MORE THAN A CARVING (by toyin taiwo)CHAPTER 1
MORE THAN A CARVING (by toyin taiwo)
CHAPTER 1
The higher you go, the cooler it becomes they say. That’s exactly what is
happening to Iwalade Badmus at this point of her life. Despite the fact it was a pandemic period that shook nations of the world, Iwalade, the award winning screen writer just bought herself a house and she was so grateful to God who blessed her with that wonderful gift. Iwalade stood and watched the guys she hired to help her move in her things as they do their job; she ensured they washed and sanitized their hands first before they entered the house. They fixed all fixables and helped arrange all her things while she instructed them on where to place each items. In less than three hours, the job was done. She transferred the agreed bill into the bank account they gave her and they left after the payment had been settled. Iwalade who just clocked 34years looked around her new beautiful house and couldn’t help but marveled at God’s faithfulness and kindness upon her life. She is still single, not engaged to any man, she’s not even in any romantic relationship with any guy, and mind you, she’s single at that age not because she’s the type that doesn’t believe in marriage, far from it, she believes so much in marriage and she also believes in love. I mean, she’s a good romance writer for God’s sake. She has written so many intriguing love stories and she believed in the power of love but maybe because she had fantasized so much she hasn’t really met that person that will give her that feeling she had so much craved for and she believed that one day she will meet her better half. Now that Iwalade is now at the top there, everyone now worries for her especially her family and close friends. When she was still nothing they were still hopeful but now that she now has a great career that comes with riches they are scared if she will actually find true love, because at this stage of her life, it’s either guys come for her because of who she is or because of her money or both. Iwalade had grown big in the movie industry over the years, she has started writing script from her undergraduate days, even though then the pay was small but now, she has become a sought after in the industry. Producers, directors and all want to work on something with her and now the least of her charges is one million naira for a script, she doesn’t take anything less. In fact, the last script she sold was #1.5M reason being that the movie was a high budget film; the movie was shot in four different countries of the world, she even had the opportunity to travel out of the country with the cast and crew of the movie because the producer insisted she wants her on the team. The movie eventually came out big and won different awards. Iwalade also won some big prize money from one of the big companies who sponsored the award show; one of the companies also gave her a brand new car. And even after the award show she began to get calls from rich individuals who personally sent her congratulatory money and it is not small money at all. She was surprised when these people started calling and she later got to know that they got her number from the movie producer. One male politician also called and asked for her account number but she didn’t give the man, she knew he would demand something else later. After moving around the whole house ravishing in its magnificence, Iwalade decided to call her family members who she had kept in the dark about the house just to make it a surprise. She then dialed her mum’s number, she picked the call and she gave her the news and Mrs. Badmus started dancing and jubilating on phone. Iwalade’s younger brother and last child, Tosin who was with their mum at the time of the call also screamed out of excitement. Mrs. Badmus told her daughter to text the address, she couldn’t wait; she had to visit that very day. After the phone call, Iwalade text her house address, Mrs. Badmus and Tosin started dressing up. Iwalade knew Tosin will almost fly to her end just to come over on time, so she quickly called him to drive safely. Iwalade is from a family of three, the second child and the second girl, her elder sister Funke is already married but lived in Ghana with her husband. Luckily for Funke she has an Aunt, Mummy Alade who lives in Ghana as well. Oreoluwa, Fullhouse’s sister once stayed with the same Mummy Alade when she went for a course in Ghana before she went back to her school in UK. Mummy Alade, Mummy Adeyinka (Fullhouse’s Mum) and Mummy Badmus (Iwalade’s Mum) are all siblings, which makes their children, cousins. All the siblings of Mrs. Badmus had a happy home except her, her husband left her and the kids a long time ago, in fact, she was carrying the pregnancy of her last child, Tosin, when her husband left which means Tosin had never seen his father before physically, he only saw pictures when he was born. Iwalade’s father, Mr. Badmus is very much alive but when things were not going well for him, he met a rich woman and dumped his family for her, the two reside in Canada. Mr. Badmus left his family to suffer here in Nigeria while he went to Canada enjoying with his new bride. Iwalade and her siblings really suffered while growing up, they were still very young when their father left. Mummy Badmus did all kinds of job just to give them