Untangle

By Olu’funmi’ Osato-Osawaye

Meet Mabel, a young, beautiful, poor girl with a bright future living in poverty together with her parents and brothers. They were happy until tragedy struck. Eloma a lady with the stigma of having HIV, she is equally beautiful but would the secret of their past and present life, be revealed and their sin be healed? Will they ever find rest for their restless hearts? Who will deliver them? Read as their Deliverer rescues them in their battle for their souls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Oct 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496975041

Olu’funmi’ Osato-Osawaye

Olu’funmi’ Osato-Osawaye is a master degree holder in International Law and Diplomacy. She has lived all her life in the bustling commercial city of Lagos, Nigeria. Olu’funmi’ is a Christian social worker with an avid interest in children, reading, writing, singing and song writing and female gender developmental issues, represents her thoughts on issues of life. She is married to her high school honey, and they make their home in Lagos Nigeria with their children.

Book preview

Part One

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CHAPTER ONE

M abel sat down on her bed, staring into space and praying that she would wake up from her slumber. She was not dreaming. What she had just heard was true. The words continued to echo in her mind, Your mother is dead. Her flat mate sat down by her side trying to comfort her.

Oh Mama, she wept, Why did you have to die when I need you most? Her words convinced her friend that her message has hit home. Her friend’s mother has passed away. Initially, Eloma had thought that Mabel was going to faint; she was glad that her reaction to the news was not as bad as she had imagined; she would not have been able to cope with the pressure. She glanced at her friend and saw tears running down her face and she began to cry as well.

As tears roll down her eyes, she wondered. Will my suffering never end? My three brothers and I were still very young when Papa turned his back on us leaving Mama to fend for us. He could no longer take care of us with the meagre wage he earned; and she had to shoulder the responsibility alone. There were nights she went to bed hungry giving her children her portion of food when there was not enough for them to eat. She worked seventeen hours a day to be able to feed her growing children.

Mabel’s father was very happy when she was born but his happiness was short lived. One year later, Mrs. Anosike gave birth to triplets, all boys. Mr. Anosike, her husband, walked out of their lives five years later. He could not bear the burden anymore.

Going to school for Mabel was not a luxury. Her mother had insisted that even if the boys did not go to school her daughter must have an education. Mabel had wondered why her mother had taken such a decision. Most of her parents’ peers had never bothered about the girl child. The boys usually went to school while the girls helped their mothers at home.

As a young girl, she had once over heard the comments of one of her father’s friends, Female children don’t have brains. Even if you send a female child to school, after a while she will get married and move to her husband’s house and that’s the end of your labour.

Mrs. Anosike had told Mabel the story of her life. The only daughter in a family of twelve, she grew up in a wealthy home. While her brothers went to school, her parents had insisted that she stay at home and learn the ways of an African woman—preparing meals, taking care of the home and receiving and taking care of visitors.

Unknown to her, they were grooming her for marriage to her father’s friend whom she had known as a child. When she turned fifteen, her father called her and informed her about the arranged marriage to Chief Okwudili. It dawned on her that her parents meant what they had told her; and she decided to run away with her childhood friend Akunna, whom she had fallen in love with.

Lagos, a city with all its attractions and promises of brighter future for those who can work very hard became their chosen refuge.

Sadly, Akunna was ill equipped to handle the pressures of living in the city and taking care of a family. He was not educated nor did he have any vocational skills. All he knew was farming and Lagos state was a concrete jungle. The result was a room in the slums of Ajegunle as accommodation with six mouths to feed including his.

Her action drew her father’s full wrath. The wealthy man disowned his only daughter telling anyone who cared to listen that she was dead. He had hoped to cement his business relationship with his good friend through the arranged marriage.

The two friends sat for a long time holding each other hands, each lost in her thoughts. The sudden movement made by her friend brought her back to reality. She got up and stood by the window looking down below at the vehicles driving by, the street hawkers, especially the women and children calling attention to their wares as shouts, curses and all kinds of utterances and voices filled the air.

Everything is the same, she thought, the world is not standing still because my mother is dead. Nothing matters. Everything goes on as usual. I wonder why people bother to live when they know that one day they will die.

She had worked so hard to take care of her mother and all she got in return was death. People talked about God being in charge. I doubt if they even understand what they are saying. If God is in control of the world today, he had surely messed up everything for everybody.

Her tears would not stop. She turned around to look at her friend who was also in tears. Then she started wailing. Eloma placed an arm around her shoulder making her realize that the rasping sounds in the room was actually coming from her.

Oh Eloma, what am I going to do now? My mother is gone! To think I had lied to her all these years. I could not bring myself to tell her the truth. I’ve been thinking of doing the right thing and to honour her so that she won’t be ashamed. Death has snatched her away from me. Death didn’t wait for me say to goodbye. Death has taken her away.

She watched her friend talking and weeping. She did not know what to do or say other than to hug her as she sobbed. You’ve got to pull yourself together. Remember your brothers. Please don’t fall apart. You need to be strong at this time.

