Reverie...

"Can I see that?" A light-skinned chick with blue contact lens beside me asked.
She was referring to d magazine I had earlier on been flaunting as I was about folding and dropping into my bag.
With no reply I handed it over and smiled inside...'things were going according to planned' I thought .I shook my head mentally and looked on as the bus juggled from side to side on the bumpy road...no thanks to the government.
I suddenly remembered I had just downloaded a song earlier on and brought out my blackberry Q5 ,I plugged in my ear-phones
Noticed I had 4 ping notifications, I replied each one and took my time chatting but not before I noticed d little glances she threw at me stylishly. . .:)
The conductor who was squashed between a fat lady and the door shouted in a hoarse voice "your money line by line no change!"
have never heard a conductor say there is change even if he held all the world's lowest denomination in his hands "you will never have change in your life" a man wearing a check-shirt patterned trousers shouted, igbo intonation dripping from his every word "Dem no they get" my ear-phones had been long removed from my ear cos of the noise. simultaneously, a lady shouted from the back  "Mo n so fun yin sin, to ba bi weere kan ko ma fun mi ni change mi o" the conductor shouted back in anger  bathing the fat lady beside him with spit.
I quickly did a mental calculation to be sure of the amount I had with me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I remembered I asked for change after dropping my offering in church the previous day.
Meanwhile, this chick beside me kept digging and digging into her bag almost pouring its content. Is everything alright? I asked one of those dumb questions like it wasn't obvious there was a prob. "I thought I had #120 somewhere, but all am seeing here is #1000" she replied worried.
It got to her turn to pay and she had no other choice than to outstretch the #1000 note.
In times like dis, u would expect the conductor to spark and throw all the curses he had ever mastered in his life but surprisingly he skipped her and her money and collected mine and others then he shouted to the driver "driver eni kan ma bole nibi..."Hey...sister get down" he said calmly "This is not where am going, collect ur money now"
"U still they blow gramma!...ogbeni,bo le fun mi jere"
Every other person in d bus was pleading except d igbo man
"U are a wicked soul! U beta repent or u will go to hell fire"
Dis fueled d conductor's anger who almost poked his finger into d man's eye "ara lo ma san pa e! "
I quickly brought out my last card and shoved it in d conductor's hands.
                        *    *    *    *
I stepped in through the company's gate and headed to d card machine wit d tot of d impossibility of conveying myself back home at d back of my mind.
I swiped my card through d machine and it brought out my details including d ugly passport I detested.I sighed
I turned and bumped in2 d company's pester 'Alex'
"Wat did u bring?am hungry..ehen,gimme your pin now.av bin asking for it" Alex demanded in an annoying high-pitch voice
"Hey kip your voice down"I whispered "my ears are just fine" I rolled my eyes
"I like this hand-band.gimme" Alex shouted unrepentant...I was about lambasting him wen my phone rang
"Hello" I gave a sharp response
"Its Jemima..."
"Jem...what?"
"U helped me out in d bus dis morning"
My heart fluttered,I remembered dropping my number which she requested for while trying not to get my hopes up.
"U there?" She asked uncertain
"Err...yess...u at work now?"
"Sure,thanks to u...what time is your lunch?"
"12pm" still unsure of d significance of d question
"Ok...ow about I give u a treat at TFC?"
I rubbed my sweaty palms on my jean.
"No...u don't av to..."
"Honestly I fill indebted to u...so c u at 12" and she hung up
Just like that?I thought to myself bewildered.
Alex had long skipped off to another victim.
                      *  *  *  *
(I kip reminding myself this isn't a novel...lol!av got to cut d crap!!)
With all d nervousness and feelings of uncertainty, the lunch 'date' (or so I thought) went well.
We became fast friends,got to know we had lots in common...we talked on phone any chance we get(anytime there's airtime on my phone actually),
My hopes rising...
Alas! There might b a way here
"We need to talk" I finally mustered courage to send d text after several 'sleepless' nights of weighing d outcomes.
She gullibly came to my house without hesitation(the height of being friend-zoned) we watched a movie and had a spag. food fight(no thanks to my playfulness)
In d course of it,I happened to find my face inches from hers(d moment av bin waiting for!)...I planted a kiss on her lips,simultaneously my hands went to her boobs, I tot bewildered,buh I dint mind. If I hadn't been so into it I would av noticed she was drawing back.
"Jeez!" She exclaimed and stood up in a rush.
I just kept staring at my feet like they were a set of fascinating mermaid feet.
"Sowi...but,am not..."
"OMG...I thought...'D luv u too' and d 'miss u' and all that meant something" I retorted and covered my face.she sat down and looked apologetic
"I didn't mean to mislead u,sorry...but,am not interested in girls,...I mean am not a les..."
"Its ok" I cut her off.I hate to hear d word,just den she placed her palm on my shoulder...oh no.....it was a tap on my shoulder!
"na last bus stop be this o, make una get down"
I quickly squeezed my purse in my bag, collected my mag as she muttered a thank you and then got down from d bus.

