Omoshalewa - Episode 13

SIX YEARS LATER

I checked my wristwatch again, it's 12:30pm. I need to hurry up so as not to be late for the programme which is to start by 2:00pm. The venue is at Victoria Island and only God knows how crazy the traffic will be today. So, I need to factor that in along with my movement. I observed myself again in the mirror in my room, satisfied with what I saw, I grabbed my handbag and luggage as I made my way out. 

I am so eager to attend the programme. A lot had been said about it by different people. It is an Interdenominational Singles' Three day Conference, Friday-Sunday. It's a meeting of Christian single brothers and sisters all over the country held annually. I vowed not to miss this year's convention because a sister in my church attended that of last year and she described how awesome it was...

I slipped into my heels and turned back again to check myself in the mirror for the last time before leaving. I am never tired of checking out how fearfully and wonderfully made I am. Yes, I am Omoshalewa Abeni, a beautiful lady in her late twenties, with lots of suitors flocking around her. I am not ready to go for any of them though, till God leads me. I want a marriage, a home ordained by God himself.

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You remember I said we were to relocate to the East? Yea, we did

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

. Life at Owerri was so interesting indeed. I made more friends but trusted none. I kept in touch with Aunty Mope and Doctor. Yes, that doctor that saved me. I actually did the HIV test he recommended when I got to Owerri, it was negative. I was really grateful to God and I vowed to serve him all my life, and especially at my single stage, I vowed to be pure for Him.

After my encounter with Desmond, I decided not to have any man in my life till I am ready for marriage. So when I resumed back to school, I avoided him and his friend. I also avoided Oyinkansola and I faced my studies squarely. As for Stephen, I never saw nor heard of him again till date. Mysterious, isn't it? I checked on him at his place during that semester break I had before we relocated to Owerri. I was told by their neighbour that his Uncle whom he stayed with had relocated and he doesn't have an idea of where he moved to. I continued trying his line but it wasn't getting through. I gave up and left Lagos for Owerri. Since then, his line never went through. I concluded that he probably lost his phone. I didn't have Joel's number anymore. When I got back to campus,  I was tempted to check on him at school but I pushed the thought off my mind. "Why should I go looking for him? He has my number, he knows my school, if he still loved me, he should be the one to seek me," I concluded. So, I concentrated fully on my studies, though my love for Stephen never reduced, no other man has replaced him in my heart even till now. I graduated with a Second Class Upper and was mobilized to the North for my Youth Service. I took it on myself to embark on the girl child s-x education. I taught my female students the importance of keeping oneself pure, abstaining from s-x till marriage. I received a State Honorary Award at the end of my service year.

I lost my mum to the cold hands of death after a brief illness during my NYSC programme. It was such a great loss for me. It took me several months to come to terms with the fact that I was now an orphan. Mum battled with the sickness for some weeks before she finally gave up the ghost. She made sure she made me signatory to her accounts and I also had access to her properties before she died. I mourned my mum for a long long time but I was later comforted in Christ. I relocated back to Lagos after my service year to start a new life...

So, today I am now a teacher. Yes, I achieved my dream of wanting to be around children everyday of my life and I am so fulfilled and glad. I am presently working in one of the best private schools in the city. I still go to visit Aunty Mope once in a while, she is the only family I have left. I decided not to get too close to my mum's elder sister who also stays in Lagos. My mum warned me about her for reasons best known to her, so I steered clear and lived my life alone. My pastor, the members of my church and Aunty Mope's family are the only people I relate with now. I avoided friends, I already learnt my lessons.

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I got to the hotel, the venue of the Singles' Conference at exactly 2:30pm.

Read " The Honeymoon " by the same author ( Moyosore Teniola )

. Registration had started in earnest. I paid for my registration and checked into one of the rooms in the hotel. Those who are buoyant enough to afford a room are lodged in the hotel rooms, while those who can't are directed to a large hall where there are several beds which they use as a dormitory for the purpose of the programme. Thank God I arrived on time, the hotel rooms where nearly filled up despite the fact that it is a very big hotel with lots of rooms. "People really do attend this programme, of a truth." I thought.

After I had prayed and relaxed in my room for about fifteen minutes, I went down to the hall where the programme is to hold. They have started the opening/welcoming ceremony already. I could feel the long admiring stares of the brothers as I entered the hall. Because of my height and beauty, it's hard for me to enter a place unnoticed, I give all the glory to God for that...

I spotted a space near the pulpit area and sat down there. I had hardly settled down when I heard a voice whisper my name excitedly from behind.

"Omoshalewa Abeni, is that you?!"

Of course, only two people address me by that name. I turned round sharply to see who it was...

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Hmmmmmm, our Omoshalewa, that once upon a time naive teenager is now a beautiful, strong, young woman. Courageous, successful and blessed!

Comments please!