Omoshalewa - Episode 17

 

Life as a single mother was a bit stressful for me but the joy I derived from looking into the eyes of my son superseded it all. Money wasn't my problem though. I still had some money left in my account, the money my mum left for me.

 I resumed work at my former workplace when Stephen clocked 5months. I needed to work so that I could sustain myself and my baby, since my expenses had doubled up.

Stephen (Jr) grew into a healthy, active and cheerful boy, just like his father . I never heard of Stephen, his dad anymore. I was very sure he would have tried by all means to find me and would have given up his search. I was also sure he must have been married by now, I was certain about that.

I knew it is needful for me to contact him and inform him about his son but I was not ready for that now. I don't want to destroy his new home and I still want my son around me too...

I took very good care of baby Stephen. I was never ashamed of being a single mum, God really helped me through it all. I have been reinstated at my church too, all the shame and ridicule was over. Junior brought so much joy and happiness into my life such that I can't explain...

I got a small car from the remaining part of my mum's savings when commuting between home and work with Junior became a bit difficult. I wanted my baby to live a comfortable life

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

. The passion I had for teaching would not make me stop working either, I love children...

I enrolled Junior into Pre-nursery class in the same school where I worked when he clocked 2years. He is a very intelligent and inquisitive child. He became my one and only friend and companion such that I did miss him even during school hours. At times, I would go check on him while he played during break time...

One afternoon, I was tidying up my workspace, ready to close for the day when Junior's teacher walked into my class. Junior was not with him, so I was a bit worried, hoping all was well.

"Sister Shalewa, have you seen your son's latest friend?" She asked.

"Who? A new student?"

"No, the person came to see the Principal, this same time yesterday. Junior was playing with his friends on the playground, while I sat at the corridor watching them when the man walked in through the gate. Immediately Junior sighted him like this, he just ran to him and was shouting "uncle, uncle, I like your wristwatch!"

I even thought he knew the man somewhere. He isn't one of our children's parents either. I later learnt he came to sign a contract with the owner of the school.

He came back again this afternoon and came to ask after Junior. When Junior saw him, infact you need to see how he ran up to him like they have known each other for ages, you know how lively and jovial Junior can be. That your son enhh? He is too matured for his age. Here is the gift the man brought for him, an ice cream and a wristwatch. I didn't allow Junior to take the ice cream since it's from a stranger, that's why I brought the gifts to you."

"Omo, you need to see the wristwatch, it's not a yeye one oh!" She exclaimed as she unwrapped the gift.

I was surprised too.

"Eeenhhhh? What kind of a man is that?" I asked. "He is so nice. I hope he is not a ritualist oh! Strange things happen these days, may God deliver us from evil men. Anyway, you said he is still with the principal?"

"Yes. I suppose."

"Okay then, I will check on him before I leave. I need to say 'thank you' to him for the gift.

I picked my bag and dashed out. I was on my way to the Principal's office when I came face to face with Stephen Martins again after close to four years since we parted. My heart nearly jumped out of my mouth. We both froze on sighting each other.

"Fate always have a way of reconnecting me back with this guy. Can I ever run from him?"  I thought.

I was the first to speak, 
"Is this you Stephen?"

"Yes Shalewa. Long time no see. How has it been with you?"

"I am good, and you?"

"Same here. I bless God." He replied solemnly.

I didn't throw myself into his arms like the last time we met. A lot of things have changed about us. I am now a mother, and he is now married, I was sure, so we both were restrained somehow.

"You work here, I guess." He said

"Yes."

"I see."

Then silence...

He then spoke. "I actually came to see the Principal for a business deal. I have resigned from my job. I am currently into real estate, here in Lagos..."

"I see." I replied quietly.

Then he continued, Shalewa, you were so unfair to me. Why? You relocated, changed your phone number without informing me, all of which I am very sure was intentional.

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

. Why? Do you really hate me that much? I suffered a lot of depression when I realized I had lost you again. Shalewa, why do you keep tormenting me knowing that I love you so much? One minute, you are here, the next you have disappeared." He lamented painfully

"I don't hate you Stephen. I am sorry about all I did. But it was for your own good. I wanted you to focus on your wedding plans and..."

"Mummy! Mummy! My mummy!" Junior's screams interrupted me. 

He was coming along with his teacher right behind him.

"Mummy, see the uncle that gave me a fine wristwatch," he shouted gleefully.

"Yea, that is your son's latest friend," his teacher puts in, then left.
After she had excused us, Stephen spoke,

"Mummy? Shalewa, you are married with a kid already?" He asked.

"Yes....eerm, No," I stammered. I knew it was time the truth had to be revealed.

"It's a long story, let's sit somewhere to talk," I said.

I held Junior's hand but he snatched it back and ran to Stephen.

"Uncle, carry me," he shouted.

"Sure my boy, why won't I?" He replied smiling at the excited young fellow.

He led us to his car which was parked somewhere near the entrance of the school. As soon as we were seated in the car, Junior started consuming his cup of ice cream.

I sighed and said, 

"Blood is indeed thicker than water."

"Of course, people say it. Why did you say that?"

"Stephen," I called out in a shaky voice, then pointed at Junior who was busy with his ice cream at the back seat of the car.

"Meet Stephen (Jr), the result of the intercourse we had the last time we met. That is your son." I quickly vomitted the words almost in a whisper and awaited his reactions...

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Yeeeeaaaaah! It has happened. Doctor Alex was right. The same child Shalewa wanted to get rid of brought her together with Stephen again!!!

Lemme come and be going.

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I appreciate you all