education. One of Mr. Badmus’close friends in Nigeria who saw how bad his family was suffering gave them their father’s contact, so they can get him to take responsibility since he is living fine in Canada. The first time they called, Mr. Badmus denied them openly, there are times when they will contact their father but he will tell them he can’t remember having any family in Nigeria. In fact, there was a day they called and it was the Canada wife who picked the call and trashed them in return and that was the last time the line went through, it was obvious they changed the line because of them. By the grace of God, Iwalade and her sister finished school and became graduates all through thick and thin, they saw hell. They struggled on their own to assist their mum and at the end, the story ended well. Funke got married some years ago to a wonderful man; it’s just that he’s based in Ghana which made the family miss Funke who only visit Nigeria once in a while. Mrs. Badmus do traveled to Ghana anytime Funke put to bed, she had three children which means she had visited thrice. The last child of the family didn’t come on time, Iwalade is twelve years older than him and right now she is the taking responsibility over Tosin’s education and his overall well being. Iwalade also built a bungalow for her mum and that is where she lives presently with Tosin, she also got her a car but trust Tosin, he is more of the owner than the owner herself. On their way to Iwalade’s place with Tosin behind the wheels and Mrs. Badmus sitting in front beside him, the woman began to think about their past and stray tears left her eyes, who would have thought a day like this will come in her life when all her children will be doing fine especially Iwalade who is not just rich but also doing great in her craft. She remembered the first award she received; she couldn’t help but cry, especially when her daughter started singing her praise when she was giving her speech. Tosin looked at her mum and smiled because he knew those tears are tears of joy.They got to the place and packed in front of the house, and gave Iwalade a call. “We are at the gate.” Mrs. Badmus informed. “Oh! I’m coming ma.” She said and rushed out to get them. She opened the gate and his brother drove in. Mother and son alighted when Tosin parked the car. “Oya…..you two should go and wash your hands.” She said pointing to the tap in the compound. Mrs. Badmus knew her daughter and hygiene are five and six even before the arrival of Covid 19, so she obeyed but her brother protested. “Aunty Iwalade have started o, shey I have coro ni.” “I didn’t say you have coro but that’s the guidelines given by the National Center for Disease Control in order to avoid the deadly virus, so go wash your hands and sanitize them.” “Ehn…..I will sanitize again?” Tosin asked. “By God’s grace.” Iwalade said and gestured for him to go to the tap and wash. When they were through, Mrs. Badmus looked round the house, she loved what she saw and by the time they got inside, she was astonished, even Tosin couldn’t close his mouth. Like a typical Nigerian mum, Iwalade’s mum started rolling on the floor when she entered the sitting room, calling God all the names she could remember He bears. She stood up and hugged her daughter. “I will not scold you for getting a big house like this because I know you deserve it; in fact, you deserve much more my darling child.” She said and wept on her shoulder, at some point, Iwalade too teared up. Minutes later, after the emotional things were over, she showed them around the house. And her Mum approved of everything, she even thought she was going to scold her for buying the house but she was surprised she didn’t. Iwalade was expecting the normal sermon you will get from a Nigerian mum like ‘How will you find a husband? Men will run from you or men will just troop on you for your money and run away after…..and all.’ Iwalade was glad her mum wasn’t against it and put her mind at rest and she was even happier because there’s no comfort than that of a mother’s support. “Have you told your sister?” Mrs. Badmus asked. “Yes ma, I called immediately after giving you a call.” Iwalade replied her mum. The house had been stocked so she made food for them. While the cooking was going on, Tosin made a video call with Funke in Ghana and showed her the whole house. Funke too was happy for her sister; all she could say is that she deserved it because God had made her hardwork pay off. Iwalade served the food when it was ready and they all ate happily. Iwalade was like a pillar of the family, despite the fact that Funke is the first child. Funke is not that energetic as her sister, she is simple, quiet and the easy going type. In fact, most people thought Iwalade was the first child because of her resilence act while they were growing up. Iwalade hawked goods and do a lot of things to sustain the family back then but Funke didn’t have such strength and thankfully she married a man who doesn’t stress her life at all. Meanwhile, Iwalade can run more than two jobs at the same time in those days when they were struggling just to keep the family
