“My name is Kenneth Okeke.

I live above generational curses. I claim my generational blessings. No more

losses. I would not suffer for offences I did not commit. Christ was made a curse

for me. I am no longer under any curses. Amen...”

Chapter 1

“Kenneth, Keep playing your nonsense games, meat will soon be finished from

the soup"

"Chai, Aunty don't this ooooh...Eric, I'm done with this game"

Those were the usual words Aunty Lizzy would always say back then.

Memories could be like scars. They may fade, but would always come up

whenever life calls for them.

Aunty Liz, as we liked to call her, was my uncle's wife.

Uncle Franklyn was my Father's younger brother. They were the only sons of

their father. Aunty Nnena was the eldest of the three.

When I was a little boy, Dad ran a small pharmacy while mum was an Home-

Economics teacher in one of the Unity Schools. Things were a bit hard,

although we never lacked.

I am the first son of the family of four. Myself-Kenneth, My sisters-Rose and

Caroline, and my little brother-Eric

Uncle Frank had four kids-Gift, Patience Emmanuela, and their son,

Emmanuel.

Uncle Frank was a big daddy-as we liked to call him. He was generous to the

fault.

Aunty Liz treated us like we were all born and raised in their beautiful home...

Maybe if you understand, maybe you would understand why I refer to myself

as the ACCURSED

Chapter 2

I recall those times.

Uncle Frank was a humble man. He didn't like people knowing my father had

issues with finance. He supported our education and made sure we went on

vacation with his children.

We lived two streets away from each other. So as children, we were either at

their place or our place.

Most of the time, we were at their place though cos there would be so much to

eat and waste as Aunty Lizzy cooks as a hobby.

Uncle Frank was dad's elder brother but I was older than his Children. I was

told he married late simply because he had to see my dad through the

University. He didn't get through school as he wasn't a bright student

academically. Business paid off later. Hence his amassed wealth.

He married aunty Lizzy, a Yoruba maid back then, who was about seventeen as

at the time of her marriage. Her family insisted she finished at least her

Secondary school education. Uncle, in his largeness of heart, had to allow her

complete her school cert exams before getting having babies. By then, Dad had

gotten married and I was born already.

Aunty Lizzy was a full-time house who loved to cook.

I remember asking her questions about being a working mum one day.

"Ha, work Kwa? Me, I like to work but your Big Daddy would not allow me"

"Aunty, it’s not Ok o"

"Please, what would I do? He says no work or school till his children are at

least ten years old. Now, even Emmanuel is twelve, Big Daddy still doesn't

agree. Will I kill myself? The other day, I told him I got a job with a salary of

N45,000 at one clearing firm. Instead of Big Daddy to let me resume, he gave

me N45,000 and said, “Stay at home, I sha have paid you”. Ok, let me assist at

the shops, he said no that he would not let all those his boys be keeping their

eyes on his young and beautiful wife! Every time," Take money, take care of my

kids".

Uncle Frank and aunty Lizzy were two God sent people who put family above

everything...Aunty Lizzy was too respectful and accommodating.

But Dad...My dad was someone I could not explain...

Dad was a reserved person-Churchy and Moral. Yet, very discreet. I could read

Big Daddy's mood simply by sitting with him. But definitely not my dad.

Dad kept us competitive. We didn't attend the same school with my cousins yet

Dad made sure our grades were better than theirs.

Sometimes, I wondered what made Dad still scolded me for scoring an A as

long as my cousin, Gift, scored an 81 where I had a 79!

Well, we all attended the same Church. Dad would flog us for missing the

memory verse if my cousins passed them. That terrible!

I remember Dad and Big Daddy quarrelling one day. I was about thirteen then.

We all had gotten to their place for the weekend but unusually, there was no

meat in the soup. Aunty travelled so I and my cousins finished the entire meat

we were supposed to eat in 3days, in just one day not knowing there were no

extras in the freezer.

When it was time to serve the meal and we complained there were no meat, my

dad went out to get some ‘suya’.

I never forgot that evening- Dad gave myself and my siblings only from the

Suya and told my cousins to learn how to eat without meat as they were 'spoilt'

Big uncle walked in to see his children eating without meat and asked what

went wrong.

Uncle smiled and just said to my eldest cousin-'Next time, learn how to manage

your mummy's pot too'

By the time we finished the meal and got into the rooms, I could overhear Big

daddy exchanging words with my dad.

"Chima, You are wicked!

Why did you bother about your kids only?!

Why are you like this?!

Chima, I'm afraid for you- infact, I'm afraid of you!

If I die today, is this what you will do to my children? ehn?"

"Brother, I’m sorry now. I’m sorry ah! It was only a joke. I--I would still have

given them. I was just testing them"

"Just continue Chima. This your competitive attitude will land you somewhere

someday..."

And just as Big Uncle said it, It did happen.

Chapter 3

That cold afternoon, I was at dad's shop when one of Big daddy's sales boys

ran to our shop to tell us Big daddy was involved in an accident at the Benin-

Ore road.

" What? Frank? Accident? How?

"It’s-it’s on the news. It was a trailer..."

Kenneth tune the TV to Mtv"

I quickly tuned the TV and saw that they had moved to another news. However,

the headlines were repeated.

