In Cold Blood

Chapter Three: Going Places

It was three weeks into the month of January, and Funke was gradually getting acquainted to her new environment. She was mostly indoors, and had been to a few places like the Z kitchen, which she visited with Yinka and Tolu. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she attended mass every Sunday, and
Mega plaza where she went shopping with Yinka. She had not been to the other parts of Victory Island but from her little experience , she could tell what the place looks like.
On a Monday afternoon January 25th, Funke sat down on a plastic chair in the balcony, enjoying nature's natural air. She just had lunch, and Yinka and Tolu were not back from work.
She loved to relax like this because it makes her think, and create new ideas. She reflected on her past, and wondered what she could do to get past it.
As she reflected, a thought came to her mind. And she said to herself; why don't I visit places I love. The first place that crossed her mind was the National Museum. She was an inquisitive person, visiting the museum will give her the opportunity to see the artifacts and relics it has. She went inside and came back with a pen and a paper. She wrote down all the places she would like to visit. First on the list, was the National Museum.
All the while, Peter the security man have been hovering around doing nothing in particular. All he wanted to do was to initiate a conversation. But Funke did not grant him the audience. She looked at the paper, and smiled satisfied with what she had written. She sat there until it was 4.p.m in the evening. She decided to go out, and take a walk around the neighbourhood. She informed Peter that she was going for a walk. Dying to say something, Peter asked
"How far are you going?."
"Not too far, just around the area the next street to be precise".
"Alright ma." Hope you can find your way back?"
Finding Peter's question Funny she said
"Of course I can".
"Alright ma very soon you will get used to the area and you will enjoy this place oh chai."
Peter opened the gate, and she walked out.
As she looked around, one thing was obvious. The serenity and quiet nature of the environment. She didn't see anyone walking on the road, and as she got close to the Ajayi's residence, the gate opened and a GLK Mercedes Benz emerged. The driver was a very handsome dude, with a nice hair cut, and a nice outfit befitting his status.
He looked at her and she starred at him too. He didn't say a word, but from the expression on his face, it was like asking her!
"Who are you in this neighbourhood?".
This must be Gbenga Ajayi the ladies man according to Yinka.
Funke reflected.
As she walked, she admired the architectural structures built to a luxurious taste. When she got to the other street after Macaulay close, she saw some beautiful estates, that were well secured. As usual she didn't see anybody on the road, but she heard the voices of children shouting in a playful way enjoying the comforts of their home.
Satisfied with the view of the area, she decided to go back home. As she walked back , she heard a car horn, and a voice from behind saying.
"Having a good time I guess."
She turned and realized it was Tolu and Yinka.
"Good evening cousin". Funke
said.
"Hi dear". Replied Yinka.
"Come in" Tolu said.
Funke got into the car, and Tolu drove off.
Later that evening, while they were having dinner Funke expressed her desire to visit the National Museum.
"I would like to visit the national museum, I have heard so much about it." She said
"Really, that will be a good idea.
" You know you are very inquisitive, going there will satisfy your curiosity."
Tolu said with approval.
"When do you intend visiting?."
Tolu asked.
"Well I think Saturday will be a good time." Funke answered.
Nodding his head in agreement, Tolu agreed and said
"That's fine ."
"I and Yinka will accompany you."
"Oh thanks Tolu". Funke smiled.
Yinka quiet all the while, but itching to say something added.
"That's what I have been talking about."
",Go out, have fun."
"Make the best of every opportunity that comes your way."
"There should be no dull moment in life."
Tolu looked at Yinka and smiled, he knew her and her convincing ways.
Funke looked at Yinka who smiled broadly in a way that made her smile. And when she did, they all laughed heartily.

