Abike (part 3) The Great Shock

Part 3: The Great Shock

Years had passed since the arrival of David into their lives, and the bond between Abike, Mrs. Folorunsho, and David had only grown stronger. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect family, a dark secret lurked, threatening to shatter their world.

One fateful day, while David was at school and Mrs. Folorunsho was at work, Abike received a package at the doorstep. It was an unmarked envelope containing a letter and some old photographs. Curiosity mixed with a sense of dread as she opened it.

The letter was anonymous, but its contents were a devastating revelation. The photographs showed moments Abike had long tried to bury in the depths of her memory. They were pictures of her aunt's husband, who was David's supposed father, engaged in unspeakable acts with her. The truth hit her like a tidal wave, and she couldn't believe the extent of the betrayal.

Tears streamed down Abike's face as she struggled to process the shocking revelation. The man she had once respected and called "uncle" had committed unimaginable acts against her, taking advantage of her vulnerability and innocence. The trauma of those moments resurfaced, causing her pain to deepen, and anger to simmer beneath the surface.

In the past, he had threatened her life if she ever spoke the truth, but now Abike felt compelled to reveal the dark secret. She knew it was time to break free from the chains of fear and deceit that had bound her for so long. She couldn't bear to live with the lie any longer, not when it involved her own son's paternity.

Gathering her courage, Abike decided to confide in her fiancé, Tunde. They had always shared a strong and open relationship, and she knew she could trust him with the truth. She showed him the letter and the photographs, watching his face contort with shock and disbelief as he absorbed the truth.

"I can't believe he did this to you, Abike," Tunde said, his voice shaking with anger. "We need to tell your aunt and bring this to light."

"I know," Abike replied, wiping away tears. "But we have to be careful. We don't know who sent this letter, and if my aunt finds out, it could destroy her."

Tunde nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Together, they decided to confront Mrs. Folorunsho gently, seeking a way to protect her from the full extent of the truth while still bringing the matter to her attention.

When Mrs. Folorunsho returned home that evening, she found Abike and Tunde waiting for her, their faces solemn and serious.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?" Mrs. Folorunsho asked; concern etched on her face.

Abike took a deep breath, her heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. "Aunty, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's important, but it's also very difficult for me."

Mrs. Folorunsho's eyes softened with concern as she held Abike's hands. "You know you can talk to me about anything, Abike. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

With tears welling up in her eyes, Abike began to reveal the painful truth about the past. She spoke about the betrayal and the unspeakable acts that had occurred years ago, carefully omitting the identity of the perpetrator.

Mrs. Folorunsho listened in shock and horror, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the revelation. "Oh, my dear Abike, I'm so sorry you had to endure such pain," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I had no idea."

Tunde, who had been standing by Abike's side throughout the conversation, gently added, "Aunty, we received an anonymous letter with these photographs. We believe it's time to bring this to light, but we wanted to talk to you first before taking any further steps."

Mrs. Folorunsho nodded, still processing the information. "Thank you both for telling me," she said, her voice trembling. "I need some time to think about this. But no matter what, we'll face it together, just like we always have."

As the days passed, the weight of the truth hung heavy over their household. Mrs. Folorunsho struggled with the revelations, torn between her love for her niece and her feelings of betrayal by her husband. She sought solace in her faith, spending time in prayer and reflection, trying to find the strength to navigate this challenging situation.

In the end, Mrs. Folorunsho made the difficult decision to confront her husband about the truth she had learned. The confrontation was painful, and the truth came to light. He confessed to his terrible actions and expressed remorse for the pain he had caused.

Despite her anger and hurt, Mrs. Folorunsho chose not to make the matter public to protect her family's dignity and shield David from the harsh truth. However, she made it clear that their marriage was over, and she asked him to leave their home.

It was a trying time for the family, but they rallied together, supporting each other with love and understanding. David, still unaware of the truth surrounding his paternity, remained the heart and soul of their little family.

