Elena was surprised when she was asked to wait after the class, her math tutor had never asked her to wait before. she has heard a lot about him. he messes around with young ladies and he has a family.
I hope I'm not the next in line, she thought to herself.
She followed him to his office after he gave her a signal to follow suit.
I know you may be surprised that I called you here. am I right?
yes sir you're right.
I want you to be relaxed and feel like you're with your dad or even your brother. I just want to get some information from you. is that okay with you?
yes sir.
it's about the two ladies that usually stay opposite the tutorial building. what do you know about them?
Do you mean Jane and Janet? she asked to confirm if they were the ones, he was referring to.
yes, they are.
I'm not friends with them, so I cannot say much about them.
you can't say much about them? that means you know something about them.
He is smart, Elena thought.
They are friends, but their friendship is beyond mere friendship. they're like sisters. I heard that they are the only child of their parents too.
Do you think that's why they're close? he asked further.
I don't know Sir.
it's okay Elena.
Can I go now? she asked as she was feeling more uncomfortable.
No, my dear, we aren't done yet.
But I want to use the restroom, she lied.
Then go ahead and use mine, the math tutor said as he pointed to the direction that led to his restroom.
Elena was more worried than ever, what is this man up to? if he tries anything stupid with me. I'll show him the breed I am made of. She didn't even want to make use of the restroom.
She stood up and walked towards the direction of the restroom so that he won't think that she was playing pranks on him. She stood inside the restroom for some minutes and then flushed.
This sound will make him that I have used it, she said to herself as she walked outside.
You can have your seat.
Sir, but it is getting dark. I have to go home because I have a lot to do at home.
Just wait for a little, he replied.
Alicia looked at him with an angry face but soonest he dropped his pen and turned to talk to her.
" Elena you're such a beautiful girl, your day is beautiful in all areas. I have heard a lot about you and how almost every guy wants you on their bed. You have a bright future before you, so you must not listen to what they will say.
some may even claim to bring the world to your feet but don't you ever listen to what they'll say. they're not in your class and they're not your type. It is me, I mean people like me that are in your class". That's all I have to say for now. so you can go if you wish to go.
Thank you, sir, she said as she walked away hurriedly.
**************
On her way home, she encountered Wilson.
why are you returning so late? he asked her
I had to finish something up at the tutorials, she lied.
it's okay, see you tomorrow at work
yeah, Elena said as she hurriedly walked away.
No! she won't
Yes, she will!
Elena walked slowly as she noticed that there was an argument going on in their apartment. it was an argument between her parents. Since her father has refused to pay for her enrollment, there has been one argument r another in the house.
Elena's prayer every morning was that she should just pass her examination and leave the house for good. She managed to enter through the back door so that she won't interrupt the discussion that was going on.
she quietly tip-toed to the door that led to the sitting room from the back door.
But that doesn't stop her from going there, she is your daughter. This is a very rare opportunity, now we have the chance to make her go forward. Sir, please just allow her to go. The person said
She moved forward a little to get a clear view of who was talking. it was their neighbor. she couldn't figure out what was going on, so she decided to listen attentively to at least have a clue about what was going on.
My no remains no! Elena's father sounded. She won't go and that is all. She is my daughter and whatever decision I take is final.! He rose from his sitting position as if he wanted to Walk into his room. Elena quickly re-traced her step to the kitchen.
She peeped to see if he was coming her way but he wasn't. She quietly went back again to listen. This time it was her mother's voice that she heard. it was so loud and clear that anyone walking past the compound will hear her voice.
if you take this decision, it means you're not a good man, it shows that you don't have a good plan for our daughter. how could you reject such an opportunity that is so rare?
it's okay Ma, the other woman said as she tried to calm Elena's mother. By now, her father has gone out of the house.
I understand how you feel about the decision he's taking, but there's nothing we can do about it. just try to relax your mind and just live with him as if nothing happened. it's that okay with you?
She said nothing but walked out of the sitting room. Elena who was still hiding behind the door didn't notice when her mother was coming. she didn't want to get caught because she has been forewarned about eavesdropping on any discussion.
it was dark, so she won't be found. Her mother walked past her and back to the sitting room again but she didn't see Elena.
Both women continued talking but Elena was still lost in the conversation, she decided to let the topic of their discussion pass her by.
**************
Elena woke up that morning to see her mother smiling at the side of her bed with her phone in her hand.
