Pain of Separation 10

Hey guys. Seems we have gotten to the end of this story. Thanks guys for the support and reading my attempt at writing out of the box. Hopefully, more stories will come from me soon. If you have not read the previous instalments, please do so before reading this one.
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It had been two years since I was in Cupid's Park. I remember the last time I was here, I told my ex to leave me alone. He is a sweet guy and even though I am married to the sweetest Urhobo man in the world, I still miss Tope. There is something about your first love that you can't let go.
I remember the last time we were in Cupid's park together. He told me to look into his eyes and tell him I did not love him. Truth is, I could do that even though I did love him. My life is not a romance movie so the boy gets girl theory doesn't always work.
I told him off including his mother and the next thing I know they are at my doorstep apologising. It was sweet and I thought we were going to be saying our final goodbyes. Well, I guess I was wrong. Tope kissed me and his kiss is so... Words can't describe it. It was amazing and very scary. After the kiss, he just walked out. Who does that? We didn't see for two whole weeks. It was good because it gave me time to come clean with Ovie. We then decided to tell Tope to back off so we could save our marriage. Tope amazed us and showed up in my office, telling Ovie and I he was going to back off. We were impressed and told him he didn't have to come to our wedding if he didn't want to. A part of me, hope he came and he did and I was happy.
I have not heard from Tope since I went back to LA. Attempted to see him when I came into Nigeria but I changed my mind. Let me just see my mother and go back to the US.
I walk to the statue of Cupid and I could still see the inscriptions on Cupid's heart. I guess Cupid could not make that relationship work. I turn around and standing behind me is Tope Taiwo.
"Tope! How long have you been behind?" I ask him
"Just a couple of minutes" he is smiling "how are you Jumy?"
"I am ok. Came into Nigeria for my mum's 50th birthday"
"Oh. So we are going to party hard right?" He said.
"Yes oh"
"Is Ovie not coming for the birthday?" He asks
"He is. He flies in tomorrow"
It felt good seeing him again.
"So what are you doing here?" I ask
"I am meeting someone here" he says. Just then a tall, light skinned girl advances towards us.
"Jumy, meet my darling wife, Bola. Bola, this is the famous Jumy"
I am in shock!

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Pain of Separation 9

Hey guys. We are finally coming to the end of this series and I hope you all have been enjoying it. If you have not read the previous ones, please do so, so you won''t be lost. God bless

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I had waited for this day to come and finally it was here. I was getting married to the girl of my dreams. She just wasn't any girl, she was Jumoke Johnson. Who would have thought that despite all the arguments and the misunderstandings and the lost years we would still still end up together, making our union valid in the eye of our creator? Who would have thought that despite our "differences" we would still decide to make the commitment to spend the rest of our lives together? Men, who would have thought?

I stand in the Church and await my bride. I am putting on a black tuxedo and my best man Ebuka is standing beside me. He looks really fly in his own suit but you know now, you cannot outshine the groom. It is not possible. Seating in the front pew are my parents in their very expensive lace and beside them is seated Jumoke's mum. My mum has a straight face and it is like she can't wait to get the service over with. I smile to myself thinking of how far my relationship with Jumoke has come and how we were able to make it against all the odds stacked against us (Odds meaning my mother and her drama).

The organ starts and everyone gets up. The doors open and my bride emerges looking beautiful in her white strapless gown. I am 100% sure every guy in the church is going gaga for her. As she approaches, she smiles at me and I wink at her as we turn to face the pastor.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining together in holy matrimony of Jumoke Rosemary Johnson and Temitope Darek Taiwo. If anybody has anything against this union, speak now or forever hold your peace" 

Nobody speaks up. I scan the crowd for Ovie and hope he doesn't pull any stunt. After a while, he continues with the formalities, we say the I do's and finally he goes 

"You may kiss the bride"

Suddenly I feel a nudge on my elbow and I jolt.

"Guy, wetin they do you na? You dey person wedding and you dey think about. Stand up jor, Jumy wan enter church"

I stand up and think to myself, Oh how I hate dreams!

Pain of Separation 8

If you have not read the previous instalments, please check them out before reading this one.

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It has been two weeks since the kiss and I have been avoiding Tope like crazy. What was he thinking? Kissing me and running off like that. who does he think he is? Does he think this is a romance movie where you kiss the girl before her wedding and then run away and the girl runs after you and says how she made a mistake and then you guys get back together and you live happily ever after. Well, this shorty made no mistake.

I have thought about everything. I mean, I had a long talk with Ovie yesterday and I opened up to him. We thought it best to set the record straight with Tope so as soon as Ovie arrives, we are going to the restaurant to resolve this.