In the months that followed, Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho sought professional counseling to help them heal from the wounds of the past. Their bond as aunt and niece grew even stronger as they faced the challenges together, finding strength in their love and determination to protect David's well-being.

As David grew older, questions about his biological father naturally arose. Sensing his curiosity and feeling that he deserved the truth, Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho sat him down and gently explained that his father was not a part of their lives. They emphasized that he was surrounded by love and family, even if the circumstances were unconventional.

David took the revelation with surprising maturity, feeling grateful for the love and care he received from both Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho. He understood that family wasn't always defined by blood but by the connections of the heart.

Together, Abike, Mrs. Folorunsho, and David continued to create a loving, supportive home. They became an unbreakable trio, bound by love, trust, and the strength to overcome life's greatest challenges. Despite the painful past, their story became a testament to the resilience and the enduring power of family, even in the face of the most significant shocks and betrayals. 

They considered the possibility of someone from their past seeking revenge or trying to hurt them. Alternatively, it could be someone who knew about the dark secret and wanted to bring it to light. The lack of any clear motive or signature left them baffled and on edge.

As Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho grappled with the revelation and its implications, they tried to carry on with their lives as normally as possible. Abike decided to involve the authorities, reporting the anonymous package and its contents to the police. The police promised to investigate, but without any concrete leads, progress was slow.

The uncertainty of not knowing who sent the parcel added another layer of stress to an already emotionally charged situation. Abike and Tunde took extra precautions to ensure their safety and that of Mrs. Folorunsho and David. They installed security cameras around their home and took turns accompanying David to and from school.

As they waited for the police investigation to yield results, Abike's mind was filled with questions and doubts. Who could have known about her past with her aunt's husband? Had she been under surveillance without her knowledge? Was the sender someone she had once trusted or was it a complete stranger?

Amidst the turmoil, Abike leaned on her support system. Tunde stood by her side, offering unwavering love and reassurance. Mrs. Folorunsho, despite her own pain and shock, provided a pillar of strength for her niece. Together, they leaned on their faith, finding solace in prayer and the belief that justice would prevail.

As the weeks turned into months, the investigation seemed to reach a standstill. The police were unable to trace the origin of the letter or the sender. Frustration and fear lingered in the household, making it challenging to move forward.

One evening, while Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho were attending a church service together, they noticed a familiar face among the congregation. It was Mr. Folorunsho, who they thought had left town after their confrontation. His presence sent shivers down Abike's spine, and she worried about the safety of her aunt and herself.

After the service, Abike and Mrs. Folorunsho approached Mr. Folorunsho cautiously. His demeanor was somber and repentant as he looked at his estranged wife.

"I have been seeking forgiveness from God and from you, my dear," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I am sorry for the pain I caused and for the terrible act I committed against Abike. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I had to come clean and face the consequences of my actions."

Mrs. Folorunsho was taken aback by his confession, but she maintained her composure. "What you did was unforgivable," she said, her voice trembling. "You shattered our family and betrayed my trust in the worst way possible."

Mr. Folorunsho nodded, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. "I know I can't undo the past, but I want to make amends in whatever way I can," he said, tears welling up in his eyes. "I won't trouble any of you again, but I needed to face the truth."

Abike, who had been listening silently, felt a mix of emotions. The man standing before her had caused immeasurable pain and trauma in her life but seeing him remorseful also brought a sense of closure she never thought possible. 

He asked to return home to his wife. Abike looked at her aunt and held her hand in a gesture suggesting that she forgives him. It was not going to be easy, but she obliged and asked him to return home.

 

THE REVELATION:

As the days passed, Mr. Folorunsho couldn't shake off the burden of guilt and the weight of the truth he had carried for so long. Unable to bear the knowledge of the anonymous sender any longer, he decided to come clean to Abike, Mrs. Folorunsho, and Tunde.

"I have to confess," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "The person who sent the parcel and the anonymous letter is my cousin. He discovered those photographs in my phone by mistake a long time ago. He used that information to blackmail me, threatening to reveal everything to you all if I didn't comply with his demands."

