Life is unreal; death is uncertain.
"Ahh!" I screamed, climbing on top of the kitchen counter.
"Akudo!" My parents rushed into the kitchen, my mum switching on the light.
"What happened?" Papa questioned with concern written on his face.
"Did something happen?" Mama walked closer to me while adjusting her wrapper under her armpit. I shook my head immediately coming down.
"Are you sure?" I turned to the kitchen entrance, where Obinna asked.
Then it dawned on me that I had woken up half of my family due to what? A rat?
A rat!
The humiliation.
They'll crucify me.
I could never tell them that. The best way out is to lie.
"I t-thought I saw something," I managed to stammer out, standing properly.
Mama frowned immediately, "Every time you think."
"Why won't you see things when you don't put on the light?" Adaku Obinna's twin sister, questioned her, folding her arms with her hair in all directions. She's awake too, Nna eh.
"I know my house well with or without light," I defended, taking a cup from the kitchen cupboard.
"It's 2am; is it not too early for you guys to start?" Papa folded his arms across his chest.
"Everyone, go back to sleep, and Akudo use the light bulbs, when there is light." He continued walking back to his room with Adaku following behind.
But I love it when it's dark, with the moon illuminating everywhere in the house, giving it a calm ambience, notwithstanding a rat the size of my shoe climbing up my leg at night.
Mama just gave me one of her be-careful stares before walking away.
"Why are you even awake at this time?" Obinna asked, and I just raised my cup to signify I wanted water.
"Mommy said we should stop drinking the tap water here. Besides, don't you have water in your room?"
"The water is not bad, and I don't have water in my room." After fetching water in my cup, I was about to drink, only for it to be snatched from me.
The audacity of this boy!
So what if he was my elder brother with an 8-years difference? So what?
Troublemaker.
"Liar," he poured water into the sink and handed over a chilled bottle of water from the fridge.
"If there's anyone who can't stay without water, it's you." I just uncapped the water and took a huge gulp.
"Akudo," he persisted. He doesn't give up, does he?
Dropping the bottle on the counter, "I wanted to watch a movie." I thought quickly.
I was having a bit of anxiety and excitement for the celebration we came back to the village for. The New Yam festival is a celebration I've never attended before, but this year's one fell in August, which was a holiday for school students, unlike the usual time in September when school would have resumed.
Obinna and Adaku had usually narrated how it happened when they were little, plus they are grown now and study here in the village at the university, so they could have attended it a lot.
I can't wait to see all the masquerades and their performances. I'm obsessed with masquerades; I didn't get my fill during the Easter celebration.
"Don't worry; you're going to love it," Obinna reassured me. I just shrugged my shoulders, keeping mute.
"What kind of movie do you want to watch?" He tilted his head, beckoning me to the sitting room.
He took the remote control to switch on the TV.
"Conjuring," I smirked as he froze, settling myself on the sofa.
"Mbà mbà mbà,' he shook his head continuously.
(MBÀ - no)
"Final destination",
"No way",
"The nun", I held my smile. I love messing with him.
"How can a little girl of 15 like you be watching such movies at this time of the night?"
"How can a grown man like you be scared of horror movies?" I countered.
"What of Annabell?" I continued while he tightened his hand on the remote.
He stood up and walked to the kitchen, then came back with a five-litre keg filled with palm wine and two cups.
Also, with a container filled with cashew nuts.
Best midnight snack ever!
I take back calling him a troublemaker.
"We are not watching any of those demonic displays."
I opened my mouth in surprise, "Demonic displays? But they are fictional." I tried to reason.
"How does 'based-on-true-stories' sound fictional to you, considering most of them are?" He argued by passing me a cup filled with palm wine.
"That's what makes it more interesting and intriguing," I grinned, drinking.
He took a deep breath, glancing at me, shaking his head.
"You need help."
"So do you," I snorted.
We had to settle for a cartoon, according to Obinna. I had worked him up, and it's too early for a nightmare, wimp.
A few hours later.
I hissed as I felt some sort of tickling at the back of my feet. Turning away, it still persisted. Then I felt a cold little hand on my cheeks and giggles.
Irritation.
