The Banana Skin – Love Magic

By Udo Nwabueze Agomoh

Omanma was in love with Emeka. Suddenly, she
was thrown into Chinedus hands by a banana
skin. This was a turning point in the life of
Omanma, as things began to take a dramatic
and gradual change.
Omanmas love had magically come to be through the
hand of the banana skin. In the course of exploring her
different roles in the book, we see several others who
come into contact with her. Through Omanmas eyes,
we see the full picture of her family and some of the
societal happenings, such as Eze coronation, New Yam
Festival, and several other exciting instances.
Unfortunately, Omanmas real love did not mature
early; she went through lots of experiences before she
discovered herself and her true lover, Chinedu.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Jul 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477140901

Udo Nwabueze Agomoh

Udo Nwabueze Agomoh is a writer who has previously published two books, The Banana Skin Love Magic and Unlost Hope. The updated edition of The Banana Skin Love Magic, is soon to be republished. Poetic Symbol is her third book... a collection of poems that explore and propound many different spheres of life, drawing from the author’s first hand experiences and her vision of world crises, racism, discrimination and much more.  Just a perfect bird to listen to, her poetic prowess captures several vital issues cutting across our diverse world, globally. Just a pinch of the reflections can be found in poems such as Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Madiba Mandela, Barack Obama, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, British System, and many more. Another excellence joins the poetry kingdom, but this is one like never before.

Book preview

The Banana Skin—

Love Magic

UDO NWABUEZE AGOMOH

Copyright © 2012 by Udo Nwabueze Agomoh.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

First Published in 1993

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

0-800-644-6988

www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk

[e-mail]

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Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Dedication

I will like to dedicate this book to Kelechi and Ephraim who have made my world full of love and fantasy.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement to Dr Mrs Uloma Uruakpa

And Dr Chikwendu Uruakpa

And all who have one way or other

Given me a warm embrace.

Chapter 1

‘Omanma,’ her mother called her, ‘aren’t you going to school today? Your class teacher would be worried if you absent yourself from school.’ Omanma tells her mother that she is almost ready but had some delay as a result of her uniform, which she sewed up first. The driver, a few minutes later, is on his way to drop Omanma at Unico Secondary School, Umuahia. Every day, Eze Alozie is driven to his business destination by his driver. Eze Alozie is wealthy, educated, and well known both in his town and the whole federation. The family is well respected, and Eze Alozie has given scholarship to people from his place and has built a church, a school, a factory, you name them, in his area. His Lolo, Mrs Alozie, is also educated and happens to be one of the few lucky women who were trained during her time. She is a paragon of beauty, and although she is elderly, she still wears most of her beauty, and her daughter Omanma was lucky to take after her. Omanma is a very intelligent child, very beautiful, and would draw the attention of men wherever she went. A lot of men are prepared to give out anything in order to gain the love of this little girl. She has one other sister and three brothers, but she happens to be the centre of attraction in her family, among her peer group, in her village, or anywhere she is likely to be. Lolo Alozie is a complete housewife, and each day Omanma comes back by 2 p.m. from school. She greets her mother and enjoys the delicious lunch prepared by her. She would take her siesta, and whenever Dad comes back, she would welcome him and often join in serving him. At the age of fourteen, men from Omanma’s village and neighbouring village came asking for Omanma’s hand in marriage. But her parents would not accept. They emphasised the fact that she was young, and they wanted her to receive formal education first.

On one particular Thursday, just after the end of her sessional exams, a classmate fought with her and ended up throwing stones at her which got Omanma on the head. The wound she sustained on her head bled, and students rushed to help her and almost immediately, teachers turned up. She was taken home very weak. She managed to walk into her family house at Umuago with the help of some teachers. She screamed, ‘Mummy! Mummy! Mummy! Help! Help! I am dying!’ Almost immediately, her mum and servants came rushing towards her. She was quickly taken to the family doctor, almost unconscious. The teachers were thanked, and, of course, the student concerned was punished accordingly. She was admitted in the hospital for two weeks and was thoroughly treated. Her mum and dad played their role, but, particularly, her mum was beside her all the while. Villagers showed up one after another to see their beloved daughter. From the way everybody showed interest towards her predicament, one can see she is no longer just Eze Alozie’s daughter but has now become the daughter of Umuago Village. Her friends at school came to see her while on sickbed. She received cards, flowers, and many other gifts. Equally, the men who desired to win her hand in marriage came, and they too poured their own gifts. At the end of the admission, she was very happy to be discharged from the hospital and thanked her God. A thanksgiving service was held to mark her recovery.

