Olokode Kareemoh

Romance Fantasy Thriller

4.5  

Olokode Kareemoh

Romance Fantasy Thriller

The Immortal Seal

The Immortal Seal

6 mins
268


Hi! Everyone. My name is Yvette. Yes, Yvette. The first letter pronounced as ‘I’ in English Yvette. My life isn’t as interesting as my name. It’s the opposite. My life is full of torments, traumas, acrimonies, unfulfilled dreams, difficulties, pains and allows me to stop here. I was born into a very rich family. The family I later learnt as my worse enemy. Both my parents want me dead. My parents though were one of the richest in the country and they control billions of naira every week. You might be wondering why they want me dead. It’s simple. They wanted to be immortal just like me. Funnily, I don’t even know I’m immortal. Even my sister who I later learnt wasn’t my sister want to take away every little happiness I ever had.

   When I say my parents, my mother to be précise. My father is like a nomadic farmer who never stays in a place. The maximum days he ever spent with us every year is three. It’s only I and Mum. Yes I have a sister, Lillian. I and Lillian were sisters not until she clocked Ten years of age and was taken away by Dad to overseas. 

   It’s been eight years since I set my eyes on Lillian. Dad never allows her to come home and Mum never queries Dad on it and I never know why. 

   Now it’s my 20th birthday tomorrow. I’m clocking 20. Thus, Mum made a promise. A promise that led to my downfall and doom.

“Pearl! You’re still in?”  

“Yes Mum”. I yawned noisily on my bed as I hopped down. I slip on my slippers and headed to the door. I turned the knob and jammed the door opened. Mum is standing with her hand in a knocking position. 

“Well, can I come in?” she asked. 

“Of course”. I told her. 

   I paved way for her to enter as I made for my bed. She didn’t sit. She occupied herself by rubbing her fingers on the faces of the photographs I hung round the room. Lillian’s photos. 

“You missed her?”I asked.  

“We all did Pearl. Didn’t we?”

“Of course Mum.”

   Yes, we did. Dad always brought her photos every year and I’m glad to realize how old she’d grown. When she was still with us, people usually mistook us for Siamese. Now she’s more grown and matured more than me. Beautiful too. But last year, Dad didn’t bring any of her photos.

“What do you want for your birthday this year?” Mum asked sitting on the stool.

“You’ve never asked me that question before Mum.”

“And I just asked.”

“All right! Anything. Just anything from you Mum is a gem.”

“I have a surprise for you”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Wait till tomorrow.”

“Oh no Mum. Let me have it now.”

“Mum?!!”

   It was as if I never heard, but little did I know that that was the beginning of torments for me.

   Throughout that day, my joy knew no bounds. I was jubilating all days. Even, Mum was full of joy and all our households know something special is up and coming. I followed Mum to shop and I shopped a great deal for Lillian too. I shop for the same clothes I saw her put on in most of her photos. And I anxiously look forward to seeing my sister whom I’ve never seen in the last eight years. And tomorrow is my birthday. That will be the most pleasant birthday I will ever had.

****************************************************************

   The day I’ve been expecting is here. I and Mum with three of our workers joined in decorating the house. I had chosen Lillian’s best color for the decoration. I made the party looks more like a welcome party in lieu of my birthday. And it fascinates me. Mum is glad after all and everyone is hopefully on the lookout. I’ve decorated the room adjacent to mine for her. And Mum testified to the settings and touching.

   At exactly three in the afternoon, the Rolls Royce drove into the compound. I stood at the front of the house with a paste saying “Welcome home twin sister, Lillian” with a smile on my face.

   Dad was the first to alight and he opened the other car and my expectation grew in ten thousand folds. And she stepped out, with a muffin pops on her head. Her hair dangles to the back and her face was very white. She has the big sun – glasses and her dress is something to behold.

   I dropped the paste and run as fast as my legs could carry and jumped on her. I hold her tightly in my arms but she shows indifference. She didn’t hug me back and she stands like stagnant water.

“Welcome back home Lillian,” I uttered happily.

“Yeah” That was all she said and grudgingly.

“Come with me.” I said neglecting Dad and Mum and some of my company’s workers that came for the welcome party and my birthday.

   We entered the room and I expected her to marvel at the decorations. We actually called the best Decorator ever in the country and everything looks like the palace of Queen Elizabeth. But no. she didn’t even seem moved. I made her sit on the sofa not minding her recklessness towards everything, she didn’t wince.