"I can't see Franklyn's face"

"Brother, it was shown earlier"

Dad stood immediately, paused for a moment, "Ken, come with me".

He instructed our sales girl to monitor the store while we left with Bro Uchenna

(Uncle Franklyn's sales boy)

Dad was nervous and looked uncoordinated. I could understand as that was

his only brother.

We had hardly got into Bro Uche's car when Dad's phone began to ring. People

who had seen the news began to call dad from far and near. Dad was broken.

" Uche, where is his body?"

"Brother, I don't even know. We have to start going from one hospital to the

other..."

"Jesus"

I was so scared but still couldn't start to cry.

"Uche, where was Frank coming from?"

"He had gone to buy some aluminum roofing sheets. He wanted to supervise

what was bought so he went with Ikenna"

"Where is Ikenna now?"

"Brother, I don't know which hospital they were rushed to. But I heard he isn't

dead."

"So, where are the goods?"

"Oga, I don't even know"

Dad paused, Picked his phone, called Big Daddy's Manager-

"Ifeanyi, How now?..."They talked briefly. Then Dad shocked me.

" Ifeanyi, I need you to send two boys with a truck to go and supervise those

sheets. Make sure they are counted, and let them be taken to the warehouse.

Tell accountant and store keeper too to let me have a detailed breakdown of

everything in the warehouses and the shops..."

Dad kept giving different instruction.

My heart was pounding. We had not even ascertained where big uncle's body

was lying- How could dad be so callous?!

Bro Uche received a call.

"Brother", He turned to talk to dad, " Arinze has been able to locate Oga and

Ikenna. They are at the Uniben Teaching hospital"

"Jesus Christ!" I was still in shock.

Big daddy shouldn't be dead.

We drove straight to Benin...

Chapter 4

Dad tidied up the paper work and Big daddy's body was moved to a mortuary

in Onitsha where we used to stay.

All the way home, Dad kept making calls to ensure all instructions were

adhered to as regards his late brother's business.

The following day, I didn't go to school.

My siblings, myself as well as my mum went to Aunty Lizzy's place. The whole

house was mourning.

We were all weeping uncontrollably.

Dad gave instructions that all shops and warehouses should be closed

temporarily as a sign of respect to the dead. Such hypocrisy!

Dad was the most senior surviving male so he called for a family meeting to be

held at our home town.

Dad said I should be at the meeting.

"You should begin to learn our culture and traditions"

At the meeting held three days after Big daddy died, it was agreed he should be

buried in two weeks. Everything just felt wrong! Yet, daddy insisted he was

going to bury his brother 'befittingly' and wouldn't keep his body in a mortuary

'wastefully'

I was just a few months to my 14th birthday yet I could feel the pain Aunty

Lizzy was going through. Dad was behaving like he was demonized.

But for the fact that I knew dad well, I could have felt he killed Big Daddy!

Dad suddenly was a changed man!

Burial was concluded. Everything was done so briefly.

Dad wasn't fair. I felt the guilt deep within me. Aunty Liz was so helpless.

I remember dad apportioned cost and decided what was to be spent on what.

I recall dad saying "Whoever is not satisfied with how much is to be spent

should bring money".

About two weeks after Aunty had finished the 40days mourning period, dad

told Aunty Liz the family was taking over Big Daddy's property.

Aunty Liz had no legal backing as Uncle died without a will and Aunty Liz

didn't know much about our custom and traditions.

She quarreled and cried to no avail. Dad had more information than she had

concerning Big daddy's estate.

So aunty Liz was asked to move out of the house or face certain consequences.

Dad, in his hypocrisy, gave her some money to rent a flat already which she

accepted as she had no choice. My cousins were enrolled in a very cheap

school as dad said he would not foot the bills of any expensive school.

I watched the same aunty Liz that was like our second mum, suffer as a result

of dad's greed.

About a month after aunty Liz had settled into the flat she rented three streets

from ours, Dad called us one evening to announce we would be moving into Big

Daddy's place.

I almost chocked over my meal.

" Haba! daddy, why? Why that house? "

"Don't be silly Kenneth. When you grow up you would understand..."

"Understand what?"

"My friend, eat your food and stop asking me stupid questions!”

I moved into my new room feeling very frightened- like a ghost was after us.

Why dad went this far was what I couldn't understand. I felt so strange moving

into the same house Aunty Liz and my cousins used to live in. I felt like an

accomplice-like I was having a constant nightmare.

Of course, that was the end of our relationship with our cousins.

There was no way things would ever be the same.

Dad ruined everything.

Dad's excuse when mum tried to scold him was "You don't expect one Yoruba

girl to come and inherit my brother's wealth. Do you? Especially this one that

has three girls and a boy? No!”

I think that was the beginning of our curse!

Chapter 5

“Aunty Lizzy!”

One of my very sad days was the day I saw aunty Liz hawking cooked food.

"Aunty-Aunty Lizzy"

"Ken, how are you?"

I felt so shameful.

"Aunty--" I didn't know what to say.

"Greet your parents for me"

That day, I walked home lost in thoughts. I just wished I could help.

Later, I noticed aunty Liz and my cousins stopped coming to church.

