?Beautiful??
(Ifeoma)
Written by Rejoice Jeremiah. C?
EPISODE 4
The Kn!fe?
About thirty minutes later after I entered my room and curled myself under my blanket with so much thoughts running through my mind, a knock sounded on my door.
I knew it was papa knocking.
I removed the blanket off my face and faced the door.
“Come in Papa,” I said in a calm voice.
The door opened and he walked in holding his local flute.
I sat up, dragged myself to the edge of the bed, brought down my legs and adjusted. He gently sat beside me.
“It’s been a while you played flute for me papa,” I spoke first after few seconds of silence.
“I know my daughter. I’ve been ignoring this flute for awhile now but surprisingly I remembered it tonight..” he said.
I smiled and said. “You should play while I sing.”
“Okay, okay… What song is that?” he asked.
I tilted my head in thought… “Uhmmm…uhm.. The hunter’s song,” I said.
He smiled. “Ahh which of the hunter’s song?”
“Yours Papa,” I said.
“Alright…here I go first,” he said and began playing the flute and I began singing.
?The day is gone, the night is here..
It’s time for the hunter’s prayer….
?
(Minutes later)
I finished the song and papa stopped the flute.
We looked at each other and smiled.
“You never forgot a line of it,” he said.
“Of course not papa… It’s my favorite song, how would I forget a line,” I said.
He smiled.
I looked at him keenly and asked. “Papa, you’ve forgiven me right?”
He nodded.
I smiled.
“Thank you papa..”
“But please Ifeoma. Your father doesn’t want to hear that you made use of that power ever again.”
I inhaled.
“But Papa.. You know that I can never use my powers for evil,” I said.
“Ifeoma, it doesn’t matter what you want to use that power for.. That power isn’t supposed to be used. It was never supposed to be in you…”
“I know that papa.. You told me everything. The powers are inherited by only the first daughter lineage. My mother wasn’t the first daughter so I wasn’t supposed to have that power even though I’m her first daughter. No one knows that I possess the power because they all believe that only the first daughter of the first daughter would possess the power but I don’t know the reason why I got the power.. There is a reason and I need to find out papa. I need to find out why I was given this power.”
He took my hand. “Listen to me Ifeoma, that power is from the days when no one knew about Christianity. Those powers existed during the days of no Christianity but idol worshipping and sacrifices. The great great first daughters from your mother’s family who possessed this power were no Christians then and I told you what happened to your great grandmother who died after using the power.”
“But papa she died because she used the power for ev!l and not good. My great great grandmother’s may have not been Christians then but they used their powers for good and not ev!l.” I said.
“For Christian sake Ifeoma, you can not use this power. I forbid you to. It’s an evil power. Your mother’s death was no ordinary. I still believe Someone from her family killed your mother with that power.”
“Papa stop! Just stop papa…please.”
“Listen daughter, I’m not trying to hurt you with my words and actions. I’m just trying to protect you and protect your future. I can’t let anything take you away from me. You are my only treasure.”
“Papa but I promised never to leave you, didn’t I?”
“Yes you did but still…please don’t ever use that power again or else I would go extra mile to make sure it leaves your body for good,” he said.
I exhaled.
“I should go and have a sleep now. You should sleep too,” he said and got up.
“You haven’t eaten papa, I should fix you dinner,” I said and got up too.
“That’s true o. Then let’s eat dinner before going to bed,” he said.
That night, I promised and swore to myself never to use my power again…
If I don’t do what my father says who then would I do his?
“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””
(Next day)
“Papa, I’m off to the palace o.. Bye bye,” I shouted to my father who was preparing to go for an emergency meeting at the (Ónowu’s) king maker’s house.
“Alright daughter. Be careful inugo?” he said.
“Anugo m papa,” I said and hurried out of our compound.
Gladly enough, there was no Obinna with his bicycle like the previous morning.
I hastened my steps just like the steps of a person off to her workplace.
Of course I followed my usual short cut path and once I reached the spot where I saw that wounded sheep yesterday, all that happened yesterday came rushing back.
His arrogance.
His rudeness.
His ungratefulness.
Me using my power twice just to save him.
I recalled every single thing.
“It’s never going to happen again,” I said and continued my journey to the palace.
“”?
Soon, I was standing at the big gate of the palace. I knocked and it was opened.
“Good morning Paul,” I greeted the gate guard.
“Good morning Ify, welcome. You are very early today as usual except yesterday,” he said.
“Yes I am..” I said and headed to the building.
Since the palace clinic is close to the gate, I wondered if the wounded sheep would be looking at me now.
‘He better not..
I’ve already made up my mind not to respond to anything that has to do with him from onwards. He’s going to be shocked if he try what he did yesterday again’
I entered the portico.
“”””””””””””””””””””””
?Ebuka?
“She’s here!” I said immediately I saw her walk in from the gate.
I checked her from head to toe.
Green slippers, Red skirt that reaches down her ankle.
Yellow top and hair braided like the plaiter was in a hurry.
‘Someone that dresses in this colors riot way with hair looking like an ancient mopping stick should look like a possessed person isn’t it?’
‘Why’s she covering her body so much like there’s anything special in there…’
She walked away.