Eloma was feeling strange already. She found it difficult to relate to this kind of emotion; and it was even more difficult now that she was involved. No, I’m not involved. This is her problem. It’s not mine.

She began thinking about telling her brothers, funeral arrangements and things like that. Her whole world was crumbling around her. Tearfully, Mabel thought of the past.

CHAPTER TWO

"G ood morning, my dear, what do you want to do today?" Mrs. Anosike asked her daughter Mabel.

To help you as usual Mama, Mabel replied. Or aren’t you going to sell akara and dodo today? She added.

Mrs. Anosike stood still. She ran a finger along her neck pensively until it rested on her chest. I’m not frying akara and dodo today because I’m taking you to see the man I’ve been talking to you about.

She rolled over on the mat she had been laying on, got up and stood in front of her mother.

"You mean Chief Kolokolo?"

Yes, she replied.

He told me he has prepared a place for you and I’m to bring you today.

Mama, why should it be me? I thought you were the one who was supposed to marry him. After all, he has the money to take care of us.

"You’re right, my daughter, but I cannot marry Kolokolo."

Mama, why can’t you marry him?

He has too many wives. Those women are tough; and are always fighting and quarrelling in that house. I’m too old. I cannot handle that kind of situation. It’ll kill me. Even though I know he can take care of us, I don’t love him. I still love your father and he may show up at any moment.

What do you want me to do?

He wants to take you in as his daughter as he said and help me by giving you the education we’ve been talking about.

She could not help asking the question. Do I have to work for him to pay back the money?

No, my daughter, she further explained, he said that he’ll take care of you like one of his children. My child, God has answered our prayers. Now you have your bath and get dressed so I can take you to his house. He is expecting us.

But Mama how can I leave you? You need me to help you. Mabel protested.

Don’t worry Mabel. Your brothers will help me. You just go there and make sure you’re well behaved. God will take care of us.

Mabel started to sob. Oh, Mama I will miss you.

Mrs. Anosike could not help it. She shouted at Mabel. Stop crying! Get ready and let me take you to his house.

Those words ended their conversation. Somehow, she understood it was not an easy decision for her mother to take. If it meant living with a different family for things to get better, she was ready to do it.

Her days were long and her nights were very short. Each wife wanted her to be a personal housemaid. Respite only came when she was at school. Most times, she found it difficult to concentrate and some times, she practically slept in class to make up for lost sleep. Usually, she did not go to bed until about midnight. It was always one errand after another.

Somehow, Mabel did her best. Then she turned thirteen and her menstrual flow started. Her friends in school had told her that it was normal for her to have menstrual flows.

It shows how young you are and how little you know, Chioma, her friend chipped in during one of their discussions in school. An older student was making fun of a girl whose uniform was stained. She was naïve about having periods. Chioma had told them then that it was all about leaving childhood and going into adulthood. "

When you make fun of a girl because her dress was stained, it means you are still a child, because you don’t understand what the whole thing is all about

Chioma and you do? chorused the girls

Yes I do my friends, my mother had told me about menstruation when I was eight, ten and thirteen. So you see friends I have been thoroughly schooled. Besides there is a booklet on it I will bring it for you girls tomorrow

Wow! Bisi said her eyes was wide up like a saucer

I will like to read the book first if you don’t mind Chioma

Don’t worry I should have one for every one tomorrow if not, I will ask mum

You mean your mum could afford to buy us books? asked Bisi

No, It’s not for sale, it’s one of those booklet printed by the UN and it’s boldly written on it that it’s not for sale. Before you ask me another question Bisi, my mother works in UN

I see was all they could say before the school bell rang signally the end of discussion.

CHAPTER THREE

M rs. Anosike noted the bodily changes in her daughter when she came home on a visit. My child you’re all grown up and looking beautiful! She exclaimed, Chief has really done well. Sooner or later you will be telling me, ‘Mama I want to get married’ but first you must finish school. Silently, she noted the sadness she saw in her eyes.

Since her mother seemed to be happy about her stay in Chief Kolokolo’s house, she kept her mouth shut. She was nothing but a domestic servant. In spite of that, she did well in school. Kolokolo’s wives were not happy about this. Their children did not like going to school. They loved to play. Sometimes, they stole their father’s money or took things in the house, which they sold for money.

Chief’s first son, Iyke, was already smoking marijuana at age fourteen. Many times, the principal wanted to expel him from school for the bad influence he had on other students. His father intervened by using his position and wealth to ensure his son’s education was not terminated. Nobody could talk to him. Chief’s daughters were not any better. They loved to flirt with any boy who caught their fancy. Mabel, however, stood out like a sore thumb amongst them.

Then Chief started taking notice of her. She had assumed it was because she was been doing very well in school when Chief’s first wife Madam Nkoli assigned her to take care of his bedroom. She was expected to sweep and tidy it every day.

