Happy Ending Stories & Experiences

Yesterday, we held what we call "Iju-ase" in the Igbo culture, which translates to marriage introduction in English. The occasion went by swiftly, but it was quite challenging for me. My dad had assigned me the task of welcoming most of the guests, and it turned out to be exhausting. I had to ensure that every guest felt welcomed by guiding them to their seats and attending to their requests for food.

Moreover, I found myself scurrying to buy different drinks since some guests didn't fancy the brand they were initially served. It was a bit overwhelming, but miraculously, everything fell into place. We had an ample supply of rice, different types of swallow, and a variety of delicious soups.

Despite the challenges, I was certain that when the event ended, everyone left satisfied. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the upbeat sound of music. The dance by the bride and groom captured everyone's attention, and the delightful commentaries were heartening. In the end, people were entertained, and I was relieved that everything had turned out well.

Divine was born with a rich dada on his head.

He was dreaded for many reasons, he was stronger than his age, stubborn than his age, and duller than his age mates.

Miss Patricia was his teacher ever since he started schooling until he turned 6 years old. She would teach in the school and after the close of school, she would come to his home for private lessons but she didn't see the result of her efforts.

He still came 22/23, a tied position with another classmate. Patricia knew of brilliant students getting tied for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd positions but that of Divine was divinely confusing for her.

Out of frustration one day, she sat him down and looked at him, pitying both him and herself.

"Divine, can you tell me why I will teach you in school, you, will pay attention, I will teach you at home, you will pay attention, then when it comes to the time to write or do a test, it would seem as if nothing I taught you entered your head? Abi I should use hot water to press your head?" she controlled her anger as best as she could.

"Aunty, please, it is not my fault, whatever you teach me gums to this dada on my head, it doesn't enter my original brain." He said, pleading with his eyes that she should believe him.

This continued for another year until one day she saw Divine come to school and his head had been shaved clean. She heard him tell other boys "My daddy told the barber to make it shine."

Another time, she heard him call the hairstyle Kalabolo.

She noticed he was happier more attentive and confident in class.

At the end of the third term, after collecting his report card, he ran to the school field where Miss Patricia was setting up decorations for end of year party and with a bright smile, showed her his report card.

"You see, Aunty, shebi I told you. It was the dada that was blocking my brain."

When Patricia opened the envelope and looked at his result, her jaw dropped, he came 3rd position.

"********

18:05,- The clock strikes as I had just returned from a three miles walk to the outskirt of the
town. I trudge to the miserable inn I had procured for the last three days. You could tell that I
am tired from the weary look on my face that I wish I could have someone that would do
things for me at that very moment.
I laid my back on the hard bed with a squeaking sound emanating from the wood and lumpy
with sheets that are stained. My eyes surveyed the small room filled with dust, cobwebs in
the corners, and a musty smell in the air. The rooms here are not properly tidied after being
used. The window is small and old, and it seems like it is almost detached from the walls.
There is a small fan hanging from the ceiling and a small lightbulb covered with dust casting
a yellow sickly light.
I began to count the ceilings minutes passed after taking a long gaze at a wall gecko who
attached his claws to the wall facing me. My mind flashed back to the misty and cold
morning. I had earlier taken it upon myself to look out for an apartment on the outskirts of
Grandville. I hurriedly took my bath in a small bathroom littered with a lot of sponges and
sachets of soaps locked at the end of the spot where water flush out to the dug spot at the
back of the inn.
Having dressed for my adventure, I passed by a young girl in the passage putting out
candles that were light the previous night. She gave me a lustful smile as I walked down the
path, but I wasn't in for that. I could still feel a slight headache on the right side of my
forehead, it seems like I had received a punch from a pro boxer. Oh! Well, I took a lot of
shots of beer the night before and I could not remember how I managed to find my way back
to the room.
A light-skinned chauffeur was standing right behind his car. He looks so calm and one would
detect that he is a responsible man from his mode of dressing. He is tall and well dressed,
with a neat appearance. I waved at him- his car looks so neat that I would say it attracted me
and which prompted me to choose him among all, - and I moved closer to him. He wore a
warm smile on his face and this signals a sense of duty and responsibility.
'Taxi? ' I said.
'Yes, it is. ' it was the answer.
'I had just moved to this town and I have done myself the honor of lodging in an inn. I
intended to stay for a week or more before, but I am not comfortable with the atmosphere.
Do you know of any available apartments up for rent? ' I asked with a submissive voice.
'Grandville is my town, sir, ' he paused and took a glance at my face with a smile to ease me.
' I have been to almost all parts of the town, it would be my pleasure to drive you anywhere. '
His response was everything I could wish for at that very moment. It felt like a heart-warm message brought by an angel.
He slowly opened the door and gestured that I should get in. He rolled down the windows
and at the same time reach to lock the doors. He inquired whether I would love to listen to
some country songs.
'Sure, ' I replied, and deep down within me, I rarely listen to country songs. I could not have
objected because of his calm manner of approaching me.
I sat in the back seat watching the world go by as the car moves down the road. I saw people
talking on their phones and women offering their wares at the pedestrian for sale. Cars and
bikes move along the road, honking their horns and whizzing past. I could feel the gentle
vibrations of the car as it roll along. I had a feeling of calmness and I was lost between sleep
and being awake.
The car severed into a pothole and I came out of my subconsciousness. We have been on
the road for the last fifteen minutes and probably I have lost track of time.
We are now on the outskirts of the town. The sky is clear here and filled with fluffy white
clouds. The trees along the sloppy road are lofty and green, and the scent of fresh grass
with heavy dew filled the air. The sound of the car engine mixed with the country song to
create a soothing symphony. The chauffeur took a turn and the car swayed gently as it went
through the bend. I have never felt so relaxed like this in months.

To be continued...