The Stolen Years

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  THE STOLEN YEARS

  By I. Izegbuwa

  Copyright 2011 I. Izegbuwa

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  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events and places are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual occurrences, organizations, areas or persons living or dead is coincidental and not the intention of the author.

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  EPILOGUE

  LIFECHOICE NOVELS

  CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR ONLINE

  OTHER EXCITING TITLES FROM I.IZEGBUWA

  PROLOGUE

  Night time had fallen and a still silence pervaded the atmosphere. Three figures emerged from a bush path; Victor, a dark complexioned man with an afro led the way, cutting through the thick shrubs with his cutlass. His steps were slow and he swayed as though he had had too much alcohol to drink. A short potbellied man, clutching a briefcase and an elderly, fair complexioned woman walked side by side behind him. They stopped in front of a ramshackled house, fenced with a small white gate that had been securely locked with a chain and padlock.

  ‘This is the place,’ Victor announced. He pulled out a bunch of keys, unlocked the chain and swung the gate open. The three of them stepped into the compound.

  ‘Where are they?’ The short potbellied man asked.

  Victor let out a shrill whistle that sent chills down the woman’s spine. He made some strange clicking noises with his tongue and then all was quiet as they waited.

  Finally, the sound of approaching footsteps was heard in the distance. The trio looked up to see a woman in her mid-thirties coming out of the small shack accompanied by two little girls. She held one of them by the left hand and carried the other with her right. Both girls were barely six years old. Their eyes were red and heavy, like they had just been woken up from sleep. The woman paused at the door and looked unsurely at the visitors.

  ‘Come closer,’ Victor beckoned and she obediently fell into step beside him, drops of sweat trickling slowly down her face. A faint greeting escaped her lips and the strangers grunted in reply. The elderly woman stepped forward and took the children from her. She tried to set the second girl down on her feet but the girl limped and couldn’t stand up straight so the woman carried her again.

  The pot bellied man opened his briefcase to reveal bundles of crisp naira notes arranged neatly together. Victor inspected the bundles carefully. Nodding in satisfaction, he closed the case and took it.

  Without any goodbyes, the potbellied man and elderly woman turned and went out as silently as they had come, taking the children with them. The little girls looked terrified, fear written all over their drowsy faces but Mama had warned them to be very quiet so they held unto their wafers and made no sound as the strangers led them away.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Madam Ofilia was an enigma. A plus-sized woman with green markings tattooed on both arms, she commanded an eerie aura around her. Her natural, low-cut hair was streaked with grey strands that made her look much older than she actually was and she had a well defined trail of sideburns that could make any man green with envy. No one knew where she had come from. She arrived at Adenizen several years ago and set up The Hack Villa on the outskirts of the university campus. Her lodgings were luxurious and by far more expensive than any of the official halls of residence, yet the rooms were always in high demand. It was a status symbol. Most of the female students who stayed at the Villa were ranked among the ‘big girls’ of Adenizen. There were rumors that they paid their rent through unconventional means.

  Madam Ofilia lived on the ground floor of the Villa. She didn’t leave the building very often. Her ‘boys’ ran her errands and kept her informed of everything she needed to know. Nevertheless, her presence was felt throughout the school and its environs. It wasn’t clear whether people respected or feared her, but one thing was sure; there was something sinister about Madam Ofilia and no one stepped on her toes.

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  Adenizen was not just any other higher institution of learning. It was often described as a smith’s furnace where destinies were molded. The students were trained to think, talk and act like royalty. Regardless of their background and social status, once they stepped through the campus gates, the course of their lives changed forever. Despite its remote location, Adenizen was a widely coveted academy because of the high standards which the school strove to maintain.

  Thus, it was with a keen sense of achievement that Bibi arrived early on Friday morning to pursue her Law degree. To reenact its culture of excellence, Adenizen had opted to host the Annual Sports fest that year. Bibi’s pride at clinching one of the limited spots was further fueled by the hope of trying out for the women’s track team. She made her way to Noble Hall, a two-winged female hostel located close to the campus gates and a slight distance from The Hack.

