User talk:Mat2014

TEARS OF REGRET

CHAPTER ONE

Emeka was born into the family of mr and mrs onyebunam, they lived in a small village called isiugwu. Emeka's parents were farmers, they sell their farm produce to sustain the family. Emeka as young boy was very brilliant and humble,always ready to take correction and learn from his mistakes. His parents laboured hard to provide for his educational needs because they have known the value and swore that Emeka must have the best of education. Emeka was always among the top three in his class during his primary education. This attracted the attention of most teachers in his school, including his fellow students and was usually encouraged with gifts from his parents and other well wishers.. Emeka had a very close friend whose name was Ejike, he was also a brilliant boy and they were popularly known as brain box. But did this nick name actually lasted? Read on and find out....******* Ejike came from a comfortable home, his parents were business people. His mom owned one of the biggest supermarkets in town. His is the only boy in the chain of four girls,so his parent always pampered him like an egg. *     *       *       *        *         *        *        * *             * Emeka and Ejike had alwaya studied together, did absolutely everything together that one could mistakenly take them to be brothers from the same parents. One day in school, Emeka had a problem with a boy which lead to a fight, from no where Ejike rushed in and together they started fighting the boy. They were later punished by the headmaster for voilating one of the school rules and regilations. On their way home that day, they discussed their future ambitions. I would like to be a medical doctor,“said Emeka And what about you ? He asked Ejike. As for me, I would rather want to be a pilot“,Ejike replied. As they were not going to the same direction, they diverted to their different destunations bading themselves good bye. Emeka suddenly remembered that he did not remind Ejike about their evening studies which the two of them normally hold everyday. Ejike! Ejike!, Emeka called out to his friend; remember our evening studies; he said. Don't worry, I already have that at the tips of my fingers; Ejike shouted back. *          * Emeka got home and met an empty house, his parents had probably gone to the market to sell their farm produce as it was the big eke market day. He droped his school bag and changed into his house clothings and went into the kitchen where his mother usually kept his lunch. That was the usuall way his mother kept food for him as it is believed in their culture that boys are not supposed to venture into their mothers pot. After eating, he tidied up the house and had his siesta before he brought out his books to revise their days lesson. Looking out of the window after thirty minutes of reading, Emeka saw his friend Ejike coming into their compound with his school bag. Emmy are you not ready? Ejike inquired. I will be with you in a few seconds;Emeka replied. Soon they were strolling down the bush path leading to their school were they conduct their private studies. They met mr okoye one of their school teachers. Good evening sir ; they greeted in unison. Thank you boys, where are you boys up to? He asked. We are going to the school for our evening studies;Emeka replied. That's good,keep it up my boys; he said before going away. Mr okoye was known in school and the entire community for his kind gestures and his funny but disciplinary ways. It was ones said that he helped some students who had no means of furthering their education forge ahead through his financial supports. He never used cane during his lessons for he believed that using cane only scared the student therefore not allowing thr student assimilate what he or she is being taught. Rather he believes in talking to the student in a parental manner. After their studies that day they retired to their homes. Remember to be early to school tomorrow;Ejike told Emeka Emeka got home and met his parents already back from the market. Good papa, good evening mama; he greeted them. Good evening my son, how was your studies today ? His father asked. It was fine papa. I hope you finished all the food I kept for you? His mother asked him. Yes mama, I enjoyed the food, thank you. Emeks's father married his mother for over thirteen years without an issue. Eventually, by their prauer and the grace of God she got pregnant and had Emeka. People who knew them for years were happy for them. That was why they vowed that Emeka must have good and quality education.

