With mother in a deep conversation!
Ohhh,mum exclaimed in her highest tone, filled with excitement!upon hearing the common entrance examination dates..
Mbua wa,as she sometimes call me, when she's elated,.come here!as mum manner is,kneel down she said,.I obeyed because I knew it was an uncommon moment for me.she spoke over me, proclaiming and reminding me who's son I am.in my native language,.she said..
Nte wey are u mukpa ne molore eye na,ka nu osawa re velege kija..
Meaning,. Your father was a great man before his untimely death.be a true reprentation of your father,I commend you into God's hand,he never sleeps.go and do us proud..
I vehemently answered in the affirmation by noding my head..at that particular moment,a new feeling enveloped me,.i felt a chill down my spine,. something within assured Mbua,.he can make it,yes I can be the best in the forth coming common entrance,.this is indeed my turning point..
Two of my siblings,who went to the stream to fetch water and wash plates,come in.I broke the news of the examination to them,there where full of happiness.then in lighter note,I announced my relief from chores,and other activities as I was set to begin earnest preparation, for my mother clearly understand this,she immediately noded her head in affirmation.
After dinner, usually once in a while mother will gather us in the cool of the evening,to tell us stories,.some fairly tells.. stories of how children where born,when the can't walk in a while,.those peculiar children who it is believed, are not from God,In my local parlance,Ogbanje!! meaning children from the under world.quiet a number of stories, sometimes into late night,she holds sway with such stories!I must confess.. Mother was a fascinating story teller,. sometimes I imagine within myself.. maybe that's why I feel in love Soo much history.. Mbua recount!
The following morning at school,we the primary six pupils were gathered in small groups..we talked about our dreams.Lata,Amanisor,kijie where Mbua's closest friends.. amongst them, Mbua took more closely with Kijie..a beautiful young African girl..who ophen times he usually day dream about her,.she was Soo calm, innocent and very intelligent..she was his best of friends,.she will always say to him, when you become a journalist,and I will be your Doctor! the both will laugh., within we knew.our dreams can come true if we have enough courage to pursue them.we were not limited by the heavy forest walls.. quietly within him.
While Mbua and his friends were agog in a playful discuss.. their class Master, sent a junior pupil,to becond on them to come into the class..
The young chap!came shouting..class Master is calling all primary six pupils.. repeatedly as if he was chanting a song..we all retired to our class room.silence every where,as Mbua happened to be the class mornitor..in few minutes,our teacher walked in.,a graceful personality who through his efforts many children from my Enclave have relocated to the city.
Ther come home annually either for new yam festival or other important village functions and ceremonies.Good morning sir,.he saw the teacher approached.As our manner is,the class mornitor hits,his hand on the locker three times,this to call the pupils attention..then we all be on our feet to greet..
Good morning sir, you are welcome to our class..he usually will give us a bicycle salute as part of his acceptance of the children's greeting.
Attention! class,he began addressing the pupils..you all know,your examination is by the corner,.this edition is with a special package..he continued,the government has decided to award a Scholarship to college for the overall best pupil.that means, you will attend any college of your choice,and your tuition is completely taken care of by the government for six years!
Mbua couldn't hold himself,as he was shivering,a mix feeling, butterflies in his stomach..I can take this up, this is for me,yesssss,it's for me.Am getting the scholarship!
Within him, he he took the day,as their class Master finished addressing them.,he became more excited, finally my dreams are coming true..
Work, study work hard study, work work work..was Mbua's little song resounding in his soul while he worked home....