Pant O' Mine

By Ayodunmomi Adekanmi

Pant O'Mine describes how our daily experiences are used as tools to draws us closer to the discovery, pursuit and realization of our life's purpose.

Pant O' mine (Pant of Mine) was inspired from the book of Psalms 42:1- as the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee.

Using the lives of the two

• Language: English
• Publisher: Midas Touch GEMS
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088182680

Book preview

About the Book

Pant O' Mine (Pant of Mine) describes how our daily experiences are used as tools to draws us closer to the discovery, pursuit and realization of our life's purpose.

Pant O' mine (Pant of Mine) was inspired from the book of Psalms 42:1- as the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee.

Using the lives of the two main characters, it vividly described the regular hustles of undergraduates in a Nigerian university.

It addressed sub themes such as dangers of abortion, peer pressure, poor self-image and seeking the approval of others above self.

All of these sub themes were creatively weaved into one central idea of how God uses challenges, his word, his spirit and individual talents as pointers to our purpose.

Ultimately, When we find God, we then discover that we were created for a course that is bigger than us which will eventually outlive us. The discovery of this course and the unique role we're meant to play in it forms the basis of our life's experiences.

Genre #1

Main Category: Educational Fiction

Sub Category: Varsity Novel

Genre #2

Main Category: Religious Fiction

Sub Category: Contemporary Christian Fiction

About the Author

Ayodunmomi Esther Adekanmi is a sweet soul with an undying passion for all-round excellence. Having had her higher national diploma in Environmental Health Technology from the Lagos State College of Health Technology and her first degree in Environmental Management and Toxicology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, she's currently pursuing her master’s degree in the same field.

Ayodunmomi loves God deeply and will continue to be a source of inspiration as she seeks to use her passionate writings and speaking engagements to provoke everyone she encounters to lead a value-laden and purpose driven life. She is married to Daniel Adekanmi.

DEDICATION

To My Greatness,

DANIEL OLUWAGBEMIGA ADEKANMI,

with whom I have chosen to journey through life purposefully,

and to God Almighty who has blessed me with him.

Acknowledgement

No good book comes to be without the efforts of beautiful and talented people coming together. On that note, I will mention Basola Victor. Thank you for taking courage to start Aaron and Hur Publishing years ago; it has served as a platform for me today. Thank you also for encouraging me at the last minute when I didn't even see the possibility of publishing this book anymore.

The Rebuilders were the ones who launched the book privately without the applause of any man. As your gift of love even in the secret will continually affect lives, may you never lose you reward here and in eternity.

Ugwuzor Michael, I can't stop smiling when the thought of you comes to mind. Thank you for including my beautiful face on the beautiful cover design you've done for this book. May your works continually speak for you.

The words from this book are a mirror into my soul from years of writing, playing, reading, mentorship, discipleship, NIFES trainings, and many biblical teachings from God's vessels. People have made me possible, and that's the reason Pant O'Mine is possible.

So, to everyone on Channel of Hope, thank you for giving me the

platform to continually hone my writing skills. When there was no book, you gladly read and circulated my articles. The cumulative effect of that platform is Pant O'Mine.

My never-tired parents deserve to be praised. They've never complained about their activity-prone, purpose-driven daughter. In soap making, they were there. During bead making, sewing, beans flour production, etc., they were supportive. They've been there all the way, never complaining. Now that it's time to unveil my never-dying passion for creative writing on a grander scale, they still gave an absolute go-ahead. May your labour of love never be in vain. I will always love you.

Soon-to-be bride and my inspirer, Princess Janet Olaide, editing your first book gave me the courage to complete mine. Thank you for that wonderful opportunity because while I was at it, I remembered and rekindled my long-term dream of launching my first novel on my wedding.

Is it possible to have a good friend with whom you never fought? Yes! Olakunmi Agboibon, my longest serving friend, this book cannot contain the depth of my gratitude to you. Your patience is amazing.

To everyone that has contributed to the richness and uniqueness of my ever-growing personality from cradle till date, God bless you all.