Tope was a darling, no doubt. He was an amazing boyfriend, lover and friend and to say that I am going to miss having him in my life will be an understatement. Truth is, we have a lot of memories and these memories will remain in my heart but I feel there is a point in a person's life when they realize that there is so much more to life. Love is not the only thing to consider whrn you want to get married to a person. I mean, love can really be intoxicating during the engagement period but after you get married you realize that you guys are not compatible. Your choices are different; spiritually, financially and every other "lly". I cannot deal with that. Tope has told me he does not want to marry a woman who is like his mother and I see myself evolving to be her.

Ovie comes into my office and I know it is time for us to go and do the main deal. Just then, my secetary buzzes my phone and I answer.

"Yes, Busayo"

"Ma, there is a Mr. Taiwo here to see you"

Ovie gives me the look.

What is Tope doing here?

Pain of Seperation 7

Hey guys. We are currently rounding up the Pain of Separation series. Thanks for the comments and the love. The series will end in the 10th instalment so keep your fingers crossed. Also, if you have not read the previous instalments, do so before reading this one.

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I knew Jumoke would be shocked to see my mum and I in her house. Thing is, I had to do what I had to do. If we are all going to be moving on we should do so on a good note.

Jumoke and her mum invited us in, we did and made ourselves comfprtable on their sofa. I looked over at my mum and it was so obvious she was very uncomfortable. This woman sef. She cannot just act like she is accumstomed to he lifestlye of the middle class. Now,I am sounding like her. After a few moments of awkward silence, I speak up.

"Jumoke, I know you and my mum have not been the best of friends and so my mum has something she wants to tell you. Mum"

I look at my mum and I know she is going to have a hard time doing this but this was the only way I could at least get myself into Jumy's good books again.

"Jumoke, this is hard for me to say-" My mum pauses and looks at me. I motion to her to continue and she does "I am sorry for all the times I have insulted you. I am sorry about the times I made fun of your background. I respect you as a person and I don't think you are a gold digger"

My mum looks at me and I nod my head. She stands up and says "I'll be in the car". Jumoke stands up and tells her she appreciates me it and apologizes to. She sees my mum off to the door and closes it behind her.

I look at Jumoke and I can tell she is happy. If only she knew that my mother did not mean any of those words she said. According to my mum, her opinons about Jumoke will not change and  she did this because I begged her to. Inasmuch as I want to move on and walk away from it all, my feelings for Jumy are still strong.

Jumoke's mum excuses us and goes into the room and as soon as she does. Jumoke speaks

"I think what your mum did was cool. Thank you. Even though I know she didn't mean it" We both smiled. I love Jumy's smile it is wwhat I describe as captivating.

"Well, at least it counted for something" I told her "Goodbye Jumy" I told her

"Bye Tope" She said. I go over to her and give her one last hug.

But somehow, my lips find a way to hers and I have the bess kiss of my life...

Pain of Separation 6

If you have not read the previous instalments, please do before you start this one.
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I have been crying for 3 days straight.

I don't know whether it was the run in with Mrs. Taiwo or my fallout with Tope at the park or the fact that Ovie forgave me despite my keeping Tope away from him but I have been crying.

If it is Mrs. Taiwo, I am trying to understand why I am very angry with her. I used a friend of Tope to travel. Maybe I am not a gold digger but at the same time... A girls gotta live the life

Looking at Tope that evening at Cupid's Park and saying those things were hard. Tope was right. I still loved him. I wanted to kiss him and tell him I was sorry for leaving him. But is love enough for a good and healthy marriage?

And Ovie. He is sent from heaven. He is everything I have dreamed in a guy. He is loving kind and we share the same mindset. We are perfect for each other.

A knock on my door jolts me back to the present. My mother opens the door and walks in. She gets herself comfortable on my bed, puts my head on her shoulder and starts stroking my hair. My mother always knows the right things to do. The woman is just too amazing.

"Mum. Am I a bad person?" I ask her

"What are you trying to do? Find yourself?" my mum asked me. It is true what they say. Nigerians answer questions with questions.

"Maybe" I reply her

" Sweetie. If at 31 you still have not found yourself, why are you getting married?" My mum tells me, maintaining the same position.

I pause and think about what she just said and she had a point. I should know what I want.

"So what is it?"

"I have feelings for Tope and Ovie" I tell her

"A double minded man or woman is unstable in all his ways"

My mother sef. She just has to find a way to bring Bible inside the matter. There is a knock on the main door and my mum and I get up from my bed, advance to the sitting room so we can open the door. My mum take a seat and I go and open the door and guess who was there...