together. All these made her mum loved her more, though Mrs. Badmus tried to hide it from her other children but deep inside her, Iwalade is her hero and looking at her strength alone back then is something that gave her courage. Mrs. Badmus and her son slept over at Iwalade’s place after she had spoiled them with different treats. The next day, after having breakfast, they decided it’s time to leave. Before Mrs. Badmus left, she called her daughter aside and prayed for her, that the rest of her life that needs perfection shall be perfected. After the prayer, the two heard a mother and daughter talk. “Iwalade, once again, I thank God for your life. Hmm…” She sighed deeply. “I know you will be surprise that I was dancing when I saw this place yesterday. I know you think I will shout this place down abi?” She said and her daughter nodded. “Hmm….you see this my God that is up there, who saw us through the valley of the shadow of death, the one who turned us from nobody to somebody through you, I know that very God is much alive. If He can do all these for you, then giving you your own man is a piece of cake to Him, so therefore, I’ve concluded that I won’t worry over you, the God who made you what you are today will perfect the rest and grant you all the desires of your heart.” “Amen in Jesus name. Thank you mummy….I love you.” Iwalade said. “I love you too my dear daughter, you may not know this but you are my favourite.” “Mum, I’ve known since and guess what?” “What?” Iwalade moved slowly to her and whispered in her ears “Everyone knows including Funke and Tosin.” She revealed. “It’s a lie. But…but I never showed it.” She threw her hands in the air. “It was obvious when we were growing up Mum but don’t worry, they don’t really have a problem with it.” She said and they both laughed. The two left the room to join Tosin who was already waiting for them in the sitting room, he picked up the car key from the center table and they all went outside. Iwalade watched as they drove out, she waved and then locked the gate. Some days later, Iwalade was busy writing a treatment sheet for a script she needed to deliver in a week, and then she heard the gate bell chime. “Who could be at the gate?” She asked herself, since she wasn’t expecting anyone. The only people that knew about her new place were her immediate family and few of her close relatives. She was still thinking on when she’ll inform her close friends, even though she had a very close childhood friend that should have known about it but she purposely did not tell him just to avoid trouble, Kayode is a pain in the neck, sometimes she wondered how she had cope that long with such a troublesome friend. Iwalade tried to get decent first, then she went out and by the time she stepped out to see the person standing in front of her gate, it was the same nightmare she was avoiding, Kayode. “How in God’s name did you find me?” Iwalade asked.
CHAPTER 1
The higher you go, the cooler it becomes they say. That’s exactly what is
happening to Iwalade Badmus at this point of her life. Despite the fact it was a pandemic period that shook nations of the world, Iwalade, the award winning screen writer just bought herself a house and she was so grateful to God who blessed her with that wonderful gift. Iwalade stood and watched the guys she hired to help her move in her things as they do their job; she ensured they washed and sanitized their hands first before they entered the house. They fixed all fixables and helped arrange all her things while she instructed them on where to place each items. In less than three hours, the job was done. She transferred the agreed bill into the bank account they gave her and they left after the payment had been settled. Iwalade who just clocked 34years looked around her new beautiful house and couldn’t help but marveled at God’s faithfulness and kindness upon her life. She is still single, not engaged to any man, she’s not even in any romantic relationship with any guy, and mind you, she’s single at that age not because she’s the type that doesn’t believe in marriage, far from it, she believes so much in marriage and she also believes in love. I mean, she’s a good romance writer for God’s sake. She has written so many intriguing love stories and she believed in the power of love but maybe because she had fantasized so much she hasn’t really met that person that will give her that feeling she had so much craved for and she believed that one day she will meet her better half. Now that Iwalade is now at the top there, everyone now worries for her especially her family and close friends. When she was still nothing they were still hopeful but now that she now has a great career that comes with riches they are scared if she will actually find true love, because at this stage of her life, it’s either guys come for her because of who she is or because of her money or both. Iwalade had grown big in the movie industry over the years, she has started writing script from her undergraduate days, even though then the pay was small but now, she has become a sought after in the industry. Producers, directors and all want to work on something with her and now the least of her charges is one million naira for a script, she doesn’t take anything less. In fact, the last script she sold was #1.5M reason being that the movie was a high budget film; the movie was shot in four different countries of the world, she even had the opportunity to travel out of the country with the cast and crew of the movie because the producer insisted she wants her on the team. The movie