Written by: Priscilla Oyinlola.

                                        XoXo...... <3
                                        Debby.....

My Sister's Vacation

It's 5o'clock already, time waits long enough for anyone who would use it. I looked out of the window; the grasses outside are browner, I guess it’s not being raining around here. All the same it’s good to be back. Only spent 4months away, I don’t think have ever stayed that long away from home… I think this is the best time to put on the radio. I have missed my favorite radio station, couldn’t even listen to them online *kiss kiss*. I kept nodding my head enjoying the music coming from the mp3 player and then staring out to check for changes over time.

‘You are just too jealous, and I don’t think I can keep up with a girl like you’ those were the words coming out of Jake’s mouth. I think I said I am going to have a splendid holiday ‘not again!’ i said loudly, my face was etched with sadness. I picked up my phone in an attempt to call him, but what am I going to say to him? I’d rather call Melanie…’the number you are trying to call is not available, you can…’ didn’t waste time in ending the call; am not in to listen to any of your suggestions. I tried so hard to hide the tears, suddenly my driver asked me ‘what is wrong with you?’ Have you been crying? I answered immediately ‘I miss home’ with a smile I forced out of my not so friendly face.

He chugged into the compound. ‘My house didn’t change a bit!’  I said to myself as I got down from the car 'Musa has grown fat o'.  : D he rushed down to the car to help with my luggages ‘small madam is now phiner’ I smiled as I walked towards the door. Where is everybody? Scuttled pass the waiting room into the sitting room… ‘Surprise!!!!’ they all shouted. Wow!!! With smiles on my face; I walked pass the balloons to go give my mom a huge hug first!, I know my eldest sister is behind all this… then I took time to notice the rest of the family, my dad…my sister and her baby…my cousins… and my sister!!! ‘I thought they said you won’t be coming to Nigeria until next month?’ I guess it’s all for the surprise, I blushed so hard; I felt it down my stomach. Family love!!!! :D. Hugs, kisses, jests, I was giddy with excitement. I didn’t waste time in walking to the dining table to see what momma has prepared for me! Good food!!!! as I rushed to take my sit, just before I could take a spoonful of coconut rice & shrimps my father shouted ‘Let’s pray’.

It’s just 4hours journey from school and it’s as if I spent the whole day on the road, oops! Telemi would be spending the night with her baby; my nephew has grown bigger I smiled to him from afar while he giggled. I finished everything on my plate, stood up, rushed upstairs to my sister.  ‘Have missed you! What did you get for me from London? :D’ I didn’t waste time in jumping on her mattress; ‘coco mademoiselle-Chanel’ am going to steal your perfume. I said that aloud, she gave that her contagious laugh while she stretched forth her hands to give me my goody bag! She’s being around for 12 days now. I just pray she hasn’t given all the good things away, I trust her though as I unpack And here is it; miss Cherie-Dior, just my type, a black cooperate gown! Now I can give the old one away, 2 H &M blouses just the colours I needed green and blue. A river-island wristwatch, ‘hehe! My sister must be rich o ‘just then she threw me a Romper, Romper??? Momma is never gonna allow me wear this! Then she started suggesting I match it up with a pop socks! Well i should be doing a split right now,I gave her a hug... and then enjoyed the rest of the evening with her, Telemi and my nephew, Caleb. Have missed watching TV.

“I’m sorry it’s just my infidelity that gave you reasons to be insecured and restless… now I think I know how much you mean to me I want you back.” Ha! that sounded like what I wanted to hear,I said ‘I want you back too’ as I moved closer to have that passionate long hug have being dying for, I felt something hit my head, then I fainted; yeah! I fainted and woke up to life… then I saw my immediate sister right on top of me, she probably jumped on me.what!!! I felt like beating her up, she just stopped my dream… I stood up angry, went into the bathroom! Crying ‘Tayo, just stopped my dream'. comforting myself for some minutes while Staring at my Zits through the mirror. I went back into my room sulking, she couldn’t stop laughing, so contagious that I had to join in. 