Tope and HIS MOTHER!!!


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Pain of Separation 5

If you have not read the previous instalments, please read them before you start this one.
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I have missed Cupid's Park
The place has changed since the last time I was there. That was 10 years ago. I couldn't bear to go back there, not after what happened there. I still have pieces of my heart, scattered all over the place.
I took my seat on the bench were Jumy and I loved to sit. Even though the bench had changed colour from red to green, there was no way I would have forgotten that bench. Opposite it was the statue of cupid. Jumy always had an issue with that statue. She said it was weird and tacky and that cupid is something you see in American movies and not in a park in Surulere.
I walked to the statue to look for where we inscribed our names. Ok. I inscribed the name while she just ooed and aaahed. I went to the chest and I saw it "Tope & Jumy. Together forever" I remember her asking why the chest and I tell her so that our love will be safe in Cupid's heart. Well, I guess cupid failed us.
I turn away from the statue and approach the bench when I see her again. She looked stunning; her hair down to her shoulders, her gown looking amazing. Her earrings sparking in the night and her eyes...
"Hey. What you doing here and have you been crying?"
She nods her head and takes her seat on the bench. She pulls a ribbon from her bag and ties her hair at the back.
"I saw your mum today. At the Otuba Gbenga's party" she says. She is looking at the cupid statue, her leg crossed.
"That explains the dressing. And the tears" I tell her
My mother has NEVER liked Jumoke, not for a second. When I told her Jumy and I had broke up, she was happy. Thanking God for delivering her son from the clutches of a gold digger.
"Your mum hates me and I don't blame her but you have to talk to her. She told Ovie about us" she said
"Oh so you didn't tell him?" I asked. Why did she not tell him.
"I didn't see the point?" She says almost immediately
"You didn't see the point of telling him about your first love. Or wasn't I your first love?" I could feel my temper rise.
"That doesn't have to do with anything. I love Ovie and the past is the past OK? I moved on and I could not carry baggage from my past-"
"Now what we had was baggage. Jumy-"
"Jumoke! Call me Jumoke don't call me Jumy! What are you doing here anyway?"
"Last I checked you met me here"
"Whatever" she stands up and starts to walk away. I go after her.
"Jumy. Sorry. Jumoke. Can you look me in my eye and say you don't love me"
"I can look into anybody's eyes and say anything. I am a legal practitioner. I do that on a daily. It was a mistake going to your restaurant. It was a mistake going for a party where I was going to run into your mother. But I want to stop making mistakes. In 3 weeks, I am going to marry Ovie and I am going to move with him to LA. The faster you deal with it the better for you"
With that she begins to walk away again. She stops in her tracks and comes back to me.
"One more thing. Tell your mother, that the nervous little girl she met 13 years ago is all grown up. She thinks this is a charade? Tell her if she messes with me or my wedding, your heart will be the least thing she would be worried about. It has been 10 years. She should let it go"
She turns back and walks out into the darkness. I go back to the bench and in anger, I stone the statue.
Jumy just ran a dagger through my heart, again!
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Pain of Separation 4