CHAPTER TWO

Emeka and Ejike passed into secondary school and attended the same school. They both worked hard to come out best. They happy to be in secondary school, a different world from the primary school. A place where every thing is conducted in amore mature way. A pkace where cleaniness and hardworh was the culture. And also a place where you cultivate the culture of honesty or dishonesty. Things went on smoothly for the two friend until Ejike made friend with some group of bad, proud and arrogant boys. There is this saying that bad manners corrupts good manners, and when one finger touches oil, it soil the rest. Gradually Ejike's attitude and behaviour began to take another shape, a bad shape which he was goiung to regret forever. One morning, during assembly, Ejike was late and was ordered to kneel down by the principal. He was giving twelve strikes of koboko on his buttocks. He cried and went away from the assembly ground muttering some inaudible words. “Ejike come back here !”, the principal comanded. “I will not. I must revenge ”, Ejike boldly saidto him. The principal poiunted at three big boys in higher classes. “Run after him and xatch hiim for me”, he said. But before the boys could take any action, Ejike had sped off. The three boys came back because the principal told them to come back as he noticed that Ejike had escaped. Emeka tried to advice his friend, but all his efforts seemed futile. As days went by, Ejike's attitude grew from worse to worst, he hardly read his books or try doing his assignments. He now developed the attitude of estorting money from his parent in yhe name of school this or that. His academic performance became unusually poor that his parents became worried. Emeka wisely disassociated himself from Ejike to avoid being corrupt, but never failed to pray for him. The evening sun was setting and the town look cool and calm. Emeka had just woken up from siesta, took a shower and hurried off into the compound. He saw his father sitting under the mango tree in their compound. He greeted him and told him that he was off for studies. Go well my dear son; his father replied. Emeka headed straight to Ejike's house to call him, but the reply he received was antonishing. Emeka my guy, leave that thing that we call evening studies. We are only wasting our time. My friend is hosting a birthday party and I am inviting you”, Ejike said. No I can't come because party is not a priority to my studies”,Emeka counter attacked. Ok you can go and remain local, idiot,look at him ,village boy”,Ejike shouted at him. Emeka's temper was burning with fury. He taught of just giving Ejike a punch on the face but restrained himself. Though this two friend were of the same age, Emeka looked much stronger than Ejike. Ejike was more of the ajebutter type due to the wealth of his parents. Emeka left alone to study. While on his way, he was reasoning in his mind, so this is the effect of bad company and association can cost someone. Hmmmm, I must abide by my parents advice to avoid bad groups”,he said to himself. Emeka got to school and began to read. Suddenly he heard a crack sound on one of the school doors. He tip toed towards the direcction of the sound and peeped. Emeka wsa startled by what he saw; right before him were three men trying to break into the principals office. At that moment many thought ran through his mind. What could these men want inside the principals office?, Should he shout to attract people. He made up his mind to go to the nearest police station. He quickly sneaked out and ran to the police station and told them about the bulgary. The police immediately teamed up and followed Emeka to their school. By the time they got to the school, the theives were already in the principals office ransacking everywhere. The policemen splited into two groups, one group to the windows an the others to the doors. The thieves were taken unaware and were apprehended. The police thanked Emeka for the part he played and praised him as being a good citizen. By the next morning the news had already spread like wild fire. Many praised Emeka for his bravery. During assembly that morning, the principal called out Emeka infront of the hole school and decribed him as a good and hard working student. This particular act increased the popularity of Emeka in the town.

CHAPTER THREE

There was seriouness every where for the hardworking students and the lazy ones loitered around. The date for the final final examination (SSCE) was drawing near. Emeka and Ejike where now in their final class and were among those preparing for the examination. Emeka burnt the midnight candle everday. He utilized his time reading and solving some difficult problems in his exam sylabus. His parents were very proud of him and supported him in every possible way they could. They bought books for him and paid for his extra moral classes. Ejike was busy parading the school as a senior student, bullying the younger ones. He and his gang bullied, intimidated the weaker ones, snatch hand bags from women and drinking all kinds of alcohol. He was uselessly spending the money his parents gave him for his educational needs chasing after girls. One day, Ejike's friend named Ugo signalled him to come out of the class during lesson period and he foolishly left the lesson and came out. Guy there is a new business”,Ugo said. What business ?”, Ejike asked. Let's get out of this school environment first of all”,Ugo suggested. And they sped off into the bush and removed their uniform and hid, then they put on muffty(Ordinary cloth). They ran to a point and Ugo asked Ejike to stop so as to tell him the business. There is this our neighbour I over heard last night saying that he will be going to collect a huge amount of money from somewhere today”Ugo explained. And how is that by business?”,Ejike asked. He would be returning and he is going to take this road. So I want us to wait for him and then rob the money. Do you mean you want us to snatch the money away from him?”,Ejike asked with smile beaming on his face. Exactly what I mean”,Ugo replied excitedly. That's a good deal my guy, Ejike concord. Ugo brought out two black mask from his pocket and handed over one to Ejike. They quickly wore it and ambushed waiting for the man. Two hours later the man was on the lonely road with his bicycle whistling while he paddled slowly down the path. Ugo made a sign to Ejike and they jumped out from the bush with their log of wood which they used as weapons. They pulled the man out of his bicycle and started to beat him and at the same time searching him. They tried to get away with the man's money but the man also put up a fight and was screaming and shouting “thief thief! thief!”. In the cause of their struggle, farmers in the nearby bushes heard the noise and rushed toward the direction of the noise. Ejike and Ugo sensing danger left the man and began to escape, but the farmers were already near and soon caught up with them. They were both beaten mercilessly and take to the police station. They spent three days in the police custody before their parents came to bail them out. Ejike's parents were so ashamed and disappointed at him. They alway made sure he never lacked anthing. So why will he be involved in such an act. In school, their story was what was on the lips of every student. They were now ashamed an did not show up in school till after one week. We have missed a lot”,Ejike told Ugo who was very sobber on their resumption to school. Emeka offered to help out in the class works they had missed but received no attention from them. They told him that they were not in his low class, that he should not come and infect them with his locality. Emeka just shook his head and left them to carry their cross. What was running through his mind was “who was a low class”. They that have dragged their family's name in the mud or him. He just laughed in his mind.