  ‘Give me nice roomies, Lord.’ she prayed.

  In Room A16, two of her roommates were settling in. Aima Aghale, also in her first year, arrived with her brother Michael in tow, as he helped his sister drag in her heavy suitcases. The other girl Ada, was eager to show the newcomers the ropes.

  ‘I’m a second year student of Psychology,’ she said lightheartedly. ‘So I get to push the two of you around.’ She jumped off her bunk and slid on her slippers. ‘You’re both in time to sign the wall of fame. Come with me and hurry up before it gets filled up.’ Grabbing the two startled girls by their arms, she ushered them down the hallway.

  The wall of fame was a great white board at the entrance of Noble Hall. All residents were expected to inscribe their thumbprints in the squares. A fresh slate was mounted at the start of each school year.

  ‘It’s our tradition,’ Ada explained. ‘It signifies a commitment to make your mark in this school.’ She took a quick glance at her watch, as the ladies performed the rites. ‘Well, you girls have fun. I’m going to catch up with some old friends.’ She hurried away and the two freshmen waved after her.

  ‘See you later,’ Bibi called. She liked both girls and thought Aima’s brother, Michael was extremely charming. As the girls washed their ink stained thumbs, he announced that he had to head back to his own quarters.

  ‘I hope I can come over and see you again soon,’ he asked with a smile towards Bibi.

  Bibi felt the color flow to her cheeks. ‘Sure,’ she replied shyly. ‘That would be nice.’

  They said their goodbyes and the two girls made their way back to A16, chatting like old familiar friends. It seemed the roommates were off to a good start, until Tosan Briggs walked in.

  Carrying herself with an air of importance, she was courteous but not overly familiar. With undue vigilance, she informed the other girls that she valued her privacy and didn’t want her stuff to be tampered with.

  ‘This corner,’ she said, sweeping her hands over her tightly secured cabinet, ‘is a no-go area.’

  Having made herself clear, she hid the keys way down in her jeans pocket and left the room. Bibi watched her in amusement. She had prayed for nice roommates. Two out of three wasn’t a bad answer to her prayers. Something told her that this would be an interesting school year.

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  Professor Adele scanned the sea of faces that sat before her. Forty pairs of eyes stared back at her; the room so silent, that one could almost hear a pin drop. She hadn’t earned the
nickname; ‘The Contender’ for nothing. She engaged every student in a battle of wits as she prepared each one for the courtroom, leaving them drained after each class.

  ‘Tosan Briggs,’ she called out a second time and waited for a response. The ensuing silence betrayed the student’s absence. Professor Adele shook her head and continued with the roll call. A few more days of absenteeism, and this young lady wouldn’t be allowed to sit for the final exam.

  Bibi looked around nervously. ‘Where has she gone this time?’ She whispered across to Aima, feeling concerned.

  ‘Escaping the jaws of ‘The Contender,’’ Aima remarked. ‘Remember, Professor Adele picked on her the very first day of class and she hasn’t recovered ever since. They say if you can’t stand the heat, you should stay out of the kitchen.’

  Bibi shook her head. ‘That’s not why she is absent and we both know it,’ she replied. ‘Tosan hasn’t been herself lately and frankly I am worried about her.’

  Tosan’s mission in Adenizen was hazy. Attending class was certainly not on her priority list. She hardly stayed in the room and when she did, she was always on the warpath, picking quarrels with her bunkmate at the slightest provocation.

  ‘I’ll talk to her,’ Aima offered. ‘Maybe I can figure out what is troubling her.’

  The girls got back to the room to find Tosan still lying in bed. She was feeling under the weather. An empty soft drink bottle and a pack of tablets lay on the stool beside her. She opened her eyes and blinked lazily when the girls entered.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Bibi asked.

