A TRUE LIFE STORY- Next Door Neighbor- By Ajemina Itohan (A MUST READ)

Like it or not,I decided never to return to Lagos, NEVER!!! Having had the worst of experiences during my NYSC days. I had come to the conclusion... I could never survive here. My very first encounter, as the j.j.c I was, I had never been to Lagos, growing up all my life in Calabar, being posted to another part of the country sounded like much fun, especially as I wouldn't have to be under the watchful eyes of my parents. 

As I arrived Early Bird motor park Jibowu, I noticed the environment wasn't exactly how I pictured it to be, but I didn't want to get discouraged, keeping my hopes high, I decided to ask for directions to get to my destination. One thing led to another, even before I could make enquiries, my wallet had disappeared alongside my phone. You know when you hear stories about people loosing items and becoming stranded? That was my plight. But here I am today, in my newly rented 2 bedroom apartment in Ikeja, unpacking my bags and asking myself, how did I ever end up here? My company decided I was the best staff to be sent to head our newly opened branch in Lagos. I'm Sonia Bisong, general manager, FineDate Enterprise Lagos.

Am from a family of six(6), position 1st! Yeah, only daughter of Mr&Mrs George Bisong. Growing up wasn't so easy for me, especially as a pastors kid. I was expected to be perfect in all ramifications. Like seriously? I ain't God!!! He's the only One who's perfect and ever will. The circumstances surrounding my birth still remains a mystery to my parents. I came at a very awkward moment, they weren't ready to have a child.

According to them, they could hardly afford a decent meal. My mum tried terminating the pregnancy, taking lots of pills to ensure I didn't survive, but I had decided I was coming into this world and nothing was gonna stop me!!! ***smiles***. Something terrible happened to my mum ( medically it couldn't be described).

The doctors said she might probably die alongside the baby ( I ) as a result of the excessive pills she had consumed. Naturally most humans only remember to seek God through prayers when faced with difficult challenges. My dad was just a regular church goer and self only associated himself with the things of God. But with my mothers life hanging on the fence, he knew he had no one else to turn to for help, other than God. This was how his walk with God began, he eventually became a pastor. I must have so deep in thoughts and didn't hear the sound of the door bell.

Then the knock came....Bang!!! Bang!!! Bang!!! Madam!!! Madam!!! Abegk come commot your car, make Ogkar Yoseph commot. Springing up, I rushed to the living room to get my car keys and hurried to the front door. Hurrying down the stairs , I decided I was just gonna apologise and move my car. Just as I inserted the key to unlock my car, I noticed someone standing close to me, I didn't need to be told he was the oga Joseph the gateman spoke about. Before I could utter a word he ran his gaze from my head, down to my toe, finally settling his eyes on my left fingers " could you move your...... Uhhhm.... SUV , so I could move my truck? Miss!!! My God!

Does he have to be so sarcastic? The fact that he drives an SUV and I drive a Mercedes 230e doesn't give him the right to be rude and full of sarcasm! Ignoring his arrogance, I entered into my car, turned on the ignition and pulled back so he could drive out. Trying not to look affected by his arrogant stare as he drove out, I moved forward , repacked my car and headed back to my apartment.

Closing the door behind me, I decided I'll just forget about the incident and focus on the structuring of my apartment, but my mind kept drifting back to the event that took place not so long ago. Wondering why he should posses so much guts, I decided to settle in for the night. Tomorrow would be a very tiring day for me, as I would be assuming the post of G/M In my new office. I'll just best avoid arrogant mr Joseph , but then, how's that gonna be possible when he's my next door neighbor ? With a sigh, I switched off the bed side lamp and went to sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED.......



Ajemina Itohan