ANMELDENBECCA’S POV
The bus arrived at the bus stop, Josh said this was a village called "Ẹ̀lẹ̀gun mẹfa" which literally means the tree with six branches, named after a huge tree with six branches in the centre of the little village.
We both walked into the village. Josh carrying our luggage and I was holding on to the Packed Ofada rice and Ayamase sauce in the polythene bag. Of course we attract curious stares and weird glances, we greeted people as we went with Josh leading the
BECCA’S POVThe morning sun in the bungalow was unkind. It didn't bring warmth; it only highlighted the thick layers of dust and the abandonment of the house. While Josh was in the backyard to see if the old generator had any life left in it, I was exploring. I felt drawn to the study—a room filled with heavy mahogany bookshelves that hadn't seen a book in years. On the desk sat a leather-bound briefcase, cracked and grey with age."Josh," I called out, my voice echoing in the empty hallway. "Come look at this."He walked in, wiping grease from his hands. I pointed to a stack of loose photographs that had spilled out from a side pocket of the briefcase. Josh picked one up and his face went pale. The photo was grainy, from the early 90s. It was Vice-chancellor Olayinka and a tall, handsome man with the same sharp jawline as Josh. Chief Collins Adeyemi. On the back were the words: "The Foundation of the Enforcers. 1992. We own the future."As we dug deeper,
BECCA’S POVThe bus arrived at the bus stop, Josh said this was a village called "Ẹ̀lẹ̀gun mẹfa" which literally means the tree with six branches, named after a huge tree with six branches in the centre of the little village.We both walked into the village. Josh carrying our luggage and I was holding on to the Packed Ofada rice and Ayamase sauce in the polythene bag. Of course we attract curious stares and weird glances, we greeted people as we went with Josh leading the way. I saw lots of kids scantily dressed, playing with the sand, looking dirty but very contented. I saw women under a thatched shed frying Garri, some sweating heavily while pounding cassava.... they all look contented; I envy them.As we got closer to the African Baptist church, which was the only church in the village, we were stopped by an old man probably in his late sixties, who demanded to know the purpose of our visit. Josh greeted him while prostrating, while I went on my knees,
BECCA’S POVJosh drove the car aggressively, disregarding traffic and pedestrians. The SUVs were hot on our trail. I checked the side mirror and panicked every time. I began to read Psalm 91 loudly in the car.”He who dwell in the shelter of the Most high; shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He's my refuge and fortress', my God in whom I will trust.”"Josh hurry!" I cried after looking at the mirror again. "They're catching up.""SHIT!" Josh shouted, hitting the steering wheel in frustration as he slowed down."What is it?" I shivered as I asked."We have to get down, the fuel is almost finished and—""Jesus!!" I cut in. Tears coursed down my cheeks.The world became a blur of grey asphalt and stinging dust. My lungs felt like they were filled with crushed glass. Every step was a battle inside of me, my sandals slapping rhythmically against the dirt as we dove into the chaotic belly of Osiele Market."Don't look back, Becca! Just keep moving!" Josh hi
JOSH’S POVThe drive to the abandoned Works Department was suffocating. My knuckles were white as I gripped the steering wheel, my eyes darting to Becca every few seconds. The "King" was gone; in his place was a man terrified of the silence between them."Becca, please," I whispered as we pulled into the overgrown lot behind the abandoned building. "Stay in the car. I’ll go in. I’ll tell them I have it. I’ll lead them away. Just... take the car and drive to the police station in town. Don't look back.""I can't even drive" Becca mumbled to herself. She didn't look at me. She was staring at the small, silver USB drive on the dashboard."You’ve lied enough for both of us, Joshua," she said, her voice like cold marble. "Now it’s my turn. But I’m not doing it for power. I’m doing it so we don't end up as corpse or dropouts when the Vice-chancellor starts dealing with us for your folly.""Becca, I love you," I blurted out. The words hit the windshield and bounced back, unacknowledged. "I d
BECCA’S POVAt a dusty roadside kiosk. A faded "MTN/GLO" umbrella offered the only shade. Under the shade a plus sized woman with badly bleached skin was sitting, chewing gum nonchalantly.My fingers trembled as I stretches a ₦500 note to the woman sitting under the shade and collected a small strip MTN airtime card. I needed to hear my mother’s voice. I needed to know that somewhere in this world, she wasn't alone."Sister Becca."The voice wasn't Josh’s; Josh would never address her as "sister". It was heavy, irritated and familiar. I turned to find Brother Clement—the head of the Welfare Department—standing there in a sweat-stained shirt, his Bible clutched like a weapon."Brother Clement! Thank God," I exhaled, a small spark of hope lighting up. "I’ve been trying to reach the Pastor. My calls goes unanswered, sometimes it says it's 'unavailable'. I'm so happy to see you; I even sent you a message on WhatsApp.
JOSH’S POVThe afternoon sun was a relentless, blinding glare off the hood of the silver Lexus. I didn’t even have the engine off before Ada was there. I didn’t bother turning off the Lexus. The engine hummed—a low, mechanical snarl that matched the look in my eyes as Ada blocked my path. She was dressed in a blazer that cost more than our tuition, her arms crossed, her eyes two chips of cold obsidian. She didn’t look like the acclaimed "Queen of NUAT" today; even though she wore expensive articles of clothing, she looked hastily put together.Under the hot Abeokuta sun, Ada was sweating and panting."You’re late for the Budget Committee, Joshua," she said, her voice with you a touch of silky malice. "But I suppose the 'virgin' is a time-consuming hobby."I just stared at her."You said she wasn't your type!" She raised her voice a few decibels. "You abandoned me for that 'thing'!" Her eyes were red and watery with unshed tears."Point of correction, Becca's not a thing!""You’re real







