Lineage

Funmi Dada Part 7

Funmi found Iya's home, and she was everything Funmi had imagined her to be. She was a pleasant old woman and her home was beautiful with different kinds of flowers all around. Inside her home was very cozy and welcoming. Iya was not surprised to see Funmi; she had been waiting for her to come for a long time. Bankole like Iya immediately she glowed. She was pleasant to look at as she seemed to brighten up the room. Iya invited them to stay in her home for as long as they want. No staying in a hotel she insisted, she had enough space and food in her home. Iya showed them the room they would be using. The room was simple and beautiful. It had a nice nylon carpet, a large enough bed and wardrobe, and a small dressing table.It was en suite which is quite unexpected for the age of the house.  They quickly settled in and Iya fixed them a delicious dinner. Funmi had wanted to tell her everything that night, but Iya insisted that they go to bed and rest after such a long journey. Breakfast was at 9 am, she said. After breakfast, they will talk.

And so after breakfast, Funmi narrated her story and Iya listened attentively. Iya told them she can sense that Bankole was initiated into the Aje, and based on what Funmi has just told her, his classmate, Lydia is responsible. She assured them that Bankole was no longer an Aje, for one he would not have been able to enter through her gate. Her home has a protective shield against such evils. Both Funmi and Bankole could now put the pieces together, why they were both sick. Iya speculated that Bankole's love for his mother outweighed the effect of the flesh, which made it difficult to watch his mother suffer. It was Bankole's faith and love that saved Funmi. Funmi's love for him saved him too. Unfortunately, he does not remember the details, which would give them a clearer picture.

"I have always suspected that the words 'I love you' were powerful and would destroy the flesh because they were just the opposite of what the flesh and Aje are about," Iya remarked.

"I don't understand," Funmi told her.

"Your love for each other gave you the victory over evil. There have always been rumours that if an Aje could tell the one they love, I love you, three times and the person can reciprocate, they will release them from the Aje. It made sense, I mean it's in all the fairy tales. You read of true love's kiss. Even in the bible it says hope, faith and love are everlasting but the greatest of them all is love. To the best of my knowledge, no one had done it except now. Your son, Iya replied

Iya continues, "You see an Aje can't love. It is painful for them. I mean physically. To say I love you just once is hell how much more say it three times. Your son is amazing. You are an amazing young man and that is why that thing or man is interested in you."

Iya was sure that Funmi's grandmother and aunt might be behind getting Bankole into Aje, and it was not the plan for him to get out. He suddenly recalled Tinuke telling him how he can save his mother. They weren't expecting him to survive, and now it's obvious that the plan was to ensure that he never had the chance to grow up outside of being an Aje. No breaks for him at age ten, but they underestimated the power of love and faith. Funmi and Bankole could hear the excitement in Iya's voice.

"I am so happy for the both of you. Funmi, your granny and aunt might actually give up now that it seemed a higher authority is interested in the two of you. Funmi your mother was a strong woman and your grandfather too. They understood the importance of raising a child in an environment of love and it is that love that you have passed to your son and it has saved not only him but you as well. Do not lose hope, whatever the case, we have defeated this evil once we would do it again. But first Funmi you need Light restored."

She explained to them that Funmi would need help to get to where it is and Bankole would have to take her there because he still has his Light. They would both need to fast and meditate; they know the drill as described in the diary of Funmi's mother. Unfortunately, the roles are reversed, Iya was not too sure if Bankole would be strong enough to pull it off. It is easier for an adult to fast and meditate, but as a child, it might be more difficult.

Funmi, looking at her son, took his hands and said, "I believe in him, he can do it, right Bankole"

"Yes ma I can, we can. Iya don't worry, we will do it, we would get Mama's Light back."