  ‘I feel a little feverish,’ Tosan replied, shifting slightly. ‘I just need to rest for a while and I’ll be fine.’

  Bibi bent down to clear the soft drink bottle and the pills away, but Tosan immediately propped herself up on one elbow and stretched out her hand.

  ‘I’ll take that,’ she said, pointing at the pills. Tightening her hand around the little bottle, she curled herself into a ball and drifted back to sleep.

  ‘She does look rather pale,’ Bibi observed. ‘Maybe we should leave the room so we don’t disturb her.’

  Aima shook her head. ‘Not just yet. I need to wait for my brother. He’s bringing some provisions which my parents sent.’

  Bibi sat up alert. ‘Michael is coming here? When?’

  ‘As soon as his classes are over.’

  Bibi glanced at her watch. The hall had opened to male visitors an hour ago. ‘What time do his classes end?’ she probed.

  Aima turned to her, her mouth agape and her eyes twinkling mischievously. ‘You have a crush on my brother, don’t you?’

  ‘Of course not! Why would you say that?’

  Her roommate let out a laugh. ‘Don’t even try to deny it,’ she teased. ‘I have seen that look several times before. I know when a lady is enamored with Michael. If you are nice, I could put in a good word for you.’

  ‘Don’t you dare!’ Bibi ordered, feeling embarrassed. With a quick shrug, she turned her face to the wall so that her friend wouldn’t see ‘that look’. Aima might be right but she wasn’t about to admit it.

  By evening, all traces of fever had disappeared and Tosan was up and getting dressed. She had good reason to make such a speedy recovery. The monthly shindig was taking place at The Hack that night. The big boys were coming and nothing would stop her from attending the gig. She was dressed to kill. The skimpy black dress was a special gift from the landlady. Madam Ofilia donned the girls according to her glamorous taste. When her guests came in from out of town, she wanted to make sure they were pleased with what they saw.

  Tosan made one last twirl in front of the mirror and muttered a quick goodbye to her roommates before dashing out.

  ‘But what about your fever?’ She heard one of them call out to her.

  ‘Better!’ she yelled back and disappeared from sight. There was no time for explanations. This was going to be a night to remember and she was set to have the time of her life.

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  Representing Adenizen among the big league of athletes from schools nationwide was not an easy task.

  ‘Come on,’ Ese, the head trainer barked out. ‘Step it up!’

  She led the ladies in a steady jog round the track, chanting at the top of her voice. Bibi felt as though her lungs would burst, as the athletes swayed to Ese’s rhythm. As they rounded a bend, she beheld a sight for sore eyes. The men’s relay team were practicing sprints on the track and right in their midst was Aima’s brother, Michael. He flashed a smile and she smiled back, but didn’t dare wave until Ese called them to a halt.

  Michael jogged over as the girls collapsed unto the infield. Bibi threw her head back, breathing in the wild scent of freshly-cut grass, as she tried to catch her breath.

  ‘Good job!’ He said, plunking down on the grass beside her. ‘Aima never told me you are an athlete.’

  Bibi smiled and nodded. ‘I am, and a lucky one at that. I’m the only first year student on the team. I had thought I wouldn’t get a slot this year but then one of the team members dropped out due to health reasons and I got drafted in.’

  He cast an admiring glance at her. ‘I can see why. You seem pretty fast on your feet and it’s nice to see we have something in common.’ He looked around. ‘Have you guys finished here?’

  ‘I hope so,’ Bibi replied. She was tired, but would have liked to talk more with him and hoped for a more conducive environment to enjoy his company. As though she had heard his question, Ese suddenly jumped up and clapped her hands together. ‘Okay, rest time is up,’ she called out. ‘One more round before we close.’

  The girls groaned and made a big show of rising to their feet.

  ‘Are you coming to see Aima this weekend?’ Bibi asked hopefully.

  ‘No, I’m not,’ Michael replied, shaking his head. ‘I’d like to come and see you, though.’

  Ese spotted them chatting and barked out sternly. ‘Young man, are you here to join the women’s team?’