Abike, Mrs. Folorunsho, and Tunde were stunned by the revelation. The mystery of the sender had haunted them for so long, and now it seemed to finally have an answer.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Tunde asked, his voice tinged with anger and frustration.

"I was scared," Mr. Folorunsho admitted. "I was ashamed of what I had done, and I didn't want to face the consequences. But seeing the pain and fear this mystery has caused, I couldn't keep quiet any longer. My cousin is no longer a part of my life, and I wanted to protect my family from him."

Though his confession provided some closure, it also opened up wounds anew. Mrs. Folorunsho couldn't believe that someone close to her husband could be so cruel and vindictive. Abike struggled with mixed emotions, feeling both anger at Mr. Folorunsho's cousin and relief that they finally knew the truth.

The family decided to confront Mr. Folorunsho's cousin together. They met with the police and provided them with the information they needed to trace the anonymous sender. With Mr. Folorunsho's cooperation, they managed to locate his cousin and discovered evidence linking him to the blackmail and the anonymous package.

The cousin was arrested, and the truth behind the mystery was finally revealed. He confessed to his malicious intentions and admitted that he had wanted to destroy Mr. Folorunsho's life out of envy and resentment.

With the culprit apprehended, the family felt a sense of relief and closure. It was a difficult and painful journey, but they had finally unraveled the truth behind the anonymous package and the person responsible for the distress it caused.

As time passed, the wounds began to heal, and the family slowly rebuilt their lives. Mr. Folorunsho continued his efforts to make amends for his past actions, seeking therapy to address his behavior and the consequences of his infidelity.

The experience had changed them all, but they emerged stronger and more united. Abike found the courage to face her past and work on forgiving Mr. Folorunsho for the sake of her aunt and her own healing. Mrs. Folorunsho, while unable to forget the pain she had endured, learned to let go of the bitterness and embrace the love that surrounded her.

 

HAPPY ENDING

One evening, after dinner, the family gathered in the living room, basking in the warmth of their home. Abike took a deep breath, wanting to address something that had been on her mind for a while. She looked at Tunde and David and then turned to Mrs. Folorunsho.

"Thank you all for being here with me through everything," Abike began. "I can't express how grateful I am for your love and support."

Tunde reached out and held Abike's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We love you, Abike. You've been incredibly strong, and we're proud to stand by your side."

David nodded in agreement, his admiration for his mother evident in his eyes. "You've taught me so much about courage and resilience, Mom. I'm proud to be your son."

Mrs. Folorunsho smiled warmly at Abike. "You are a remarkable woman, Abike. You've shown immense strength throughout this journey, and I couldn't be prouder to call you my niece."

Abike took a moment to compose herself before continuing. "There's something I want to discuss. David, I know that you now know the truth about your biological father. And I want you to know that your father, Tunde, and I have spoken about it. We believe that it's important for you to have a relationship with him if you want to."

David looked at his mother, feeling a mix of emotions. "I do want to know him, Mom. But it doesn't change anything between us, right? You're still my mom, and nothing can change that."

Tunde chimed in, his voice full of love. "Absolutely, David. You're my son in every way that matters. And I want to support you in building a connection with your biological father if that's what you want."

Mrs. Folorunsho nodded, interjecting with a gentle smile. "Family is not just about blood, David. It's about the love and support we have for one another. We are your family, and we will always be here for you."

Abike's heart swelled with pride for her family. "Thank you all for understanding and supporting David. We'll take this one step at a time and make sure you're comfortable with the process, David.".

Mr. Folorunsho sat there with tears in his eyes; incapable of any words. He could not believe he was actually getting a second chance at life for real. Deep in his heart, he felt grateful for each one of them, especially his forgiving wife.

While still caught up in his emotions, David gets up and rushes to hug his biological father. Then turns to hug big mommy, Mrs. Folorunsho. Mr. Folorunsho quickly joins them both to form a threesome hug. The image was beautiful.