CHAPTER FOUR

It was now one week to the great exams that everyone has been preparing for. Those who started reading their books early enough were quite relaxed, unlike those unseriouse ones who by now were nervousely turning the pages of their books without even understanding a thing. Among the relaxed students was Emeka who by now had completed his work and was only revising. Ejike and his friends were seen running from pillar to post looking for who to help them in the exams. My guy in year three in the university can help us write this exam”,said Eloka one of Ejike's friend. All we have to do is to contribute some money and give him and we will be sure of our distinction in all our subjects”,continued Eloka. That's a good idea”, chipped in Ugo. Let's begin at ones we have no time. They contributed thje money and sent it to the so called MR HELPER. On the day of the exam, Ejike and his friends were sitted waiting to catch a glimps of their helper. They waited for hours and were eventually dissappointed as the exam began. Alias! Ejike and foes like him sat looking from their question paper to their answer shit. Some even chewing their biro. Emeka sat confidently and started solving his questions and in no time he was through and submittrd his paper. In the next two hours the hall was deserted, only Ejike and unserious ones like him were still sitting sweating proufusely without even touching their pen on their paper. The exam co-ordinators became impatient with them and collected their papers from them. They came out with swollen faces and tears in their eyes. “HAD I KNOWN ALWAYS COME LAST” The rest of the exam was even more tougher for Ejike to the extent that he lost hope of ever making it. He did not know if to get angry and blame his failure on himself or to pass the blame on Eloka or the so called helper. Two months later, the results were out and Emeka passed in flying colours. Emeka came out best in the whole state and the Federal government decided to award him a scholarship. His parents were so proud of him and his success was the talk in town. Mama Emeka, Congratulations, I heard Emeka made it in his exam and has been awarded scholarship”,commented one market woman. Yes oo my sister, he has made me proud”,replied Emeka's mother. Ejike matter was a different case,he failed and was not ready to rewrite. Soon he lost interest for school and droped out. His parents were so dissappointed in him that they decided that he either re-sit for the exam or they open a business for him to manage. Ejike gladly choosed to do business because he believed it was the fast way of making money. He was given a huge sum of money to start a business of his own but he instead squandered the money carelessly untill he was left with nothing. His parents became so angry with him that they did not bother to care about him any more. Ejike managed to hire a motocycle to start an okada business. One day he was on his normal business when he had an accident and broke his arm. With time he recovered and started his daily hustling. Emeka got admitted into the university to study medicine and surgry on government scholarship which was actually his goal in life. Emeke never slacked in his hard work to achieve his dream of becoming a medical doctor. With his performance, he was soon noticed by lecturers and his fellow students and was always choosen to represent the school in any compitition involving medical students. Soon he was made the president of the medical student association (MSA) of his institution.