I swatted those hands away, rolling to the end of my bed close to the wall. Yet the disturbance continued. I frowned, opening my eyes, ready to chop somebody's head off.
I saw a little missing incisor on display; these little kids never take a hint.
Rubbing my eyes, "O gini?" I questioned hoarsely with clear irritation still written on my face.
(O gini - what?)
"Good morning, Sista Akudo," they greeted her with their high-pitched voices. I rolled my eyes, blocking my ears.
"I'm not - who is your sista? It's Akudo," I corrected them.
(Sista - sister)
"Good morning and stop greeting me."
"Mummy said you should come out for prayer!" they chorus again.
How can they be so loud so early in the morning?
Children!
"I'm not interested; I've prayed." I lay down, getting comfortable to go back to bed.
I'm gambling with my life normally. Morning prayers are a must, except during holidays, which we are in.
"Mummy said you must come with us," as they began pulling at my hands.
These twins, Ogbonna and Ogechi, are always so hyperactive. Why am I surrounded by twins?
I sat up, "OK, I'm coming."
"Mummy said now," Ogechi stated as they fell on the bed, unable to pull me to a standing position.
They are so little I could just grab them by the neck and haul them away from my room, my coven. My safe space.
I slowly walked into the parlour and was surprised to see them sitting at the dining table. Akamu, bread and akara were already served.
When did they prepare all that?
Wasn't it prayer I was called out for?
So many thoughts ran through my head, but if we're eating that's even better.
I glanced at the clock to see 10:18 am. I gulped. I thought it was still early. I regretted staying awake last night, but it was worth it.
"Daddy, good morning, sir. Mummy, good morning, Ma." I greeted my parents; maybe this will pacify them or reduce my punishment?
"What of me?" Adaku asked.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty." I gave her a fake smile because she looked like a nightmare with whatever she'd rubbed on her face, and her hair was finally in a net.
She looks like one of the village masquerades, the only difference is I'm less excited to see her.
"Sit, let's eat," my dad said.
I gave Obinna a glare. Why didn't he wake me up? We were comrades in crime.
"Traitor", I whispered to him, at which he chuckled. The younger twins sat on their little chairs and table beside my mum since they were not tall enough.
"Akudo, pray for us," my mum suddenly stated, catching me off guard. I hate leading prayers. To avoid annoying anyone and embarrassing myself, I settled for praying in Igbo.
Then it clicked to me that I have not brushed your teeth, Chai. I thought it was prayers I was coming out for. Guess we've done both. What excuse do I give?
"I'm coming," at which I dashed to my room without waiting for any reply.
We are the Ndubisi's. We used to be an average family below even until my big brother won the lottery, which was a huge amount. He didn't tell our parents how he got such an amount; he lied, saying it was a business transaction he made.
I knew because he told me. I don't know why he told me, but with having to eat whatever I want, my lips are sealed.
At least I get my own room not having to share with my sister, it was torture. We have our first ever family photo in the sitting room, bigger than other photos, with each family member. The younger twins seem to look better even without their front teeth.
The house in the village here is everything after the renovation. And to top it all I got my own phone.
Obinna is dark-skinned and the tallest in our family, and he's assisting our father in his electronics business and is having his defence next month in economics. While Adaku, his twin, who is also dark-skinned, is in a teaching hospital, at least that's the only thing I like about her; she has a brain, even with all that attitude.
Our mom sells provisions, wholesale now, due to Obinna's luck.
The 6-years-old twins, Ogbonna and Ogechi, are in primary 2. The noisemakers of the household. They also take joy in frustrating everybody's life, mine especially, since I'm always the one to look after them when everyone leaves.
My parents are lucky because having five children in the current Nigerian economy is a risk.
Then I, preparing for my WAEC, performed averagely in school, I guess. I also secretly took JAMB, but only Obinna is aware, and I'm too much of a coward to check. Yes, I'm not curious about my score and just lied to Obinna; it didn't come out. And to top it all, I was underage.
Rebellion feels good.
I'm just a very reserved child and bring fewer problems to my parents.
Unlike Obinna, who was quite notorious in secondary school, and Ada, who was once suspended for getting into a fight in school just because of a boy! She's lucky I didn't snitch on her, because heaven knows I would enjoy her being double-punished by our parents.