She probably wrote down a list of what we are going to be doing today; ‘c’mon Tayo! I just got back from school I need rest, am not going out ‘She was gutted by my response and she walked out of the room. I picked up my phone tried calling Jake, yawns at his caller’s tune which I repeatedly asked

him to change. After my 2^nd attempt I dropped my phone to think, ‘why did I just call him? Why should I keep sulking over someone that doesn’t want me? Ok, he’s probably doing well without me, so? I rushed out of my bed went to her room… Barged in and shouted ‘so where are we going??! :D ‘She screamed my name with excitement! My sister is just so dramatic!!!

‘It’s summer!!!’ She said from behind. ‘And so?’ I answered with sparing interest. I knew where she was headed she said with all excitement ‘wear your rompers’ I laughed so hard ‘c’mon you talking as if you’ve being away from home for over 5years, you know quite well mom won’t let me wear that out of this house’ we were meant to go see some of her girlfriends at d mall; I picked one of my skater skirts, a  very nice chiffon top and a flat, rushed into the Bathroom, 30 minutes passed and we were set, my sister was looking gorgeous as usual, I call her a ‘fashionista’ ok, she’s just so good with whatever she wears. This time she was wearing a free flowing printed gown, far above the knee, like mini length a pair of yellow sandals and a neutral envelope bag, lets not talk about her other accessories.She’s looking more casual than I am, but hotter. *winks* 

We got downstairs only to be disappointed, mom just left with the driver, there is nobody to take us to the mall,we didn't waste time as we started thinking of how to get there, OK here is the car and the key, who will drive? Tayo doesn’t have a driving license here so she can’t drive, and I am so scared, haven’t driven that far before, being an He-girl  she collected the key from me and then drove out of the compound. Ok! It’s just 45minutes away from home; we both don’t know our way down there but we would surely get there as I led the mission like James bond. Just then, my dad called to ask where we both are? We didn’t even have breakfast, we told him we went to get something quickly and that we are sorry we didn’t leave a note.

Yah! We at mall now; we got food to eat first, couldn’t shop,my sister bought me enough stuffs for me to desert shopping for 2 months,*winks* but that doesn’t mean I can’t window shop. While chilling for her dates to come, we went round the mall, my sister kept shouting ‘it’s just too expensive I got something similar to this one for just £8.50 and this bracelet? Just £5 at Topshop’ shush! It’s enough now, we’ve seen you. Few minutes later, her friends came around; 5 of them where are they from? Gosh! ok it’s a Saturday so they didn’t go to work I guess, one of them is even married and pregnant, since when has my sister being planning this gossip meeting with her girlfriends, because seriously they gossiped all the way while I just felt like an outcast!. Ok, maybe their camera woman, because I had to snap them. Noticed people moving in and out of the mall; ‘are this not people on jumpsuits and shorts, didn’t their parents see them before leaving the house?’ I took my time in noticing dress sense and styles ‘omo, people dey wear clothe o’ tried chatting a little on my phone, boring contacts… took a walk around the mall, looking for random stuffs that would catch my attention ‘wont I showcase my dress?’ while walking back, towards my sister, i met an old friend of mine, shalom! We had a long convo; talked a lot about our high school, although we weren’t close back then, but I guess she was patiently waiting for someone too as she had to leave after receiving a call.

 It’s enough! it’s getting late already; she said bye planned another meeting before she leaves for London… what? On our way home, thinking… I didn’t even make any new friend, was I looking my worst, no boy even said ‘hi’ nawa o!  ‘ Tiwa! nibo ni ama yasi’ (Tiwa where are we headed?),Tayo questioned; confused myself I told her 'I don’t know', I guess we came through this road why is it difficult going back? Just as we were about linking the express after so much roaming and murmuring. we got stopped by who? The traffic Officials. What? Before I could think, they got into our car, and then led us to their nearest station. Just before we entered their compound, they tried bargaining a price but we didn’t give in.