Omanma is an all-rounder. She is good in both science and arts, but she prefers to continue with arts subjects in the higher institution. Her father wants her to read medicine. When Eze Alozie discovered that it was better to leave her to make her choice, of course, she had to choose to read sociology after completing her secondary school education. She completed her secondary education with distinction, and her parents were very happy. She received presents from the principal of her school at the send-off party. Although, unlike most spoilt children from reputable families, Omanma is well brought up and would be looked upon as having all the Bs—that is she is beautiful, brilliant, and well behaved.

She also has a wonderful voice and dances very well. She sings at home and equally at school. And while at home one day, having finished singing to Mummy, she suddenly called, ‘Mummy, there’s just one thing that bothers me.’

Mummy replied, ‘Come on, girl, what is it? Go on, tell me. You know Mummy will do anything that is good for you!’

Omanma then told her mum all her heart’s desire. She told her mummy how she actually felt towards her future. She told her she is quite confident about her future and would want to know if Dad and she would be sad if she becomes a musician after graduation. She says, ‘That has always been in my mind, and I love music and admire musicians. I want to play my own music and make albums. Actually, I would want to start preparing towards it as soon as I am in the higher institution so as to make my first album immediately after I graduate.’ After expressing her feelings, she quietly waited to see her mum’s response. Her mother, who understands, tells her that music is very good and that it uplifts one to heights. This is so because once your music is in the air and is nice, you become a household name anywhere, any day. Yet it has its negative part, particularly as the first daughter; her father would rather want her to read the sociology for which she has gained admission. She can always sing to her family even after marriage but not make it her livelihood. Her daddy wouldn’t be happy at all if she takes to music, and she shouldn’t do anything that would break her daddy’s heart. If not for anything, at least for that love the Dad has for her. Omanma wasn’t happy, but she loves her family and couldn’t sum up courage to go contrary to the family expectation, so the idea was dropped.

Eze Alozie and wife made thorough preparation for Omanma’s admission into the university. She gained admission into the University of Lagos, where she was to read sociology. The day she was to go to her university, she was driven in one of her daddy’s cars to Lagos. On getting to Lagos, she became very happy with the environment. After the driver left for home, she paid all her necessary fees, got registered, and went into her room. Though she was nostalgic for a while, she quickly adjusted. She opened up an account with a bank and went to the school area to know what was to be done. And for the first two weeks, the whole place was unsettled with movement of the people who desired to familiarise themselves with the environment.

Shortly afterwards, normal lectures and everything about the school system began. She made friends, but she had one in particular who was quite close to her, Njideka, from a neighbouring town. They seemed to be compatible, but she was reading English. They were always seen together when the lectures were over, and students loved them and admired their relationship. Omanma wrote home from time to time, and she equally got letters from home.

Towards the end of her first year, she met a third-year boy, by name Emeka. She was just heading to her hostel at the end of lectures one afternoon when Emeka saw her and smiled at her. The next moment, Emeka said, ‘Excuse me, please. You are Omanma?’

Omanma replied, ‘Yes, I am.’

Then he said, ‘I hope you aren’t embarrassed. You look like one of my cousins’ twins. Please, may I know you better?’

Omanma replied, ‘I am sorry. You have mistaken me for some other person.’

As she started walking away, Emeka said, ‘Excuse me. Do you know you are very beautiful? You can easily go in for World Beauty Contest.’ Then she laughed and felt somehow relaxed. At this point, Emeka was clever enough to get all the information he needed. She told him her department and room number and then they parted ways. Even before Emeka came Omanma’s way, people had been interested in her in the university, but she never reciprocated. She wanted to do the same with Emeka, but Emeka happened to be the sweet-mouthed type and intelligent.

Emeka was a third-year pharmacy student and came from Umuocha, a village close to Omanma’s own, although they never knew each other before. Emeka was handsome and came from a wealthy family but had eyes for all the beautiful girls. There was something about Emeka which Omanma was yet to discover by herself when she eventually found herself falling in love with Emeka. Emeka was not the type that could ever change, and yet girls easily fell prey to him. Emeka happened to own a Santana car while still a student, and this added to the attraction he received from girls. He was the pompous type and so full of himself because of what he happened to acquire, considering his background. His father was a political scientist, and he had held responsible positions in the society. And he was also very influential in his own area and in the society in general. Emeka was intelligent and passed his exams very well.

Omanma was getting on fine with her studies, and she and Njideka were well behaved and confided in each other. Some days later, Emeka visited her in her faculty and spent a little time with her, and within that moment, they discussed a bit about their two families. Both of them were satisfied and felt that they were a match.

