It was never meant to be contested- Papa’s rules.
Papa has always been a disciplinarian. You know that feeling of knowing you can't go scot-free with any form of misbehavior no matter how little or subtle it is.
My name is Maria and I grew up in a family of 5; my parents included. I am the second daughter having two elder siblings before me. Unlike other homes where the last child could do whatever he or she pleases, I never got to experience that.
Mama always quoted this scripture from the Holy Bible “Spare the rod and spoil the child”- maybe that was her means of justification for whatever punishment she and Papa meted to us; I still wonder.
I and my siblings did so well to avoid getting punished. It was out of fear by the way, not because we cared about the life consequences of our bad actions we got to hear from Papa each time he admonished us every morning during the family devotion.
We practically grew up indoors. I mean, Papa believed we’d get corrupted by the kids outside. According to him “They are kids with zero home training.”
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The only chance we got to play was when we got to school.
I made sure to utilize my playtime in school.
“Hey Maria, would you love to go to the movies with us?” This was my high school friend Josephine asking. But before I could give a reply, she mockingly replied, “Oh I forgot, you're a prisoner on parole right now”
We've known each other since Basic School. She knew my plight and she knew how to annoy me like that.
One Friday evening, I subtly sneaked out of the house. A classmate was celebrating her birthday that evening at her house and I made up my mind to attend. I begged my siblings to tell our parents that I was in the backyard studying my books. They said they'd try and I promised to be back early.
I wore my shorts and a crop top with my pink sneakers. My braids were tied into a messy bun and I felt good. All I wanted was to have some fun!
Getting to the party, I saw most of my classmates having fun, dancing, and making merry.
Everything seemed strange but nice at the same time.
I danced for a long time and then I quickly checked my time “Oh my goodness, it's past 8:00pm! I need to get home” I moved hurriedly and suddenly I felt someone grab my hands, I turned to see my friend screaming at me due to the loud music “Where are you going?!” she asked “You’re already here, even if you are to get punished, at least enjoy yourself to the fullest so you won't regret it”
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I knew that was the voice of the “devil” like my Mama would always say,
But at that moment, that voice was enticing and convincing at the same time.
I obliged and stayed back.
By 10:15pm I found myself at the gate of my house.
I walked in quietly, finding Papa sitting on the porch. I was done for. I knew that for a certainty. Surprisingly, I got no snapping or a word. I walked into the house and I found my siblings glaring at me. “What has come over you Maria?!” Kelly my elder brother screamed silently at me. My elder sister Phoebe just glared at me and turned to her side of the bed.
On the morning of the next day, Papa called me into his room.
“Sit down Maria,” he said to me.
I sat far from him, at the edge of the bed, looking down and wishing the ground could open so I fall in. The last time, he called me into this room, I was grounded for a month and that included having a curfew time of 4:00 pm.
“Maria how old are you?!” Papa asked rhetorically. I knew so much not to answer.
“You are in your last year of high school and no one needs to tell you what is wrong from right anymore.” “But what I can assure you is that, the way you lay your bed, that's how yours gonna lie on it”
I apologized to my Papa and told him the incident of last night would not repeat itself. He solemnly nodded and I left his room. For some reason, I knew that he was not happy with me but I quickly shoved that feeling down my throat and moved on.
How time flew by, I got admitted into the university and I was barely 17. I was a smart one and maybe that's why I felt I could outsmart life.
Papa got me an apartment and then I thought “ My dream of living outside my home is indeed coming to manufestation” I always envied my siblings when any of them left for the university and always dreamed of the day I would be like them.
I smiled when I waved goodbye to my parents. I saw worry on their faces but cared little about that.
I was finally free!
Oh, how beautiful that feeling was. How much relief I felt!
I got into the university and I became the talk of the school. I attended every party. I rarely attended classes; after all I was smart. So I could easily read and come back later. This lie I constantly told myself
I made friends with the children of the elite who loved to throw money around and so I tried to make sure I reached their standard. I often called Papa to lie about one lecturer or another who asked us to buy handouts at exorbitant prices.
Papa loved education and never wanted us lagging, so he made sure to give me any amount I wanted. At this moment, I understand that Papa did all that so I don't look elsewhere for whatever I needed. Oh, now I know how much Papa and Mama loved me.
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“Maria! Stand up, we have to go!” I heard the faint sound of my friend calling my name. We were at the after-party organized by my class after our matriculation ceremony. I had told my family that I was sick and needed to rest after the ceremony. They had come to celebrate with me and take pictures with me. Papa waved me goodbye and Mama gave me her regular advice. I hugged my siblings and we parted ways.
I left with my friends and we took a detour to the party. I drank anything I saw enticing. But suddenly there was a shootout. I faintly saw people running but I found myself stuck to the floor. I could hear distinct sounds and everywhere felt chaotic.
I felt the familiar hands of my friend, Priscilla dragging me.
“Ahhhh!!! I screamed!” The pain in my head was getting unbearable.
The next morning, I found myself in my bed.
I picked up my phone and dialed Priscilla’s number. “Hello,” she answered. With some struggle and forced strength, I asked “How did I get home” She replied by saying her boyfriend carried me and they drove me home. That's all I needed to know; every other statement she made was sounding incoherent to my ears. I sat on my bed and then it dawned on me.
I had forgotten that our exam was starting the next week. I had read nothing, I had barely attended any class.
I was done for.
Well, friends, I failed my exams that semester. I came up with a result having 5 F’s and 2 D’s.
I had indeed learnt my lessons and it was the hard way.
It dawned on me how much Papa and Mama loved me.
I remembered Papa’s words and Mama’s advice. I decided to heed those words. It was not easy to recover from my mistakes but I was ready to turn a new leaf and lay my disheveled bed and that I did.