eventually came out big and won different awards. Iwalade also won some big prize money from one of the big companies who sponsored the award show; one of the companies also gave her a brand new car. And even after the award show she began to get calls from rich individuals who personally sent her congratulatory money and it is not small money at all. She was surprised when these people started calling and she later got to know that they got her number from the movie producer. One male politician also called and asked for her account number but she didn’t give the man, she knew he would demand something else later. After moving around the whole house ravishing in its magnificence, Iwalade decided to call her family members who she had kept in the dark about the house just to make it a surprise. She then dialed her mum’s number, she picked the call and she gave her the news and Mrs. Badmus started dancing and jubilating on phone. Iwalade’s younger brother and last child, Tosin who was with their mum at the time of the call also screamed out of excitement. Mrs. Badmus told her daughter to text the address, she couldn’t wait; she had to visit that very day. After the phone call, Iwalade text her house address, Mrs. Badmus and Tosin started dressing up. Iwalade knew Tosin will almost fly to her end just to come over on time, so she quickly called him to drive safely. Iwalade is from a family of three, the second child and the second girl, her elder sister Funke is already married but lived in Ghana with her husband. Luckily for Funke she has an Aunt, Mummy Alade who lives in Ghana as well. Oreoluwa, Fullhouse’s sister once stayed with the same Mummy Alade when she went for a course in Ghana before she went back to her school in UK. Mummy Alade, Mummy Adeyinka (Fullhouse’s Mum) and Mummy Badmus (Iwalade’s Mum) are all siblings, which makes their children, cousins. All the siblings of Mrs. Badmus had a happy home except her, her husband left her and the kids a long time ago, in fact, she was carrying the pregnancy of her last child, Tosin, when her husband left which means Tosin had never seen his father before physically, he only saw pictures when he was born. Iwalade’s father, Mr. Badmus is very much alive but when things were not going well for him, he met a rich woman and dumped his family for her, the two reside in Canada. Mr. Badmus left his family to suffer here in Nigeria while he went to Canada enjoying with his new bride. Iwalade and her siblings really suffered while growing up, they were still very young when their father left. Mummy Badmus did all kinds of job just to give them education. One of Mr. Badmus’close friends in Nigeria who saw how bad his family was suffering gave them their father’s contact, so they can get him to take responsibility since he is living fine in Canada. The first time they called, Mr. Badmus denied them openly, there are times when they will contact their father but he will tell them he can’t remember having any family in Nigeria. In fact, there was a day they called and it was the Canada wife who picked the call and trashed them in return and that was the last time the line went through, it was obvious they changed the line because of them. By the grace of God, Iwalade and her sister finished school and became graduates all through thick and thin, they saw hell. They struggled on their own to assist their mum and at the end, the story ended well. Funke got married some years ago to a wonderful man; it’s just that he’s based in Ghana which made the family miss Funke who only visit Nigeria once in a while. Mrs. Badmus do traveled to Ghana anytime Funke put to bed, she had three children which means she had visited thrice. The last child of the family didn’t come on time, Iwalade is twelve years older than him and right now she is the taking responsibility over Tosin’s education and his overall well being. Iwalade also built a bungalow for her mum and that is where she lives presently with Tosin, she also got her a car but trust Tosin, he is more of the owner than the owner herself. On their way to Iwalade’s place with Tosin behind the wheels and Mrs. Badmus sitting in front beside him, the woman began to think about their past and stray tears left her eyes, who would have thought a day like this will come in her life when all her children will be doing fine especially Iwalade who is not just rich but also doing great in her craft. She remembered the first award she received; she couldn’t help but cry, especially when her daughter started singing her praise when she was giving her speech. Tosin looked at her mum and smiled because he knew those tears are tears of joy.They got to the place and packed in front of the house, and gave Iwalade a call. “We are at the gate.” Mrs. Badmus informed. “Oh! I’m coming ma.” She said and rushed out to get them. She opened the gate and his brother drove in. Mother and son alighted when Tosin parked the car. “Oya…..you two should go and wash your hands.” She said pointing to the tap in the compound. Mrs. Badmus knew her daughter and hygiene are five and six even before the arrival of Covid 19, so she obeyed but her brother protested. “Aunty Iwalade have started o, shey I have coro ni.” “I didn’t say you have coro but that’s the guidelines given by the National Center for Disease Control in order to avoid the deadly virus, so go