CHAPTER FIVE

There is really a prize for hardwork; they say. Emeka was in his final year in the university. He studied very hard to pass his final exams. He did his house manship in the university's teaching hospital. By God's grace and hard work Emeka was enlisted among the successful graduating students. On the day his graduation, Emeka could not believe it and he said to himself,“Am I dreaming or is this actually happening?. Oh I wish Ejike was here to withness this great day with me. He was immediatly employed by by the federal government into a teaching hospital and was handsomely paid. His parents threw a big party for him in the village in honour to his achievements. They praised him for making them proud and not dragging the family's name in the mud. *    *     It was now eight years since emeka lost contact with Ejike. He had made enquiries on how to locate him but to no avail. Not even his parent knew where he was. A year later, Emeka got marrisd to a beautiful and had working girl named ifeoma.she is a banker and worked with one of the prominent bank in the city. They were blessed with two children from the marriage, a girl and a boy named Nneoma and Somtochukwu respectively. Ejike did not find life easy, things were not working out properly for him. His motocycle broke down and he had spent a lot of money on it. He could not even afford a three square meal not to talk of taking care of his needs. One day, Ejike was riding along the road and met a woman whose car had broken down and was totally stranded. He offered to help her and she joyfully accepted. Ejike successfully fixed a minor fault the car developed. The lady was full of thanks, she gave him some money and also her residential address. Ejike thanked the woman who as faith may have it was Emeka's wife. Things went on without much incident until the police seized Ejike's bike for reckless driving and the use of expired licence. Ejike was so hopeless and frustrated that he felt like hanging himself. He remembered the address the woman he had helped gave him and decided to visit her for help. Kpo! Kpo! Kpo!, came the knock on the gate. Who be that, I wan break am for my gate?”,shouted Musa the gate man. Aboki, who I dey look for? He enquired. Please I am looking for one mrs ifeoma Onyebunam, she gave me this address; showing him the card. You mean you dey look for my madam? Musa asked. Yes”,replied Ejike. Ok, come in, Musa ushered him in. Ifeoma was happy to see him and gave him a warm reception. Emeka came into the sitting room and behold there was his old friend Ejike sitting right in his home. Ejike could not believe his eyes, it seemed like it was a dream or that he was in a trance. They enbraced each other so heartedly that Ifeoma got lost in the whole thing. She was so suprised that she asked if they new themselves. How did you locate me?”,Emeka asked Ejike. Acctually, I never expected to see you here. I came here to visit this lady here who I helped to fix her car some time ago”,Ejike replied. Emeka introduced Ejike to his wife as an old time school friend. Like wise he introduced Ifeoma to Ejike as his wife. Ejike narrated all the problems that he has been passing through to Emeka and his wife. They felt pity for him because his story was indeed pathetic. Emeka decide to help him by looking for a job for him in the hospital. Though the only job for Ejike's kind who don't have any certificate or qualification was a gate man or a cleaner. In the next three days, he got the job of being a hospital cleaner. Emeka and his family continued helping Ejike in all possible way they could. They gave him accomodation in. Their boys quaters, they fed him and also gave him some items like cloths, shoes etc. Emeka's children, Nneoma and somtochukwu also grew fund of him. They called him Uncle ans went to him for stories when ever he is off duties. Life went on like thet untill the hospital management informed Emeka that they would be sending him abroad to further his studies. A provision was equally made for him to go with his family. When the news reached Ejike, he felt sad about it because his hope of living would soon be living the country. Though he was happy for his friend. A big party was organised in honour of Emeka's departure in a month time.

CHAPTER SIX

Emeka and his family left for abroad while Ejike continued workind in the hospital and living in the boys quarter owned by the hospital. He used his small monthly salaries to manage himself. Thing went on smoothly for Ejike until the unexpected happened. One morning, Ejike got to work, on his arrival, he was informed my one of the hospital staffs that the medical director wanted to see him. Ejike was nervous, cold shiver ran down his spine. He was thinking of why the medical director wanted to see him. He has never been to his office nor talked with him one -on-one. When he got to the door leading to the director's office, he stood there for a while in order to calm nd comport himself. He pick up courage and pressed the door bell. Come said a voice from within the office. Ejike came in. Yes sit down, said the director. Ejike just nodded and sat down. He handed a letter to Ejike and told him that him that due to some certain circumstance the hospital management has decided to flush out its employee's without a t least an o level certificate. Ejike did not need a sooth sayer to be told that he had been sacked. He was ashamed to plead because he could not obtain a common o level result. He just stood up like a bag of bone and walked out looking like a Zombie. He was also informed to vaccate the boys quarters in a period of one month as it also was the hospital's property. Ejike came back home and felt sorry for himself. He regretted not bending down to study when he was in school. Now look at me without a handiwork and soon will be without a place to lay my head”, he lamented. My parents has disowned me due to my bad and reckless behaviours,and now I am ashame to go back and be a thing of mockery in my town. No way! I am not going back”, he said to himself. A month later, Ejike also vaccated his home and was left with no place to go. That night, he slept under one of the flyovers on the high way. He search for some menial jobs to do but was always unlucky. Life became hell on earth for him, he could not eat good food and he was looking like a new mad man in town. One day, Ejike asked a boy he met under the bridge how he managed to survive. O boy, life hard o, na barrow weh me I dey push so that I fit chop”, the boy replied. Can you help me get a wheel barrow so I could join you in the business”, Ejike begged. I fit help you, but nah hire purchase, after the day job, you go pay back”, the by informed him. Ejike thanked the boy for his kindness. The next morning, Ejike was in the market. Pee! Pee! Make way”,he would shout. On one particular day, he saw a lady with her luggages looking for a carriage. Ejike rushed to her, madam where are you going to? Please take this things to the bus station for me.”,the lady replied. Madam nah 50 naira abeg. No problem”,replied the lady. As they were going, the lady recognised Ejike as one of her secondary school classmate. Excuse me”, the woman said. You look familiar, did you attend standford secondary school?”, the woman enquired. Yes I did, and who are you?”,Ejike asked. I am Ngozi and I guess you are Ejike my classmate. By now Ejike was ashamed and could no longer raise his head to her face. What happened to you all this years?”,Ngozi asked. Ejike told her all that happened and she felt sorry for him. She later gave him some money to take care of himself till he got a better job. Ejike continued in his barrow job untill he made friends with billy. Billy was a hit man in town and very rough guy. He belonged to a notorious gang that terrorised the town in the peace of the night. Billy met Ejike one day while he was resting and introduced himself. It seema you are new in this area?”, he asked Ejike. Ejike told him that he has been here for quite some time and that he does barrow pushing in other to put food on his table. My guy, this barrow pushing is not beffiting for a young and handsome bobo like you”,billy told him. Come and I will introduce you into a lucrative business where you will be touching real cash with your own hands”,billy continued. What kind of business is that?”, Ejike asked. Don't worry, meet me at JIRON'S BAR by 8.00pm tonight”, billy told him.

