Meant To Be - Episode 3

 

    Kore called Ayo from time to time to ask after her welfare, her sales and other times, to just talk. He had decided to use a month with his parents before going to Lagos and he has used three weeks so he decided to visit Ayo and he told her. She agreed due to their level of familiarity and told him to come in the evening. 

Around 05:30pm, he left the palace for her house and got there soon enough. When he arrived at the house, her grandma was outside and he greeted her saying, 

"E ku irole ma (Good evening ma)."

"Good evening my dear . Who do you want to see?"

Kore said, trying to describe her, "Ayo. She sells fruit. She is..." 

"I know her. She is my granddaughter. Take a seat over there. I will let her know she is wanted."

"Thank you, ma." Kore appreciated as he took his seat where she had pointed on a bench. He watched her as she went into the house and then minutes after, Ayo came out. She said as she approached him, 

"To what do I owe this visit? A whole Prince of Opomulero at my doorstep. Dansaki o."

"Will you spare me all those innuendos and just come sit?" Kore asked as Ayo sat opposite him on a plastic chair before she replied, 

"We need to give honour to whom honor is due and you Prince Korede, you deserve to be honored."

"You know by now I don't like that Prince title. It makes me look inaccessible to those that need my help and I feel like if one acknowledges it too much, it goes into one's head and that is the beginning of pride."

"In other words?"

"In other words, call me Kore

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/meant-to-be

. I am a human just like you."

"A human in different class and you are yet to answer my question."

"Which was?"

"To what do I owe this visit?"

"Oh! I can't decide to pay a friend of mine a visit any longer?"

"If that is it, then you can. What do we serve you to drink? We have juice..."

"Don't go there. Mum just served me a plate of fried yam which I devoured hungrily before making my way down here so I am okay."

"You are going to come to my house without taking anything?"

"If I am opportune to come next time, I will eat the whole house."

Ayo laughed, "Okay o. When are you even leaving for the city?"

"So, you are among the people who want me to leave?"

"No jo. I was just wondering and I decided to ask."

"Okay. I will be leaving in a week's time."

"That fast?"

"I already spent three weeks. Next week makes it a month and that's my deadline. I need to go back to Lagos otherwise I would be giving my Manager extra stress."

"If you say so."

"Mummy. Mummy." Itunu called coming from the house and Ayo answered as Kore took a double look at Ayo not believing his ears, 

"Yes baby. What is it?"

Itunu complained, "I can't find my homework book."

"Check my table." Ayo answered him. 

"Okay Mummy." Itunu replied and as he was leaving, his mother called him back, 

"Itunu, you didn't greet my guest? Do the right thing." Itunu turned back and came to stand right in front of Kore who got a better look at him,

"I am sorry sir. Good evening sir."

"Wow." Kore exclaimed then recovered quickly and replied, "Good evening." 

As soon as Itunu left, Kore said, "That boy looks so familiar, like I know him."

"You've started with your jokes, right? How can you know someone you are just seeing for the first time?"

"I'm serious o, A.Y. Anyway, I don't think I did not deserve to know you have a kid. Damn! You must be married. Imagine your husband is around. Why didn't you tell me?"

"That's because there is no husband. I am not married."

"You are not married? How did you have him then?"

"Him's name is Itunuoluwa and I had him the same way every other woman has a child." Ayo snapped at him, irritated with his questions already. 

Kore took her hand in his as he said, "AY, I am sorry if I sounded insensitive. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to get to know more about you."

"It's fine. Sorry I snapped at you."

"Okay. How old is he?"

"Six years old this year."

"Wow. That's a big boy."

"You can say that again." Ayo affirmed smiling. 

Then Kore asked out of the blue, "Where do you see yourself in the next five years?"

"Hmm. I don't know. Seriously. 'Cause, I wanted to get a degree but I got pregnant and I had to skip school. I wanted to go back to school when Itunu started school but the stress was much so I have been putting it off and finance too is a major contributor."

"What if you get someone to sponsor you?"

"Sponsor me? I will jump at it. I believe I can still make something out of myself."

"Do you have a WASSCE certificate?"

"Yes. After Secondary school, I went to a polytechnic and after my OND, I applied to a University to get my Bachelor’s degree but Itunu happened so I just had to forfeit my admission."

"Hmm... What if you get someone to sponsor you like right now? Like this year? Will you take the opportunity?"

"Sure. I will just get a weekend job to take care of Itunu's fees and I will work-study but all these are just dreams, nobody is ready to foot another's bill especially if there is nothing attached?"

"That's a wrong view but anyway, I am ready to sponsor you."

Ayo looked at Kore as if he had grown two horns, "What do you mean you are ready to sponsor me?"

"I mean I am ready to send you to school and I will even pay Itunu's fees so you can concentrate on your studies."

"Why would you ever do that?"

"I believe that when you have, you should give because we do not have to give but we give to have. The more I bring a smile to people's face, the more I get to smile. Also, I have the money and if I can help others, why can't I help someone I know?"

"Do you know how much it's going to cost to buy UTME form, pay acceptance fee, registration fees, then school fees, accommodation? Nah, that's way too much money."

"AY, the future belongs to those who seize the opportunities of today. Why don't you let me worry about the money and you worry about passing with distinction?"

"Wow!" Ayo exclaimed still trying to take in the offer.

"Wow!" She exclaimed again and Kore smiled, 

"I know it's a lot. Take your time."

"Okay, let's just imagine I have accepted, what school will I go and how is it going to work?"

"Let me see." Kore said trying to think. Then he spoke up, 

"Okay. First, it depends on the school you want to go and the course you want to study. I went to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), you can apply there if they offer the course you want to study. The school is quite popular and I have a friend who is a lecturer there. 

"So, if we are applying, he might as well work with you and make sure you get admitted. Also, my house is not so far from the school so you could stay at my place if you want. My boys’ quarter is free and unused.

"But if you want to attend another school, we could work it out by getting you an off-campus accommodation and I will just transfer whatever cash you need for processing and everyone is happy."

"Kore, are you serious?"

"Do I look like I am pulling your legs?"

"Okay, let's do it this way.

Read " Saved by Love " by the same author ( Olufunlola Adeola )

. I will inform my family and whatever they say, I will call you tomorrow evening."

"Okay. That's okay. Just remember that what you want is important."

"I know. Thank you, Kore."

"For what? I have not even started emptying my pocket."

Ayo laughed, "For rekindling a nearly put out fire and for being you."

"Hmm. You are welcome. I should be on my way now before my mum starts disturbing me with calls."

Ayo laughed, "She does that?"

"Yes o. I don't know why she gets antsy when she knows I am a fully-grown man."

"It's because she loves you."

"I know you will take her side. I will be expecting that call. Take care and greetings to your grandmother and Itunu."

"Okay. Let me see you off a bit."

"No, don't worry, I will be fine. Take care and good night."

"Good night." Ayo said as she watched him leave and waited till, he was out of sight before she went to break the latest news to her grandmother.