So I decided to ask Mummy if she had any idea what was wrong.

"Ha, you know---its somehow Sha"

"Mma, is it because of us?"

"Haba! Is- is it not God we are all worshipping?

So I decided I was going to ask Gift when next I see her.

I waited for her on her way back from school.

" Gift--Gift, How far?"

Only the good Lord knows the kind of training aunty gave my cousins. They

just didn't feel aggrieved at me- maybe.

"Gift, I just want to know why you-you’ve not been coming to Teen's

fellowship?"

"Mummy said we would be worshipping at home for now"

"Home? But, Why?"

"Plenty things Sha" she looked like she was going to cry, "We can't cope. No

clothes to wear, no money to make contributions in Women's fellowship...She

is becoming too embarrassed. Let’s just stay at home since no one is helping or

fighting for us"

I went home wishing Dad would just be good for once. Big Daddy’s business

was worth multimillions of Naira!

Meanwhile, aunty warned my cousins never to accept anything from us.

With time, she rented a small shop. Herself and her children ran the 'small

buka'

About 1year and 6months after big daddy's death, I returned from playing

soccer to see a family meeting holding in our sitting room.

Aunty Lizzy was there.

““Elizabeth, is something wrong with you? Oh, so this was your plan Abi? I was

right all along then.”

I could hear dad's voice from the kitchen. He was very furious.

“But, I’ve mourned enough. Please, allow me marry another man”. Aunty Lizzy

said.

The whole of the family was against her.

Big aunty Nnena was really mad at her.

" Elizabeth, at least, let my brother have some honour. How can you jump into

another marriage just after a year and a half? Ehn? Biko, why didn't you get

married after a week?

Grand Ma was sitting there. She had come to see things for herself. She had

not been happy but dad never listened.

“Nnena, Nnena! Let me talk!

What has this woman done to you? Is it a crime she married your brother?

Lizzy, you have my blessings. Move on with your life. Look at you, you are

young and beautiful. Bring all those children to me. They are my

grandchildren..."

"Mama that is a joke!.." Dad and Aunty Nnena were raising their voices at the

same time.

I sneaked back into my room.

This was so unfair.

About a month Later, I was talking with Gift. I asked when Aunty Liz was

getting married.

"Mum changed her mind"

"Why Gift?"

"She said she can't predict tomorrow. She doesn't want us to suffer any

neglect. Especially as she would need to hand us over to no one in particular.

She decided she would rather live a life of widowhood than let any of us suffer"

Aunty Liz sacrificed another chance at a marriage just because of her kids.

She broke off the relationship with the suitor, continued her live life as a

widow....

“sigh”

Chapter 6

Eight years later,

Dad's business had grown so much. Business had expanded into hotel

business, plenty more landed properties, filling stations.

Myself and all my siblings were schooling in the UK. Everyone has somehow

moved on.

That day I was at home on one of those my vacations. Daddy was talking on

phone with someone-

"What? Don't ever try that with me....90!90!..."

I watched dad from afar, “This man and business!” Then, suddenly --

The phone fell, Dad looked stiff..

"Daddy! Daddy!” He didn’t respond.

“Mummy! Call the driver now!!!

Mum, myself and one if my siblings rushed dad to the hospital.

I was so frightened. My Goodness!

I would later know he was called to be told a shipment bringing in ninety cars

got drowned on the high sea mysteriously.

"He had a heart attack. As it is now, he is having a paralysis. He might not be

able to walk again as his hands and legs are affected."

That was how dad suddenly turned into someone with speech impairment and

inability to walk.

After about 2months, Dad was discharged, we were stuck with keeping him on

a bed.

This was the first of the woes.

As soon as Dad became stricken with stroke, everything went from bad to

worse.

I was saddled with the responsibility of managing his business which I knew

next to nothing about. I had to defer my PhD programme.

All I wanted to be was an educationalist.

I resumed that day at the head office. Dad's manager took me round the

facility and showed me the books.

"...and Finally Mr. Kenneth, please meet Becky, she is new in Accounts. She..."

Becky was very beautiful I must say. From the very first moment I set my eyes

on her, I knew I liked her. Becky was this shy girl who I later found to be

hardworking.

In the midst of all these, I worried a lot. The burden of managing the

companies, dad’s health, my siblings...I was just 23 but felt like 50 in my head!

"Sir, are you not going home?"

I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't know when Becky walked in.

"Hi, Becky, just want to tidy up some stuff. How about you? Not done yet?"

"Have a program to attend in Church, so I want to go from here"

"Eh yah, happy for you."

She laughed "Why?"

"I don't know. I miss Church a lot. Too many commitments these days. All I

can do is, at most, attend Sunday service in my church..."

Becky was a warm hearted person who had listening ears. With time, she was

one person I could pour my heart out to. It was fair to say, I fell in love with

Becky.

I was in my room one afternoon when my little sister came to see me.

"Ken, pls I want to talk to you"

"Madam,I hope e no plenty oh” (I was surfing the net and chatting with Becky

same time. I needed a brief on the accounts)"

"Na wah o big man, no time for everybody again"

We laughed and joked briefly.

"Ken, I want to start my own business"

"Han- ha. Why?"

