The naming ceremony Mr. Henry threw for his bouncing baby girl was nothing less to the talk of the town. As it was always said, "the house was painted with wines, while the streets were painted with morsels and soups". Everybody in the neighbourhood ate and drank beyond their fill. Some did not even stop at eating alone, they as well took home for future purposes. Of all the names given to the young princess, Ireti, was her major name. Ireti (Expectation). "May our expectations not be cut short IJN." The pastor prayed after naming the child. Down the line, the child began to grow both in wisdom and in might. She had everything a child could every wish for in life. Even things she didn't need, she got in double. The reproach in Mr. Henry's family was long gone, and the Henrys did not for once stop showering their only daughter with love, care and affection. She attended the best school, got the best dolls, wore the best clothes, and lived the best life, except…
Mr. Gbadebo and his wife did not even bother to throw a naming ceremony for their son. There was no need for that, as they were not certain of what to eat for the day, let alone, feeding their guests. People would not even bother to come again, as their experience during Gbadebo's first naming ceremony was not pleasant at all. They were served poorly cooked beans that resulted to a lot of them emptying their bowels almost immediately they got home. Those who were stubborn enough, still honoured their invitation during the naming ceremony of their second child, and their expectation was largely cut short when they were served Cabin biscuit after the pastor had delayed them for hours, and had milked them dry by telling them to pay different offerings and drop money for special prayers. For the naming ceremony of his third child, Gbadebo only invited the pastor. Atleast, he was the one who named all his children. "I welcome you to today's naming ceremony." The pastor said, facing the couples and their two children who formed the audience. In no time, the naming ceremony was done, and the young baby boy was named "Gbenro" (lift me up).
One thing about time is that, it waits for no man. Soon enough, days began its journey to weeks, and weeks visited months, while months was always with years. From infant, Gbenro learnt that life is not a bed of roses, and there was every need for him to fend for himself. At age 5, he was already following his father and siblings to labourer's work that seemed to provide something for the family. The option of going to school was not in his life, eventhough he fantacized about it for a while. But in no time, the fantasy was shrinked by the present realities. Just a week after Gbenro unceremoniously celebrated his 10th birthday, he was ushered into adulthood. He woke up that night with runny stomach as a result of the heavy food he ate at the burial ceremony of Late Chief Akande the previous day. He ate everything he could from the remnant of the plates he washed, and was then receiving the fruits of his greed. He got up and raced to the toilet. He had not emptied half of his bowels when he heard a loud scream, "Fire! Fire!! Fire!!!" A female voice shouted.
© 2016. Austus Ofmat Nwanne
Some people told me that they know what was happening in the story after they read episode 2. They said Gbedebo's wife gave birth to twins, and one the babies was given to Mr. Henry. "That is how it happens in Nollywood", One of them said. Well, I cannot help but smile, because this is not Nollywood. This is Daily Diet. Well, what do you think would happen next? Join me tomorrow as we continue the story. It remains, Fate on a Swing.
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HAPPY WEEKEND !!!
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AUSTUS OFMAT NWANNE (Mr. Tackle)
Inspirational Speaker/Media Consultant,
Swift24 Multimedia Services.
+2348072970850
Mrtackle2009@gmail.com
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