Omoshalewa - Episode 19

Dedicated to all my wonderful readers, both those who have been silent and  those who took their time to comment and those who guessed right about where Stephen took Omoshalewa to.

I thank you all for the motivation all the way.
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Stephen drove to one of the finest areas in Lagos, then pulled up at the front of a building painted in cream and brown. We both got down from the car while I was still wondering what he was up to. It was a two storey building. I looked at the top of the building, "OMOSHALEWA GROUP OF SCHOOLS" was written in bold letters.

I turned sharply to Stephen immediately I saw the name. I was trying to process the information, wondering if what I was thinking was the truth.

He nodded with a smile as if he read clearly my thoughts.
"Yes, Shalewa. This is your school. You remember I used to say it when we were still young that when God blesses me, I will build a school of your own for you. Here is my promise of many years Shalewa, you deserve even more than this. I actually bought this property two months ago but I delayed informing you about it because I wanted to ensure I paint it in your favourite colour and put the finishing touches, so here we are."

It was such a huge surprise for me. I felt as if my heart was about to explode

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

. I jumped at Stephen excitedly. I was overwhelmed with unspeakable joy. A school of my own? I never envisaged such a huge accomplishment even in the next five years. I opened my eyes wide again to be sure that I wasn't dreaming.

Stephen led me into the big compound, I really loved the structure. Behind the building were two other small bungalows for crèche and nursery classes, then two other offices. He had even furnished the classrooms with chairs, tables and other educational/ instructional materials. The play ground was also equipped with different toys.

"Are you surprised at what you are seeing?" He asked

"Of course Stephen, surprise is an understatement, how did you come about the materials and equipment?"

"I engaged the service of one of my friends who is a Principal in one of the schools here in Lagos, he helped me to furnish the classrooms with the essential items appropriate for a good and conducive learning environment."

"Wow! You are a darling! Thanks so much my love. I am short of words right now." I cried.

The joy was just too much. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I entered the classrooms one after the other. I bless the very day I met Stephen Martins. He is such a wonderful person. I really thanked God for this great and sudden blessing, a dream come true it is.

"Shalewa, you have done so much for me in the past. You were there for me during the hard periods of my life. You really made an impact during that short relationship we had, such that can never be forgotten. How will I ever forget the days you provided for my dire needs? Except if I am an ingrate. You deserve to be happy Shalewa, you are an Angel!"

"Oh, thank you darling! Thanks so much. This is just too much!" I repeated over and over again...

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OMOSHALEWA weds STEPHEN !!!

Two weeks later, I got married to Stephen, the love of my life. It was the second happiest day of my entire life. A lot of friends, families, colleagues and neighbours were there to celebrate with us. Even Aunty Mopelola arrived Nigeria two days to my wedding to grace the occasion. We went to the registry early in the morning, then proceeded to my aunt's house for the engagement. I wept so much when the farewell prayers for the bride were offered, my mum would have been happy to witness a day like this but she was no more...

The reception/entertainment of guests took place immediately after the engagement at one of the very big events all in the same community. There were lots to eat and to drink. I looked so beautiful in my wedding gown and Stephen was sparkling handsome in his smart black suit. At last I was married to the love of my life, I had the marriage of my dreams. 

We travelled to Abuja for our honeymoon. We spent two weeks there. We left Junior with his god mother, Aunty Mope.

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A MONTH LATER

I was seated in my office at Omoshalewa School, going through the files of some applicants. We were trying to recruit the first set of both academic and non academic staff that will work in the school. Resumption is in three weeks. A lot of parents have started coming to enrol their children. Applicants too have started submitting their credentials.

I opened a particular applicant's file, the name is so familiar. I checked the name again and the institution attended. Yes, I was sure she was the one. Stella, Ngozi's friend, Oyinkansola's room mate at school. I called her number and told her to come for an interview the following day.

She entered my office the next day, expecting to be interviewed by the Proprietress of the school. She was shocked to see me.

"Shalewa, are you Mrs Martins, the Proprietress?"

"Yes Stella, by God's grace. I am happy to meet you again. I saw your name on one of the C.Vs, so I intentionally called you yesterday, so we could meet..."

We hugged each other joyfully.

"Wow! Shalewa, you have made it oh! I can't believe this"

"Well, let's just give all the glory to God. What's up with you?"

"Nothing much oh my sister. When I searched for job and I got tired, I decided to apply for teaching, at least to keep body and soul together."

"Hmmmmmm, it is well. How about Oyin and Ngozi? Do you still hear from them?"

"Ha! Shalewa, you have just asked for a long story oh. Oyinkansola is married to Desmond."

"Which Desmond?"

"The same Desmond of Rainbow bank back then. You see, after you left Desmond, Oyinkan forced her way into his life. They started a relationship like play like play. To cut the long story short, she got pregnant for Desmond during her service year. Desmond was forced by his parents to marry her but their marriage was nothing to write home about. She beat Oyinkansola almost everyday despite the fact that she was pregnant. She gave birth to a premature baby that couldn't survive at the end of the day. I later heard that Desmond lost his job after the wedding which turned him into a worse and bitter husband. My dear, what Oyinkansola did enh? I am very sure she is regretting it now. I am not even certain that they are still together. I have lost her contact. Ngozi on the other hand is living and working in Abuja. She is still single too."

I sighed on hearing her story. "So, Oyinkansola could be that desperate?" I thought.

"Stella, such is life." I replied. "As for me, my own testimony is that the stone which the builders rejected later became the chief corner stone. The same Stephen that we thought will not achieve much in life is the one I am married to now. He is the brain behind the school you are looking at today."

"Really? Shalewa, same Stephen?"

"Yes, my dear."

"Ha! I have learnt a lesson oh," she replied shaking her head solemnly.

I employed Stella but I gave her as salary almost double of what other members of staff were receiving...

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So, that is life for you my brothers and sisters, one knows tomorrow except God. Those who have no God in their lives are undertaking serious risks.

Oyinkansola got what she wanted. Her desperation to hook up with a rich handsome banker led her to a miserable life.

Read " The Agony Of Beauty " by the same author ( Moyosore Teniola )

. None of the other ladies were married yet. The same Stephen they thought wouldn't make it has not only made it but his blessings are like that of Abraham. His real estate business is flourishing day by day.

There was never a day I regretted getting married to Stephen. He is such a wonderful husband and father, above all godly and responsible. I had peace all round in my marriage. Jesus is so good to us all the way. He blessed us with a beautiful baby girl, two years after our wedding. Our lives keep getting better and better by the day. I give all the glory to God! I hope you have all learnt from my story?"

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

THE END 

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I appreciate you all for following this story to the end. 

A big Thank You to the brains behind Ebonystory website...

I appreciate all of you who have been sending wonderful comments, time will fail me to mention your names, you have motivated me all the way, I love you all. I am grateful. 

I give thanks to the Almighty God, my source of Inspiration.

Please do well to comment and share the lessons you have learnt so far...

I sight you all.