FACEBOOK LOVE

EPISODE 1 FACEBOOK LOVE SERIES 1 AKINOLA’S MOSCOW ADVENTURE The facebook phenomenon was growing like wide fire, every one wanted to sign up to the new hot social media, some used it as a medium of advertisement, it also served as a medium were like mind...s could exchange views and ideas, to some it was a medium to meet new people and make new friends. Akinola was a young undergraduate in one of the country leading university, a level headed guy, who loved to move with friends from the day of booth cut, baggy jeans to straight jeans. Akinola was embarrassed by a girl, he was trying to woo. “Are you on facebook” asked by the girl. He paused a minute’s. The name “facebook” didn’t stick, “yes…” he sounded not too convincing. “What name are you using on facebook” asked the girl. “Name……….” replied Akinola. It was obvious he was lying. In a society where ignorance was a sin he found it hard to ask anybody, for two weeks the name “book” kept ringing in his head. “What’s this book of a thing” he mused. On his way to the lecture room one day, he overhead two girls discussing the “book” issue. It seems the “book” issue was the new trend in town and the phenomenon was more familiar with ladies. He was walking with him best friend and summons the courage to ask him, if he was to make jest of him it would be between the two of them. “Soji, I want to ask you a question” said Akinola “are you sure it’s a question or a favor because I don’t have money, replied Soji. “This is not about money” said Akinola “alright am all ears” replied Soji. “Do you know that “book” of a thing” he whispered. He looked around, whether any other person was around. “Why are you whispering, you are not talking to a lady, said Soji. “That book of a thing now” said Soji. “book” Soji echoed. “The new internet book revolution now” said Akinola. “Book revolution oh, do you mean facebook replied Soji. “Yes, that’s the name, what’s it all about” asked Akinola. “It’s an online community where people share ideas” replied Soji. “It’s not a big deal” remarked Akinola. “You can also reunite with old friends “Soji further explained. “Is that so? asked Akinola. Soji offered to help Akinola set up the account, he seemed to love the idea of reuniting with old friends. He lost contact with an old friend Musa, both of them attended Federal Government College Oaga together years ago. The last information he heard about Musa was that he was schooling abroad. He updated his status every day, he once dreamt of facebook while sleeping. He joined every group available, he searched for Musa his secondary school friend, and he was surprise at the location on his wall “Khartoun, sudan of all places”. He asked himself, Islamic Musa had won a scholarship to study Arabic at one of Sudan’s leading university, after three months he had about three hundred and sixty six friends. Akinola added new friends on a weekly basis. On one occasion……………………………..was online, one of those Akinola has added a few weeks earlier and accepted to be his friend. Conversation between Akinola and via facebook chat window AKINOLA: “Hi” MATHEW: “Hello” He checked Mathew wall and found Location: Moscow Russia Gender: Female Status: Complicated She add just one picture, both of them had so many things in common like, Music, Sport etc. they got along quickly, in one of their numerous conversation via facebook chat window:- AKINOLA: “Hi” MATHEW: “Hello” AKINOLA: “How are you doing?” MATHEW: “Fine thanks and you?” AKINOLA: “Am fine too, have been waiting to asked you this question?” MATHEW: “What?” AKINOLA: “Does the name Mathew mean mathew?” MATHEW: “Yes it does” AKINOLA: “Does a girl bear the name Mathew in Russia MATHEW: “In some cases” AKINOLA: “Cases” MATHEW: “My father died few days before I was born that is why I was named Mathew to immortalize him”. AKINOLA: “Am sorry for bringing that up” MATHEW: “No problem, did you get the message I sent” AKINOLA: “Yes I did, it was very encouraging” Their conversation get more personal both letting each other into their lives, after a while Akinola noticed Mathew had changed her relationship status, she was now single AKINOLA was worried about MATHEW picture her face looked like the face of a man. The lipstick on her lips were properly done and this but an end to his curiosity. The picture was just like a passport photograph. The face was cute. In the next conversation via facebook chat window she told AKINOLA about her sudden status change. MATHEW: “It’s been a long time” AKINOLA: “It just two days, and I have to take care of some school work” MATHEW: “The last two days has been hell” AKINOLA: “What do you mean?” MATHEW: “We finally called it quit” AKINOLA: “You mean your boyfriend” MATHEW: “Yes” AKINOLA: “How are you doing now?” MATHEW: “Have moved