10 years ago, Ibadan
The driver was pulled up outside in the driveway. Bright orange sand was stretched out as far as the eye could see and not too far away, musicians were busking in the market place with some with talking drums, some with guitars, all playing different songs over one another that somehow created a perfect harmony.
"Ayo, Wale, Biola, let's get to the wedding!" Femi bellowed. He always raised his volume to inhuman levels when he was excited.
The children came down one by one. Biola had a large gele much too large for her little frame on her head and the boys were in matching royal blue agbadas. In the dry season, there was nothing worse for the children than wearing heavy Yoruba traditional wear.
"Dad, couldn't we stick to the theme for once?" Wale whined, wanting to fit in with the red and gold theme of the wedding.
"Absolutely," Femi said,
In a puppy-like fashion, Wale's ears perked as he waited for his father to produce the agbada.
"I'm waiting for you to pay me for the tailor," He said, roaring at his own joke. The scowl plastered on Wale's face was quickly erased when Biola had called him aside.
"Ayo, you need to distract Auntie Funke with your dancing while Wale and I get the food in these containers. I have enough space in my gele to hide it. Whatever money you get from dancing, we split 3 ways," Biola whispered, keeping careful glances around like they were on a spy mission.
***
"Ayo! You're such a good little dancer! With some more practice, you could even get on the TV!" Wale praised his brother, patting him on the head whilst stuffing a handful of cashews into his mouth. They had pulled off yet another scheme altogether.
Biola nodded in agreement as she sealed goat meat into some containers and hid them away for later.
***
5 years ago, Peckham
"What is your problem? Just tell me what happened!" Biola screamed, tearing up.
"Why won't you talk to me? I don't get it. Say something!"
But there was no reply.
And there never was a true reply from Jonah again. He was jaded, angry and selfish. Any words that came out of him were venomous and he kept himself to himself.
***
"Biola, what do you think happened to him?" Ayo asked, gingerly.
"Probably something unspeakable." She replied, quieter than normal.
YOU ARE READING
For When You're A Man (under reconstruction)
Teen Fiction17-year-old Noah Oduwole lives in chaos. He goes from his crumbling flat on top of a betting shop to a school where people wouldn't know struggle if it grew giant legs kicked them in the face. His Dad's health has been deteriorating for the last fe...