wash your hands and sanitize them.” “Ehn…..I will sanitize again?” Tosin asked. “By God’s grace.” Iwalade said and gestured for him to go to the tap and wash. When they were through, Mrs. Badmus looked round the house, she loved what she saw and by the time they got inside, she was astonished, even Tosin couldn’t close his mouth. Like a typical Nigerian mum, Iwalade’s mum started rolling on the floor when she entered the sitting room, calling God all the names she could remember He bears. She stood up and hugged her daughter. “I will not scold you for getting a big house like this because I know you deserve it; in fact, you deserve much more my darling child.” She said and wept on her shoulder, at some point, Iwalade too teared up. Minutes later, after the emotional things were over, she showed them around the house. And her Mum approved of everything, she even thought she was going to scold her for buying the house but she was surprised she didn’t. Iwalade was expecting the normal sermon you will get from a Nigerian mum like ‘How will you find a husband? Men will run from you or men will just troop on you for your money and run away after…..and all.’ Iwalade was glad her mum wasn’t against it and put her mind at rest and she was even happier because there’s no comfort than that of a mother’s support. “Have you told your sister?” Mrs. Badmus asked. “Yes ma, I called immediately after giving you a call.” Iwalade replied her mum. The house had been stocked so she made food for them. While the cooking was going on, Tosin made a video call with Funke in Ghana and showed her the whole house. Funke too was happy for her sister; all she could say is that she deserved it because God had made her hardwork pay off. Iwalade served the food when it was ready and they all ate happily. Iwalade was like a pillar of the family, despite the fact that Funke is the first child. Funke is not that energetic as her sister, she is simple, quiet and the easy going type. In fact, most people thought Iwalade was the first child because of her resilence act while they were growing up. Iwalade hawked goods and do a lot of things to sustain the family back then but Funke didn’t have such strength and thankfully she married a man who doesn’t stress her life at all. Meanwhile, Iwalade can run more than two jobs at the same time in those days when they were struggling just to keep the family
together. All these made her mum loved her more, though Mrs. Badmus tried to hide it from her other children but deep inside her, Iwalade is her hero and looking at her strength alone back then is something that gave her courage. Mrs. Badmus and her son slept over at Iwalade’s place after she had spoiled them with different treats. The next day, after having breakfast, they decided it’s time to leave. Before Mrs. Badmus left, she called her daughter aside and prayed for her, that the rest of her life that needs perfection shall be perfected. After the prayer, the two heard a mother and daughter talk. “Iwalade, once again, I thank God for your life. Hmm…” She sighed deeply. “I know you will be surprise that I was dancing when I saw this place yesterday. I know you think I will shout this place down abi?” She said and her daughter nodded. “Hmm….you see this my God that is up there, who saw us through the valley of the shadow of death, the one who turned us from nobody to somebody through you, I know that very God is much alive. If He can do all these for you, then giving you your own man is a piece of cake to Him, so therefore, I’ve concluded that I won’t worry over you, the God who made you what you are today will perfect the rest and grant you all the desires of your heart.” “Amen in Jesus name. Thank you mummy….I love you.” Iwalade said. “I love you too my dear daughter, you may not know this but you are my favourite.” “Mum, I’ve known since and guess what?” “What?” Iwalade moved slowly to her and whispered in her ears “Everyone knows including Funke and Tosin.” She revealed. “It’s a lie. But…but I never showed it.” She threw her hands in the air. “It was obvious when we were growing up Mum but don’t worry, they don’t really have a problem with it.” She said and they both laughed. The two left the room to join Tosin who was already waiting for them in the sitting room, he picked up the car key from the center table and they all went outside. Iwalade watched as they drove out, she waved and then locked the gate. Some days later, Iwalade was busy writing a treatment sheet for a script she needed to deliver in a week, and then she heard the gate bell chime. “Who could be at the gate?” She asked herself, since she wasn’t expecting anyone. The only people that knew about her new place were her immediate family and few of her close relatives. She was still thinking on when she’ll inform her close friends, even though she had a very close childhood friend that should have known about it but she purposely did not tell him just to avoid trouble, Kayode is a pain in the neck, sometimes she wondered how she had cope that long with such a troublesome friend. Iwalade tried to get decent first, then she went out and by the time she stepped out to see the person standing in front of her gate, it was the same nightmare she was avoiding, Kayode. “How in God’s name did you find me?” Iwalade asked.
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