To everyone who buys Pant O'Mine, thank you for believing in the power of story like I do. I know that as you turn the pages, it will be worth your time.

Chapter One – The Dark Cloud

The dark clouds formed above as it threatened to rain. The rumbling wind swept through the compound, carrying lots of particles with it. The heaven wept and trickles of raindrops fell, feeding the dry land with streams in vengeance against the prolonged heat that had previously covered the land. Mummy and Tyla took slow steps, not minding the consistent raindrops.

Mummy, what's wrong please? Tyla beckoned as she followed the older woman's steps. Please talk to me. Tyla had never seen such an expression on her face before: it was a blend of vengeance and horror. Even though that wasn't her biological mother, the southwestern part of Nigeria where Tyla had come from trained them to call elderly women, especially those old enough to be their mother, mummy.

Strangely today, Mummy's face was as cold as death. It was totally void of joy and colour. Mummy, please talk to me. What's wrong? Tyla asked again as she tried to catch up with Mummy's

increasing pace, but she wouldn't bulge.

Look, nothing is wrong, I just want to react to the issue that happened yesterday, she finally replied without even looking at Tyla.

Yesterday? What happened? Her words fell to the ground. Silence was all she heard as her question only resonated to her. Mummy remained silent as she walked on but Tyla carefully followed her as she walked into her neighbour's compound. There was no one at home except for the aged grandmother who was seated on the chair. Tyla greeted as courtesy demanded but Mummy wouldn't say a word still. She stood still, staring at the old woman. Feeling tense, Tyla immediately excused herself from the embarrassing scene so that both women could have the much needed privacy. She waited quietly at the door, anxious about what could have possibly transpired between the two women.

She was still lost in her own thoughts when she heard a loud gasp for breath. She immediately broke through the door having outwaited her patience, and she was shocked to her bones to find Mummy's hands on Grandma's neck, strangulating the poor woman to death. Tyla covered her mouth with both hands. It was too late to scream: Grandma had died and a look of satisfaction swept over Mummy's face. She had finally taken her bloody  revenge.

If you ever talk my family down again, I'll fetch you from hell and kill you again. Mummy grunted as she released her grip from the lifeless body. She ignored Tyla, lit a cigarette and made her way back home.

For fear of her own life, Tyla couldn't say anything as well. She just followed sheepishly behind her, too timid to question or challenge what had just happened. She had just witnessed murder firsthand; this was not a hearsay. Still thinking about what to do as she followed Mummy, her alarm rang loudly, interrupting her sleep. It was 5 a.m. and she had just woken from a terrible dream.

Oh! A dream it was, and a dream it should remain, she fearfully muttered as she placed her Bible before her to pray before stepping out for the day's activities.

The images from the dream still made her shiver as she knelt to pray. Why was I docile? Why didn't I do anything to prevent the murder? Maybe I shouldn't have excused myself. I could have at least done something. She really found it difficult to concentrate as the scenes from the dream still replayed themselves on the stage of her mind.

I reject it in Jesus' name, she kept interjecting her prayers with statements to nullify the effect of the dream. No evil will befall me and everyone around me, she muttered again as her mind wandered.

But honestly, what could this dream mean? What kind of message is in this for me? Whatever happens, I cover myself with the blood of Jesus. She tried to stop thinking about the dream as she continued with her prayers.

Tyla had just concluded her lectures for the day, so she decided to stop by to see her course mate and best friend, Lisa, who was

absent from the last class that day.

Who's here? she shouted as she knocked the door. Lisa, are you in?

She was almost sure someone was inside because she could hear the sound of the rolling ceiling fan. Or did she go out with her lights on? she thought.

She knocked harder in a final attempt just in case Lisa was sleeping. Lisa is an undisciplined sleeper and we both know it, she hissed as she banged the door harder.

Nigerians! We ought to have cultivated the habit of saving energy. How can Lisa, as learned as she is, leave her room with her lights on? she spoke as she leaned on the wall.