"I want to make my own money. I don't want Daddy's money jare"

"You girls should not do this to me. Why do you want to leave me with all of

this? At least, come manage the Hotel please"

"I don't want"

When I saw she was adamant,

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"Give me money, I want to be buying and selling jewelry"

"OK o. Give me an estimate of what you need. Let’s see if we can do something"

So, my baby sis, Caroline, collected a cheque of N8m to start her jewelry

business.

Perhaps she wanted nothing to do with this curse.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck- unlike her…

Chapter 7

"Sir, we have a new hire now"

The manager informed me one morning.

"New hire how? Can we afford to be hiring people up and down?"

"Sorry sir. She is only here to work casually. She just graduated from the

University and needs a place to work pending her NYSC programme sir."

"You people should not drive me mad. At least tell me before hiring. What Unit

is she going into?

"Administrative unit sir"

"Mtcheeew, bring her. I just hope she isn't smart so I can fire her on the spot!" I

grumbled.

The door opened...

My heart skipped a beat!

"Patience"

It was Patience, Uncle Frank's second daughter.

"Hello--Sir"

How on earth could Patience be the new hire?

"Manager, could you please excuse us?"

"OK sir" As soon as he shut the door, I didn't know what to say. There was no

way I could say a word.

How could Patience come to work in this company? She broke the silence.

"Ken, please, I have nowhere to go. Just let me work here this few months. I

need money to pay Emmanuel's School fees. I promise you, it will be a pure

work- relationship. I don't know you from Adam."

She dropped to her knees looking helpless.

"Pacie stand up, please stand up. How-How much is Emmanuel's Fees? let me

give you please."

She sighed.

"No, Ken. Please just let me work for it. I don't want your money."

My heart began to beat fast like I could see her father.

"Ken, do me a favor, please don't mention this at home. I heard your dad is ill.

My regards to him and err-please tell your mum you saw me somewhere and I

asked that you greet her."

That night I couldn't sleep. Memories were driving me almost insane.

Perhaps I should ask that Patience be moved to another branch entirely.

My phone beeped. It was Becky.

"

“Sweet darling. You looked troubled at work today. Hope you are ok now?"

I better not respond. I could type rubbish.

I got to the office the following day with my mind made up that Patience would

be transferred to another branch.

"Boss, don't move her now. She wants to work in Admin..."

"Matthew, it is something personal! Please, move her to the Hotel. What she

wants is salary, isn't it?"

"OK Sir. But something tells me she would do us good here...better still, let's

put her in..."

"Hotel! Put her in the Admin there ha! Don't drive me Mad! Double her required

pay!” I was screaming already.

He looked at me strangely.

" Did you just say I should double her pay?"

"Yeeees! Yes! Yes! "

In my head I was wondering “Why am I feeling this guilty? Dad made a wrong

decision not me” Yet, I was beginning to feel sick.

(Knock, Knock)

It was Becky- Just on time for lunch.

"Hey, are you ok?"

"Just a mild headache”

"Let's pray" -That was my Becky. Always making life simple for me.

We hadn't concluded the brief prayer when I heard a knock-

"Come in"

It was Patience "

"Sorry--Sorry sir. Didn’t know you were busy"

"It’s okay"

"I thought I could speak with you briefly"

Becky didn't leave.

"I wanted to thank you for deploying me to the hotel services. Al- although, I

would have loved to work in the Admin"

"Patience, please work in the hotel services for now"

'Thanks a lot sir" She left. Relief!

"Who is that girl, Ken?"

"A new staff of course"

"There seems to be a connect between you both"

"Really?"

"Yeah"

Becky, please don't annoy me!

"She is someone in my life. But not what you think"

"Hmmmmmm. I see. Someone seems to have surfaced in my territory"

The truth is, I couldn't say when and how I started this romance with Becky.

She seemed all over me. But then, she had a good heart and all I wanted in a

woman...

"Let's go eat Becky, You worry too much"

Chapter 8

About 2 weeks later, mum called me to have a discussion. Eric was seated.

"Ken, it’s about your brother Eric. He is afraid of coming to see you"

"Me, what is that about Eric?"

He looked at mum and looked back.

"Brother, I want to further my career in music"

I placed my hands on my head..

"What is this about, Eric?!"

"Brother, I got a producer that wants to promote my songs. But I need some

money to..."

"Eric, Eric! When did you start singing exactly?!

" Brother, I belong to a group..."

"OK,OK, how much are we talking about?

" Studio recording plus..."

"Eric, hooow much?"

"4M"

"You must be high on something. Mma, I am leaving. Is it 4M you are calling

like that?

Then shockingly, Eric stood up.

" Brother, why are you the only one that wants to spend this money? Is it not

our daddy's money?"

"Eric, you are sick. Don’t make me slap you!"

I was so frustrated and annoyed.

"Hey! hey! Enough!" Mummy interrupted. “Can you both be quiet? Eric be

quiet!”

Then she paused.

"Ken, give your brother the money. Let him pursue his career…That is my final

decision!"

"Fine, Mma,! Fine!"

I brought out my cheque book and wrote out his sum.

"By the time we squander it all, everyone will rest!"

So Eric collected the cheque.