CHAPTER SEVEN

It was exactly 8.00pm when Ejike arrived at the appointed place. He saw billy sitting at a corner in the bar. You finally came”,billy welcomed him with a hand shake. Ejike sat down and billy ordered for four bottles of bear and four plates of pepper soup. Thirty minutes later four other boys came and joined them. Billy introduced them to billy as paul, Rasker, Pello and Jasco, he said they were his business associate. They took time to explain the business to Ejike which was armrobbery. Ejike was a bit nervous, billy noticing it calmed him down and ensured him that all will be well, we are always careful”,he said. Rasker informed the boys that they have an operation tonight that worth millions of naira. At the mention of millions, Ejike's mouth watered and he thought of how his life would automatically change after the operation. Ejike then agreed to join them and they celebrated. With more bottles of bear and more pepper soup. By ten o'clock that night, they all retired to the gangs den to rest and prepare for their operation. Ejike was given a pistol and a dagger, and they sat down to make their plans. At 12.00 midnight, they set out for the operation in a stolen vehicle. After about thirty minutes of driving, the driver applied the brakes ans they all jumped out of the car, went over the fence and entered their target's house. They took all the money of the victim which he was supposed to deposite in the bank the following they. He was a car dealer and had made some sales that unfortunate day. After they were satisfied, they all match back to their waiting car, loaded the money in the trunk of the car and zoomed off in a high speed. The man they robbed picked up his cell phone and informed the police about the robbery. The police quickly mounted road blocks at all check points. After ten minutes on high speed, the armed gang sighted the police and opened fire on them. The police reciprocated by returning fire. They succeeded in shoting down two police officers but the policemen were more stronger and experienced than them. The gang were all shot dead except for Ejike and paul who tried to escape with bullet wounds but were quickly apprehended. They were treated of their bullet wounds and charged to court. The judge after looking into the case and finding them guilty of the crime, sentenced them to twenty five years imprisonment and hard labour. That was how greater part of his life was wasted in jail. *   Emeka came back to Nigeria with his family after he had completed his studies. He searched all over town for Ejike but to no avail. One evening Emeka was watching the network news when the names of the of prisoners that tried to escape from the cell were anounced with their pictures on the screen of the television. How could Ejike involve himself in crime”, he shouted. His wife head the shout and was startled, she rushed into yhe sitting room. Honey, what is the matter? Why did you shout like that?”,she asked. My dear, do you remember my old friend Ejike? He asked. Yes I do remember him”, she replied. He has been sentenced to twenty five years imprisonment. For what”, she shouted. He was involved in a robbery operation. Oh my God! ,how could he have done such a thing”,lamented Emeka's wife. How I wished Ejike had listened to advice and calm down during our school days, now look at where he has landed himself”,Emeka lamented. Emeka and his wife frequently went to the prison to visit Ejike with food and also prayed for him. Twenty six years later, Ejike was released and became a free man ones again. He went back to his parents and begged for forgiveness, just like the biblical prodigal son. His parents were so happy for his transformed life. He later decided to go back to school and complete his education.

*                   *                                          THE END Composed and Written by ALIOZOR OKEZIE Mat2014 (talk) 12:37, 26 March 2014 (UTC)