   Mum and Dad entered with other guest and I greeted Dad.

“Welcome Dad!”

“Really?! Now, I existed.” He commented and almost everybody laughed.

   The party ended at somewhere around five in the evening and everybody bid us goodbye and they embark on the journey to their various houses.

   I took Lillian to the room I specially decorated while Mum and Dad were busy in their room.

“Here is your room. I decorated it with the touching”

 I said happily.

“Yeah. I see. I don’t really like bears and foot rugs. Secondly, pitch isn’t my best color in anyway. And lastly, please I don’t want you around most of the time. I hope you can minimize that.”

“Lillian?! Really? I did all these because of you. The decorations, shopping and settings. Here” I said bending down to retrieve the bag of clothes I shopped for her.

“I really don’t need all that baby sis. I’ll order if I need anything. Now, I need to rest.” She said not allowing me to check the bags.

“Yeah. Okay”. I said angrily as I dragged the bag out of the room. I went straight to my room and locked the door. I sat on the bed and dropped the bag nonchalantly on the floor.

   My hope is shattered. How can she be so cold? I never closed my eyes for a second in sleep ever since I learnt she is coming home. And now, that was dashed. Dashed. But why? She isn’t the jovial and ever cheerful Lillian I’d known for all the ten years of my life.

   Something is definitely wrong.     




CONVENTION ONE

EPISODE 2


     Now, everybody is engrossed in Lillian, completely neglecting me. What am I suppose to do? Even Mum seems far – away some times. Ever since her first day in the house, we never talked to each other. She is either avoiding me or I avoiding her, either way round. And it seems I’m better off that way. Mum doesn’t want to talk about it and Dad is never available. Every now and then is about Lillian and nobody else. But thank God I have Madam Ruth; she is more of a friend than a cook in the house. We talked and joke and chat away the time that at times, I wish for something very bad.

     Before the arrival of Lillian, Mum and I were preparing my admission into Heritage University and this morning, she called me to her room. That will be my first time of entering her room after Lillian’s arrival.

“Yes Mum?!” I asked as I sat on her bed.

“I’m sorry Yvette. You won’t be able to attend Heritage University again”. She blurred out.

“Why Mum?” I asked rather angrily.

“When showed the school, Lillian didn’t like it”.

“Really? Okay. So?”

“Marvelous. You’re going to Marvelous.”

“Whoa! But you told me I’ll never go to that University. Now that Lillian wants Marvelous, you accepted.” I retarded.

“Not that Yvette. You really need to understand”

“Of course Mum. She is my sister after all and I’ve been wanting to go to Marvelous quite a well. It’s just a blessing in disguise. It’s always a hit. Anything for sister”. I assured her smiling broadly.

“Thanks for your understanding Pearl.”

“It’s fine Mum”.

She moved close to me and hugs me tightly and I hugged her in return.

     I left Mum’s room hiding behind my feelings on her decision. Everyone has changed. Even Dad. And I think I understand but not anymore. I dart into the sitting room and Lillian is sitting on the sofa eating snacks and watching T.V. I sit exact opposite to her.

“Hi Lillian!”

“Can I help you?” she demanded harshly.

“Not really. I just …… wanted to greet”. 

“But I think I told you ……..”

“Okay. That’s fine. You did tell me. But since Mum said we’re attending the same school, I think we should get a bit used to each other before then.”

“Oh! I really don’t need that. I’m better off without you”

“We’re sisters Lillian. Sisters. I am Yvette. What has come over you?”

“I should ask you that question”.

“Why?”

“Are we really sisters? Or someone is foster?” she demanded and stood from the sofa. She grabbed her tray of snacks and walk into her room while I watch with mouth agape.

“Foster?!” I mumble the word once again.

As I stand in confusion, Dad walks in through the door. But I think he notice my confusion state as he walk towards me.

“Hi Yvette”.

“Welcome Dad”.

“Is everything alright”

“No, I don’t think so”

“What’s that?”

“Lillian. She said something”

“And what was that?”

“Are we Sisters Dad? I and Lillian?”

“Of course. Why?”

“Then who is foster?”

“Foster? Did she say that?”

“I think I heard”.

“That’s so touching. Look here Yvette,” Dad said putting his hand on my shoulder “You don’t have to mind Lillian. She isn’t the girl you know anymore. She’d grown and changed. If she didn’t want you to get along maybe you should stay away so you wouldn’t get hurt. I’m so sorry darling”. He apologized cuddling me.