Tunde hugs Abike and gives her a long kiss.

Life moved forward, and while the scars of the past remained, they served as a reminder of the strength and unity of their family. Together, they faced the challenges that life threw their way, knowing that they could overcome anything as long as they had each other. The mystery of the anonymous sender had been solved, but the love and forgiveness within the family became the true key to their healing and restoration.

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Anike (part two) The Gift of Motherhood

 Part 2: The Gift of Motherhood

Abike's heart was pounding in her chest, and her mind was racing to find a way out of this situation. She had to be careful with her words, but she couldn't lie to her aunt. She took a deep breath and looked into Mrs. Folorunsho's concerned eyes.

"Aunty, it's just that I'm feeling a bit under the weather," Abike said, trying her best to sound composed. "I think I might have caught a bug or something. I'll be fine; it's nothing to worry about."

Mrs. Folorunsho scrutinized her niece's face, trying to gauge if there was more to her unease. "Are you sure that's all it is, Abike? You don't seem like yourself today."

Abike forced a smile, hoping to mask her fear. "Yes, Aunty, I'm sure. Maybe I just need some rest. It's been a bit hectic lately, preparing for the next academic term and all."

Mrs. Folorunsho nodded, still not entirely convinced, but she didn't want to push Abike further if she wasn't ready to talk. "Alright, dear, but if you need anything or if the discomfort persists, don't hesitate to tell me, okay?"

"I will, Aunty," Abike replied, grateful for her aunt's understanding.

As the day went on, Abike tried her best to carry on with her tasks at the store, but the weight of her secret was becoming unbearable. She felt trapped and scared, not knowing what to do or who to turn to for help. She couldn't bear the thought of disappointing her aunt and causing her pain. At the same time, she couldn't imagine going through with a pregnancy at such a young age.

Her mind kept going back to the moment the laboratory clerk had confirmed her worst fears. Abike hadn't been prepared for the reality of the situation, and her thoughts were a chaotic mix of regret, fear, and confusion. She knew she had made mistakes, but she also understood the importance of taking responsibility for her actions.

As the day drew to a close, Mrs. Folorunsho noticed that Abike's spirits hadn't improved. She decided to bring up the topic again, sensing that there might be something more troubling her niece.

"Abike, I know you said you're feeling under the weather, but I can't help but feel that something else is bothering you," Mrs. Folorunsho said gently. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Abike hesitated for a moment, torn between wanting to confide in her aunt and protecting her from the truth. She finally decided that she couldn't keep the secret any longer, not if she wanted to find a solution.

"Aunty, there's something I need to tell you," Abike said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I think I might be pregnant."

Mrs. Folorunsho's eyes widened in surprise and concern. She took a moment to absorb the revelation before responding. "Oh, Abike, I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this. You're just a young girl, and I understand that these things can happen, but we need to figure out what to do next."

Abike looked down, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know I made a mistake, Aunty. I should have listened to you and been more careful. I'm so scared, and I don't know what to do."

Mrs. Folorunsho pulled her niece into a comforting embrace. "It's alright, Abike. We'll get through this together. The most important thing right now is to make sure you're safe and healthy. We'll take you to see a doctor and explore our options. Whatever decision we make, know that I love you, and we'll support you."

In the days that followed, Mrs. Folorunsho took Abike to see a doctor, who confirmed the pregnancy and discussed the available choices. They considered all the options carefully, taking into account Abike's age, health, and emotional well-being. They also involved Abike's father and mother in the decision-making process.

As they discussed the various possibilities, Mrs. Folorunsho found herself reflecting on her own life. She had always dreamed of having a child of her own, but unfortunately, she had been diagnosed with a medical condition that made conception difficult. Her heart ached for Abike, and she saw this as an opportunity to fulfill her longing to nurture a child as her own.

With her own desire to become a mother in mind, Mrs. Folorunsho proposed a solution to Abike. She offered to help her niece look after the child when born, allowing Abike to continue her education and pursue her dreams while ensuring the baby would have a stable and loving home.