One day, when she went into his room to do her chores she met him inside. She quickly began to do her chores. However, Chief wanted more than a tidy room; he wanted the young nubile woman. He grabbed her and started fondling her breasts and her bottom telling her how beautiful she was. She ran out of the room in panic wondering why Chief would do that sort of thing to her. Another time, he talked to her about his attraction and tried to convince her that there was nothing wrong about his interest in her. She could not bring herself to accept his advances and made up her mind to be cleaning his room whenever he was out.

On this particular day she went into his room thinking he had gone to the office, she began to tidy up the place. Suddenly, she heard a click sound. The key locked the door. She turned around and saw Chief standing in the room. She was shocked. She opened her mouth to scream but he grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hand.

What I’m about to do, you mustn’t tell another living soul, do you hear me? He held her in a deadly grip. All she could do was nod as tears fell from her eyes.

As he removed her clothes, he said, "I’ve been taking care of you for a long time. Look at you. You’re all grown up and ripe for the market, ready to be plucked by any man. Before any man comes for you, I must taste the fruit first. After all, the bible says, ‘No man plants a garden without eating its fruits’. Cooperate with me, and you will enjoy it too.

"I give your mother money yet she has refused to marry me. Frankly, I really like this arrangement. In her place, I have her beautiful daughter to myself. Your brothers are in school and your mother comes now and again to collect money for food and fees. Maybe you think that it’s the akara and dodo she sells that meets her needs? Come on girl, do what I ask you to do and you will be all right. I’ll continue to take care of you, your mother and your brothers. A girl as beautiful as you are should make use of what she has.

The first time will be painful but later you’ll enjoy it. You don’t have to be afraid. If you refuse to co-operate with me, I’ll send you out of my house. Before I do that, I will still sleep with you as payback for all I’ve been doing for you and your family.

She was powerless, and afraid of being sent out into the streets. She knew he meant what he said. She had seen him do it. He had sent his domestic staff out of the house empty handed. It was certain he would not hesitate to do the same thing to her.

Then he raped her. It was such a painful experience for her. From that moment, her body ceased to be part of her soul. This terrible assault on Mabel’s body went on for a long time; usually when she was tidying up his room.

Things changed too. She had a room to herself so he came at night. He started buying things for her and reduced her daily chores. A home tutor was hired and he issued orders that she was not to be sent on errands during her home studies. Mrs. Anosike enjoyed the dividends of her daughter’s co-operation with Chief Kolokolo not knowing she paid a price.

More than a year later, Iyke became suspicious of his father’s fondness for Mabel. To him it was more than the role of a surrogate father; and determined to have ‘a piece of the action’ once he was certain about what was going on.

After a night out with his friends, he entered into Mabel’s room. She thought it was Chief. It was not him; it was his son. He pounced on her, tore her clothes and raped her.

You know what, Iyke threatened, If you tell anyone about what happened tonight, I’ll tell the whole world you’re a prostitute who has been sleeping with my father. Just like my father, I will have you anytime I want to.

She wept bitterly that night. Darkness came over her soul. She was a prisoner with no hope of escape. The abominable acts of father and son continued until she finished secondary school. It was a wonder she never got pregnant until after her Senior Secondary School examinations.

During the time she was waiting for her results, she fell ill. Sometimes she fainted. When he learnt she was ill, he arranged for her to see the family doctor who confirmed that she was pregnant. To Mabel, her life was crumbling. She felt like dying. What will I tell Mama? How will I tell her? Another thought came to mind. Whose baby is it, father or son?

Chief Kolokolo arranged for her to see Dr Makanju. A thin man in his forties; he had been Chief’s family doctor for more than fifteen years. Aside from his professional expertise, Chief knew his secrets were safe with the ‘good’ doctor. Mabel was not the first young woman Chief had brought to Dr Makanju’s office for an abortion.

The pain she experienced during the procedure was indescribable. She bled profusely; and spent three days in hospital. It hurt her deeply that neither Chief nor Dr Makanju explained the procedure or prepared her to expect such terrible pain. After her recovery, she was taken to the doctor’s office.

As she sat staring at him, he gave her some pills and for the first time gave her some information. He instructed her to take the tablets every day assuring her that as long as she stuck to the daily routine she would not get pregnant again.

Within one month of being at home, Chief and his son continued their assault.

CHAPTER FOUR

M abel was startled out of her reminiscence when her friend mumbled something about seeing a man who lived down the road. Then she got up and left.

Their flat was now very quiet. She realized she had been clutching the piece of paper Eloma had slipped into her hand. It had the address of a funeral home scribbled on it. She dropped the phone and piece of paper in her handbag, put on a pair of sandals, picked her bag and left the room without a backward glance.

She struggled not to cry as the taxicab pulled up in front of the funeral home. As she got out of the vehicle, she stared at the building. It was a decaying old building with fading brown stones, part of a row of old buildings in an area popularly known as Eko. She checked the address again; making sure it was the same number.

Casket Homes was the inscription on the house. It did look