One evening, Emeka came to see her in her hostel, and they spoke at length. At this time, Omanma began to notice the kind of funny and unique feeling she developed each time he was around. And this feeling was just not easily suppressed; so far it was Emeka. Once in a while, Emeka would come to take her out for lunch, party, or just to keep her company. She now discovered that she stayed alone at times thinking of Emeka, and she felt she was now in love. And, of course, her mum and dad would be happy if the whole thing ended in marriage since all others in the past, despite coming from equally wealthy families, didn’t meet up to her parents’ requirements and so were turned down. At the end of that session, Emeka and Omanma said bye to one another, the night before the day of travelling back home for their holidays. That night Emeka dropped a note into her palm just before disappearing to his own hostel. And the letter was addressed:

Pharmacy Department,

Unilag

28/7/80

Darling Omanma,

I know my letter wouldn’t come as a surprise to you. I wanted to make it clear to you that you’ve captured my heart. I will, therefore, wear my heart on my sleeve to show the world that I love you. Giggles! I love staying with you, talking with you, laughing with you, chatting with you, and doing everything with you. How about you? I do feel very empty when I haven’t seen you for some time. I will always have a soft spot for you in my heart.

I wish you a safe journey back home and a happy holiday. I will miss you, remember that! I also extend my greetings to your parents and siblings.

Yours,

Emmy

After reading through Emeka’s letter, Omanma was captivated. She felt what she had never felt before. Her legs couldn’t carry her, and she was filled with excitement. She tried to control her feelings so as to move her weak knees when suddenly she heard her name. Luckily, as fate would have it, Njideka was coming back from visiting a friend when she saw her. ‘Omanma! Omanma!’ It was Njideka calling, amidst the number of people clustering all over the place, including different people moving up and down, and when Omanma recognised the voice, she looked around and saw her friend. She felt happy, and they headed back to their hostel together. On their way, they passed different people, boys and girls, men and women dressed in different ways. Sometimes some of the people who passed them were acquaintances, and they exchanged greetings. Njideka chattered with her until late that night, and they parted happily after wishing each other a happy holiday.

Omanma dozed off immediately her head touched her pillow. The next time her eyes opened; she saw rays of the sun oozing through the window. Her roommate entered with her bucket as she had just had her bath. She got up, observed her quiet time, and looked at her time; it was exactly 9.30 a.m. She hurriedly took her bath since her dad’s driver was to pick her at about an hour’s time.

Few hours later, she was on her way down to Imo State in her daddy’s car, feeling very happy. The driver had already informed her that everyone at home was fine and was eagerly waiting to welcome her back. After a while, it suddenly occurred to her that Emeka was far away and that the fact was wherever Emeka was at Imo State, they were not going to see for the next few months. She felt cold, and somehow she couldn’t believe it why she felt so much for a man. And to brush aside the thought of Emeka, she picked an ‘Ikebe Super Magazine’ in the car and started perusing. When she exhausted the story, she began to admire the environment through the window. She saw people selling along the road. She saw some houses, hotels, petrol stations, pedestrians, cars packed beside the road, trees, grasses, birds, and a lot of other things that held her attention. When they had moved half the journey, she suddenly felt like stopping to buy some fruits to eat and snacks for the people at home. The driver packed beside the road, and Omanma alighted from the car elegantly and went to purchase fruits and snacks. On her way back to the car, little did she notice some banana skin on the ground on which she marched. The next minute, she was nearly on the ground when a hand from nowhere caught her. This saved her from the embarrassment, but the whole fruits and snacks were on the ground. The gentleman who rescued her from falling in the presence of many people assisted her to collect all those things from the ground. She was happy and surprised, wondering if somebody could be so kind and concerned to a stranger. He introduced himself as Chinedu Agu and equally hailed from Imo State. He had just completed his final exams at the University of Nsukka. He was on his way to Lagos to spend a few weeks, after which he would go for his youth service at Bendel State. Omanma introduced herself and was quite impressed with the young man’s temperament, and he saw her up to the car before he left, promising to visit her at her village whenever possible.

During the remaining journey back home, she was reading her novel. She only thought of Emeka on one occasion. At this point, she read through his letter, which he gave her the night before their parting and once more felt happy. The moment Omanma got into the last road, which connected the very road that would take her straight to her village, her heart leaped. She suddenly realised that she had really missed people at home. The anxiety to reach home filled her whole body, and she realised she was shedding tears. Tears of excitement! This was unbelievable, so she quickly held it back. She tried to show a bold face, and in the next few minutes, the car was on their village road. The road leading to Umuago Village is a long wide road. On the road you would see a lot of pedestrians and cars. Some of the people waved at her, smiling, as she responded.