Ogbonna and Ogechi, who are mischievous, are courtesy of me, who was tired of seeing scratch marks on them. They were twins, for God's sake; anyone who hurts one hurts the other, so I taught them to gang up on the person. No way they were getting bullied, and I'll keep quiet.
I know, big sis of the year.
Does this make me the favourite child? No! I'm the middle child, so I'm second to anything for either the elder or younger ones.
Don't get me wrong; I enjoy it, though, because that's fewer expectations and attention on my side. The absolute best!
The only things I go to my parents about are money, and I don't even invite them to my open days in school. I don't want them in my business as far as it's nothing serious. After all, I'm the chill child. Considerate even.
I feel like my parents either too trusting are worried, but I suspect it's definitely the latter.
After breakfast, I hurriedly washed the dishes so there wouldn't be any excuse or disturbance on my side. Walking to my room to get a little sleep before we attended the New Year's Yam Festival. Yay!
"Akudo!" My mum bellowed, making me jolt from my position in front of my room door. I withdrew my hand from the doorknob, turning to face her.
"Ma,"
"What are you doing?" She asked with her hands akimbo.
Going to my room, I would have responded, but I swallowed it. I chose a safer answer.
"Preparing."
"We're leaving very soon?"
"OK, ma-"
"Make sure you are ready by then," she interrupted, glaring at me. I just nodded. She walked away, and I took a deep breath. She knew I was going for another round of sleep. I don't care; I must sleep. I'm just a little bit afraid of drawing trouble to myself and having to be hit with turning garri.
My nightmare.
My door was immediately thrown open with Obinna and the twins behind him, who climbed onto my bed and began bouncing on it.
"Get down! Get out!" I thundered at them, pointing at the door. They went to hide behind Obinna.
"Chillax, little sis," Obinna stood before them in a protective stance.
"Get ready," he continued.
"For what?" I sat on my bed, drawing my duvet close.
"Let's go for a stroll."
That was tempting; I began weighing my options: sleep or stroll.
"Give me 15 minutes," I finally let out.
"Yes!" The twins shouted, jumping around.
"Are they coming?" To which Obinna gave me an Are you serious? Look.
"I'm not looking after them", I warned.
"So unfilial of you." They all left my room.
After putting on a pair of jean knickers with a decorated black shirt, I walked into the living room and saw the twins watching one of their favourite animations, to which I joined them.
"Let's all put on our new sneakers," Obinna reasoned as he walked in with those of the twins.
"No, I can't wear my new shoes for just a stroll," I refuted immediately.
"Sista na," Ogbonna pleaded.
"Sista Akudo, wear it with us," Ogechi joined in with him.
"I'll wear it," I conceded, at which they grinned about showing their gap teeth, which made me chuckle.
"You've sold your teeth for akara, abi," I teased them, making them use their palms to cover their mouths.
"Where are Mummy and Daddy?" I enquired.
"They went to visit people, you know how they do."
"What of-",
"They dragged Adaku with them." I just pity her, the torture of going to other villagers' houses to either gossip or boast about their 'medical doctor daughter', but at least all my blood-related nemesis are out.
"Oya", we all stood up, walking out of the house. The compound was big, and I loved it because of that, with two huge mango trees at the centre, which I most definitely enjoyed and abused during our stay in April. There were also plantain and banana trees, the Ube tree, which would be so useful for the corn harvest. And also different green vegetables. And a coconut tree.
It was the perfect space for kids to play, where I taught the twins to ride bicycles. And is learning how to drive from Obinna.
After closing the gate, we began walking down the streets and cowering behind Obinna whenever a masquerade approached him, demanding money. Also because I heard they whip young girls who put on trousers.
They wouldn't dare; my big bro is here!
"Broda buys ice cream," Ogechi begged as her twins joined his in pulling her arms.
(Broda - brother)
"Ice cream or suya?" Obinna asked me.
"Both."
After getting ice cream for the twins since Suya would be too peppery for them. We sat on a distant pavement watching the masquerades whip themselves with people hailing them.
"Akudo!" What's it with people screaming my name? Only for me to turn to see Uju, one of my age mates in the village, approach.