Abike was taken aback by her aunt's selflessness. "But Aunty, are you sure? I don't want to burden you with my mistakes."

Mrs. Folorunsho smiled warmly. "It's not a burden, Abike. It would bring me great joy to care for the baby and see you achieve your goals. I want to be a part of your life and support you every step of the way."

After much consideration and heartfelt discussions, Abike agreed to her aunt's proposition. It was a decision made out of love, trust, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the child.

As Abike's pregnancy progressed, Mrs. Folorunsho ensured she received the best prenatal care, and they prepared together for the arrival of the baby. They decorated a nursery with tender care, filling it with love and hope.

When the day finally came, Abike gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The moment she held him in her arms, she felt an overwhelming mix of emotions — joy, love, and gratitude for her aunt's support. They named the baby David, a symbol of strength and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

True to her word, Mrs. Folorunsho took on the role of a devoted mother to David while Abike resumed her studies. The bond between Abike, Mrs. Folorunsho, and little David grew stronger with each passing day. They were a family held together by love, understanding, and the knowledge that they were each other's greatest gift.

As the years went by, Abike completed her education and pursued a successful career. She remained an active part of David's life, cherishing the special moments they shared as mother and son.

Mrs. Folorunsho's decision to help Abike and raise David as her own child brought immense joy and fulfillment to her life. She embraced motherhood with all her heart, grateful for the opportunity to be the caring and loving parent she had always longed to be.

Their story became one of love, resilience, and the transformative power of family. Abike's journey had not been an easy one, but with the unwavering support of her aunt, she found strength and hope in the face of adversity. And in the heart of Mrs. Folorunsho, a once unfulfilled dream of motherhood had blossomed into a beautiful reality, nurturing not just one life but two — a testament to the incredible capacity of love to heal and transform.

To Be Continued…

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Abike (Part One) The story of a beautiful, hardworking teenager who got into serious trouble.

Abike woke up that morning feeling truly funny. She had had a fairly rough day previously assisting her aunt at the market. The aunt, Mrs. Folorunsho owns a big cosmetic store on the Lagos mainland. During holidays, Abike helps out; this ensures that the aunt gives her some pocket money when school resumes. This has been the routine since she got into secondary school.

But this was no ordinary feeling Abike is having this very morning. While yet a Junior secondary school student, she remembers her class teachers' teachings about puberty, pregnancy, and the dignity of virginity. She remembers vividly the common symptoms of pregnancy. Of course, she has experienced all the signs of puberty and had recently begun exploring sex. The fear of being pregnant suddenly overwhelms her. If that's the case, then she is in grave trouble.

Her mom and dad were divorced and both of them had remarried, Abike had to stay with her paternal aunt - Mrs. Folorunsho. She is the only person capable of looking after her as she herself, had been struggling with conceiving. She had been married for over eight years now and was still not lucky getting pregnant. Her husband, Mr. Folrunsho, a banker and a pastor has been very understanding and supportive. He always assures her that God will someday answer their prayers; that his beloved wife should be patient. Aunt Folorunsho loves him so much and wishes to make him happy soon with the cry of a baby.

Abike knows something is definitely wrong with her body. She knows the symptoms she is having are those of pregnancy. The sudden tiredness and nausea, coupled with the change in appetite were truly suspicious. And she had even begun to feel the tenderness of her nipple. At just 15 years of age, Abike looks very mature. She knows she needed to be certain before anyone else begins to suspect. And by anyone, she meant Aunt Folorunsho. Her aunt is very informed and inquisitive. She had constantly advised Abike against misbehaving with the boys. She tries at every opportunity to teach her about becoming a woman and the dignity of being reserved. 

Well, so much for trying to blend with the pears. The worst may have happened. She could not risk stopping her education for any reason. Abortion does not seem appealing either as she has also read so much about death associated with the practice. Who can she trust with the dark reality that has awoken her this morning?