‘Now Mr officer what’s our offence?’ He later confronted us with silly excuses, we weren’t meant to make a U-turn where we did it. ‘what, Just that?’ she shouted as I tried to calm her down!, ‘offense number2. the driver wasn’t in possession of her driving license’ which we later covered up by saying she dropped it at home, I was the one driving not until I started feeling dizzy and she had to take over the steering so as to avoid an accident. Hmm maybe they believed that after I showed them my driving license too. Spent several hours with them in the office; Asking us for 50 thousand naira which we seldom have, we both were ‘brokeasses'. ‘We could just leave it and runaway, its Toyota Camry 2008 model, dad would get another one’ Tayo said jokingly. After begging one of the officers with 10,000 ‘thank God this case hasn’t gone pass this corner’ he said, as he requested for my sister’s number while he collected the money stylishly put it inside his pocket.

My sister! so stressed out, started the car hissed and said ‘Ha! Tiwa we r in trouble its 6oclock already’ she drove out of the compound got on the major road and started playing her favorite jam!, dancing and removing her hands from the steering like her day was perfect, well she did enjoyed her day. Ok, maybe the devil just sent those people to us so they can spoil MY already bad day, Tchewww! I shouted, ‘abeg carry me reach house safe and sound o’ still angry with all she made me go through. Then she laughed and said ‘ officer yen ma mo n fine girl,ode!’ we both laughed while we started writing our script for our defense back home.

Written by: Debby Oni.

                                XoXo...... <3....
                                   Debby....

OuR VoIcE...

I'd take a trip down memory lane..ouch..what a bumpy ride down here.uhmn..
Maybe a little bit smooth here...All have done s couple of things yeah.
I can't believe I thought this was a nice ensemble
Yeah..I was right...this guy's cute...no no...no more ride...what's it about the "he's"
I really don't know their use..isit for company? Or as they Claim..for love!! But seriously, what's love when it hurts, when it's not attentive..when it's so judgmental and yes sometimes insultive.. 
All of you single and my age dunno what you are enjoying..LOL..you think having a boyfriend is cute, cool or the new cool? Just chill till it starts to crumble and someone else is involved..and that someone else just wouldn't leave..i'd spare you the details. It's a personal "something"..LOL
I wonder why we attach too much importance to being in a relationship..there are better things to focus on..SCHOOL,FAMILY,FRIENDS,RELIGION...well planning your entire life...learning how to be totaly independent. OK! I don't write often except I have something on my mind.it's wrong right? Dherby told me to find a hobby... I'm trying to do *winks*
Making decisions can be really mind blowing, scary, disturbing...most times you have to brain storm, dig deep into your heart..you find yourself bothered..too bothered..
Decisions can be risky..but..life's all about risks..your first step was a risk...going to bed is a risk..starting up your day is a risk..everyday is a risk...you are never sure what's gonna happen next..
What you decide to do might not always turn out good..but just make a choice..think about yourself first...think about inner peace..you deserve to be happy..and if you eventually make that choice and it doesn't favour you...don't be bothered...remember MURPHY's LAW....(whatever is meant to go wrong, would go wrong)

Most of you spend your time worrying bout what you want, what should have been, what's gonna happen...have you you taken your time to examine what you've got? Like seriously...you want a most expensive phones...but you have one..that connects you to the internet And some social networks..24/7...some people can't afford anything...
You wasted that meal...cos you want something fancy...why did you get it initially...people are starving around the world...
You want a first class degree...There's nothing bad in achieving...why don't you work towards it and stop sulking over your bad grades..
You like that person that doesn't think you exist....my dear..move on..someone is gonna love you even more...it's just normal...
Your day didn't go too well?...but you're alive yeah...life= hope..tomorrow would be better...
Your life isn't going as planned...make the best of every situation..no matter what you are going through...someone somewhere is going through worse...
One more thing, when life throws you lemons...you know the rest...(and if you don't)...make lemonade...
I hope Dherby does some good editing :D... #peace

Credit: Halimah Odukoya.

                                

                                   XoXo.... <3

                                    Debby....

Spontaneous!

“I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid To take a stand, to take a stand, Everybody, Come take my hand, come take my hand” well if am really not afraid I won’t be singing that song by Eminem, I’d rather shut up and find courage to get into that building.. yah!! I sneaked in, I sneaked to my seat removed ma stiletto, disorganised my table and relaxed on my chair without anyone looking. just as I was about feeling like a ‘superwoman’ my boss yelled from the back “and where have u being miss?” I knew that was for me, but I had to pick up a file in pretence. she repeated herself, I was left with no choice, but to give that speech I took time in writing and editing in my head, with d calmest voice I could find, I tried explaining my ordeal, and sweet Jesus! I noticed she wasn’t referring to me… she was actually talking to her secretary… how amazing, she didn’t even notice I wasn’t around. Feeling like a boss, I walked down to d kitchen to get a cup of coffee. ;)   

