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2021-08-15 00:55:56Flashback to how it all started.
As a kid, O'Connell was one shy boy, who because of being overweight, chose to be antisocial. He knew he could never blend in because kids always laughed at him, and called him fat and ugly. To the extent of bullying him. He had pale skin, and was round and thick. With thighs like that of woman.
He lived with his maternal Grandpa, Adesina Ayodeji, and Tosin Ayodeji who was his uncle, and seven years ahead of him.
O'Connell lived with them in Nigeria because his mom, who had given birth to him at a very tender age, was studying medicine, a seven years course at the University. And his dad, well his mom's fiance, was in Brazil, running his family business.
O'Connell's mom had a one night stand, with some stranger in Ireland, when she went visiting , and had no idea she was pregnant until she came back to Nigeria.
So, O'Connell lived with his Grandpa and uncle. With his mom coming from time to time
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O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 7.
O'Connell watched Jeremy through his window, as he rode on his bicycle with his acquaintances. Waiting for the perfect moment to throw down the letter he had wrote, and had crumpled into a paper ball.He had been fantasizing about doing this for a very long time. Ever since few days ago, when he almost slipped and fell into dirt, and Jeremy had caught hold of him and helped him up.O'Connell had finally summoned up the courage to write him about how he felt about him. To him, Jeremy was the most good looking boy he had ever seen. He was so neat and calm in class. Something which had made him develope feelings for him even more. Plus he was nice, caring, had good manners with good grades at school.O'Connell had asked Marguerite once, when she had come visiting, if it was normal to like his own fellow boy. And she replied, saying it was very normal. It was until the boy told her he was inlove with a boy in his class, that she went haywire. Then began yellin
Last Updated : 2021-08-15O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 8.
The third time Jeremy had helped O'Connell again, was when they were both six years old. And O'Connell was trying to sing in front of the whole class, because students were to sing during music class.Other kids had sang when it was their turn, and were rewarded with a round of applause by the rest of the kids. And O'Connell was waiting impatiently for his turn. With anticipation kicking right through him, that he was going to sing in front of the whole class. And maybe when they listen to him as he sing with his voice, which he thought was amazing, then they would bully him less.O'Connell was feeling so giddy on the inside. Almost bouncing on his seat, from excitement. Finally feeling that, that day would be a good day to him. And maybe he could talk finally talk to Jeremy. And play with him on the play ground as well. Because he could still remember Jeremy's act of kindness towards him. How Jeremy had offered him his own milk, when he, O'Connell was crying over his
Last Updated : 2021-08-15O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 9.
O'Connell recalled all that just happened. It was music class, and it was his turn to sing. He had even worn his best outfit to school on that day, and had tried to aww the class, because his uncle and grandpa had pointed out that he had a very nice voice for singing. They had really complimented his outfit that morning, telling him how handsome he was. And he had believed them. Only to arrive at school, at get laughed at by his classmates. Worse, his voice was being mocked, and he was being thrown food, by these classmates. Something his teacher couldn't put to stop. Rather she let it all happened to him. Despite it was really wrong. And he wasn't supposed to be treated like that.The world was cruel. O'Connell thought.Because he had wanted to fit in, wanted to be liked by all. But he had made a big fool of himself, by assuming he was going to get praised for singing perfectly. Because he got laughed at. Insulted, pointed fingers and moc
Last Updated : 2021-08-15O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 10.
There was a continuous sound on O'Connell's window, as if someone was throwing a gravel to hit it. He wondered if it was a dream, or it was just that he was hearing things. But then, the sound was non-stop.He flicked his eyes opened lazily, and then stared at the clock hung on the wall. It wasn't even evening yet, and he had closed his eyes to nap after contemplating if he had done the wrong thing by writing a love letter to his own gender. When he was only nine. He wondered how his parents would feel if they could by any means, find out that he wrote a letter to a boy. Their neighbor's first son.Worst, him developing feelings for a the boy.O'Connell would get scold, he knew. And told that he was too young. And not supposed to like someone from his own gender, but a girl. His mom would caution him, because he was the only child, spank him, and then pray over the situation. Marguerite could be very religious most times.
Last Updated : 2021-08-16O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 11.
Age 15O'Connell merged into the crowd of students who were heading to their supposed classes, his backpack slung over his shoulder, as he offered smiles to anyone who was looking at him and began advancing towards his locker. Feeling good to be at school again, after the long vacation of three months. He had a feeling that school was going to be great.It was the first day of his senior year. And his last year of school. O'Connell could feel his smile huge on his face. Because he would move out of Lagos, so he could start his dream tertiary institute. He couldn't wait to get over with senior year already. But Maths was giving him a hard time. He hoped he could get a C in the West African Examination Council, so he could get to go to his dream institution. Despite being taught countless of times, and having his dad get him a private Maths tutor, O'Connell was still so bad at it. It was just like, he was born to suck at Maths. And he
Last Updated : 2021-08-16O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 12.