She quickly rushed to the bathroom; takes her bath and dressed up for the day. She must arrive on time at the store today as her aunt had instructed her to be there early to receive some new goods arriving. The time is already 5:30 am and the traffic in Lagos had begun. Lagos is that city where the morning rush is critical to beat. It seems everybody wakes up at the same time. 

Usually, Abike gets to the market before the aunt, as Mrs. Folorunsho needs to make other arrangements before joining her at the store. As she was coming out of her room at Mr. Folorunsho's residence, she meets her aunts' husband (the banker and pastor) coming out of their room. He was already dressed for work and Abike could see through the slit in the door that her aunt was still in bed. Often, the husband would drop both of them off at the store before heading to work. But today, he would be taking only Abike since the aunt wouldn't be coming so early.

"Good morning, sir," she says. He answers casually and walks toward the door to exit the apartment as she follows him. Abike is scared he might notice something about her mood, and she wishes that she could go to the store on her own using commercial transport. If Mr. Folorunsho suspects anything, he might relate it to his wife and the whole world could begin to crumble under her feet. Abike begins to pray silently. If she is going to survive the drive to the store, then she has to be very composed to deflect any suspicion. 

Even right now, she feels like throwing up. She could feel her salivary gland beginning to swell with spittle. 

"God help me" she murmurs under her breath.

The walk to the parking lot seemed like a journey too long. But finally, they arrived and she takes the passenger seat beside her aunts' husband. He gestures to her to strap on the seat belt while he turns on the ignition and the engine roars to life. Abike made sure she did not make any eye contact with him, or else he sees through her. 

"Be calm" she kept thinking to herself. 

And he drives into the already active Lagos traffic; they had become part of the typical street bustle. As they drive along, approaching the turning that leads to the street where the store is located, Mr. Folorunsho deeps his hand into his breast pocket and hands Abike some notes. "Manage this pocket money while you are in the shop before your aunt joins you". "Thank you sir" she utters, as she stretches to collect the money with both her hands...respectfully. They were soon in front of the store and she alighted. 

"Thank you, sir!" she says as she hurriedly leaves the vehicle and rushes to start the day at the shop.

After cleaning and having received the new arrivals, Abike heads straight to a clinic to ascertain her status vis-a-vis the pregnancy suspicion. She also requested that other tests be done on her. She suspects also malaria, typhoid or perhaps she just has stomach inconsistency.

 As she sat waiting for the outcome of the tests, her mind roams back to the memory of all her sexual encounters during the last festival celebration. She agrees that she had been really reckless despite all the advice she had gotten from concerned relatives, especially her aunt. She began to hope that the tests come out in her favor. A few minutes later, the laboratory clerk calls her to the desk and issues her the results. She smiled and said, 

"Congratulations, dear", "You are pregnant". 

Abike could not be more devastated and confused as she sits at the shop staring into space when her aunt walks in. Mrs. Folorunsho has known Abike since when she was just a toddler. She knows her to be energetic and full of life and imagination, especially in the mornings. She just couldn't help but notice that her little niece was in some deep thought. Perhaps, the pressure of preparing for the next academic was weighing on her mind. Or could she be missing her parents? 

"Abike, how are you?", "Sorry, I am just coming jare, I needed to go see Mama Julius before coming. You know that she delivered her baby last week.". 

"Welcome Aunty," Abike mutters, forcing a smile. "It is fine, ma. Perhaps I shall go check on her before we close today. She has been so nice to me". 

"Oh, that would be good" the aunt responds.

"Abike, are you alright?" "You don't look good. Is it your period?" "You seem to be dampened a bit". "Or, are you in need of anything?" "You know you can always ask me for anything, dear!"

Those words and questions came as deadly to Abike. Her whole system froze and she could not breathe. She felt sour all through. She knows she needs to come up with a good response, otherwise, her dear aunt would have her go to the family hospital. That would mean doom. 

Abike knows she has to say something... but what?

...to be continued

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