Chapter 5 THE MEETING

New year celebrations were over. So many had travelled to their hometowns during the last year's Christmas celebration. While some were on their way back to the city, some were relaxed at their various villages. The festive mood was still on. Despite the fact that many had gone for the Christmas celebrations, Lagos was still booming with activities. Not everyone felt the urge to go. Not because they didn't have families to return to, but because they were among the ones known as workaholics, the business minded ones.

And of course, Nigerians were known for the one value that held them together, money!

It was Saturday, a hot afternoon. While some who were around stayed indoor, others went out for recreational activities. The sun was bright up in the sky, although the afternoon was a hot one, the trees made it a little possible for fresh air to thrive to and fro. Aside the fact the afternoon was hot, someone was making it extra hot for themselves and for their families, and Grace was among the calibers of these people.

This year, in the month of August, she would turn fifteen (15). She was growing no doubt, but was she growing the right way? Each day would pass, and as days turned into weeks, her love for masturbating kept on growing. Anyway she didn't engage in the act proved futile to her. Her parents, Mr. Dominic and Mrs. Margaret had no idea what their decision towards their only child was having on her.

A great event, where dignitaries would be present came up. Grace's parents were going to be present since it was an invitation made to the adults in church. The event held on a Sunday, in the church auditorium. The couples were dressed up, ready to set out.

The auditorium was filled up already. The field was filled with cars of different brands. The host speaker was an ordained priest, bearing the name Rev. Amaechi. From the name, one could tell he was from the east.

"Good afternoon to you all" Rev. Amaechi said, trying his best to gain their attention. "Please, I know I am dealing with big men and women, dignitaries and adults at that. But, it doesn't mean we shouldn't accord ourselves the respect of keeping calm, as an act of decorum" he said, looking at his audience, ensuring his words pierced into their souls. He gained their attention, since the hall was quiet.

"Good afternoon, once again" he paused, looking each person in the eye.

"Before I proceed with the reason for this meeting, I thank the Lord Almighty for bringing us here safely without no problems. I commit this meeting into his holy hands that it'll be a fruitful one". Tiny whispers of "amen" could be heard from the crowd. "I also thank you all for leaving your comfort zones to be present here. Indeed, I know for you people to leave whatever you are doing today, to be present here, shows how much you value the church and it's events. Once again thank you". An ovation went up, but died immediately.

"The reason for this meeting, is to address the issue of how we handle our children, especially teenagers. To be honest my people, our teenagers are our hope for the future. If we don't learn how to manage and take care of their upbringing, we'll fail woefully as parents. Are we in the same page?" he asked.

"Yes Sir!" they chorused, urging him to continue.

"Now, I've noticed that most of our teenagers are carefree. Majority of them have become too wayward. Some are very disrespectful, some are engaging in hideous acts, some are into cultism. Please, when I said hideous acts, I mean unhealthy relationships. Some are into masturbating and lesbianism, while some young boys are gay!". Murmurings from the parents intensified.

"Please, I didn't say this for you people to start murmuring or engage in side comments. I'm saying this because it's what our children do. And most of these behaviors are committed when they are alone. I called one of them, a girl to be precise, I asked her why she engaged herself into lesbianism, she boldly told me she wasn't allowed to go out as a kid, because her parents were overprotective of her. When she eventually got a female friend, because she had no idea what the world was like, she became a victim of being a lesbian. The girl I'm talking about is now an adult, in her early twenties. I am not saying our children shouldn't be prevented from going out carelessly, but please, allow them socialize, at the same time inculcate good morals. Spend time with them. A lot of you sitting down here maintain very bad relationship status with your children. You don't have a family altar, you don't know your children's behavior, you don't pay attention to their pleas, they don't even mingle with their mates, how then will that child grow up properly. Please, my fellow parents and guardians, make hay while the sun shines. Do you have objections pertaining to what I said?" he asked. Chattering and discussions filled the auditorium.

"Ehm, in the absence of any objection, this meeting is adjourned". Rev. Amaechi concluded, leaving the stage. Mr. Dominic felt the message was addressed to him and his family. He was lost in thought, a light tap jerked him to reality.

"Argh! Ogbuefi!" Mr. Dominic hailed his friend, Dr. Godwin.

"Agu nwoke! How are you?" Godwin asked smiling. "I'm bouncing as you can see", Mr. Dominic answered while laughing.

"You are indeed bouncing well, but, you are lost in your world, why?"

"Nothing actually, just pondering over what the priest said concerning the upbringing of our kids" he replied, striking his jaw.

"Yes, his speech is indeed a great one that calls for sober reflection. There are places we might be doing wrong thinking we are right. We are not around at all times to know what our children are doing in secrecy. It all goes to the training we give them", Dr. Godwin, was also a pediatrician. After the silence had taken place between them, they parted ways, immediately they exchanged pleasantries.

While in the car, the couple decided to discuss the issue, and resolved to changing their decision. Maybe, things would eventually change for Grace.