EPISODE FOURTY ONE
Theme: I am sorry
Arike’s POV
“Mom meet Mr Bamidele and his son, Adebanjo.” Iteoluwa introduced
And it was kind of funny because of the way she pronounced their names due to her New York accent. I would have laughed but it wasn’t a good time to joke. All I did was stare at the man standing in front of me.
“Arike...” he called out.
“Do you know my mom?” Iteoluwa asked.
“Yes..Yes..” he closed the gap between us.
“Mom is that true?” She asked.
My voice failed me as I stared dumbfounded. “Oh my God! Arike it is you.” Bamidele exclaimed.
I didn’t think Bamidele was going to be this happy seeing me. I thought he was going to pretend to not know me being that we didn’t end up together the way he had wanted things to go between us.
EPISODE FORTY TWOTheme: My Old friendArike’s POVI came out of the mall to find Iteoluwa conversing with Bamidele and as I watched from afar it seemed like Iteoluwa had known him for a long time the way she was in a deep conversation with him.I walked up to them. “We can go now.” I said.“Mom, where did you go?” She asked.“I just went to say thank you to the man who helped me find you.” I answered.“Okay..it is good to always say thank you anytime someone helps you.” She stated what I have always told her.I reached out to take the nylons but Bamidele gestured to me to carry Banjo from his shoulders and we started off towards the mall exit.“Your daughter said you didn’t come with a car, so I am going to drop you off at your place.” Bamidele said.
EPISODE FORTY FOURTheme: Now or NeverArike’s POVI heaved a sigh of relief when the doll stopped singing. I tried taking the doll from her as Iteoluwa as she lay on the bed, holding the singing doll to her chest but she grumbled in her sleep and held on to the doll. Then I just let her be and covered her and the doll with a duvet.My gaze flickered to the wall clock, the time was 11:35pm, I should be asleep right now because we have a lot to do tomorrow but I wasn’t feeling sleepy and at the same time I was bored.I stared into space as I got lost in thought. My mind reminisce on the coincidental meeting with Bamidele at the mall. I never expected him to be the first person as an old friend that I would see during my stay in Nigeria.Who was I expecting to bump into? Adedayo. It seemed like everyone
EPISODE FORTY FIVETheme: The story of usArike’s POVIteoluwa would be really disturbed and shocked if we bump into Adedayo without her knowing the truth and my reasons for not making her meet her father before now.I sighed. “Iteoluwa-“ I called out her name in a tight whisper.“Yes mom.” She looked up at me.Then I remembered the day my mom had me in her arms this way, telling me about how she had me without any support from the man who fathered me. And it felt like I was looking at my younger self.“Mommy-“ her tiny voice jolted me out of thought.“Yes..” I mumbled.“What do you want to say?” She asked.I repositioned her head to rest on my chest. “Iteoluwa, do you remember the day you asked me about my dreams?” I asked.“Yes mom..when teacher Brianna asked us to talk abo
EPISODE FORTY SIXTheme: A failed marriageArike’s POVIteoluwa was a cheerful child and so full of life. And she was always silent like this only when she was badly hurt. I love her more than anything in the world and I would do everything in my power to make up for the fact that I didn’t let her meet her father when and I always thought I had done a great job of fulfilling both roles of a father and mother in her life.The knowledge of knowing her father was near but couldn’t meet him must be hurting her right now. She was just a child, close to five year old, and definitely she had missed having a father around.But Iteoluwa was trying to act mature and smarter than her age by trying to hide her pain just to protect me. She could tell that I wasn’t ready to meet her dad so she didn’t pressure me about it so I wouldn’t get hurt.My ch
EPISODE FORTY SEVENTheme: Domestic violenceArike’s POVI rushed to the room to find my phone and it was there laying on the bed side drawer. I walked out of the room so as to not disturb Iteoluwa with a scream in case I find a shocking news I can’t hold internally.I settled on the couch and switched on my data. I thought about Instagram but I failed at logging in because I don’t remember my log in details and so I swiped to google.I clicked the search engine and typed ‘Awosika Adedayo’ the results showed different names from LinkedIn. I erased it and typed ‘Nollywood actress Shalewa’ and her information popped out immediately.I scrolled down and my gaze flickered at a news headline. “Awosika Adedayo allegedly charged for domestic violence and assault.”My jaw dropped completely and tears welled up in my eyes at the