If you have not read the previous instalments, can you do that before reading this one. Thanks.
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Can Fatima just shut up already!
The girl has been going on and on about how her heels her hurting her. I had forgotten what a pain Fatima can be. I should have come with Ovie but Fatima begged to come with me so, here I am, stuck with a blabbing 30 year old woman.
The Otunba Dosunmu. Black & White Ball is a VERY high profile event that holds in Lagos on the regular. This is the first one I am attending because my company requires me to network and also because Fatima is in search of a husband.
"Is that Gbenga Dosunmu?" Fatima asked me as she spotted the Otunba's third child and only son.
"Apparently" I said. I may sound like a kill joy but I just want to get through the evening.
Fatima quickly walks up to him and starts a conversation. The girl is good and has always had her way when it comes to meeting guys. I had to get her a card reminding her that it is a man who finds a wife and not the other way around.
I am trying to find Ovie when I hear my name.
"Jumoke Johnson"
I turn around and I am speechless. I should have figured out that our paths will most definitely.
I turn and face Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Taiwo. My greatest nightmare and Tope's mum.
"Good evening ma" I say, sounding courteous even though I know the woman wouldn't recognise courtesy is it hit her in the face.
"So the heart breaker returns. So who is the new rich guy you hope to nail. Otunba's son? The president's son? You know he and Gbenga are best friends"
Tope's mum has always saw me as a golddigger. I remember when I met her in my second year, she hated me cause I was raised by a single mother with no knowledge of who my father was. She felt I was in the relationship to get a taste of the acclaimed Taiwo wealth. In my 3rd year, when Tope told her we were going to get married after graduation, she was furious. If not for Tope's dad (who is a darling) she won't have given her consent. I remember she looked me straight in my face and said "You might have Tope and his father fooled but not me. You don't want a simple life. You are not Tope's girl. He is a good guy and you want power. You are me when I was your age"
Truth is, I have not given her reason to think otherwise. I proved to her that I am like her. I meann she was a struggling singer when she met Tope's dad and everybody knows the Taiwo's and their wealth.
Maybe that is why I fell for Tope. He wasn't moved by the wealth. He loved to hangout with my mum and I in our 2 bedroom apartment in Surulere. His father was (sorry is) one of Nigeria's wealthiest men and he is still humble and sweet. I wanted a simple life once but look where simple got my mother. History was not going to repeat itself.
"It seems like I am boring you" Mrs. Taiwo's voice brought me back to the present.
"No ma. You are not" I tell her. Just then, I see Ovie and I signal him. He comes over.
"Ma, this is my fiance, Ovie-"
"Ogheneovo" she cut me short. This woman knows everybody "Impressive. Nice catch, Jumoke"
"It is a pleasure meeting you ma" Ovie said
"I know you. Your mother and I go way back" she tells him smiling
"Ovie, this is Mrs. Taiwo. Her son is the guy we met yesterday, Tope" I tell him
"Oh. I see you have met my son, her ex-fiance"
Oh no she did not.
"Ex fiance? Was he your ex" Ovie is angry now
"Its not like that. Please" I start to explain
"And you could not tell me. No wonder you were so eager to try the restaurant. I need some air. Nice meeting you, Mrs Taiwo" With that, Ovie walks out.
I look at Mrs. Taiwo and she has a smile on her face
"It seems you still have a lot to learn my dear Jumy. Come for lessons" she tells me
"With due respect ma, I'd rather take lessons from Fatima. Yes, I broke up with your son but I don't need you to rain on my parade"
"You call that a parade. Honey, you are still playing charades. No one breaks the heart of a Taiwo and doesn't feel my scorn. No one at all"
With that she walks away, as tears form in my eyes.
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Pain of Separation 3

If you have not read the previous instalments, please do so before you start this one.
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It has been 2 hours since Jumoke walked out with her "Nigerian American" boyfriend. Please. Which one is Nigerian American? Na dem sabi.
The truth is I am still in love with Jumy (that's what I used to call her). I am so happy she finally found what she was looking for. She wanted success and power and fame, that is something only a Nigerian American can give her, right?
I looked at her card. It read Jumoke Johnson, Legal Adviser to some huge multinational corporation. I can imagine her salary.
At that moment, Ebuka my bestfriend walked into my office.
"Idiot! How far?" He said as he made himself comfortable on one of the sofas in my office.
"Cow leg! I dey oh" I replied.
"Wetin dey? They kill ur papa?" He asked me
"Funny. Guess who come here today?" I asked him, even though I knew he won't guess. If there is one thing I know Ebuka Nwachukwu hates, it is guessing. I pity his students at the University where he lectures.
"Abeg talk wetin u wan talk. Which 1 be guess" he was already eager to hear more.
"Jumy"
"Jumy? Which Jumy"
"My Jumy now"
"Jumy. The i- wanna-go-to-Law-School Jumy?"
"Yes oh. She was here"
I can just see the excitement in Ebuka's eyes.
"That is wondeful news. So when una go hook up?"
"Hook up. Person come here with her bobo, u dey talk say hook up. No hook ups day oh"
"Bobo?"
"Yes oh. She don find Nigerian American husband and they wan marry in 3 wks"
"Ewo. Wetin u go do now?" Ebuka can be so dramatic
"Nothing oh. She give me her card sha"
"Bad girl! She wan make u call am"
Is he rigjt? Does Jumoke want me to call her?
"I no know oh. She give me her after I give am my own"
"So wetin u go do?" Ebuka asks me. He is no more on my sofa. He has already dragged a chair beside me
"Well. Here is what I will do. I will sit back and wait for her call" I said. With that, I reached for her card, squeezed it and threw it out of the window.
"What did you do that for?" Ebuka asked me looking perplexed.
"It is called moving on"
"Yeah right. Na u sabi"
"Bros, forget Jumy. Wetin dey?"
Soon, Ebuka stars to blab about some party he got us invites to. He talks about all the high profile people he can meet there and how he will talk to them about how we can make Nigeria more eco friendly. The truth is even as he keeps talking, I remember my first kiss. It was soft and I tasted her strawberry lip gloss. It was OUR first kiss. It was in Cupids Park.
It was Jumy and I
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Pain of Separation 2

