It came to a time when all was controlled by secret codes. Men of wisdom became alert. The world had come under an influence, a force. The media, the internet, sports, movie and music industry all seemed to be dancing along. The youths no longer strived for excellence or decent living.
Lara and Mike teamed up with Nike and Felix. They built a city of ninety hectares of land, trained generals, who aimed at eliminating those that robbed them of their teenage and youthful benefits. Redeeming lost time and glory became their focus.
They called themselves the last generals. A conference was organized in Nigeria. All nations were represented and hearts of men turned back to sanity.
Things got better for Michael’s parents. Their love became stable and strong. His dad got well. Nike and her husband later had one more child making three children. These were troublesome ones who didn’t enjoy the rules Nike laid down; observing siesta and following the time table.
Mark, Mike’s close pal, who was also his best man on his wedding day got a job and found a wife. It seemed like time for love and weddings.
Lara’s friend Stella travelled to Italy with Timi where they got engaged. Stella owned a gallery where she exhibited her paintings while Timi established a dance school.
Things got great for Mike. He lunched the electronics he just invented, managed his consulting firm, his dad’s companies and coached players for leisure. He sponsored more debate competitions in his country.
Lara published her second poetry collection and launched it with “Great Mind”, her first book which she worked on before she graduated. She was inspired by Stephen R. Covey’s ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’. Lara started her campaign in Lagos. The novel “Darkened Eye” which was written by Mike in school on the political situation of the country helped her in contesting for her senatorial seat. She motivated youths, encourage them, sent money to orphanages, hospitals and built schools. She won and became a senator.
Giving a speech, she said,
“I had always dreamt of being a wife, mother and a great woman; a woman of influence, who would make an impact in her generation and touch lives. I believe in you all. I want to see a country with leading youths, youths with vision, dreams and creativity. Not jobless, not poverty stricken but educated and imaginative ones. Not having a job should not turn you to a criminal but an inventor.
Who said, you can’t be great?
Who told you, there is no hope?
We can all succeed if we choose not to dwell on our past and move forward, if we choose not to be used as tools of destruction, rogues and miscreants.
Nudity and commercial sex is not an option.
Enough of poverty, ill health, illiteracy and inequality.
Everyone has the right to be somebody.
God loves Nigeria.
God bless Nigeria.
It is time for change and the change starts now.
Stand as generals and make a change. The old is fading away, arise, open your eyes, take the lead and pick up the mantle. Lead your generation to the Promised Land. We all have to fly like eagles, aiming high with the desire to achieve what we want. We are blacks and we are brave.
We’ve got great and golden minds only if we believe in ourselves. I love you all. With God on our side, we can do all things. With our heads high, we shall reach the mountain top holding our trophy of victory.”
At the end of her speech, she was applauded. The youths screamed with excitement,
“We love you too.”
Lara and Michael sat outside their house on the couch, looking at the sky. Then the sound of laughter drifted to them.
“Daddy, look at Derek. It has got Bisi’s bow in its mouth,” Dara said. It was five years ago they got married. Now they had two lovely kids, who were twins; a boy and a girl, Dare and Bisi.
Alex and Funmi graduated from the university and got jobs. They both loved the children. The grandparents argued about who would have them for the holiday.
“We’ve come a long way darling,” Mike said.
“Yes dear but it’s only the beginning. We can still celebrate because someone else is on the way,” Lara replied.
“Is that what I think it means?”
Mike asked looking astonished. He kept his ears close to her belly to hear the baby kick.
“Yes, Sweetheart. It is. We are having a baby.
“You know I love you Sweetie,” he said.
“I love you too Peaches” she replied hugging him gently. He also drew her close. The kids ran up to them with the dog closely behind their heels giving a lovely picture.
The End.
Thank you for taking the time to read my book.
About the Author
Phebian Feyisayo Alao, in her early twenties, hails from Akoko North West, in Ondo State. She graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria with B.A. Literature-in-English. Her hobbies are watching movies, listening to music and making costumes.
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