(MTB) Meant To Be (A Nigerian Story)

29

Two days later, Ayo finally had his time. He drove down to her house to pick her up around 3:30 pm for an evening date. He got out of the car and went to greet his to-be grandmother in-law then after dropping the fruits he had bought for her, he and Ayo left.

Ayo asked as they got into the car, "I don't know why you keep coming here with something."

He replied, "Because it's not ideal to go to your in-law's house empty-handed."

"E Pele o. Oni in-law*."

"Ese o. Nitori ti yin na la se n se gbogbo e*. Where are we going jare?"

"I thought you were the one taking me out?"

"You know how meticulous I am when it comes to planning our dates but here, I don't really know much."

"Okay, you know things have changed. Let Google be our guide then." Ayo said and took to her phone to check for good restaurants or fun places in the area. They browsed them together and finally decided on one before Kore drove them out.

The restaurant turned out to be cool. Customers were not so much so it was all serene and nice. They had their food then desserts talking all through. Then Ayo said around past five,

"I will like to do some sightseeing."

"Isn't it too late?"

"Not at all."

"Okay, my lady. Where do I drive you to?"

"Let's start with those gardens then the stream."

"Stream?"

"Yes na."

"See this babe o. Who told you that the stream will still be there after all these civilizations?"

"You think everybody will be like you and damn nature."

"I am just being realistic."

"Oya let's bet."

"I'm not betting with you!"

"One, one thousand."

"Fine!"

"Oya, drive us there."

"Game on!" Kore said and they left the restaurant and he drove them to the place.

About forty minutes later after leaving the gardens, Kore killed the engine and they got out. He locked the door and they walked towards the stream's location and there it was.

"Pay up loser!"

"Duhhh. I will transfer to your account later."

"Okay then! Kore, will you like to lie down a while? I want to look at the stars."

Kore looked at her as if she had grown horns on her head.

"Come jo. You this rich people will be doing as if you don't go to toilet."

"You want us to lie down on those grass where only God knows what can be."

"Sebi, one of my wrappers is in your boot? let me get it sef." She said and collected the key from him while he looked on. Within minutes, the wrapper was on the floor and she sat on it and was untying her sneakers. He joined her and they both laid down staring upwards at nothing in particular.

Kore asked breaking the silence, "What's so special about this place anyway?"

Ayo laughed and said, "Plenty."

Kore said, "Tell me one."

She answered, "This place is serene and it teaches me to embrace my pain."

He said slowly, "I see."

Then they fell into a companionable silence. Several minutes later, Kore asked,

"Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Promise me you will give me a reply."

"As long as I have or know the reply."

"Who is Itunu's father?" Kore asked immediately without break. He heard her inhale sharply as the question hit her and she felt a tremor in her system. The time has come! She thought and wondered if Kore would still want to marry her if and when he knows the truth.

"If you don't want to answer, it's fine. It's just, I need to know because I'm planning to adopt him. I don't want someone knocking down my door claiming paternity."

"I don't know him." Ayo said softly.

"What!" Kore exclaimed, stunned.

"I don't know him." Ayo repeated with a more audible voice. Kore turned to her fully and asked quietly,

"What happened? How did it happen? Please tell me."

"I was going to fetch water that night. Mama had told me not to go because it was already around 7pm. It was late already but because there was no water in the house and I just came back from school for holiday.

"Anyway, I went. I was just by that path that we passed on our way here when I heard some guys talking but I diregardrd it coz I didnt ever think something bad could happen around here. I had lived here all my life and it was no threat. Anyway, as I kept walking, I was suddenly pranced on. I screamed for him to get off me but he didn't and I wasn't strong enough. Next thing I knew I was on the ground..."

"You were on the ground and he held you there. While his friends laughed and egged him on, he took your innocence and they ran off as soon as he was done."

"How? How did you..? How did...?" Ayo stammered, tears streaming down her eyes.

Kore stood up, unable to face her. He turned his back to her as he shakily answered,

"I was the one."

Ayo was so shocked. She just sat there trying to comprehend, hoping for a mistake. "You were the one that did what?"

"I was the one that raped you Ayo! I did it! I was being a boy trying to show himself as a man and at the same time, earn the respect of my then friends. Oh God! I was so awful and clumsy and nonthinking. Forgive me please. Please, I beg you. Forgive me." Kore begged, facing her and sinking to his knees. His face in his hands, his body shaking due to his loud sobs as his memory continually emit flashes of that night.

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Hello Boos and Baes,

Another short chapter? Sorry, that's how the spirit is bringing it but the drama is to live for shebi? Imagine it was a movie and picture the scene.

This is why Yorubas say 'Asegbe kan o si, asepamo lo wa' 😂 😂

Cry everywhere.

Starred Words

E Pele o. Oni in-law - Sorry o. Owner of in-law

Ese o. Nitori ti yin na la se n se gbogbo e - Thank you o. It's because of you that we are doing all these things.

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