on with my life” AKINOLA: “What next?” MATHEW: “Looking at what the future holds” AKINOLA: “Am sorry” MATHEW: “Thanks” AKINOLA: “You just have one picture” MATHEW: “Yeah” AKINOLA: “Is that really your picture” MATHEW: “Yeah” AKINOLA; “It looks more manly” MATHEW: “Am a tomboy and a tennis player” AKINOLA: “Alright I have to go now” MATHEW: “Wait a little longer’ AKINOLA: “I have a lecture in twenty minutes” MATHEW: “Alright, talk to you soon” Mathew seems to be falling in love with Akinola judging by the messages she had been sending him. Akinola was still skeptical been sending him. Akinola was still skeptical about MATHEW, Akinola had heard of people using fake pictures, name and even location. He was wondering whether he might be a victim too. He was single and had nothing to lose, so he thought of given it a try. Their next conversation. AKINOLA: “Did you get my message?” MATHEW: “Yes I did” AKINOLA: “I don’t believe you are who you claimed to be” MATHEW: “What do you mean?” AKINOLA: “Take me to your “world” MATHEW: “World?” AKINOLA: “Tell me who you really are?” MTHEW: “Alright I would take you to my “World” if you promised to do the same” AKINOLA: “No problem” She claimed she was the one in the photograph, studying for her master’s degree in one of Moscow University, worked part time, just moved out of her boyfriend’s house to a friend’s apartment, her mum was in her sixties. AKINOLA: “I have to go now” MATHEW: “Baby stay a little longer” AKINOLA: “I wish I can, I got something to do” MATHEW: “Give me your telephone number AKINOLA: “011214578” MATHEW: “I got it” AKINOLA: “Later” MATHEW: “I love you, bye” Akinola was confused when he saw the word “Love” in her closing remark; he logged out, he waited a few minutes just starring at the computer screen. “What the hell am I getting myself into, humm nothing dey happen “Akinola muses. As he stood up his phone rang and he reaches for it in his pocket. The number showing on the phone screen was a little longer than the normal phone number, as he picked it a gentle voice spoke. “Its me” with a non English accent Akinola and Mathew discussion wasn’t too long, Mathew couldn’t pronounced English words well but could write good English. They both laughed because they could not communicate with each other properly. “I have heard stories of people finding true love via tie internet, maybe this is mine, let me keeping fingers crossed “Akinola mused meanwhile Akinola semester exam was fast approaching. Their next conversation was a bit lengthy. AKINOLA: “Baby how are you?” MATHEW: “Am fine” AKINOLA: “I just tagged your picture on my wall” MATHEW: “I saw it” AKINOLA: “Did you get my message on your voicemail” MATHEW: “Yes I did, I was at work” AKINOLA: “Really” MATHEW: “Your birthday is just a month away, any plans” AKINOLA: “Yes” MATHEW: “Let me into it” AKINOLA: “Nothing much” MATHEW: “I have a surprise for you” AKINOLA: “Me” MATHEW: “Yes” AKINOLA: “Tell me then” MATHEW: “It’s a surprise” AKINOLA: “Alright” MATHEW: “I told a friend about us” AKINOLA: “Really” MATHEW: “She likes you from the picture she saw” AKINOLA: “That’s nice” MATHEW: “She would soon be here to pick me for a party” AKINOLA: “Tonight” MATHEW: “Yes, what are you going to be doing tonight” AKINOLA: “Reading” MATHEW: “Reading?” AKINOLA: “Am starting my exams in a few days” MATHEW: “Baby best of luck” AKINOLA: “Thank you” MATHEW: “I would leave you for now so you can concentrate on your studies” AKINOLA: “Alright” MATHEW: “Can I have your home address?” AKINOLA: “Why?” Akinola was a bit reluctant; she didn’t give any excuse for asking him for his address. Akinola later gave her his address out of the feelings he was developing for her. Two days later Akinola received a package, he was amazed because he was not expecting anything. It came from Mathew, the package included wrist watches, clothing etc. Akinola could not believe how she knew his actual size. He tried calling her to thank her but her phone was switched off. The following day, Akinola received a call from her. Conversation between Akinola and Mathew via the telephone. AKINOLA: “Hello” MATHW: “Hello” AKINOLA: “Honey I tried calling you” MATHEW: “When?” AKINOLA: “Yesterday” MATHEW: “I was at the gay right rally” AKINOLA: “Gay?” MATHEW: “I meant rally” AKINOLA: “Anyway, thank you for yesterday” MATHEW: “That’s no problem honey, how are you preparing for your exams?” AKINOLA: “Fine thank you” Akinola gave his name quickly, he guessed it was money transfer, he was worried about the world “gay” he heard but at the same time, taught about her accent. “Is she gay” she mused “wetin she dey do for den rally or she be bisexual but she seemed “straight” wetin be my own, he be like say I don see my own “maga” o he mused again, in few hours she called back and