Hopefully, the career booms. Even though, I didn’t know how it would.

Office had been tense these past weeks. Every day I get reports of Patience's

performance. Customers call in to commend her for excellence and

professionalism. The hotel was making more income than even the aluminum

store as business had been on the decline.

In the midst of these all Becky seemed to be unduly on my neck. The presence

of Patience had made her completely insecure as she could not place a finger

on the sort of bond my cousin and I shared.

Life was pathetic.

I thought of a solution.

"Tomorrow is my birthday, I’m going to fix a few things"

"Let us clap for the celebrant everyone!"

That was the manager anchoring my supposed birthday celebration.

"Let's welcome our boss to give his vote of thanks"

" I want to thank everyone who has been part of this great organization..."

Patience was staring at me. I was really uncomfortable.

“...meanwhile, there is something I want to do real quick. Patience, please come

forward." Becky looked uncomfortable and jealous.

"Thank you Patience, for being a part of this company. It means a lot to me."

Every one clapped and shouted. Patience simply smiled and thanked me.

"One more thing everyone, Becky, please come foward"

She looked devastated.

"Becky is one very special woman, hardworking and diligent. Most importantly,

Becky is beautiful, inside and outside. Can I have a round of applause..."

So I asked Becky to please close her eyes,

"Becky, Marry me"

Everyone was screaming, Becky was shocked. She jumped at me with a hug,

flaunting her ring.

Patience walked away.

"Have fun everyone"

What was wrong with these two women?

I pretended I was walking to the gents.

"Patience, are you okay?"

"Ken, don't marry that girl"

"Excuse me? What is wrong with you?"

"Ken, I don't feel right about Becky. Take this as an advice from a cousin"

Becky came from behind.

"Is anything going on here?"

Chapter 9

Perhaps, I got it all sorted with Becky. At least, she got a ring to her finger.

Becky became more energetic towards business. She worked more to make

more profits. Sooner, I could commit a lot of things into her arms.

Patience would be going for her service. I would have considered helping her

work her redeployment to our firm if not for Becky's worries.

“That, I would sort”, I thought.

I went home one day to see Rose (my immediate younger sister waiting for me

at home)

"Ken, we need to talk."

"What about? Anytime I hear talk in this house, I fear."

"Ken, I think we need to pray. I have been having bad dreams..." There she

goes!

"Sweetie, everything will be alright."

Rose had been out of the country. I had to give her an update of everything

that had been happening from Caroline collecting money to Eric to Patience..."

"Wooow. Ken, you've been through a lot!"

"You can say that again"

"Sigh...Ken, something tells me if AuntyLiz does not pray for us wholeheartedly,

things may not go well for us"

"God forbid. Did I steal or kill? Am I not managing dad's business?"

I pushed all her talks aside.

The following day at work, Becky came to see me.

"Sweetheart, I noticed something"

"OK"

"Money is beginning to miss in our books."

"What? From what section?"

"Hotel services"

Hotel services, we have a new staff..."

“Somebody Call me Patience!”

(Patience comes in and Becky leaves).

“Patience, why now? Why are you altering our books? If you need money, I ..."

"Ken, I don’t know what you have been told but if money is missing anywhere,

not in the hotel books." I didn’t know how to argue that.

The issue became worse. So much money was leaving at a very fast rate.

"Patience, are you stealing from me?"

Again, I called Patience to vent my anger and displeasure. Some days later.

Patience burst into tears in my office..

"Thanks Ken. I' d tender my letter of resignation. But, I did not steal your

money.”

That was the most frustrating part. A part of me wanted to believe her. A part

of me didn’t make any sense out of all the explanations given. While I was still

thinking of what to do…

(Phone rings)

"Hello brother"

"Caro baby, how are you?"

She was crying at the other end.

"What is wrong? Where are you?

" Kenneth, please come ...'

My little sister was in trouble.

"Where are you Caro?"

"The Airport-MMIA"

"What exactly is wrong?"

"The police..."

"Just send a text of the details to me. I'd be on my way"

Patience was still in my office.

"Ken, what is wrong with Caro?"

"I'm going out to find out too"

"Can I come with you?"

I really needed someone now but when I thought of Becky and her jealousy,

"Let me call Rose to meet me there"

I dialed Rose's lines severally to no avail.

I would apologize to Becky Later,.

"Patience, let’s go"

Becky met me at the door rushing out with Patience.

I didn't have such time for explanations.

"Becky, I’d be back please"

The drive to the Airport was crazy. But for Patience's calmness, I may have lost

my mind.

I got to Where Caro was. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was not the police but

immigration officers.

"Caro, what is the issue"

"Brother, Brother..."

"Officer, what is wrong with my sister?"

He brought out some stuff- whitish.

"This-Your sister was caught with this"

“Sort of silly joke”, I thought.

"Caroline, what is this?"

She was only crying and making me more upset.

"Your sister was caught with 450g of Cocaine and this time, she is going to jail"

"Caro! Talk to me! Talk to me and stop crying!!!"

"Oga, she can't talk. We have warned her before because of El-Capo. She is too

childish but she won't hear. Now, the new comptroller has heard and won't

take nonsense..."

I needed to process that information.