Saturday came quickly, and it was time to pay a visit to the National Museum. On their way to the place, Funke saw a lot of Uber taxis on the road
She saw more of it than the usual commercial buses. She wondered about this, and later realized that it was to compliment the luxurious taste of Victoria Islands residents. She also noticed that the roads were interlocked, and interconnected. And this created a good road network and accessibility.
In about half an hour, they got to the venue located at Onikan road Ikoyi. It was a monumental structure, filled with people including tourists. Before they were allowed into the premises, they were scrutinized at the gate, which included paying an entrance fee.
As they walked in, Funke felt different, she could feel the past and present merged together.
The wall of the museum was adorned with beautiful pictures of Nigerians past and present leaders.
Amazed, Funke reacted loudly
"Wow!" This is history itself."
A man standing beside her laughed and said
"I'm Kunle an artist."
"I visit here often and I appreciate anything artistic."
"Really,
Funke replied with her eyes fixed on the pictures on the wall.
The man laughed again and said
"This isn't all, there are different galleries showcasing Nigeria"s history."
"Go take a look."
He said pointing to the direction of the gallery.
"Thanks."
Funke replied, as she walked towards the direction of the gallery with Yinka and Tolu.
When they got to the gallery section, they saw carvings, the terracotta head synonymous to the Nok culture, coconut carving, the Benin Ivory mask, and a bronze pot of the ninth century. As they looked around, they saw a striking discovery. It was the bullet riddled car in which Murtalar Mohammed was assassinated.
"Wow!" Funke responded
"I can't believe this". Tolu starred in awe.
"Me too" replied Yinka. Fascinated and intrigued, Funke took pictures of the car.
They covered the grounds of the museum, and as they did, Funke noticed a leaking roof, a decayed abestors, and inadequate space to display all the art works.
" This place needs renovation."
Funke thought.
At 2 .p.m in the afternoon, they left the museum. They had other engagements. Tolu had to visit a colleague in Ikoyi, and Yinka had to go to the saloon. On their way from the museum, they made a stop in one of the eateries around. And after having a light lunch, Tolu dropped Yinka and Funke off at the saloon. While he went ahead to see his colleague.
Later in the evening, as they relaxed in the sitting room they talked about the museum. Funke was happy to talk about her experience.
"I'm going to write an article on the museum."
"I think people will appreciate
it" Funke said.
"Do you have any other place in mind that you will like to visit?" Tolu asked looking at Funke.
"Well I would like to visit the famous bar beach." Funke answered.
Tolu's look changed when he heard this.
"What is it?" Funke asked.
"The bar beach is not what it used to be."
"All we have is memories of the place."
Tolu replied disappointed.
Funke looked at Yinka waiting for her response.
"It is true, and it's so sad". Yinka responded.
"But you can visit the Kuramo beach, newly developed by the government."
Tolu said trying to elicit hope in Funke.
A little pacified, Funke replied
"I will like to see it, so that I can be close to nature."
Concurring, Tolu said
"Then we must make out time to go there." Next weekend I guess." Tolu suggested.
"That will be fine, as long as my cousin goes out." Yinka responded to Tolu's suggestion.
They spent the remaining part of the evening talking, withYinka doing most of the talking.

The next day was Sunday and they attended the 9.a.m mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Victoria Island. They arrived early and got a good sitting position before Father's procession started. Funke loved the organised way of the Catholic church. She had been a Catholic right from childhood. The Parish priest Father John reflected on the gospel reading taking from the book of Mathew. The gospel revolved around the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Father John advised his parishioners on the importance of the Catholic baptism.
At 11.am the mass ended as expected. When it ended, Yinka and Tolu exchanged pleasantries with other parishioners before leaving. Some looked at Funke curiously, why others asked her questions. As usual, she said little considering her reserved nature.
When they got home, they had breakfast, relaxed a little and had lunch by 2.p.m.
Later in the evening, Funke relaxed in the balcony with a pen and a note book, writing about her experience at the National Museum. As she wrote, Yinka joined her.
"What are you up to?" Asked Yinka
"I'm working on the article about the museum." Funke replied.
"Okay, but you will assist me with dinner. "Won't you?"
Funke said nothing.
"Then you can continue writing later." Yinka said mischievously.
"Oh Yinka I knew you were here for a reason."
"Yeah Yeah." Yinka said as she stood up and walked away. In a few minutes, Funke joined Yinka in the kitchen. And they had a wonderful meal that evening.

February 6th was the day Funke was to visit Kuramo beach.
And she had long anticipated this outing. She wore a blue tee shirt on white shorts, and a black canvas to compliment the outfit. The outfit was appropriate for the outing. Tolu and Yinka also wore a casual outfit.
At 10.a.m, they embarked on the journey. On their way, Funke saw what was left of the famous bar beach. The beach was barricaded with no visible activity going on there. Funke shook her head disappointed with the current state of the beach.
In about an hour, they got to the Kuroma beach. It is located in the south side of Victoria Island. Funke felt its cool breeze which was refreshing. The place was truly a relaxation sport, with little cabins erected some distance away from the water. A lot of families were there to have fun. Children laughed and screamed with excitement at the mere sight of the water
The cabins were leased out by the government at a subsidized rate, to encourage productivity in the area. Some of the cabins have been converted into shops, were visitors can buy drinks and food.
Tolu and Yinka chose a cool sport under a palm tree. It was so refreshing relaxing under the palm tree. They ordered banana drinks and snacks. As they ate Funke looked at the water side and appreciated its beauty.
After eating, they listened to a beautiful song by a local musician in the vicinity.
"This place is great, if well managed." Funke observed, as she listened to the song by the local artiste.
"You are right".
"We lost the famous bar beach, "We shouldn't lose this one". Tolu replied nodding his head.
"That's true ". Yinka added.
"So are you enjoying yourself?"
Tolu asked.
"Yes I am". Funke replied.
"Of course she is".
"What do you think?" Yinka responded to Tolu's question.
"Well I think she is happy." Tolu replied smiling.
At 4.p.m in the evening, another local artiste entertained them. And everyone in a relaxed mood, under the different shades enjoyed the lyrics of the song.
At 5.p.m, they hit the road into the night life. Dazzling lights added beauty to the environment. And as Funke looked out of the window, she felt the dawn of a new beginning.