"Uju," I called out smiling as I stood up. She went in for a hug, making me freeze. We weren't that close, and we only hung out together when I came back to the village.
She turned to Obinna, greeting him and patting the twins on their cheeks.
"I just wanted to show you something." I offered her my suya, which she declined.
"What?" I questioned, chewing on a piece of meat.
"New masquerades", which piqued my interest.
"But it's two junctions away," she continued, making my shoulder fall.
"Big bro," I voiced softly to soften his heart.
"Just give me an hour," I pleaded.
"No!" He deadpanned.
"40 minutes is the highest," I tried to reason.
"Broda Obinna na", I never knew I would use the twins' method. Well, desperate times, desperate measures.
"You can't just leave for masquerades two junctions away." Obinna frowned.
Yes, I can, nigger.
"We'll come back now, biko."
"20 minutes", he conceded, to which I grinned and refrained from hugging him due to excitement.
"30 minutes", I bargained, pulling Ugu with me towards the bus stop.
A bus pulled up immediately, and we entered. We chatted away about school life and family issues.
"I have a boyfriend," she whispered.
"Ehn!" I shouted, ducking my head immediately.
"How did you - when, where -," I stammered out in confusion.
"Do your parents know?"
"Never, I don't have a death wish biko."
"Who is he? How old? Which class?" I dropped all the questions at once.
"You'll see him; he's a 22-year-old, and he's a Yahoo boy." She whispered the last part.
I was so speechless and tense. She's just 15, and he's almost my brother's age, a Yahoo boy for that matter. I began to regret following her. Isn't she too young, or is she not afraid of being used for rituals?
She really does have a death wish!
"What about you?" she asked.
"What happened to me?" I frowned, playing dumb.
"Why don't you have a boyfriend?"
Maybe my age, family and not interested.
"I don't need one; isn't yours too old for you?" I cautioned her.
"I don't care as long as he's taking care of my needs."
"Aren't your parents doing that?" I furrowed my brows at her.
"It's not enough."
Another day to be grateful for what I have.
"God continue to bless my parents and siblings," I mumbled the prayer.
"Just be careful."
"Always," she smiled, making me snort.
I then noticed I was beginning to feel drowsy. It's still a few minutes past 1 in the afternoon. Why am I sleepy? Then it clicked that we'd long passed the junction we were supposed to stop at, and the bus was not taking on other passengers and was scanty.
Before I knew it, a white handkerchief was used to cover my nose. I tried struggling and screaming, even scratching at the hand, but to no avail. Finally, I passed out.
I tried to move my body, but it felt too heavy; my head was hurting and my mouth was dry. The floor felt too cold and my eyes too heavy.
"Mummy," I whispered.
"Mummy", I repeated.
"Water."
"There's no Mummy here; neither is there water," a strange voice stated. I opened my eyes, but the room was a bit dim and hot.
"Mn," I groaned as I turned to see the owner of the voice. Then I noticed there were about 8 people in the poorly ventilated room who were all sitting on the cement floor, including me.
Me!
My family!
Where am I?
Uju! Where is Uju?
"Uju", I managed to croak out.
"No Uju here," the same voice answered. It was a guy in his twenty's I guess, and he was tall but looking haggard with torn clothes and unkempt and overgrown hair. Just like the rest of them, there were people of different ages and sizes.
It dawned on me that I had entered a One Chance vehicle. I thought they were only common in the city.
My end is nigh!
I could not even cry. I just lay back down, hoping it was just all a dream. Even though I needed something, just a sip of water. My addiction to water is going to be a challenge here. That's if I survive.
Some people later came in, covering their faces with guns and cutlasses to subdue them, taking five people. Curiosity made me ask the stranger who spoke to me first where we were.
"Trouble, that's where we are - a dangerous place."
"How do you know?" I questioned after the effect of the drugs had worn off.
That was a silly question, though one of the One Chance cases I've heard of was a man who went missing on his way back from a burial and was never heard of again. He was my friend's father.
This is terrifying.
"I used to work here, until they no longer saw the need for me," he answered, shaking his head.
"What do you guys do here?" I muttered with dread.
