out to be fun at the end of the day"

What a man can do, a woman can do as well (before SAGA will stone us). Almost a bride is unique like that, we had two photographers. Seun was our photographer for the 2nd shoot and we enjoyed the time spent with her. Seun is a medical student and an upcoming photographer. She loves and enjoys taking pictures, meeting new people and eating (she doesn't joke with her food).

I also want to appreciate Olumide Adisa, David, faithful colleagues; Royals XV who kept pushing it, regular readers and commenters (your comments; both online and offline made me happy), friends, family and most especially my father in heaven. To those that retweeted and shared even when i kept disturbing your timeline with #Almostabride, i'm grateful.

To Mz perry, we both know all we went through to ensure the success of this project. The sleepless nights, the arguments, the stupid ideas we shared and lots more are some of the factors that helped us. It was fun writing with you and i look forward to another opportunity to do so. In the mean time, what should we write about next? Almost a groom? :)

There you have it ladies and gentlemen of the Diary, the stars of Almost a bride. i hope you enjoyed the story behind it all.  Share the link with your friends so they can join in the fun. Until we come at you with another mind blowing series, keep your feet of the ground and fly high!
 

ALMOST A BRIDE: ALL EPISODES

Dear Diary,

Almost a bride has come to an end. A lot of people have been asking for the links to all the episodes and it's only right to bring it all together in one post. 

First of all, introduction!  

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 11

Now no more excuses! Share with your friends so they can follow the series.

P.S: look out for the #Almostabride special: BEHIND THE SCENES. All the juicy gossip and pictures from the series would be up on Monday at noon. 

ALMOST A BRIDE: EPISODE 11

Last time on Almost a bride...

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

 

“No, no, no. I’ve told you to always call the name in full, Captain Shola Eniola Cole.” He said laughing. They both hugged.

“Long time man!” Olaniyan said.

“I was around here and I just thought to drop by.”

Eniola looked at Ihuoma, trying to recount his encounter with her, “hmmn, the shy Nigerian lady, we meet again.”

“Yes, Captain Shola Eniola Cole, and no, I'm not shy.” She said as they all laughed.

This man was sure handsome. He was one of the few people she had  met in her life that actually fit the description; tall, dark and handsome. He was dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt that gave him a laid back look.

“You two know each other?” Dr Olaniyan Cole asked with a surprised look.

Ihuoma and Shola shared their encounter with Dr. Cole as they ate and chatted. An hour later, he was ready to leave. They walked him to his Mercedes SL65. 

"Can I have your contact this time?”

“Yes Captain.” Ihuoma said blushing. He was a fun person.

Three months of calls, chatting, outing and surprises followed that encounter. Ihuoma wasn’t in a hurry and so she enjoyed every moment of it. She was fine with the friendship they shared. She wasn’t in a hurry and didn’t make assumptions about their relationship, she really enjoyed their friendship especially with the show of care and affection he showered her even when it was inconvenient for him because of the nature of his job. One evening, he came to visit her. They chatted and watched Manchester United, Shola’s football club, play against Arsenal FC. During the half time, Shola in his usual Shakespearean manner smiled and looked at Ihuoma,

“Rise up, my darling! Come away with me my fair one! Look the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of the singing birds has come and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Ihuoma, please be my lover.”

Ihuoma laughed heartily at first until she saw the look on his face and asked him to give her some time. She really loved him and didn't want to make a mistake with him. After a month of prayers, fasting and consulting her friends, she gave him a positive response. Shola was everything she had always wanted, God fearing, gentle, patient, caring, responsible, he loved her so much she got scared. Being a senior captain, his travel schedule was very flexible and so he always tried to make himself available. Before long, Shola became a household name among the girls, at work and Ihuoma’s family. The Nwagbuorayas' had never been happier. After six months of dating, Ihuoma's fear became a reality. Shola had always been a ladies man, showing equal love and care to the women around him that it was difficult for a stranger to point out his girlfriend. This quality in him had always been a source of worry to her but she trusted him. She waved off her fear until Regina Ugbaki, Shola’s ex girlfriend started threatening her. She didn’t even get the luxury of saying hello after she picked the call from a private number,

“He is mine! I hear you’re a doctor. If you don’t want to become a patient in your hospital, steer clear of my man!” And the line dropped.

When she told Shola, he took it with a pinch of salt. This made Ihuoma furious.