After working several hours looking at d system and typing profusely, it’s the end of the month report. I remembered I can’t find my purse, was very hungry wanted lunch, as I was unable to eat breakfast. Got up, walked pass Joseph's table suspiciously and here is it, got #500 after fighting him so hard for his own money.Walked down the street to my favorite eating spot “those calabar people tho” I ordered my food  sat to be served. Just while waiting for my food… I noticed some cute guys, by my right hand table probably bankers too having there meal. With my left eye, I did my observation and analysis  ;) gave the four of them names according to what they were wearing. the light dude with dark shades? nothing to write home about :(  The one on pink looks really nice and friendly though. I got a plate of the regular Nigerian white rice with ‘dodo’ and some piece of meat. Didn’t waste much time as I gently pounced on my food, cleaning my mouth often just to make sure  am not messed up, they had their food, paid their bills. They left, just like that ?. Was a little happy cos now I can pounce on my ‘ponmo’, saddened when it dawned on me that am gonna be paying for my food. “I think I am looking my worst today” said to myself. Decided to scroll through the pictures on my blackberry phone to kill boredom, I seriously need to change this phone. Just as I was pulling my ‘ponmo’ with my hand. I sighted the 'pink guy' by the door staring at me with his iPhone probably 5s,maybe it looks like 6, its not being released though :p .. walking towards me I felt ‘shit! Bad timing’ he smiled and said ‘hello’my face was etched with embarrassment but ‘wetin man go do’ dropping my then priority to attend to the gentleman, looking closely he was wearing a H &M shirt and a Zara brown pair of trousers, didn’t have much time to look at his shoes… but he’s got a royal blue tie on and he’s got taste. We had a short and matured conversation *cool* we exchanged numbers and said bye. I taught they said guys who wear pink shirts are gay? Well… I looked at the time and its pass my break period… paid for my food and then rushed down to the office to finish my work.

Couldn’t just wait for it to be 6. Its Friday and the road is going to be very busy. I scuttled down to the bus station, mehn!  Where are this entire people from? :O still on the verge of not spending the  money I have, I tried to hitch a ride, who knows.. It’s a straight road for everyone. just as I was looking away  in my 9^th attempt, A Toyota highlander 2008 model stopped in front of me, thinking ‘ha! God sent' i moved close in attempt to talk to the owner of the car who was trying to open the door, then I heard ‘excuse me!’ from behind me, took a step to d side, turned backward and den looked at d victim like a bouncer.. Saw dis cute woman with a baby, she said “excuse ME” ones again, confused I moved away from d door knob! Damn! What have I done? Probably she’s d man’s wife and that’s their son, I can read her mind, I know what she’s thinking, she probably thinks am one of dose girls *sad* well am not am responsible and have got a decent job too,maybe...

Before causing another trouble elsewhere, I’d probably get ma money out of my bag… added d remains from joseph’s #500 to Sheila’s #200 and here Is it, have got stingy colleagues I said to myself I 'gats' go hustle for bus. Several minutes passed watching episodes of dramas portrayed by Lagosians,on one spot laughing alone like a lunatic.

Just as I was about getting tired of chasing after buses, a Camry packed right in front of me with the occupant asking me 2 get in, I felt “omo se no be gbomo gbomo things sha”  looked closely, discovered it was 'Chael' the pink shirt guy, is this his route? I wondered while I tried opening the door,  he was with one of his friends, and they seem so nice… probably they could be taking me home every day, later got to know this is not there route, saddening. My journey back home was quite an experience, has I only talk when am being called, this aint my father’s car shouldn’t be all relaxed like he fathers my kids. I got down from d car, waved while he promised to give me a call. Didn’t waste time in getting a bike to my doorstep…PHCN has done t again, I knew it from d moment I got down from dat car. I was looking for my key in the dark, when i heard a footstep by my terrace, I was startled ‘shouted who is there?’ got no reply, I immediately opened my door, ran into my apartment and bolted the door… I put on my lamp and sat down trying 2 get myself back together, wondering if there is anyone in this compound…just then I heard our brother from the other room praying at his loudest, he probably must be putting an end to his 3days fasting :D, now I can relax… didn’t waste time in resting my head on the pillow.While I released myself to dreamland...

written by: Debby Oni

                                                                     XoXo... <3
                                                                      Debby....