If you missed part one, read it before you start this instalment.
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He is still as HOT as ever!
When Fatima told me Tope was doing very good, she left out many details. He had evolved into a handsome young man. And when we hugged, he smelt so good. His cologne is amazing.
"Tope, meet my fiance Ovie. Ovie, this is my friend Tope"
Ovie stretched out his hand to shake Tope, who by the way seemed a little bit reluctant. I guess he still kind of liked me. Well, I did.
Tope and I dated for four years and those were the best years of my life. Tope was not a jock and he wasn't a nerd. He was just himself. He had amazing dreams and he wanted to live a simple life. I thought I did but I had to face reality, I mean my folks were not as rich as Tope's folks. I need security. Something I did not enjoy in my childhood.
"Nice meeting you Ovie. You are lucky to have Jumoke. She is an amazing girl. So when are y'all tying the knot"
"In 3 weeks. We fly back to LA immediately" Ovie said proudly
"LA?" Tope asked.
"Ovie is Nigerian American. I met him while I was in UCLA"
"Oh. Ok. Well enjoy. Your bill is on me" Tope said
"Thanks. We have to leave now though. But you should come for the wedding" Ovie said
"I guess. Here's my card. Call me with the info on the wedding" Tope hands me the card
Why is he giving me the card? It was Ovie that invited him. Not me. I think I should give him mine too.
"Here's mine" I handed it over to him. "Nice seeing you again Tope" I give him a quick hug and walk away with Ovie. I could feel his eyes on me so I link my fingers with Ovies'
We get into the car and Ovie remembers he needed to make a business call so he goes out of the car to call. It is the perfect time to call Fatima.
"Hello"
"Fatima. He is still cute"
"I told you the brother is doing good? What happened?"
"He met Ovie, Ovie invited him for the wedding and he gave me his card"
"Does Ovie know Tope was your 1st love?"
"No"
"Are you going to call Tope?"
"No. I am with Ovie now. It was nice seeing him again but I am not rekindling old feelings. I think Ovie's done with his call. I will talk to you later. Bye"
"Bye"
I cut the line and put the phone in my bag. There I see Tope's card. I squeeze it and throw it out of the window. At that moment, Ovie gets into the car.
"Are you ok darling?" He asked me
"Never better" I tell him
He gives me a quick kiss and he starts the car.
Even as we drive out of the parking lot, one guy is on my mind. Tope Taiwo.
He is still as HOT as ever!

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Pain of Separation

I am still in shock.
I mean it was perfect. We were going to get married after graduation. We were in LOVE. Everybody knew us. From our first year to our final year, we maintained a consistent relationship. We planned everything and managed to convince our parents why we needed to get married after graduation. I was gonna be a chef, she was gonna be an event planner/decorator. We were going to live very simple lives but most importantly, we were going to be very happy.
On graduation night after all the celebration, Jumoke and I took a walk to Cupid's Park (It was where we met and it became our spot). I noticed that Jumoke looked very distant but I knew what was going to cheer her up. So what I did was as soon as we sat down, I got on my knees and brought out the engagement ring I have been saving for for 2 yrs.
"Jumoke, will you marry me, officially" I asked her
We have always talked about the moment when we would make the proposal official so I expected her to laugh or smile or something. Instead, she burst into tears.
"I can't, Tope" she said admist her tears.
"You can't do what?" I asked her. There is no way Jumoke was going to break up with me.
"I want to get an MBA, I want to go to Law School. I want to be rich and famous. I want to be on the cover of Genevieve Magazine and I know it may sound conceited, it is the truth. You want a simple life and I don't think I want a simple life. We are 21 and I have so much I can do. Its a world of possibilities out there and I don't want to be the wife of the owner of the small fast food down the street who plans mini events. I love you and I really do but I can't marry you. I pray God gives you a girl that will want the same thing"
She stood up still in tears, gave me a kiss on my head and walked away. I was in shock and could not contain myself. I just sat there a wreck and I could not go after her.
Now 10 years has passed, and there she is in my small restaurant/coffee shop. Looking radiant as usual. I should have gone after her. I should have chased her. I tried calling her 2 days after but she had travelled. I have to talk to her.
"Jumoke Johnson" I said, standing in front of her table
"OMG! Tope Taiwo" she stands up and gives me a hug "How have you been?"
"Good. I am on my lunch break. Do you work here?"
"I own this place" at that moment a tall, dark handsome guy works in and puts his arm around her.
"Tope meet my fiance, Ovie. Ovie this is Tope"
I am in shock
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Watch out for more
Trotcha.
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