‘I have to find out what shifted the table yesterday. I’m quick witted and very observant. I’m sure that table never shifted on it own’
My phone began vibrating and I went for it, by using the crutches.
Charles was calling.
I picked up.
“What’s up man. How are you feeling?”
“My head is about to explode,” I said.
“What? Why?”
“It’s quite a long story but I’m gonna tell you about it,” I said.
“The story got to do with the girl right?.what’s her name again?”
“Ifeoma. Wait, how did you know that it got to do with her?”” I asked.
“You know me man.. I’m good at reading faces and expressions. Come on tell me the story,” he said.
“I’m gonna be quick tho..” I said.
“No prob.”
“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””
?Ifeoma?
I curtsied at Princess Ola “Good morning my princess.”
She smiled. “Hi Ifeoma.. Welcome. How are you?”
“I’m fine my princess, what about you?”
“I’m good, thank you..” she said and ran her eyes down me from my head to my toe.
“Ifeoma, you are a very beautiful lady.. You look beautiful in whatever you wear and whatever hair you make,” she said.
I smiled, touched my hair and glanced at my dressing.
“Thank you my princess.” I said.
She smiled. “You are welcome..but you should not wear such a wild color mixed up. The green slippers didn’t go with the red skirt nor did the red skirt go fine with the yellow top. You also need to make a new hair,” she said.
‘Tch.. she should have just gone straight to this rather than the first things she said… ah I feel like going home to change..’
“Don’t worry, I would be making my hair tomorrow, you will make yours too,” she said.
‘What…is she saying my hair would be braided by her hair stylist?’
“Thank you my princess,” I said and curtsied.
“You may go up,” she said.
“Yes my princess ” I said and ascended the staircase.
I met Ujunwa at Princess Ola’s room.
Uju looked at me and grinned. “Ohhh girl….you are looking…..wait” her grin faded. “You should have worn that your yellow slippers instead of green.”
“That one got a cut… I’ve not bothered to give it to a shoe mender,” I said.
“Well you don’t look bad tho..but your eyes look baggy. Did you had a late night sleep?” she asked.
‘Uju is the type to notice the tiniest grey hair on one’s skin’
“Yes I did.. I couldn’t sleep last night, I don’t know why,” I said.
“Hia… Are you sure you weren’t thinking about the wounded sheep?”
I glared at her. “Stop this nonsense for the last time,” I said.
“I’m sorry ma,” she said and bursted into laughter.
“Guess what Uju?” I asked with a smile on my face.
“I said the truth abi? About you thinking of Ebuka” she said.
“Cut it!” I sneered at her.
“So ?” she asked.
“I think Princess Ola is going to let her hair stylist braid my hair tomorrow,” I said.
“Wawww! Thank goodness Princess Ola finally noticed your hair. I’m beginning to wonder if animals would be living inside your hair by now..” Uju said.
I rolled my eyes. “That one concern you.. It’s my hair not yours biko.”
“Even if i’m paid one million to loose this your hair ehn, I won’t accept,” she said.
“It’s like you know what I’m about to tell you. You would help me loose my hair in the evening biko,” I said.
“Ehn… You are not serious. Go back and tell that person that sent you that you didn’t see me.” she said.
I laughed. “There’s no problem. Let’s wait till evening.”
“I’m serious oo.”
“Ehn I don hear nah.. don’t worry you will cover your nose and wear hand gloves too.” I said with a smile.
“”””””””””””””””””””””
Hours later, we were done cleaning up the upper rooms.
Uju and I were heading to the maids quarter when one of the guards named, Samson walked over to us…I in particular and stretched a folded paper to me.
Well, no lies.. My mind immediately told me this paper has to do with the wounded sheep.
“What’s this Samson?” I asked.
“The new servant who is receiving treatment in the palace clinic told me to give this to you” he said.
‘What did I say..my mind was so right..my mind was so right!’
I glanced at the paper in my hand and then at Samson.
“He gave you this and you took it?” I asked him.
“Of course I had to, he’s injured” Samson said.
“That arrogant animal..” I cursed.
“He said you should read what he wrote on the paper first before cursing at him.” Samson said.
I scoffed.
“Okay. Thank you Samson,” I told him.
“Yea,” he said and went his way while Uju and I continued our own way to the maids quarter.
“Ify open the paper nah,” Uju said even trying to take the paper from me.
“Ah ah what is it nah.. Wait let me open it,” I said and did.
I read. No Uju and I read.
?Ifeoma, I’m sorry for putting you into stress yesterday.
I promise to pay you back when I recover fully.
I’m hoping you would come to the clinic today, I have a little thing to give to you as an appreciation.
You were my life saver. Thank you.
From Ebuka?
“Oh my… I’m speechless..” Uju said.
I rolled my eyes. “What are are you speechless about this..”
” This is sweet nah..”
“Tch! Sweet indeed.” I folded the paper roughly.
“Ify, I think you are being too harsh on him na. Check it. He accepted he did wrong and he’s trying to make things right. You should go and see him,” Uju said.
