Growing Together:An African Tale

Chapter Two

The power supply had run through the night, even till mid afternoon, everyone was elated, pleased and thanking God for touching the hearts of the NEPA men in charge of distributing electricity.

As Bunmi, mentally checked off her list, she prayed for the 100th time that she didn't miss anything out, anything important.

That morning they were all happy, but her happiness was on a higher volume. She sang sweetly, twirled every chance she got.

Being 21 and with only an ounce of educational experience, she had learned a lot from the street and all around her values and attributes of qualities that makes a person a person. Good or bad, everyone is who they are because of an upbringing, or collision with certain conditions, circumstances or people.

She just about knew enough to keep her going and enough to help her in avoiding certain situations that could spell Doom for her.

As Bunmi watched the fan twirl at a particular speed on the ceiling, it's circular motion luring her to sleep, she was anticipating the return of her mother from the market.

While Bunmi rested in the house, the whole neighborhood were making sure all electronic gadgets were fully charged and enjoying the light as long as it would last.

And they had better make the best of it before the power company madness began again.

Bunmi slipped easily into dream land, the air revolving around her and soothing her skin was comfortable enough to make her feel like she was in paradise, her Maami always taught her that being contented with what one has was better than digging up golds that weren't there in the first place.

Bunmi's elder sister Wura  became an example over the years, Wura had mixed with a lot of bad crowd, leading her into different uncultured habits, she drank till she was drunk and unable to move, smoking all sorts of things, after different attempt to reach out to her, Wura saw us as bad people stopping her from living and enjoying the downward spiral of a life she thought was suitable.

She died five years ago when Bunmi was 17, Wura died while trying out a new drug. The people she had called friends, who she thought were to be trusted, never showed an eye at her funeral, and whenever Bunmi passed their area, they would snigger and act like they were whispering to one another's ears but every words they spat was enough to awaken Wura from her death, to kill them all.

Bunmi's parents prayed that their daughter Bunmi never joined or would encounter such kinds of people.

Their fear emancipating as she grew older in the span of time.

Last night, while Bunmi slept in her room, Mr and Mrs Ekundayo shared a silent emotion, now all they would do is pray that God keeps Bunmi as she goes to Lagos to live in the city with her aunt Bimbo.

It was late when Bunmi opened her eyes, her mother was back long ago, had made dinner and power hadn't been disconnected.

"Olabunmi, Bunmi ooo", her mother called, knowing how light of a sleeper her daughter is.

"Ma, ma, I'm coming", she got off of the bed and bolted out the door, to where she presumed her mother had called her from.

On seeing her mother, Bunmi greeted her.

"Eka san ma", she greeted in Yoruba.

"Omo mi, you're blessed", Mrs Ekundayo patted her daughters back.

Mrs Ekundayo went on saying "Bunmi, there's no more cold water in the fridge, take this 500 naira", her mum lifts her purse from the fridge, opens it and places a 500 naira note in her daughter's palm.