A Child's Struggle

~12~

Mr Bamidele recieved a call from an old time friend and business partner who had gone abroad. Mr Hendricks called to tell him that he was in the country and would like to visit him so he needed his house address. Mr Bamidele was very happy to hear from his friend. It had really been a while tho. It was the man that helped Racheal when she travelling out of the country that year. Mrs Bamidele made sure she prepared something very good for the arrival of their visitor. 

That good evening he finally came and everyone was so happy to see him. After the family heart to heart talk and eating and drinking, the two men went to the bar in the compound to have their personal men talk. Mr Bamidele had a fine bar at the left side of the compound. Rachael served them drinks while they discussed.

"So how is business?" Mr Hendricks asked.

"Business is fine. All these increase in foreign exchange is disturbing but I'm scaling through."

"We bless God. So you said earlier that you had something on your mind. What can make my man troubled?"

"It's about my son ooh, Raphael"

Mr Bamidele explained all that has transpired between them and Raphael concerning his education. He also told him how Raphael was given an indefinite suspension.

"Aah. That's bad ooh. Indefinite suspension! Wahala ooh" Mr Hendricks said as he was suprised. "This boy loves football, it's his talent according to you. Why don't you want to allow him follow his dream?"

"I need someone that will take over my company and who will do the job well other than my son. He also needs to be trained in that aspect..."

"Stop it jare" he cut in. "Free that boy. Are you dying anytime soon? No. Only you will take care of your company. Who told you he cannot take care of it even if he does his football. Abeg free the boy ooh"

"So you mean I should support his football career after he has tarnished my image. I was really hoping to punish him well by sending him to study business again"

Mr Hendricks started laughing. "You will end up punishing yourself because you will waste money again. You better allow that boy do what he wants. It's better and safer that way for you two. About who will take over the company, qui sera sera. What will be will be."

"My only son going to learn football", Mr Bamidele muttered as he tapped his fingers on his chin.

"That should not bother you. As far as he is very good forget it. Do you know how much footballers earn, the fame they recieve. Aaah! Free the boy ooh. You know you have never been a football watcher so I don't blame you sef."

"If someone told me I would ever be convinced about this football career for my son I would say that person is lying"

"You can't predict life"

"True ooh. So about that land you said you want to..." They kept discussing on other trival matters till it was getting very late and he had to go.

That night when it was time to go to bed, Mr Bamidele decided to talk to his wife concerning Raphael's matter. When he asked her about what they would do about Raphael's schooling she said she had been looking for a good football academy. She knew he may not agree but she decided to spill it out. At least let her say her mind and whatever should happen should happen. He was very shocked that she mentioned football academy, exactly what was on his mind. She told him that she had been checking for a good one and had gotten a list of the different football academies. She was suprised her husband did not reject the offer and he kept asking questions to know more. 

"Well from the list I've gotten I'm checking for the best. Rachael said I should choose Young Stars Football Academy."

"Rachael too?"

"Yes na. She was the one that advised me sef"

"Why did she not advice me?"

"I guess you are unapproachable and always busy."

"For being busy I can agree but unapproachable no ooh"

"Toh! Please hope you won't disrupt my plan. Let's allow this boy follow his dreams."

"If I was going to disrupt you, I would have shunned you right from when you mentioned football academy. You can continue with your finding. Let me know when you've decided. I can trust your decision."

"Is this a dream or what?" She asked as she smiled lovingly at him. "You are really giving your permission about this?"

"Yh!", He said as he shrugged his shoulders. "That's the best gift you can give to a child. Letting him follow his dreams"

"Awwwn. Thanks Honey", She said as she hugged him.

"Does it make you really happy?", He had not seen her smile so genuinely in months like how she was doing.

"Raphael will be so happy when he hears of this. But don't worry I won't tell him till I process everything. Thank you so much..." She kept thanking him as he cuddled her and began kissing her.

The house became very lively once again. The lost joy was found most especially for Raphael. He didn't understand but all he knew was that his parents were just so caring. It was a bit wierd tho. Mrs Bamidele settled for Young Stars Football Academy. Luckily the application form for that session was still on. She picked the form and filled all the necessary details. Though her friend wanted him to be with Tobi in his own Football Academy she preffered Young Stars, maybe because of the name. His application form was accepted and letter of admission was sent. That really made her happy that she stopped at her husband's office and kept talking like a child, telling him how happy she was. She showed him the fees they needed to pay and other necessary things that need to be purchased. Directly from the office, they went to the bank for the payment of fees.

When they reached the house, the kids were all watching television.
"Mummy, Daddy", Toluwani shouted as she went to hug them at the door.

"My baby how are you?", Her dad asked as he carried her on his body.

After their night devotion they remained sitted as their dad said he wants to have a family talk. Mrs Bamidele started the talk by apologizing to Raphael on how harsh she had been on him. She told him that they have finally decided on whether he would go to school or not. Raphael was literally not breathing as he waited for the verdict that was about to be given.

"So we have decided to send you to a football academy. Young Stars to be precise.", She said as she smiled at him.

"Oh mummy", he was so short of words. He hugged her and also his dad. He was so happy that tears even dripped down his eyelids. His dad presented his admission letter to him.

It was a dream come true. He remembered the words of Favour, Collins and Favour. Tears of joy kept streaming down his face. That day a knew type of peace and joy rained in the house.