Gad damnn! how come did I not notice her presence? Elena asked herself in surprise.
My daughter, I know you're surprised to see me here this morning. it's been a while since I've done this right.
she nodded in affirmation but still tried to get a clear glimpse of what was going on.
" I just wanted to talk to you before you'll start today. Everything that happens in life has a reason, nothing just happens because they want to happen,
why was she saying all of these, Elena asked herself.
whatever happens now or tomorrow that concerns you, it might be a positive one or a negative one. one thing I must let you know is that all will happen because of your Dad.
My Dad? Elena asked in shock.
Yes, I needed to let you know about all this, not because I want to defame him but because you're an adult now and can make decisions for yourself.
Whenever you're called upon for an opportunity that will take you to another level in life, you have to decide whether or not to go. if it's okay with you, then you can go ahead with it but if it isn't okay then you can step aside.
I wonder why she was saying all of these, maybe it's related to what happened in the house yesterday.
Her mother patted her on her back and left Elena to figure out what she was trying to say all by herself. She rose from her bed only to look at the time, she discovers that she is late. she hurriedly got prepared for work and off she went on an empty stomach.
Good morning Miss Elena, a parent greeted her but there was no response from her.
Hi Miss, he said again but this time, waving his hand at her but still yet Elena was lost. he walked past her but encountered Wilson on his way.
Good morning sir, Wilson greeted.
How're you doing sir Wilson.
I'm fine sir.
please come closer a little, he pleaded. What is wrong with Miss Elena?
I don't think there's anything wrong with her
But she seems lost in thoughts
I'll go check on her.
Thank you sir for your concern. I truly appreciate you.
**********************************************
is that a gunshot, oh my God! Elena said looking confused and at the same time, trying to walk out of the building.
it wasn't a gunshot, I dropped those books on the table. Wilson replied. I have been calling you for some time now but I got no response, I have been standing here for over ten minutes now but you didn't notice it. Elena, what's wrong again?
There's nothing wrong with me Wilson. I'm doing great as you can see.
You promised not to lie to me Elena, I know you're not fine.
Wilson! why must you ask me? you're... okay sit down.
He sat down and looked at her eyes directly but to his uttermost surprise, she told him again that she was fine.
*********
The exams will be starting the following week. Elena triggered her studying spirit. she read as if she has never read before. She requested permission from her place of work which was granted to her.
Staying at home to study seems like a problem to her. She had to help out with some chores which she doesn't use to do, she has to prepare lunch to await the arrival of her sibling's school, and she also had to help her mother in the shop most times.
Throughout her exams, she was relieved a bit from her chores until one morning when her father discovered that she wasn't engaging in the chores.
How come are you not doing anything?
I was asked to go inside the house and study. she replied.
Does that mean that those who write exams are no longer involved in house chores?
Elena kept quiet.
Her father kept quiet for some time, she already knows what that means. She dropped the notebook that she was holding and went outside to Join in the chores.
As she went out to Join in the chores, she saw someone that looked like Stephanie, she moved forward a little to check if it was Stephanie but it wasn't her.
She quickly remembered her friend; Stephanie. she must have been put to bed by now, she thought " I just hope she is fine wherever she is".
It was unusual for Elena's mother to tell them a story at night. Elena can't even remember when last she did it.
I know what's going on in your mind now. mother started. but that aside, I will go straight to the story and then give you a life-saving lesson.
There was a friend of mine whose father was very rich. His father could afford anything that they needed and that made them live. comfortable life. While we were still in school, she lived her life based on what other people said. Anything that was in Vogue, she usually has it.
Her father's wealth soon made her proud, so she felt she could do anything to anyone without getting punished.
Although her parents noticed how worse she was growing up every day but they never corrected her, they let her do whatever pleases her and as a result, she started clubbing.
Her clubbing soon resulted in an unwanted pregnancy. when it was discovered, her father threw her out of the house. Up till now, I have never seen not heard from her.
She had every opportunity to make her life better but she misused it. She became so proud just because his father was a wealthy man, today where is she? She is nowhere to be found.
The Bottom line is this: be grateful for whatever you have. Whatever you have is not by chance but for a reason, and you must use whatever you have to accomplish its purpose.
Then secondly and most importantly, you must not ride on people because of your status, do not use your wealth or your intelligence to ride on people.
what other lesson did you learn?