Caro was just eighteen years old last week. She is still a baby!

"Caro, you told me you were selling jewelry…What is this?"

Patience walked to her and couldn't hold back her tears.

"Caro! Caro why did you do this? You don’t-you don't lack anything. Ah! God"

"Time up please, you people should go get a lawyer...The comptroller knows

about this so no sweeping under any carpet"

I couldn't go home. Patience sat by me.

Phone was ringing- Becky!

"Hello Ken"

"Hi-hi Becky"

"What's wrong with your voice? How was your trip? How is Patience too? I

heard you travelled together..."

Heavens knew that wasn't a good time to talk.

"Becky, please let me call you back"

Chapter 10

Rose came to meet us over there. She looked pathetic.

How were we going to tell Dad and mum that little Caro was dealing in drugs

and lying that she was importing jewelries?

How could she? She lacked nothing! Absolutely nothing!

I got home eventually. We agreed not to tell Dad and mom yet till we see the

Lawyer. Patience went home.

Eric was home. He looked sad.

'Bro good evening'

"Good evening'

" Bro, I want to talk to you"

"See ehn, I am not in the mood. What is it?"

"My colleague stole my song"

"What is my business with that?"

"I want to sue him"

"Eric, I am not in a good mood please. ‘Sue’ for what?"

"After all I have invested in the music...it has been released already on the

internet by CJ my choreographer”

" Look, just leave me"

Then it dawned on me suddenly.

"Wait, where is the money I gave you?"

"Bro...it’s not my fault..."Eric was stammering.

I was yelling at him with Rose trying to calm me down...

Why was all that happening to us at once?

“Can I tell you Eric, I don't have any money to give you! Simple!”

'Then, I am leaving the house. I am moving in with my friends'

“Stupid! You are 16! Hope you know that already?”

I should have taken him seriously.

When Rose, myself and Patience returned from a meeting with our family

Lawyer, Eric was nowhere to be found.

...and then I noticed, all my watches, neck chains, mum's jewelry- everything

he took from the house was almost worth six million Naira!

“How could Eric be this callous?!” I kept asking.

None of his friends provided information.

Daddy, Caro, and now Eric!

I had no choice than to tell my parents what Caro did.

For the first time in my entire life, I saw Dad cry profusely.

I guess it was becoming too much.

So I got to the office the following day. Time to face Becky!

“Hello Becky”

She didn't look upset. She was thankfully calm.

"How are you?"

I was so relieved. “Babe, you don't know how much your calmness means to

me.."

“It’s okay. I don't know what it is but I could feel you were really disturbed.”

"You know what, let's see what is urgent for today, then I would take you

somewhere sane and explain everything"

Becky was very wonderful.

"Ok dear, we have some documents to be reviewed and ..."

"Please review them for me I beg"

"Done, just want you to have a second look"

"My dear, no time for second looks. My frame of mind is improper at this hour"

She got the documents for me. They were business proposals for a new site.

"Here Becky, all signed. Please, tell the lawyer to come pick them"

I took Becky out during lunch and explained everything to her. She held my

hand while I explained.

"Ken, let us pray". How soothing!

I left earlier from work to file a missing person's report. Even if Eric was being

wasteful, I just wanted him to come home.

My phone rang- Patience.

" Hello.."

She asked about our general wellbeing and then... "Ken, I dropped my

resignation letter with the Manager today"

"Why?"

"I thought you said I was stealing from you- mum said I should resign"

"Look, just hold on, let me clear my head"

"Never mind Kenneth, I got another job"

"Well, I don't accept your resignation. Wait for me at the office tomorrow"

I explained to Rose when I got home. She was very angry at me.

"Why are you like this? Did you investigate? Don’t you think it could be a set-

up? And even if she was stealing, shouldn't you be grateful to the highest

heavens? is it not their father's sweat? Is she not your close cousin? Why didn't

you defend her?"

Rose was absolutely correct. I had never considered anyone might have been

playing some games in the office. Rose kept talking and blaming like I had no

sense of my own.

I would have to make Patience stay.

“But, now what do I do? That girl is just one hardened stubborn girl”

“Well, you sort it!”.

“I would sort all that tomorrow.” I thought.

“But for today, Rose and I need to go see Caro at least, she has to stay alive till

we fix all this madness... and Eric, I don't know”.

The following day I got to the office, there was this strange feeling, everyone

staying out of my way,

“What is going on?

I needed to see Becky or the Manager...

Chapter 11

I got to my desk to meet three letters-

“Patience, Becky and Ifeanyi-The manager” I picked the letters each trying to

figure what was going on.

Becky's letter:

"Hi, Ken,

It has been good pretending to be in love with you all this while. I can see you

love the new girl Patience, keep close to her. Here is your ring. By the time you

will be reading this letter, I would be in a faraway country boy! Thank you for

signing all the important documents. Ifeanyi and I will forever be grateful!

Mission accomplished!"

I still didn't get what it was all about. I just hoped it was not was I was

thinking. I picked Ifeanyi’s letter.

"Hello Boss,

I'm sorry to hurt you this way since I had faithfully served your father all these

years. It would be very funny to think that after Big Daddy Frank's death, your

selfish father can outsmart those of us who labored all these years and make

us serve you who know nothing about this business. Everything worked

according to plan, Becky is my wife of two years.

