(MTB) Meant To Be (A Nigerian Story)

1

     Fridays were usually hectic at Opeki Market and this Friday being the last Friday in January was no exception. Ayo had gone home twice this same day to replenish her goods and now she was heading home, her tray empty of the earlier fresh fruits. She was just about to follow the turning after the market when a sleek Mercedes Benz slowed down next to her. She kept walking until the Benz owner stopped the car, got down and called out,

"Hey Sister." She turned to acknowledge the call only for her eyes to collide with an obviously expensively dressed man. The dumbfounding thing is that her five year old son, Itunu has similar jawline, nose and even dark eyes like this man. She stepped back in surprise and he took few steps towards her leaving a reasonable distance before he greeted,

"Good evening miss."

"What can I do for you?" She asked, her voice dripping with confidence.

"Thank God you are learned, I have been trying to get someone who speaks English. Most of the people I met on the way here are speaking the dialect and I am not good with that."

"Okay, what do you want?"

"I need directions to Ipetu Village. I don't understand the route any more."

"That's because the new government developed this whole area. Anyway, there is no place like Ipetu anymore. Four villages were combined to form Opomulero Town but I want to believe where you are going is Modu Road."

"Wow. I just want to get to the palace, that's all. Nobody told me anything about the Ondo State Government developing the villages. Nice initiative though."

"You can say that again. The palace is on Modu Road. Just take this road straight down, then take a left turn. You will get to a t-junction, take the left turn, that's Modu Road, just be on the lookout for the palace."

"Thank you so much."

"You are welcome." Ayo said and she started moving when he stopped her,

"Wait." She did, turning to look at him. "Why don't you let me give you a ride down to wherever you are going?"

"Thank you but no."

"Please. Let this be my thank you for the directions. Please."

Ayo hesitated some seconds before walking to the passenger side of the car and he went around and opened the door for her, closed it and got in through the other door then off they went.

Ayo's house was located on the first left turn and she told him when it was time to stop.

"Thank you for the ride."

"Thank you for the direction." He said and she smiled, got down and he zoomed off.

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     As soon as Ayo got into the house she lived with her grandmother and son, along with their tenants in the other part of her grandmother's house, her grandma bombarded her with questions, Who was that? Who owns the car? Where did she meet him? Ayo sighed and hugged Itunu who had come to hug her as soon as she stepped inside, then she sat down and explained,

"Mama, I don't know the man from Adam. I just met him on my way home asking for directions which I helped him with and he offered to bring me home which he did."

"Okay. At least you are talking to a man now. Thank God."

"Mama, that's not funny. Anyway, I observed something."

"What is it?"

"The man resembles Itunu facially. It's quite baffling."

"Are you sure?"

"I am so sure. I was shocked when I first laid my eyes on him."

"You don't have to start worrying your head about that okay? You know the popular saying is that humans are made in twos."

"Yeah, that's true but..."

"Ayodunmomi, no buts. Don't read too much into what is not. How was the sales today?"

"It was very good. All thanks to God."

"Thank God then and well done."

"Okay Ma. I need to freshen up."

"Yes, yes, go ahead. I just finished boiling Yam and it's still very hot. Take your bath and eat."

"Thank you Mama." Ayo said and she went to freshen up.

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Hello Boos and Baes,

First chapter is done.

What do y'all think?

Good or bad?

Leave me a comment, let me know what you think.