“It’s okay Dad. I know she’d changed. I only thought I could have my sister back. Now I realized how wrong I am” I said and left for my room. Things were actually falling apart.

     I locked the door and turn on my T.V and my favorite program popped up. It’s VIEW and they were talking about a very famous archaeologist, Michael Coleman.

     My torment flew out of the window at once as I sit to watch and learn who Michael Coleman was actually and why Mum hate to see me read his collections.  



CONVENTION ONE

EPISODE 3

I moved away from the pot of water to meet Mum who was sitting on the mat at her usual place.

“Mum, there is no water in the pot”. I complained holding the calabash tightly to my chest in anger.

“Go back and check”. She said again.

“Mum this will be the third time you’ll ask me to go back”. I roared

“Of course. You actually need to go back. It’s a ritual every household engage in every year”

     It seems weird. I turned toward the pot and dip the calabash inside angrily so as to break into pieces but instead, I draw the calabash up fill of water. I was amazed. There is no water in the pot and Mum had persistently talked me into bringing water out of the empty pot with the calabash.

Now I did it. I really did it and I was amazed and flabbergasted. Before I could turn around to face Mum, I heard the sound of the lighting and the sound of the thunder.

     Immediately, Mum stood up from her mat and rush down to me. She starred at the calabash in disbelieve.

“Edith?!” She exclaimed.

“Mum?! I can’t believe this. I actually did it” I marveled.

     Mum couldn’t talk; all she did is to stare at me and at the calabash. For minutes, we stand like that and the sound of the thunder clapping their hands never ceased.

     In the history of my people, no female as ever become a Ziya let alone someone at my age and nobody in the village has heard of it in history that the title goes to a family twice.

     My father was the recently gone Ziya and he attained the title at age thirty – eight, the youngest of all in history. And I? I am just twenty years old.

     That evening, I went to my friend’s party at the town square when mother had warned me against going. So, when I came back, she’d asked me to draw water out of the empty calabash as a punishment for disobeying her. It is true that we are on the season of choosing a Ziya and a Zilayar. The Zilayar is like the life of Ziya and the townspeople. Once the Zilayar died, the Ziya followed. My father’s Zilayer was killed during a war, so he died after him.

It is the duty of the Ziya as the King to protect his Zilayar and his people. So, the elders in the village have occupied themselves in trying to draw water out of an empty pot because they believe that whoever did is the chosen one by the gods and I just did.

Neither I nor my mother ever believe what just happened not until the Priest and some Elders traced the sound of the thunder to our doorstep where they meet me holding the water filled calabash and my Mum just staring like a dumb.

*********************************************************

     Just then, I woke up from my nightmare. I couldn’t believe I was dreaming because it all seems so real. But today is actually the first day of my University days. 

     I can hear the footstep approaching my door way, so I pretended to be asleep. Then the knock came.

“I can’t believe you’re still in bed Yvette”.

“No Mum”. I grumbled as I step out of the bed to open the door.

“Don’t you check the time Pearl? It’s past eight already”.

“Oh Mum! I’m sorry. I had a very bad nightmare. I will put on something now”.

“Pray over your nightmare and get over here. Lillian is already gone with Dad. You have to do quick”.

“Alright Ma”

     I watched her slammed the door and I yawned. Had it be before, Mum will be too eager to listen to my nightmare and we will both pray over it. But not anymore. Perhaps it’s a way to tell me indirectly that I’m being neglected. Imagine Dad is gone with her. Just because I woke late.

     I’ve been to Marvelous University so many a times. I will come there to admire the buildings, the flowers and to take a glimpse of their library where they said holds the best ever history one might seek. So today, alighting from the car with Mum and looking at the surroundings. It’s beauty shine through the clouds.

     My eyes rested on a Lamborghini that just pulled over. It’s marvel. Truly, the school harbor the wealthiest family in the country. As the car pulled over, I watch as the figure stepped out. 

Tall and slim. Very light in complexion. He looks extraordinarily clean. He has a curly dark hair. 

His sun glasses brighten. He has very pink lips. He is handsome beyond measure.

     Before I could blink my eyes, He was already surrounded by tens of people with a jotter and pen. They are asking for an autograph. He must be a very well-known celebrity. I wonder how he managed to gain such fame at such a tender age.

“Mum! Who is that?’’ I asked pointing. 