I deliberately employed Patience because I have never been far from that family.

I needed her to see how her father's company was being managed and perhaps

so you could help her. Yet, you agreed she was stealing when she never stole a

penny.

Sorry, Ken, I won't be your slave. Talk to your father and your lawyers if you

like, the company is now sold and proceeds mine- but, I won't be as wicked as

your father. I have decided to share it 60-40 with Lizzy.(She knows nothing

about this but we have her acct no).I've always had her acct number since the

days of Daddy Frank. Remeber, I used to send her allowances back then? Lizzy

and her children deserve a better life. Good bye”

I picked my phone to dial both numbers, switched off. Reality dawned on me.

“I- my family and I had been duped!”

Becky! The Manager! A couple?!

(Knock, knock)

Patience opened the door.

" Hello Ken"

"Patience" tears flowed down freely, "Patience, tell me the truth"

"I didn't steal any money. Why..."

"Did you know Becky was going?"

"Where? why? Did you guys have a quarrel or some argument?"

I still could not believe what was going on.

"I have been duped"

"Jesus!" She screamed.

I looked at her, she wasn't lying. Apparently, she knew nothing about the whole

plan.

How on earth was I going to tell this to dad and mum?

"Ken, I am resuming at the new company tomorrow. I already gave them my

word that I would be there. God has favored me. I won't miss the opportunity.

All I just want to do is take care of my family. Take care of yourself Ken"

“This is called doom!” I thought as I sank into the chair.

I packed some of my valuable stuff and drove home. Perhaps I needed to

discuss it with dad. Maybe our lawyers would still be able to save some assets.

I lost the company in my carelessness. How could I be signing documents I

wasn't reading?

My phone kept ringing. Rose. What do I tell everyone?

"Rose, whatz up?"

"Where are you?"

"On my way home"

"There is trouble"

What could be worse?

"Tell me"

"Eric, the police said they found him"

"Oh...ok. So, where is he now?"

"They said Rising hope hospital"

"Ok, I will go later in..."

"They said we should come now Ken"

Eric should just leave me out of his childishness. Was he sleeping in a

hospital?

"Changing route now, will meet you there"

"Sir, we are here to see Eric Okeke"

"Oh, are you his friends or..."

I was in no mood for small talk.

"He is our brother"

"Oh! Please come then"

He took us past several rooms and into another building.

“Here he is”

What!

"Eric!"

Rose was screaming, a nurse came to hold her.

How could Eric lay down there stone dead?!

"Doctor! What happened?!"

"Well, the police are still investigating. So far, it appears he was involved in a

fight...more like he was stabbed in the stomach and didn't get help on time. He

was found by some police officers along the road.."

This was too much for me. I warned Eric. How could my little brother be dead?

What do I do wrong? How could he not come home?

Rose was crying helplessly. I looked at Eric. But for his clothes, I wouldn't have

recognized him.

"Rose, we are in trouble!” I said with so much fear in my words.

Daddy has stroke, Caro is going to jail as I've got no money for lawyers, Eric is

dead and the company is gone!"

"Which company? Which company again?"

Time to give everyone a download of our real situation.

Time to face some reality.

All we have now is the house- that is if I have not used it as a collateral in all I

have been signing.

God, this is too much.

I am only a young man.

Chapter 12

"So, Everybody, this is the current situation"

Mum had been crying since I began with how the company was folding up and

became uncontrollable when I told her of Eric.

"They want the result of the autopsy to be out first before his body will be

released to us"

I had asked aunty Nnena to please come around as I didn't have the strength

to console anyone. I was a shadow of myself.

Aunty Nnena and some other relatives were there to sympathize with us.

"Knock, Knock"

Aunty Liz, Patience and Gift!

It was a sad shock.

"May I come in?"

Dad tried to stand up, he couldn't.

"Please come Lizzy, please"

"We heard about Eric just this morning..."

"I know, I know Lizzy, just come please, I can't stand to meet you"

Tears were flowing freely from Dad's face. Aunty Lizzy looked pale from

hardship but you could feel the love that has always been part of her.

"Lizzy, please forgive me. I am the one that wronged you. Please..."

"Ha, Daddy, stop this please. This is why I was afraid of coming. I don't want

anyone thinking my family is responsible..."

"Lizzy, please, look at my children, they are your children, please forgive my

greed. I am begging you"

Now it was patience and aunty Liz that were moved to tears. You could still feel

the pain in her tears. That woman has cried so much these past years.

"See, we have forgiven you a long time ago. Who are we? We are all mere

mortals that came with nothing to this world. Please, put-put your mind to rest

Daddy"

Aunty Nnena and some other family members went to embrace aunty Liz. It

was a sober moment.

Everyone was briefed as regards the current development-The company, Eric's

body and Caro's court case.

"We will keep praying with your family. Certainly, we will"

"Lizzy, would you like to have this house back? Dad said shockingly.

Aunty Liz was quiet for a moment.

" No Daddy. You can live in it. I don't want anything. God has been kind to me

and my children"

"I was thinking, Gift can defend her sister in court. Can’t she?" Aunty Liz said.