  The girls laughed as Michael beat a hasty retreat, tripping over his undone shoe laces as he did so. Bibi laughed too, but not at him. She always felt happy when he was around.

  By the time training was over, the men’s team had left and Bibi was worn out. With a quick goodbye to the other girls, she packed up her sports bag and began the arduous journey back to Noble Hall.

  The shortcut she chose led her in front of The Hack Villa. Its serene environment gave her a sense of foreboding. She had heard so much about Madam Ofilia’s exploits and wondered why the school authorities allowed her a free hand to run things the way she did. Madam herself believed she was in charge at Adenizen and it was no wonder, considering how many students she had under her control.

  As Bibi walked past the building, she felt as though she was being watched, and turned around in time to see a pair of eyes disappear behind the window, as someone drew the curtains closed. With a shudder, she gathered what little energy she had left and jogged the rest of the way to her hall, not stopping until she was safely inside her room.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The front window in Madam Ofilia’s room was her eye to the world. From there, she had discovered some of Adenizen’s finest potential. Her years of experience told her a lot about the girls that passed by, from their slightest mannerisms; the pout of their lips, the sway of their hips and the light footsteps with which they treaded the ground. She went out of her way to make friends with a particular student if she saw some admirable qualities in her. She would watch them for days and then, when the time was right, she swooped down on the choicest of them, luring them into the Hack with her glamorous lifestyle.

  But today, the roads were empty and there were no passersby to observe. It was a big day in Adenizen and everyone had converged at the newly refurbished sports center for the long awaited event. She could already hear the cheering in the distance. Madam Ofilia hurried up and finished preparing herself. Not even she wanted to miss this grand occasion.

  B
y the time she arrived, the Sports festival was already in full swing and the athletes battled each other for the prized trophies. She settled down in time for the last women’s track race and watched as Bibi lunged forward and breasted the tape, encouraged by the enthusiastic shouts coming from the crowd. The race was over almost as soon as it had begun. The lady in the seventh lane had not stalled for even a second, forcing Bibi into second place.

  A proud Ese left the stands and hurried unto the track. With a pat on Bibi’s back and hearty congratulations, she handed over a bottle of water and a towel. Bibi wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead as they made their way into the spectators’ stands and settled down to watch the rest of the events.

  With the women’s events ended, the men took over the tracks. Michael’s race was coming up soon, and Bibi entertained herself with the high jumpers leaping over crossbars at the infield, as she waited for him eagerly. When he finally appeared, she cheered excitedly as the runners fell into their lanes.

  Two rows away, Madam Ofilia sat, flanked by her ‘boys.’ She cheered with the crowd when this female Adenizen runner came in second and watched intrigued as the lady exited the field and sat down not far away from her.

  Madam Ofilia had often watched her passing by The Hack on her way from training. She liked this young athlete and admired her spunk. There was something about the determination with which she ran, that reminded Madam of herself when she ran away from Uncle Joe’s house decades ago; except that then, she wasn’t running for sport, but to save her life. It didn’t matter that her guardians were high-class people and lived in a mansion; she despised everything about that house. Aunt Bade was like a slave driver and kept her on her feet all day. Miserable amid all that wealth, Ofilia nursed the thought of escaping for a very long time. Her first mission would be to find her sister, Akasi; but she was scared. If her guardians found out she was planning to run away, they wouldn’t take it kindly, so she stayed for a while.

  Despite the harsh treatment, Ofilia blossomed into a pretty young lady. She was fair and shapely; attributes which Koye, Uncle Joe’s first son, didn’t fail to notice. She tried her best to work hard. Aunt Bade was difficult to please, but it was Koye who really made her life unbearable, with his raging hormones. So after many years, when she couldn’t stand it any longer, Ofilia did what had been in her heart for a long time; she left Uncle Joe’s household for good, running with as much spring in her steps and intensity in her eyes as she had just seen in Bibi’s.