I Missed It!

There is a popular saying that ‘opportunity once lost can never be regained’; but I pray God grants me another chance. My name is Kikelomo, a 34 year old single lady with a lucrative job and a phobia for men. I lost my dad when I was 10 years old, leaving me and my mum in the hands of cruel relatives who were only interested in my father’s properties. Well, they had their way because dad died Intestate. We had no choice but to move on with our lives carrying our cross alone. Mum tried her best to care for us but when the pressure from her family became too much, coupled with the burden of playing the role of dad and mum at the same time, she remarried 4 years after. I guess that was where my problem began!

Lanre Bello became my stepfather and he was ‘kind’ enough to allow me move in with my mum to his house. I thought he actually wanted to be of help but in the space of time, the monster in him emerged. He molested me sexually as often as it pleased him, warning me never to tell my mum. I became withdrawn but my mum hardly noticed because she was all about raising kids for her new husband. I was able to survive the ordeal as I threw myself into my studies because I saw it as my escape route out of that mini hell. I made excellent grades in my exams and I was offered admission into the university, at least I gained some freedom.

Studying was fun for me but interacting with the opposite sex was a total no-no. I transferred the whole hatred I had for my step father on men generally and I exercised no restraint in unleashing the venom in me on any man that made attempt to ask me out. Of course my attitude drew a lot of attention to me and when some guys planned an attack on me, Festus, who was a year ahead of me, rescued me that night. I guess that made me soften towards him, we became friends and later got into a serious relationship. Festus was always there for me, doting on me with affection and of course meeting some of my financial obligations. He was my true love, or so I thought until time proved I was living in a fool’s paradise. He left for his service year in the North while I was in my final year, I really missed him but I had no choice, so I took solace in my studies. Again, my efforts paid off with good grades while Festus was also retained in his place of primary assignment. I wasn’t too pleased with the development but he promised to relocate if he got a better job offer in the West.

When it was time for my Service year, I was posted to the East. This further increased the distance between us and disrupted our means of communication. Network coverage was non-existent in the village I was posted to for my primary assignment. It wasn’t so easy for me travelling out of that village because the only means of transportation was a boat; my God! I was water phobic. I kept on counting down till the day I finally left the village for our passing out parade. I had very few luggage and some cash so I decided to pay Festus a surprise visit in his place of work. That was my first experience going to the North but I was so excited that I didn’t bother about the distance. I travelled with a friend, Aisha who was resident in the same town where Festus was and she promised to take me there once we got to our destination.

We arrived Kebbi late in the night, so I had to spend the night at Aisha’s place. Although I was eager to see Festus, I didn’t want him to see me looking so tired and worn out. More so, I wanted to look presentable before his flatmates. The next day, Aisha and I set out to see Festus and with the help of her cousin; we were able to locate him easily. I stood behind Aisha giggling in excitement as we waited for him to get the door. Instead of Festus opening the door, guess who I saw? ……………….to be continued

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