*****************
Elena made sure she did her best throughout her exams and at the end of the exams, she traveled to her aunt's place so that she can know how her friend was faring.
By the time she got there, she was told that Stephanie had already gone to live with the man that impregnated her. Her aunt's house became so bored for her so she decided to return to her parent's place.
She couldn't stay at home to await the release of her results, she has to do something before then. She decides to go learn a skill. she met her parents to help her with part of the money for enrolling in the classes but she was told that there was no money.
That didn't discourage her, she paid part of the money with a promise to complete the payment before she finishes the classes.
After some months of experience, she stopped because she could not complete the payment for the classes. After a week, the results were released. At first, Elena was scared but she summoned the courage to check it.
The smile on her face looks like the shiny morning sun, her joy knew no bounds. she didn't know if she should shout, jump or cry. She ran to tell her parents the good news.
" I'm so happy that you made it Elena, you'll be going to the university very soon,
yes, mother, I'm the happiest person in the world, I know that Dad will be so happy that I made it. Mummy the "university calls my name".
I'm glad you made it Elena, I'll celebrate you in my little way.
" Thanks, mummy, Elena said as he hugged her mother.
Her father arrived in the evening, he was so happy that his daughter had made it. Her favorite meal was prepared to celebrate her victory.
We have to start preparing for your university education now. I'm so proud of you my daughter. even when I threatened not to pay your enrollment fee, you still gathered the courage to study again, pay for the enrollment, and also write the exam.
That night there was peace and happiness in the house because Elena has attracted good news. However, Wilson was not happy when he heard the news of Elena's success, " it means Elena will be leaving me soon" he thought.
Since she was free now, she decided to pay a visit to her friend; Patricia. Patricia has been a nice girl to her during the time of her tutorial classes for her exam.
Elena had thought her story of failure was the worst until she met Patricia who told her, her own story. And since then she had erased the thought of failure from her thinking.
Patricia has also made her results too but she discovers that she will not be able to move forward to the university for reasons she decides not to tell Elena.
As Elena rose to go home, she was forced to stay back and look closely at the two people who she has seen walking together.
"How can this be?" she asked herself. Then turned to face the direction. In the next few minutes Wilson came again to her house.
So you're here again?
Good evening sir, he greeted gently.
Wilson leave my house before I do something you won't like.
Wilson left the house, he didn't come to have a chat with Elena, he only came to return one of her books she has forgotten at work.
Elena was worried about what she was going through, but who will she talk to? Stephanie wasn't here for her then who else? Should she talk to Wilson? But Wilson has been showing interest in her for some time now. But she can't take it anymore.
She made up her mind to pour her out to Wilson. After work that day, she sat down. Wilson noticed that she hasn't gone to her classes so he thought of asking her.
Elena, aren't you going to classes today?
I don't think I will today, she replied.
Why?
Elena kept quiet.
I'm asking you a question, Elena. why aren't you going? is anything the problem?
Yes, Wilson, there's something that's bothering me and I need someone to talk to. I don't know if you will have the time to listen to me.
Elena hasn't acted this way before. I think I have to listen to her now, Wilson thought.
yes, Elena, I'm here for you. Wilson said as he adjusted his seat to be close to her.
Wilson, I have been going through a lot lately and I just can't take it anymore. There's a lot in my mind. Can I...
yes, you can Elena. Wilson said again.
Since I've been attending my class, I have encountered a lot of things.
a lot of things like what? Elena, please be open to me, if there's anybody you should be more open to, it's me. you don't have to be scared of anything. open up! he assured her.
They're two guys that are attending the Same tutorial as me. They're after me, they want a relationship with me, but I'm not ready for it. Yesterday's wooing was the worst. Wilson, what do you want me to do? is there a way I can scare them away?
Wilson thought of what she has told him. He felt bad because others are already interested in her. But he just has to help her out.
You see Elena, he started. Men must surely come your way. So don't be surprised, you just have to be calm. Like you just said; you're not ready for a relationship. if you're not ready then you have to sit them down and tell them your reasons. Tell them you're not ready for a relationship.
They're humans and they will surely understand you. my advice is that whenever they come to you again just tell them that you're not ready for a relationship and give them your reasons. is that okay?
Yes Wilson, but I hope this strategy will work?
yes, it will, everyone has a mind to understand each other. Just calm down okay?
Yes, Wilson. Thanks so much, Wilson. I appreciate your time.
it's nothing, my dear. I'm here for you always.