by Seun Odukoya
The man looked at the paper he was given and hissed. Without so much as a glance in the boy’s direction, he handed it to the woman seated beside him who took it with shaking fingers. She took one look and wailed, tearing off her damask head tie and flinging it away as she clutched the result slip to her chest. The twin nearest to her snatched the paper and with her second bent over it, whispering loudly. Finally they handed the paper to his girlfriend and lifted their mother from her seat, half-carrying half-pulling her out of the sitting room as their father mutely followed.
He smiled and turned to his girlfriend who sat staring at him.
She stood and walked up to him, reaching to touch his cheek – and then suddenly pulled her hand back as tears started in her eyes and walked out of the house, head bowed.
As he sat there, a small dog ran stopped by the door, alarmed by the silence. It sniffed, nose in the air and then came running towards him to stop a few meters away, watching him warily. He idly wondered if the dog could smell the virus, and then it came up to him and licked his fingers.
Lanre started crying.
acknowledgements
So there she was, one lonely evening thinking about her boyfriend.
What about him specifically; you ask?
Well, considering the reality that said boyfriend was supposed to be in a place all by himself, and she had just called him only to have a woman pick the call – you have to agree that she had a lot to think about.
No?
So she sat there trying not to…
At the point my annoying editor screams ‘This is the acknowledgements page you idiot!’
To which I respond ‘your papa!’
But it IS indeed the acknowledgements page; so:
I still don’t think I can write much. When I asked, I still like to say ‘I try’.
But whatever it is I have, it all came from God so therefore – Baba, thank you!
My parents; Engr. and Chief Mrs. Odukoya, for teaching me to love books. Mum, you never second
guessed me. You gave me life itself – and not just by birthing me. Thank you.
To my siblings – how do you like me now? I love you guys!
To my fam – the usual suspects. Thank you.
Naijastories – whoa! See how far we’ve come. I cannot thank you guys enough! Myne, Tola, Banky,
Anderson, Howyoudey, Chemokopi, RemiRoy, Lactoo, Sally, Adaobi Owky – everyone! Thank you.
My dance partner. May our feet never hurt.
Abby – you’re so sweet and special. Thank you.
BabyChi – sure we disagree. That’s life. You’re such a blessing to have around.
The twitpack: Shai, Tosin, Kingsley, Tiwa, Oyin, you guys are much!
CSimi (I don’t know her name; I doubt she does too) thank you!
Temilolu – you’re such an inspiration. Thanks!
To the beautiful RWOWAS ladies – thanks for the support and encouragement. Kiru, Sifu, Ola Nubi,
Netty, Patricia – you’re such rocks with warm hearts. Thank you!
The Fuel dream team: Napo, Oxygen, The Gambit, Caxton-Martins, Moore, am I not blessed to have
met you guys? Here we go!
Jeanne. Always…ALWAYS with love.
Ibi the ex. Here we are o – don’t kill me abeg.
To all the crushes and sweethearts. You make for the most pleasant and warmest of memories.
Sweetness!
To the women – past, present, future. I’m thankful.
Writer’s BloQ – Caroline. Okiri. Ibifiri. Iquo. Thank you for having me.
To all the blogs/bloggers. Thank you for the support!
To my wingman – Ife Olatunji. Your insight, advice, support & contributions to this baby are
immeasurable. This is US.
Oxygen – you dey always come through. See the bigger picture homie. Let’s do this!
Special thanks to the underline media team. You guys finished it! Thank you.
The Musketeers – Raymond Elewonke. Kaycee Uzor. Seun Odukoya.
It has begun. Shall we?
If I forgot you; please blame my head not my heart. I still got you.
Follow @seunodukoya
Visit www.seunodukoya.wordpress.com for some even more weird shit.
Peace out!