I scoffed. “He’s trying to make things right you say. I’m sure he’s trying to get into another trouble and make me do something I don’t want to. Well whatever, it all ended yesterday,” I said.
“What are you talking about…?” Uju asked.
“See let’s not talk about that wounded sheep anymore,” I said.
“Ifeoma this is not right, you should accept his apology.”
“Of course I have but I’m not stepping foot into that clinic,” I said.
“Why? He said he has something to give to you.”
“Whatever it is, he should keep it. I’m not interested,” I said.
“Ifeoma,” that was, Mrs Ugo, the head of maids’s voice that called behind us.
‘Oh God..what is it!’
I turned and saw her holding folded clothes on her hands.
‘She’s going to send me on an errand’
“You can go Uju. I will come after the errand” I told Uju.
“Whatever errand it is, I would escort you,” she said.
Together, we walked to Mrs Ugo.
“Yes ma,” I answered.
“Take this clothe to the new servant receiving treatment in the clinic..”
‘Why must it always be that guy!’
“Take..” she said and I did.
“You Uju, come with me..” Mrs Ugo told Uju and they both walked away.
Uju looked back ans gave me a sign to go ahead.
I breathed out.
“I always end of going there…why!”
“That wounded goat!”
Soon, I was standing by the door to the room he is.
Well I knocked just once, opened the door wide open and went in.
He was sitting at the edge of the bed and on the table lay plates of fruits.. different types.
‘Is he selling fruits or what?’
“You got my letter. Come get a seat” he said pointing at the single chair facing him.
I rolled my eyes and dropped the clothe on the bed.
“This is what I cane to deliver. I’ll be going now,” I said and turned to leave.
“I Can’t eat all this fruits alone. Join me..”he said.
I scoffed.
“…please.” he added.
I halted and raised my brows.
‘Did he just say please?’
I turned to face him.
“What…did I just hear you say?” I asked.
“Please come and join me. I can’t finish up this fruits,’ he said.
“Wow..” I let out. “It wasn’t easy to say right?” I asked.
“It was easy,” he said.
“Really?”
“Yeah…”
“But I don’t want to join you,” I said.
“I’m pleading,” he said.
I chuckled.
“What happened to the yesterday Mr arrogance?” I asked.
“My arrogance battery died so I’m using my humble battery right now,” he said.
“I see..”
“But it look like you are selling fruits here. You’d make a good money,” I said.
“Yeah I thought so too but I can’t sell what is a token to someone,” he said.
“A token” I asked.
“Yeah… You read it on the letter,” he said.
I exhaled.
“I can’t believe you are using fruits as a token,” I said and chuckled.
“That is what I can afford,” he said.
“Just a bottle of coke would have do than all these fruits everywhere,” I said.
“I didn’t think of that,” he said.
I stared at the fruits for awhile then exhaled.
“Fine… I will just eat it a bit and leave,” I said, walked to the chair and sat down.
“Thank you,” he said.
‘Hmmmmmm’
I picked the orange and began licking.
“You like orange?” he asked.
“Yes…a lot,” I said.
“I will peel more for you,” he said.
“It’s fine. I will do it myself,” I said.
“No..you are my superior remember?”
‘What…?’
He picked an orange and the knife and began to peel..
He peeled it so quick and stretched it to me which I took.
“You should eat apples too,” he said.
“You like apples,” I said.
“Yes.. A lot” he mimicked me.
I scoffed.
The next thing, he began throwing the knife up and catching it by the Handel.
“You better stop that before you..”
I wasn’t even done when the knife went so high up and my eyes went wide open.
The knife was ascending not on the handle but at it’s sharp edge.
‘Is he going to catch it? Or not?’
He didn’t catch it and before it could dug into his leg, I had no idea what happened but the next second, the knife was in my hand and I gripped my hand around it.
My position changed too. My elbow was now resting on his thigh and my face was only inches away from his.
We were staring at each other. No blinking.
“Are…you..okay?” he spoke first.
That was when I blinked, took my eyes away from his own and then noticed the blood dropping from my gripped hand and the pain that followed.
“Oh d@mn, you are bl.eeding!” he said.
‘Wait….now I get it.
I caught the knife…..with my hand’
I blinked twice before removing my elbow from his thigh and staring at my bleeding hand.
The kn!fe had pierced into my palm.
“Geez what I’m I gonna do now?” he asked..
“Do not do anything, I’m fine,” I said and release the grip.
A sharp pain went through me and I groaned.
“Hey don’t touch the knife.. I will call the doctor,” he said and was trying to get his crutches.
I tightened my teeth and grabbed the knife with my other hand.
“Ifeoma…don’t touch the knife..” he melting saying.
With a tight shutting of my eyes, I pulled out the knife and groaned out.
“Oh sht!” he said.
The knife fell of my hand and landed on the floor with drops of bloods everywhere.
“Ifeoma” he said and our eyes met.
I saw the worry and guilt in his eyes.
Just then, the door opened and doctor Kadi walked in.
“It’s time for your med….” he was saying but got cut short by what he saw. “Jesus Christ what happened..! Just a moment Let me get the first aid,” he said and rushed out.
“Are you okay?” he asked me.
“Do I look like I am?” I asked back.
___________
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