She gave a final peep through the window but the curtains had concealed the room and she finally decided to go back home. As she turned to walk away, she heard the door open slowly.

LISA, so you're in and I've been knocking...What's up with you?

Tyla, I'm sorry, Lisa replied as she straightened her ruffled skirt and let Tyla into the room.

Tyla was surprised when she met Jerry, Lisa's boyfriend, in the room as well.

Hello, Jerry. How are you doing? She managed to hide her shock.

Good evening, Tyla. I'm doing well. And you? he replied as he continued to fix the cufflinks on the sleeves of his shirt.

I'm doing so well, thank you. Are you leaving? Tyla asked in amazement.

Yes, I was about to leave when you knocked, Jerry replied, unable to hold her gaze.

Lisa had remained quiet since Tyla came into the room. She opened the door and saw Jerry off to the gate. While Tyla waited, she critically examined the room. The room smelled richly—she couldn't miss that smell—of Body Fantasies, Lisa's perfume. The mattress looked ruffled too, and a plate of food was lying covered and untouched on a stool. One could tell from Tyla's vibrating legs that she was fighting her thoughts, refusing to think the unimaginable. I certainly don't want to believe this but the state of this room is questionable. Should I confront Lisa on this? How do I even start? Is it really my business? Lord please help me!

She was still trapped in her thoughts when Lisa opened the door. T-girl, she called in the nickname that she had customised for Tyla, one of the several things that made them the envy of their course mates.

L-babe, she replied in the complementary manner but she didn't infuse the usual excitement into her words. Now I know the reason you didn't wait for the last lecture. I can see you had an important assignment to attend to, Tyla lashed out with a cold glance.

"No na. The last class is always tiring and boring. Jerry called me

about that time so I decided to just come back to rest," Lisa replied as she began to adjust her bedspread on the mattress.

But you could have told me before leaving, that is if I would ever have allowed you to leave. That's history now anyway. So, well, how did it go? Tyla pestered.

Lisa just raised her brow, feigning ignorance. Gist me now.

How did what go? What exactly are you talking about, Tyla? Lisa queried, still busy laying the bedspread without looking in Tyla's direction.

You mean you don't understand? Tyla eased into a smile as she walked towards the reading table. Then, I'll explain to you. What were you doing with Jerry before I came in? Why did it take that long before you opened the door?

"See me see question! If you want to know what happened, go and get yourself a boyfriend," Lisa replied in defence.

Lisa's words hit Tyla really hard. Lisa, is that the answer to my question? Well, I'll ask again. What were you doing alone behind closed doors with Jerry? she repeated, trying hard to maintain her composure.

Nothing! Lisa retorted. Her anger was steadily rising.

Tyla realised she was losing her ground and needed to be patient with her friend. Lisa, are you sure? she pressed again as softly as she could in spite of her displeasure.

"Tyla, I'm not a kid. Trust me; nothing happened. We were just

having a good time... Lisa was gradually calming down too. But, she continued with a bit of interest, You know I can't lie to you. He..." she stopped halfway.

Tyla's ears were already itching to hear Lisa's next words, but she waited in patience.

T-girl, honestly it felt so good. He caressed and fondled my twins. Lisa touched her breasts as she spoke. My body tingled all over, and I just wished for more...

Lisa! Tyla shouted, unable to contain her annoyance. You sounded like a fool just now. You...

What? Lisa didn't allow her conclude her statement. Aren't you the one who wanted to know what transpired? Now that I have confided in you, you want to play saint. Go ahead and sermonise me.

Tyla's jaws dropped in surprised.

Go ahead, Lisa continued. It's obvious you're jealous of this relationship.

Shut up, Lisa! It's obvious you're out of your mind. I don't need any doctor to tell me you don't know what you're doing? Lisa, this is not you. I'm surprised.

And who exactly are you to tell me what to do? Lisa's anger finally broke loose. "Now you're acting like Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus. Only God knows what you're doing in your closet. Just last week, you told me you had a crush on Michael,