Jeremy was very young at that time. And didn't know what to do. Couldn't make decisions for himself. All he did at that time was to please his parents and friends. He didn't want people to know that he was gay, interested in boys. He didn't know that it wasn't a wrong thing to follow one's heart, and not please people. He thought he was doing himself good, by pleasing everyone at that time. Little did he know he was going to regret his actions someday. Was going to wish he could turn back the hands of time, and undo alot of things. Take back the words he had said.Jeremy could still remember that day, how he had made the boy cry. Though he felt bad over it, but thought it was the right thing he was doing. He felt his friends would be proud, and he laugh when he told them about how he had rejected O'Connell's love, after reading the letter he had wrote him. Because O'Connell was very fat, and put on weird clothings. Plus no one liked him, it was just pity h
Last Updated : 2021-08-16O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 13.
O'Connell decided to let these thoughts slide, because he knew the bell for first period would be rang to notify the students to hurry into their classes.He returned his eyes back to Jeremy, just in time to see Jeremy staring at him intensively. Even pleading with his eyes. Jeremy looked so sorry to him that he almost pitied him right at that moment.O'Connell flirted a little with a girl that came to talk to him, by letting her play with his tie. He did this, because he wanted Jeremy to think he was interested in girls. Because the same Jeremy had mocked him for being gay.O'Connell swallowed back laughter, when the girl pressed a kiss to his cheek. Though he had mastered the art of flirting with girls, even knew when to feign emotions, but that didn't mean he was interested in them. He had tried to be close to them, to see if they could attract him, and maybe, just maybe he wasn't gay. But it didn't work.
Last Updated : 2021-08-17O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 14.
O'Connell on the other hand was extremely uncomfortable, he acted bold and smart, but with Jeremy behind his back, he couldn't think straight. He still had a crush on Jeremy, despite how Jeremy had hurt him. But he knew there was no way, he was going to have anything to do with him. Jeremy was the boy who had rejected him. And having been he hadn't moved out to change, nothing would have changed. He would have been the fat, ugly, unloved boy who no one wanted. The boy who got rejected by him. O'Connell knew all of these, that was why he chose to leave.Staying with his mom wasn't easy for him. Marguerite was somewhat strict. Unlike his uncle Tosin and grandpa. O'Connell had to watch his weight, by eating less food. Something which was just twice in a day. In the morning, and evening. At first it was hard to stick to this new rule, he had wanted to burst into tears because he was finding it difficult to adapt to this new rule. But the looks he had received at his new sch
Last Updated : 2021-08-17
Latest chapter
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) Epilogue
Three months later.It was 10pm in the night, and I was heading home from work, hoping my roommate Bentley had already ordered some take out meal, when a car drove out of nowhere, just to obstruct me from getting to my apartment which was just two blocks away.It was quite odd that someone would do this. Maybe it was Penelope O'Sullivan who had sent someone to come abduct me, so she could torture me to her satisfaction.Or maybe not. Because I decided to cut off from my sexual relationship with Scott. I did it because I was already fed up. We were using ourselves just for pleasure. And maybe I wanted someone to genuinely care for me, and be mine alone.I tucked my hands inside my pocket, as I waited for the person to come out of the car.And right at that moment, someone hopped out of the car.He was as tall as I was, and had a huge trained physique. But I couldn't see his face properly, since it he chose to stand at
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 43.
Present.On the day of my mom's funeral was when I got to meet with Raymond and my siblings again, after eight good years of not seeing them.I had taken a flight from Ireland to Nigeria, and landed right in Lagos. Then I took a bolt and headed straight to my mother's house.Although it had been a long long while, but I still knew the roads to Raymond's home.Things were more advanced in Lagos, and I knew that I missed being in Lagos, because I grew up and had all of my childhood memories there.My three siblings were looking all grown, and the two older siblings had crashed into me with a bond crushing hug, despite they were still morning Mom. While the youngest just stood back and watched, with a sad facial expression on. He wasn't really familiar with me, because I had left when he was barely a year old.Grandpa and Uncle Tosin were really glad to see me. And it was sad that grandpa was aging really fast. He was now sevent
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 42.
Age 22Sweat dripped down O'Connell's face, down to his neck and his under arms, as he rapidly bounced the ball thrice and dribbled pass his opponents aggressively.Another opponent from his right made to take the ball, but he quickly did an ankle breaker crossover to his left. Where his teammate was and made to pass the ball to him. But O'Connell decide against it, because he felt the boy damn sluggish and less calculating so he changed his mind and dribbled down the court, with his heart thumping loudly in his chest.When he was quite close to the opponents net, he didn't jump, he just threw the ball and watched as it glided through the net and bounced on the floor.They were ten in Number who had arrived at the basketball court that evening and the coach splited them into two groups and made them play against eachother.The game finally came to an end, and O'Connell's group won the other group.In his group, O'Connell scored 1
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 41.