"Is she a lawyer?"

"Yes, she is a lawyer. I could speak with her"

It was a very sober gathering for us all.

I left for the balcony.

Rose came to meet me.

"Ken, there is something I must tell you"

Not again

“Rose, is it urgent? I've heard so much information in the last few days. I am

afraid I could collapse. Please let me just digest the current events first'

"OK then, let's talk some other time. It’s not urgent though"

"Hi guys"

It was Gift and Patience that came to join us at the balcony. How I missed

those days when we played a lot at this same balcony.

"Gift, thanks for coming. Meeen! I didn't know you were a lawyer oh. I have

suffered a lot."

We talked so much about so many things.

Gift assured us we could get 2years for Caro if we were favored.

"2 years is a whole lot of time for that girl oh" Rose said.

"At the moment, our hands are tied. Since the comptroller knows, he would

keep an eye on the whole thing"- Gift.

" But Gift, sincerely, I don't know why we are the ones suffering. This suffering

is too much. We aren't the ones that erred. Why didn't God just..." I had to ask.

"...let the fathers suffer alone Abi?"- Patience.

"Yeah"

"Mummy told us a story.” Gift began.

She said shortly before Dad was involved in that accident, he called her to the

room. It was like he has been having a premonition of his death. Dad made a

confession to mum that when he was learning his trade, there was a woman- a

missionary who lived in his neighborhood. She was so sick at some point. So

she gave Dad an assignment. All her savings which she had left should be

donated to an orphanage which she described to dad. The woman told dad,

" Do not do otherwise. Do not let generational curses come on you"

The woman told no one else because she trusted Dad like a son.

As soon as she died, was buried and nobody knew about the money, dad

opened an account and kept the money.

That money was used in starting his business after his oga settled him.

Dad told mum his conscience had troubled him for many years. Even when he

became so rich that he could pay back in a hundred folds, there was no one he

would pay to.

Mum said she told him to go make a confession to the Reverend perhaps God

would show mercy. Dad said he was a man of repute in church. He would do a

donation anonymously.

He died shortly after without making amends. See why everything looks

cursed? See why we have suffered for living on cursed money?

But then, we were faster.

Mum knows Christ and so realized that we are not to bear the consequences of

anyone's sins. So, we began to pray and began to sow seeds. In fact, mum led

us all to church and told the Reverend what late dad told her. Here we are

today, living above the curse!"

Patience joined in... "Yes o, as mum would always say everyday 'My name is

Patience Okeke, I live above the curse in Jesus name!"

They both looked happy!

Today was the most shocking day of my life.

Gift continued " Exactly, Patience. Then we returned from church one day and

mum started the "If there are generational curses, where are our generational

blessings?" So she edited the declaration to " My name is Gift Okeke, I live

above the curse, I claim my generational blessings."

I sighed deeply.

That was enough for one day- simply enough.

Chapter 13

It has been four months already.

How time flies so fast.

Eric has been buried, his murders arrested. Thanks to Barrister Gift, Caro

would spend only 3 years in prison.

Life was moving on gradually.

We have sought the face of God in prayers. We have an assurance that He was

nailed on the cross and has taken away all curses.

Mum gathered her savings to start a crèche. It opened last week. A help has

been employed to take care of dad so that mum can work.

Rose wants to be a make-up artist. She is talking her trainings seriously.

Me-I have gathered my savings, I need to go complete my PhD. I have always

wanted to be an educationalist.

Today, I leave for the UK. Patience and Rose are here to see me off.

"Ken, are sure you'd be ok?- Rose

"God's grace is enough "

"That reminds me. I don't know if Gift told you guys"- Patience.

" That? "

"Mum is getting married!"

"Wooooow! When, where?"

"Just a court wedding, Engagement and brief church thanksgiving. The man is

a widower from Ghana"

That was the best news I've heard in a very long time. Aunty Liz deserves to be

happy again.

"That reminds me, Rose, you wanted to tell me something back then.

Remember?"

"Yea-Yeah, It’s just that I feel..."

She looked at Patience and looked back.

"Ken, I have HIV"

"What? A joke?

" Calm down Ken...What you guys didn't know was, all the while I said I was

doing my masters degree, I was a call girl in the US.I needed to fund a more

expensive life style..."

"Boarding announcement: This call is for Mr. Kenneth Okeke..."

I had to go but stood in shock.

"Run along Ken. Don’t miss your flight. Go on with your life. Be great. I will

work on my art and take care of mum and dad.

We would talk on phone."

So, I'm here in the economy class. Trying to think less. I won't cry for Rose

because God will take care of her.

I only feel sorry for two people at the moment- Ifeanyi and Becky.

I'd just close my eyes and say a little prayer: "My name is Kenneth Okeke. I live

above generational curses. I claim my generational blessings. No more losses. I

won't suffer for offences I did not commit. Christ was made a curse for me. I

am no longer under any curses. Amen...”

---The End---

The Accursed is another Fiction.

All names, events and places are the imagination of the writer. We hereby

apologize if a portion or the whole of the story coincides with the occurrences in

the life of any person or group of persons.

Thank you for reading The Accursed.

-Temitope Ogunjuyigbe

(Temitope’s Archive)