EPISODE FORTY EIGHTTheme: The ArrestArike’s POVI couldn’t bear to close my eyes after finding out about what was happening to Adedayo. And when I managed to take a nap around 3:00am, I was already up by 5:00am again as I was really finding it hard to sleep because I couldn’t get my mind off Adedayo’s case. The fact that he was suffering this much bothered me a lot.At exactly 6:34am, I was already fully dressed up to leave home and I impatiently waited for the break of the day. I paced to and fro in the living room, wishing I could fasten the hands of time but It was only a wish that would never come true so I am left with no choice but to wait.“You need to calm down.” Busayomi said.“I can’t calm down..” I paced.“I have some pil
EPISODE FORTY NINETheme: The psychologist driverArike’s POV“Dayo has refused to talk to anyone even his lawyer. His silence is beginning to stir an uproar that he is really guilty of the crimes.” He said.“Close to four count charges..” I repeated.“It might be more..”“What is the..sentence for..the ones charged against him?” I asked shakily.“Maybe a life sentence or serving his jail terms for each count charge against him.” Bamidele replied.“No..no..Adedayo can’t go to jail. We have to do something, Bamidele.” My voice pleaded.“Arike, calm down..there is nothing I can do because I am not his lawyer.” Bamidele said.“Bamidele..can I ask you to take up his case? Even if he is guilty, there must be a reason..please you have to help me.” I pleaded tearfully.“Arike, I am not sure Adedayo would want me to d
PISODE FIFTYTheme: The brutal police stationArike’s POVWhen we arrived at Idiagbon police station, there were some representatives from media houses which would make it hard for us to push our way through. Everyone was interested in the case simply because Adedayo Awosika was a wealthy businessman while Shalewa was a popular famous actress.“Omo! All these busy bodies are here again, they don’t get tired of feeding citizens with false news..look at them.” The uber driver scoffed.A man I suspected to be the Assistant Commissioner of Police was talking to the representatives from media houses as they questioned him.I should wait for Bamidele’s arrival, it would be easier to get in with his influences.“Sir do you mind me waiting in your car till my friend comes around? I will pay you an extra fee for waiting.”“Madam that
HER BABY’S SECRETFINAL EPILOGUE (2)Arike’s POV“Mommy..you haven’t told me who we are seeing today?” Iteoluwa jumped by my side as we made our way toward Dayo’s apartment.“Iteoluwa, I told you that we are meeting someone special to us.” I answered.“Perhaps is it grandma? She promised to attend big mommy’s wedding.” She said.Iteoluwa refused to let me help her up the staircase. My child has really changed ever since Busayomi made her realize the essence of having a mother. She was starting to do things herself without needing much of my help.We were meeting her father but I didn’t mention it to her. Busayomi had suggested that it would be fun to surprise her.“Mom..is this the place where they sell ice cream?” She asked.Iteoluwa was really anxious to know.“Baby..you
HER BABY’S SECRETEPILOGUE (1)Arike’s POVMrs Moyosoreoluwa and I walked out of the courtroom. I met Dayo exchanging a handshake with Bamidele and then he moved on to barrister prosper. No doubt, Adedayo must have made up his mind to forgive Bamidele for what he did to him in the past. And I was glad to see them reconciling after all these years.Adedayo’s eyes met mine and he flashed me a smile that was filled with happiness and endearment. Slowly he started towards me while I walked at a close run and threw my hands around him for an embrace.“Arike...” he embraced me tightly.Tears streamed down my cheeks as we stayed hugging for several seconds before Adedayo pulled away from me. He had tears in his eyes when I looked up at him.“Adedayo...” my hand shot out to his face.“Please don’t cry...” we
FINAL EPISODE SEVENTY THREETheme: A disguised sponsor Arike’s POV“Arike...” a familiar feminine voice called my name.I turned to see Mrs Moyosoreoluwa there in the court room.“I thought you didn’t attend until I saw you when I was about to leave with my family.” She folded her arms.I just nodded my head. “Where is Dayo?” I asked.“He is reconciling with barrister Bamidele, settling issues from the past.” She answered.“Alright..well I have been thinking -“ she interrupted me.“How I found out about your daughter.” She completed my intended statement.“Yes.” I said.She walked closer to me. “How did you find out about my child?” I asked.“I think about two years ago.” Mrs Moyosoreoluwa answered.My head s