"Buying, selling and consuming human parts," I gulped, looking away.
I'm doomed.
We both turned at the sound of a whimper in the other room. It was a young woman in her late twenties.
"I can't die here," she wailed out.
"It's not our decision to make; just pray you won't be among the ones prepared for a meal." He breathed out.
"I'm pregnant." She stated and continued crying. My eyes widened as I shared a glance with the male stranger.
Suddenly, a two-man walked in and grabbed me by the arm. My heart felt like it would leap out of my mouth. I just couldn't bring myself to say anything or beg. If they're expecting money from my family, then I'm really joining my ancestors.
This place looked very busy and stank; we heard a loud noise, and I only looked out through the window to see different people tied to a rope naked, with a coating rubbed on their skin. Then they lit under the individuals; they were cooking them alive. Then those things on their bodies were--
"Species," someone interrupted my thoughts. An average-looking guy with a big nose and ears.
Ugly muchacha.
"We can't have them tasting bland, can we?" I just kept a straight face. We entered a room with someone tied to a chair but covered with a bag. When it was removed only for me to see...
"Uju!" She was sweating and crying profusely. Her mouth was covered, which was taken off by the big-nose guy.
"What happened?" I was held back from going to her.
"I'm s-sorry, Akudo," she cried out.
"For what?" At which she remained mute.
"Well, my girlfriend here brought you here," said this terrible-looking man, who is her boyfriend. She has a horrible taste.
"Why did you do such?" I asked her.
"I thought if I brought you here, your parents wouldn't feel too pained since they already have two sets of twins. I needed the money."
Ouch!
Well, that's the advantage of having five children.
That one hit close to home - the nerve of her to say such a thing, selling your friends to these kinds of people. Cons of people knowing your vulnerabilities. She knew she could only tempt me with masquerades.
He shot her, killing her at once. I broke out in a cold sweat but straightened my neck. If I'm going to die, I'm dying with pride.
He pushed her off the seat, brought it, and sat in front of me. I just kept a neutral face.
"Are you not going to beg for your life?" He asked, twirling the gun in his hands.
"Please. Please. Spare my life. Spare my life." I stated expressionlessly my voice laced with sarcasm.
He scoffed, "Seriously, I could kill you here."
He really could, but I don't seem to care.
"You'd be doing me a favour," I responded.
He looked me dead in my eyes. "Oh, really?" I stared back with the same vigour.
"Take her back," he ordered the men holding me back.
Have I really given up on life? I looked out to see and hear the screams of those being cooked. If I survive this, I'm going to need therapy.
They threw me back in the usual room with my newfound 'roommates', 'cellmate', 'kidnapped mate'. They haven't even given us food since I arrived - terrible room service.
"Well, that's a first," the male stranger commented.
"People taken out don't return; thank your chi." This got me reminiscing and regretting the kind of life I lived with my family.
Fear and pain are some of the real things in life. Fear of losing and pain from the loss. I guess they are right.
Fear is temporary; regret is forever.
I regret not having told my big bro I was proud of him, or my little siblings that they were the best, or my big sister that I loved her, even if quarrelling was our love language. I should have hugged my mother more and watched more wrestling matches with my father.
It began to dawn on me that my days alive are few. I was really expecting to celebrate my sixteenth birthday, watch my siblings graduate. Ponder on what I wanted to study in university.
I didn't even witness the celebration we came home for.
My life was just getting better now this. I'm fighting for my life. Fighting fate.
"There's only one way to escape here," I finally spoke out.
"How?" They both looked at me as if I had said the impossible.
I raised a lighter up to signify--
I stole it from the terrible-looking guy. How can you be ugly and stupid; a terrible combination.
"We're going to have to set this place on fire."
"We could die," the female uttered.
"At least we'll be taking them down with us. We need to find a way to the gas cylinders I saw here."
"And set this place ablaze,"
"Are you with me?" I questioned them, to which they glanced at each other but nodded anyway.
"Bloody fireworks," I smirked, tightening my hands on the lighter.
We might not survive this, but we're going to die trying. After all, the highest risk you can take in life is not taking any at all.
This might be my only chance to make things seem right.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Love thyself!