“ Oh! That’s Sylvester Wayne. He is a model and a comic actor. He is well known in the country. His father is a philanthropist and is mother owns the biggest and luxurious supermarket in the whole country”.

“The Sylvest supermarket?”

“Exactly. As he is, he is the twenty-third richest kid in the whole world”.

“What the hell!” I exclaimed.

“I must get an autograph”. I told Mum as I run off. But there were too many that I didn’t even get a chance before walking away.

“I didn’t get him to sign”. I mumbled to mum.

Don’t worry. You’ll get it some other time. She assured me.

   I heaved heavily and turn to face her.

“Which room?”

“Twenty-four”.

“And Lillian?”

“Thirty-three” She answered and I almost thank God aloud that we aren’t in the same hostel. 


CONVENTION ONE

EPISODE 4

     I dragged my luggage down to my room hostel. I startled surveying the hostel building one after the other. There were many doors with number plates on top. I was busy surveying the surroundings when I bumped into someone.

“OH! I’m so sorry.” I apologized bending down to retrieve the staff that drop off from the person’s hand. But when I looked up to return the fallen staff, then I realized he is blind. I can’t believe it.

“Hi! I’m Theodore.” He introduced.

I’m Yvette.

“Yvette?” He asked surprised.

“Yeah its sort likes funny?”

“Not like that. Just weird.”

“Yes it’s actually from French. It’s absurd.”

“Oh no! It’s very beautiful.”

“Well I’m flattered.”

“I’m sorry for bumping into you.” He apologized

“Not really, I should apologize.”

“I was actually heading to my hostel. I think I missed my way.”

“Oh! Can I give you a hand?”

“Of course. I will appreciate dearly.”

     I grabbed his right hand while he holds the staff with the other.

“I don’t really know the way to the male’s hostel.” I said sympathetically.

“Oh my! It’s your first time?”

“First day” 

“Oh! My dad brought me a week ago. The hostel is down the main hall. That is where the disables were kept.” He explained.

“Whoa! That’s gorgeous.”

“Yeah it is.”

“Will you be having your class separately?”

“I guessed so.” He said with a bit enthusiasm 

     As we journeyed down the girl’s hostel, hundreds of eyes stare down at us. Surprisingly, I didn’t actually feel out of place. I’m glad I helped though, other student look at me scornfully.

At last, I walked him single handedly down to his hostel with description. I was glad to meet a lot of the disables. The dump and deaf, the physically handicap, the blind and many others. And mostly, they were very beautiful. Through their voices one can easily denote how brilliant they were. I walked Theodore down to his room number thirteen.

“Here you are.” I said making his hand rest on his door knob.

‘Whoa! I really appreciate Yvette. Maybe we can meet some other time.”

“Yeah I hope so. Or maybe I can come for you any other time.”

“Sure, of course. I will be so glad.” He said smiling showing his dimples.o the g

“Bye Theo.”

“Bye”

     I left with my luggage back to the girl’s hostel through, hectic.

I checked the key with me to be sure that I didn’t mistake the room. But of course it is the key but the door open and peeped in. I saw a lady standing beside a bed.

“Hello!” I greeted and she looked back.

“Hi!” She answered coldly. 

“I’m Yvette. I think I have the key to this room.” I explained.

“I’m your roommate.”

“Oh!” Then I opened the door freely and entered.

Mum didn’t tell me I’m gonna have a roommate.

I dragged my luggage in and closed the door behind.

     This room is a very big one. It was divided into two compartments and each compartment is beautifully set. I put down my luggage beside my bed and sit on the bed.

“I’m Yvette by the way.”

“Lucy.” 

“Nice to me”. I said.

“Pleasure.” She grumbled. 

     I feigned her how as I picked up phone to call Mum. I told her how interesting my first was and who I bumped into. I don’t lodge complain about my roommate because she is actually present. I asked of dad before hanging up.

     I thought of calling Lillian but I think otherwise. It’s of no use anyways. She didn’t care of my existence, why should I bother myself over her? Of course it’s of no use.

     And here is another problem before me. My new partner is going to probably be a problem to my existence in the school or we might actually get along. It actually depends.

     I settled down to arrange my luggage and re – arrange some of the settings to my taste. Family, we aren’t sharing the same toilet nor the same bathroom. That alone is a relieve to me.

     The thought of Theodore and his friend puts a smile on my face throughout that day.  