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: Victory at last Arike’s POV •••15 MINUTES LATER•••“All rise the court is now in session.” The bailiff announced.The judge entered the courtroom and sat at the bench and then she told everyone to be seated.She called out the counsels to give their closing statements. The prosecuting counsel pointed out that justice be served for his client while the defense attorney pleaded not guilty and asked the judge for a fair verdict for his client.The female judge cleared her throat. “In all things, justice must be served. I have the statements of the counsels and I have also looked into the evidences presented by the defense counsel. And this is my verdict.” The judge paused and the whole courtroom was silent.She cleared her throat and spoke up after som
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTY ONETheme: The only witness Arike’s POVA loud gasp was heard in the court from the spectators and even the prosecuting attorney was speechless. I was sure that Shalewa would be shocked to find out that I had recorded our conversation that day.“It is clear that Mrs Shalewa framed her husband just to enact revenge on him and she doesn’t feel remorseful about her deeds. My lord, with your permission I shall now call a witness to confirm the facts of text messages and test results. I call Doctor Nelson.” Bamidele said.“Doctor Nelson!” The court bailiff called out.Doctor Nelson stood up from where he was seated and went to the witness box. The court bailiff came to the front of the box.“What’s your religion?” He asked.“Christianity.” Doctor Nelson replied.The bailiff handed him a Bible and Doctor Nelson took it in his right hand.“Please rep
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTYTheme: Court in session Arike’s POVFinally the day to prove Adedayo’s innocence was here. We all hoped and believed that he would be acquitted and declared not guilty.I left home as early as 7:00am with the plan of meeting Bamidele and barrister Prosper at the law firm but I was delayed by a stand still traffic.Bamidele and Barrister Prosper had successfully processed Dayo’s bail yesterday and I was told that Mrs Moyosoreoluwa was around at the station to bring Adedayo to her home.I didn’t get a chance to talk to Adedayo yesterday because I was nervous and a bit scared. I was also bothered if Mrs Moyosoreoluwa already told Adedayo about my child.I arrived late at the court. The Lagos State Judicary High Court was full of reporters and spectators attracted by the sensational nature of this case. I managed to get into the courtroom and found an empty space at
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: He just wants to be free Arike’s POVAfter Bamidele disconnected the call, I sat down on the bed slowly and reached out to wipe my face clean from tears.“Hey..what’s up?” Busayomi asked.“They can now process Dayo’s bail.” I answered with tears threatening to spill again.“Ah! Thank God! He will put our enemies to shame over this case!” She danced around.I just let the tears flow when I couldn’t control it and a feeling of relief washed over me.“Dayo would be free to go home.” Those words echoed on my mind.I was excited that we were getting close to rounding off this case. Tomorrow would be the day everything would end.If Shalewa believe that she has everything to fight Adedayo in court and the law was in her side, I am sure she would be terrified now. She doesn&rsq
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY EIGHTTheme: Who gave out the recording? Arike’s POVThe handful of comments by the viewers on Instablog naija still got me thinking if it was right for Moyosoreoluwa to have posted the recording online. A strong evidence we wanted to use to fight Shalewa in court and I also pondered on how she got the recording.“Omo..Arike..see comments we can’t even read it. Jesus! This reactions are hot! I need to visit Shalewa’s page..that stupid sly. Arike, this is what I suggested to you the other day. I said leak the recording online and let everybody know the true criminal but you decided to do things in a lawful way. Omo! I love Mrs Moyosoreoluwa...no dulling.” She scrolled up and down her phone.“This stupid woman didn’t post any video! Why can’t she come out now and make another video to counter Mrs Moyosoreoluwa’s video!” She hissed out loudly.
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY SEVENTheme: Viral Video Arike’s POVThe video stopped playing and I couldn’t help but exchanged glances with Busayomi. There was a picture of Dayo, Shalewa and Jamal pasted in the video too.“Oh...this stupid network has started nonsense now.” Busayomi complained.Some seconds later the video resumed playing.“Everybody is blaming Adedayo for a crime he didn’t commit. My brother has never raised his hands to hit any woman before and everything Shalewa Oriola told the police were all lies. We will be in court in two days time but before that I want to reveal the truth because I don’t trust our country’s judicial system. As it is now Shalewa is ready to do anything to send my brother to jail for some family related reasons which I am going to tell you now. I am sure you watching this video must know act