The minute the car stopped at the gate to her compound, the gateman threw open the gate. The car drove in, and her mum, brothers, sister, house servants, and so many others around came rushing to welcome her as she alighted from the car. There were shouts of joy from different angles. The whole air was filled with people calling, ‘Omanma! Omanma! Omanma!’ She was hugged by different people, and her brothers and sister came and kissed her on the cheek. Her mummy too gave her a kiss on the cheek. She told her they had all missed her. Even the grasses also rejoiced as they started swinging as soon as she arrived. All that were rejoicing noticed the response and sudden change in nature. The most remarkable of all that happened was that a bird known as Ugo, which symbolises an embodiment of beauty, rested on the BMW car that drove her back home. It started singing and, after a while, flew away. Everyone was overwhelmed with all that transpired. At this point, Omanma’s mother nodded her head several times, a sign that her daughter was impeccable. Incidentally, as she walked up the stairs, while others moved away gradually to their various places, she heard the horn of her daddy’s vehicle. She and her people went back to welcome Eze Alozie. She hurriedly climbed down the stairs, ran to her daddy, and hugged him; Eze Alozie was happy seeing his daughter. Everyone, including Eze Alozie, was happy that his daughter came back safely. They were to enjoy her company once more. She kept her belongings safely in her room. She enjoyed her meal. She discussed with her brother and sister right into the night before she found her pillow.

The next day, after Omanma had dressed up and eaten, many people from the village came to the house to greet her. Eze Alozie’s compound was very busy that day and few other days to come, with the young and old; men and women streaming into the compound to have a sight of their beloved one. Every now and then, Mum would call her to come and greet people. She was the talk of the village. Her behaviour had changed slightly. She behaved more maturely, comporting herself better than she used to be. Omanma kept attending the visitors. She also made out time to visit her girlfriends and relations. Each visit was quite exciting. She was always fond of Chinwe, who was her classmate in her secondary school days. Chinwe was from a wealthy family, although not as Omanma’s family. Chinwe was a first-year medical student at the University of Jos. Omanma’s first brother Kelechi, who was an engineer working with the oil company at Jos, wanted to marry her. The family had given their full support. She visited Chinwe always, and it was reciprocated. Sometimes they attend films. They also went to watch drama at any popular art theatre. Most of such plays performed at the art theatres were usually audited after which they would appear on television. She also liked to attend ceremonies and functions of all types where some well-known musicians came to perform. She was very friendly and sociable, and at such functions, men would trail her movement just to get to know her. Her friend Chinwe was also beautiful, but Omanma’s type of beauty was such that she easily stood out. Due to this, some girls around her village, even at school, envied her and felt jealous, but she never realised this. But later in life, she would get to know that life is not as simple and as straightforward as she felt, for she was such a straightforward and plain human being.

Despite the affection, concern, interest, and praises men showered on Omanma, she didn’t easily succumb. This was quite unlike young ladies of her time. Her mind always went back to Emeka, and she anxiously waited for the day she would see him once again. She, therefore, dismissed all others who admired her decently. On one certain Wednesday, she came back from a big function where some musicians performed wonderfully. She was completely exhausted. The moment she had her dinner, she just dozed off and never shifted until the next morning. She woke up feeling very refreshed and happy. Then after her breakfast, she decided to stay at home the whole day. She kept herself busy by narrating the story of last night’s function to her brothers and sister. At the end of her story, she slotted a music video for them to enjoy. She pointed out the music stars and told her brothers and sister she would also want to become a star. When they finished watching the video, Omanma retired to her room to read.

A few weeks before Omanma was to go back to school, his brother Kelechi visited home briefly from Jos, and she enjoyed his company too. She and her brother paid Chinwe an impromptu visit and were well received. Shortly after they left, Chinwe came to visit. On the third day, Kelechi was off on his way back to his station.

A few days after Kelechi left, Omanma had an unexpected visitor, whom she had forgotten about completely. The moment one of the house servants told her a gentleman was looking for her, she froze. She was surprised that one could have the boldness to pay her a visit, more so without any previous notice. Little did she know until she walked into the visitors’ parlour downstairs and saw this handsome man; it was then that the whole picture of the incident along Bendel Road came back to memory. She quickly welcomed Chinedu. ‘You are welcome, and I am happy meeting you once again, Chinedu,’ she said.

Then Chinedu responded, ‘I am delighted meeting you, and I started appreciating you right from that day you fell into my hands, Omanma.’

Both of them laughed over the statement. She entertained him well, considering the circumstances surrounding their meeting. Of course, Chinedu didn’t discuss any further thing about his feelings