CONVENTION ONE
EPISODE 5

     The priest stood starring at me and my mother while the elders look on, some with disdain and some with satisfaction.
“I still don’t believe.’ One of the Elders retorted.
“Neither did I.” Another one added.
“You need to follow me Edith. And you too Ivey.” The priest said to me and my mother.
     Grudging and full of fear, we walk out of our hut. As I stepped out of the house, rain started dropping in heavy quantity. The Elders clearly show their dissatisfaction on the whole issue while we just followed.
By the time we got to the shrine, almost all the village had gathered round the shrine. Some of my friends were surprise and the villagers were dumb founded. The priest ordered me and mother inside the hut where he consulted the oracle. He just looks at me and smiled and I wondered why.
“You are the chosen one Edith.” He said.
     The priest walks us out of the hut to address the eager villagers. I watch as the Priest look from one Elder to the others.
“For decades, we’ve been praying for something in this village. The Ancestors promised us a good tiding. But as we all know some decades back, a Ziya betrayed his people and so was cast away by the gods. Ever since then, the gods had refused to give us an immortal Ziya. For those decades back, we’ve been having Ziya that were mortals. But today the gods hadS smiled on us. Here with me we have an immortal Ziya, Edith.” As he said this the villagers jumped up in jubilation and the Elders look on scornfully.
“How?!” Was written all over the Elder’s faces.
“Mum?!” I whispered to her in fear.
“Fear not Edith. You’re the chosen one.” She said assuringly.
“The Elders?” I demanded.
“They aren’t your main purpose for being you”
****************************************************************
     When I woke up, I felt downcast. This dream again. I knelt down by my bed and pray vehemently. By the time I finished praying and I checked Lucy’s compartment she was gone. I checked the time and I exclaimed. I’m fifteen minutes late for class. Quickly, I dashed to the bathroom and took a very quick and brief bath before rustling my cloths in.
     My breakfast has already been brought. It’s ten with some slices of bread. I shuffled and bumped into some students while I utter “Sorry!” as I move on without looking back.
     By the time I got to the class, there is already a lecturer standing in front of the class. I walked in. all the student turned their attention towards me and I fritzed. So many faces. Then I watched the lecturer looked away from the board to face me.
Lo and behold; what did I see? She is the woman I called mum in my dream.
“You’re just coming to my class? Why?” She demanded looking keenly at me while I can hear the giggling of the student fanning my ears.
“I…. actually woke late. I’m sorry…... Ma.”
I stammered and some of the students chuckled while some mumble.
“I’m sorry……. It’s……. erm…….” I stammered trying to defend myself.
“Why are you stammering? Nervous?” She asked. 
“No Ma. I just ……” I stopped and glance through the class.
“Oh! They?! They aren’t your main purpose for being you.” She said.
“These words. She’d said them in my dream. This is actually becoming real.” I mumbled to myself.
“Yeah.” I responded to her.
“You can go and sit down. But don’t you try to come late to my class ever again.”
“Okay Ma.” I answered obediently as I trace her pointed finger to the deck.
     And I can’t believe where it landed. Beside Sylvester Wayne! “How lucky am I?”
     Quickly I sat and try to hide my feelings. Throughout the woman’s class, I was to pinpoint the situation. It’s not likely for people to meet someone for the very first time in their dream and still get to meet the person physically in the real world. I haven’t seen her before and now I do. To add to my curiosity, she had repeated what she had said to me in the dream. That will never be a coincidence. Never, there is something fishy somewhere.
    The lecture took good two hours before she eventually left. And when she did, the students stood up and started introducing one another.
Before I could turn to my side, Sylvester Wayne is no longer there. I stood up abruptly and wanted to start shaking like others. But nobody is ready to shake hands with me for God knows reason.
When I realized nobody actually take notice of my existence, I walked up to the marker board and grabbed the maker and then I wrote my name on the board. As I dropped, I said
“Hello everyone! My name is Yvette. Nice to meet you all.” I shouted
“Is she crazy?” I heard one asked,
“Definitely!” Another added.
“Isn’t she the girl with the blind boy?”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Oh! So crazy"
“Mad.”
“Bullshit!”
“Motherfucker!”
     They all grumbled. It was then I realized that Lillian was actually in my class. How come?. I watched as she hissed and walk out of the class. So as I see, Sylvester followed her. Sylvester?!
     I am starting to dote on him and now, he seems to be after my sister. What’s that?


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