After graduating out of National University of Ireland, Galway, O'Connell chose to stay in Galway. He got an apartment of his own, and did minor jobs, because he had it at the back of his mind that he was going to head back to Drogheda, to work and stay there. His father had been more than supportive to him, and O'Connell was really glad he took the bold step, to look for him. Being the heir to his dad's companies, he decided to not stay with his dad and brother, since he wanted to work for himself and earn his own money. He was to inherit most of his dad's possession at 26.O'Connell missed his mother, Raymond and siblings. He hadn't completely cut off all ties with them, but he chose to stay away. He felt since his mom couldn't accept him for who he was, then there was no way he was going to go back to her and her family. Although he felt really sad, because Raymond had treated him like his own father.O'Connell had even developed an Irish accent himself, since he wa
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 40.
Thomas, that was his name right? O'Connell wondered, as he looked at his kid step brother. Who was purely Irish and not a biracial like him. Plus the boy was really handsome. His blonde hair was skin cut. And he was chubby. Still had that round baby fatness on his cheeks, arms and stomach.The kid as if sensing being watched for the second time, looked at O'Connell and offered him a smile. With chocolate stained all over his chubby round cheeks.Not that O'Connell didn't love his siblings from his mom's side, but he just felt there would be a bond between him and this kid. Well, that would be if he would by accepted by his father.He shoved his fists into his pants pockets, then tucked his tongue inside his cheek to feel the soft silk-like flesh. Trying to make himself feel relaxed a bit.What if his dad denied him, and sent him away. Would he return back to Nigeria to meet his mom? He doubt he would. He even made the decision to look for some job a
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 39.
How would his family take this? Does he have a wife? Does he have kids? How would they all look at me? What if I get seen as an enemy and gets rejected?That would be if he had a family. O'Connell thought.He closed his eyes, then let out a big puff of breath. Wanting so hard to stop himself from feeling that way.Closing the car door shut at his side, he curled his fingers into fists then clenched them hard. That he could detect slight cracking sounds from them, with his ear.He was beginning to wonder if he made the wrong decision by coming over to meet his dad, who was a total stranger to him.As they made their way into the house, O'Connell was awed by it. It was so high and wide with beautiful deco and modern expensive looking furnitures. The house spoke of wealth. There were big beefy body guards, surrounding the house. Plus the security guards were up to five.O'Connell began wondering if his dad was someone drug Lord or mafia. And th
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 38.
After searching for his dad, for a week, O'Connell finally found someone who claimed he knew where O'Connell's dad was.O'Connell began wondering how his father would act, after seeing him. He had only seen a picture of his father, when the man was eighteen or so. And the color of the picture was black and white. The man's name was Adolphus.O'Connell's mother had lied she had a one night stand, with some stranger in Ireland, when she went visiting , and had no idea she was pregnant until she came back to Nigeria.The man horned and it interrupted O'Connell from his mind traveling down that memory lane. It seemed like he had zoned out throughout the drive on the streets. Because he was currently in the man's car, and they were heading to his dad's place.And at that moment, they were right in front of a huge black gate."Is this where my dad lives?" O'Connell asked, turning to look at the man.And the man replied him with just a firm nod.
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 37.
So O'Connell, after finally getting his biological father's picture and name from his mom's safe, he started off his journey to go in search of his father. With the help of his Grandma Estella, who help flew him out of Nigeria to Drogheda, Ireland.The place seem cool, and people barely paid attention to him. Because he was like them too. His hair, his skin color. And he felt a tad better and didn't feel out of place anymore.It was hard to find his father, because he was all alone in somewhere he had never been before. He just had the name and photo of his dad. And it was really hard for him. Being sixteen and all alone in Ireland with just his backpack, and important items inside the backpack.He had blocked Raymond and his mom's numbers from calling him. Having decided that it was high time he start making decisions for himself.
O'Connell (Mending His Heart) 36.
"Do you want to go back to London? Your grandma Estella would agree to that, if I talk to her." Raymond suggested after a long pause of thinking. And O'Connell was forced to let his thoughts travel back to London.***He found himself watching the boys, and felt his face forming into a slight scowl when the teenage girls left their table to go meet the boys, and flirt with them openly. He couldn't help staring, as the three girls sat down with these boys, smiling widely. With a waitress hovering around their table, taking their orders.One of the girls, flipped her long black hair over her shoulder, as she talked to the one with black hair in a pony tail, and lip piercing. Her eyes lit up, as she carried on staring at him with admiration. Not even feeling ashamed that she was making a fool of her self, which made her seem cheap.O'Connell thought about how life was, in Nigeria. Of course it was fun. He cou
