Naya and Vince

22

HAPPY SUNDAY

I could hear the music and worship from a christian ministry down the street in my room. It was a hot and boring Sunday morning. I was home alone, exceedingly grateful for that. I was used to Dinma's constant absence. I half expected her to just disappear one day like my mother.

I tried taking a nap but I couldn't. I decided to go outside and get a chilled drink and bread. On my way back from the shop, I saw the last person I ever wanted to see.

Kojo.

It was broad daylight but I was already scared shitless. This guy was unpredictable. And scary.

Stand your ground against the devil. Don't let the wicked ones intimidate you. Power pass power o. When the devil knows you know what you're doing, that you know your stand, that you dey kampe, he will run!

The message filtered into my mind. It was the Sunday's sermon from the nearby church. I wasn't a church goer or a christian per se, but sometimes I just had to give listening ears to the pastor's sermon since I would always hear it no matter what. Kojo was the devil stroke evil ones and I wasn't going to let him intimidate me.

I walked past Kojo with shoulders raised high. He catcalled to get my attention. I didn't answer but quickened my pace. I heard heavy footsteps behind me and I was tempted to run but I knew it wasn't going to be my best idea. I didn't want to let him know that he scared me. I just hoped that I was making my best decisions.

"Dinma sister shey you no dey hear your name?"

"My name is Nairobi." I decided I was going to used pure English on my suicide mission too. The bandage on his head gave me joy. At least I left a scar. A mark he would remember me with.

Kojo let out an ugly chortle. "Who ask you? Wait you dey speak oyibo for me bayi?"

"I'm in a hurry. Please excuse me." I was about walking away when kojo dragged me back by my arm that I think I heard a pop. Pain rippled through that arm and I was certain he had dislocated it.

"Shó tí ya wérè ni? Are you mad?" He asked in Yoruba making me cower but I was able to comport myself.

"I'm in my right senses FYI. See Kojo I'm done taking your nonsense o. I used to be scared of you but I'm no longer scared. Try nonsense and you'll see yourself rotting in kirikri-"

Kojo laughed. "See this small girl. You dey threaten me?"

"The police is already on your case Mr Kojo incase you don't know. They are coming for you."

I watched his face pale. A smirk crawled upon my lips.

"Yes and one more nonsense from you and you're in kirikiri," I said snapping my finger for emphasis.

His face when from pale to red.

"You carry my matter go police?!"

Of course not. The police men around my neighborhood wouldn't even take me seriously. To them, we were all criminals.

"Excuse me please," I heard a familiar voice say. It turned to see Richard looking beautiful in a black dress shirt and a checkered trousers. He attended an Anglican church in another neighborhood. He had forced me to go with me numerous times. I follow him on very few occasions and other times I make excuses

"Wetin?" Kojo asked looking at him with unhidden contempt.

"Senior man how far na?" Richard greeted. "See as you bam." Kojo smiled. He enjoyed being hailed and complemented.