Chapter 6: Mama Clap and New Chapter

Weekend, I go house chop. My parents dey talk about moving their business abroad. The aroma of ogbono soup welcome me as I enter house. Mama just dey smile, dey ask me whether I want semo or amala. Papa dey read newspaper, him glasses for nose.

Dem don talk am before, even say make I follow go school for abroad. I remember how dem beg me last year, say make I follow them. I no gree—because of Tobi. But that time, I refuse because of Tobi. Love dey make person do mumu sometimes. Now I dey see am clear.

Now, with everything wey dey happen for school—All the shame, gossip, cold eyes—e just dey heavy. Even food no sweet again for hostel. Even if I dey pretend say I no care, if person get choice, who wan be everybody target? Nobody wan chop slap from life if dem fit avoid am. Even plantain get limit for frying.

So I tell my parents, "I go like study abroad."

As I talk am, Mama clap hand, shout, "Ehen! My pikin don get sense!" Papa eye light up. Na so joy fill dining table. My parents happy no be small. Mama nearly dance, Papa talk say na so better pikin suppose behave. Dem begin discuss plan sharp sharp.

If their business work for abroad, dem fit settle there, no come back. Of course, dem no wan leave me. Family dey important. Dem no want make anybody lost for abroad life. Na true love be that.

As we dey talk departure date, my hand pause with spoon. For the first time, I dey reason say my own life fit change sharp sharp. My heart skip small beat. The date na Tobi birthday.

Na so my chest tight—God, you sure say na my story be this? As I see date, e be like say universe dey try test my resolve. Na Tobi birthday I suppose dey board plane. My parents see my reaction, ask if I wan change the date. Mama dey look me soft, Papa drop him glasses. "You sure say you ready? If you wan postpone, talk am."

I smile, shake head. "No need. This day good as e be."

I force smile, but for inside, I dey talk final bye bye to all old things. New chapter dey come.