“Today is Friday, I told you about this since Monday but you haven't done anything about it abi. You are too soft, that is why your ex can talk to me in such manner. Mr. Father Christmas, everyone is your friend. You treat everyone special, I do not see the difference between me and everyone else. There should be a difference between the world and myself. I’ve had enough troubles for a lifetime. Make this work if it’s really what you want!” She said as she alighted his car.

Shola was surprised and sad even though he understood why she reacted in that manner. He pleaded with her but she wouldn’t listen. He called, sent her flowers, voice notes, apology cakes and cards, which yielded no results. After two weeks, her phone rang as she was handing over to the next doctor at pediatrics ward. She had resumed pediatrics rotation that week. It was Shola. She decided to take his call and they made up on the phone. He told her they were going to have a date the next day but he didn’t give details of the date. 

At four o’clock, they left Ihuoma’s apartment at RMO 4. The drive to Victoria Island was interesting; they had obviously missed each other’s company. They got to the shore; the other passengers on board had been waiting for them and they got on the yacht immediately. Ihuoma couldn’t believe it. It was the perfect make up outing. While they were having their candle lit dinner on the yacht, Shola got on one knee,

“O most beautiful woman, you have captured my heart, my treasure, my dove, my perfect one, will you marry me?”

She had watched it happen to a few friends and now it was happening to her when she least expected it. She used to wonder why ladies tear up during proposals and here she was doing more than that. Everyone on the yacht cheered them on and out of nowhere, Dona, Anini and Lala appeared. they were screaming, "Yes! Yes!" Ihuoma was blushing. 

She knelt down, hugged him and screamed, 

"Yes! I'll marry you.”

He had made sure photographers were on board to capture the moment. Ihuoma took a picture of the ring on her finger and she changed her display picture. She changed her personal message on BBM; Sorrow may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. She couldn’t stop asking questions of how he was able to plan the proposal. She was surprised the girls were part of the plan, and he had even gone to tell her parents. She was overwhelmed, “God saved you my nails are perfect.” She said as she admired the 18-carat diamond rock on her left middle finger.

When they got back from the ride, he gave her a handmade thank you card, inscribed on it was,

 

“Good evening my bride, welcome onboard on Shola’s lifetime airline, flight 142 to forever. My name is Captain Eniola Shola Cole. My assistant officer is Ihuoma Nwabuogaranya. I will be flying on 29,000 feet, the flight to forever will take us infinity hours. The weather is cool at 51ºC. Thank you for choosing Shola Airways. Enjoy your flight, my Lady.”

 

The tears flowed freely from her eyes. She tried to mutter "thank you" but all she did was cry the more. They were tears of joy and happiness. Two weeks ago she wasn't sure if he even loved her but here she was, almost a bride.

Two weeks later, Femi Roberts called her. They exchanged pleasantries, 

“Congratulations again Ihuoma, how’s your fiancé doing?”

 Ihuoma had received more congratulations in the past few days than she had received even when she became a doctor or got into the residency program.

“Very well dear, how is your lover too? I don't even get see her these days. Hope you are taking care of her?” She said blushing. She was happy that her two friends; Femi and Dona were dating. They deserved each other.

“That’s why I called you; I want to propose to her on Friday,” Ihuoma interrupted him and screamed.

“Feeeemmmiiii! awww, that’s really lovely.”

“As you started the trend, I thought to follow. It’s her birthday so, I want it to be a surprise but I need you girls to help me plan.”

“No problem. I’ll draw out a plan and let you know about cost and all.”

“Thank you Oma, regards to the Captain.”

Ihuoma called Anini, “How are you doing and hope the twins are kicking?”

“I’m fine, I reject twins o. You want to kill me with work.” Ihuoma told her of Femi’s intention and how they were to help. “I’ll speak to her boss; I have his card somewhere in the house. He will send her on an annoying official duty to the venue on her birthday. We will surprise her. Its business time for Lala, she should start planning Aso ebi for you two.”

“Yes o. We will keep in touch sha. Take care of yourself and regards to your husband.”

 

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

A year later, Ihuoma invited the girls to her house. The girls came knocking on Ihuoma’s door and met her baking. From past experience, she baked only when she was emotionally unstable. Confused, the girls asked, 

“What has he done again?”

“I’m just restless. Things you do when tiny patters of feet are kicking in your tummy. Shola Junior is on the way.”

THE END. 

 

Next week on Almost a bride: Behind the scenes :p.