gave Akinola the details of the ($300) three hundred dollars, she had just sent to him, it was then that Akinola confirmed. “This one na chop and clean mouth”. He showed his appreciation by sending her love messages via telephone and facebook. During the examination period they talked everyday on the phone. She showered him with love in form of gifts. Akinola had not told any of his friends but he was enjoying every bit of the experience. He was living large on campus, with all the gifts he was receiving from her, he confirmed she truly loved her, he started falling in love with her, for him, love was not in his “dictionary”. On the last day of his examination, the facebook love experience started. On one of their conversations, earlier he had memorized all the poems he could find on the internet just to express his love. Akinola’s friends suddenly noticed he was no longer interested in any of the campus girls again, when confronted he declined explanation. He still kept it a secret. Mathew’s birthday was fast approaching in a few weeks time. He was confused on what to give her as a birthday gift. In one of their numerous conversation facebook chat window. AKINOLA: “Hello baby” MATHEW: “Hi” AKINOLA; “How have you been” MATHEW: “Fine and you” AKINOLA: “Am fine too” MATHEW: “Baby I missed you” AKINOLA: “Missed you too” MATHEW: “When is your result coming out” AKINOLA: “Hopefully in the next two month, if we don’t embark on another strike” MATHEW: “What will you be doing in the next two months” AKINOLA: “Nothing” MATHEW: “Why don’t you get a part time job” AKINOLA: “It’s not easy getting one over here” MATHEW: “Have got an idea” AKINOLA: “What?” MATHEW: “I will tell you next time we talk” AKINOLA: “I hate surprises” MATHEW: “Am sorry but you have to wait” AKINOLA: “Honey, share it now” MATHEW: “I got to go” AKINOLA: “Wait a little longer” MATHEW: “In two hours, I will be online” AKINOLA: “Alright, till then, stay blessed love yeah” MATHEW: “Love yeah too” AKINOLA: ‘Bye” MATHEW: “Bye” For the next two hours Akinola was thinking what could be so important that she was keeping as a surprise. It could not be gift or money or maybe, she was contemplating a break-up with him. Akinola was so much in love just like “Romeo.” He just made up his mind for the worst, “No matter what the eyes sees it will never shed blood” he mused, in that spirit he logged on to his facebook page thirty minutes before the actual time. He was sweating profusely, the chair became too hot for him to sit, between the thirty minutes interval, Akinola updated his wall over five times and also changed his status from being “single” to be “in a relationship”, which made a lot of people online at the time to post several comments. She soon come online, and they had a conversation via facebook chat window. AKINOLA: “Hi baby” MATHEW: “You seems so anxious because you came online before me” AKINOLA: “Yeah, let the cat out of the bag, am waiting” MATHEW: “You’ve changed your facebook relationship status” AKINOLA: “Yeah what did you want to tell me” MATHEW: “I have just got off the phone with the embassy” AKINOLA: “So what does that have to do with me” MATHEW: “I made some enquiries about…..” AKINOLA: “Quit the suspense, tell me what’s up” MATHEW: “You know my birthday is in a few weeks” AKINOLA: “I know” MATHEW: “I want you to come over so we can celebrate it together” AKINOLA: “What” MATHEW: “Yeah” AKINOLA; “Are you serious” MATHEW: “I am” It was like a dream to Akinola because it was all coming fast, they met few weeks ago and all these were happening. AKINOLA: “Whoa” MATHEW: “I will send you the letter of invitation and all the necessary documents” AKINOLA: “Thank you” MATHEW: “No problem” Akinola was skeptical about the offer after a second thought “abi, she wan use me for money” he said to himself, but wait “I never hear oyinbo do blood money before,” come on boy this is your chance he thought in his mind. He updated his facebook wall “I feel good” he planned not to tell anyone until he gets there. As the old saying goes “ti isu eniyan ba jina a ma fi owo bo je ni” literally meant if you are experiencing a breakthrough you wait until it’s full manifestation before testimony” The preparation got on the way, with this surprise pack, Akinola love grew more for Mathew. She sent him his ticket’s details. He was to arrive on his birthday. He had the last conversation with Mathew via the facebook chat window before his trip to Russian. AKINOLA: “Baby what’s up” MATHEW: “Am fine, and you” AKINOLA: “Am fine too, but am anxious about tomorrow” MATHEW: “Baby everything gonna be alright” AKINOLA: “I hope so” MATHEW: “All my friends can’t wait to meet you” AKINOLA: “Really” MATHEW: “Yeah, have told them a lot about you” AKINOLA: “I can’t wait to meet them too” MATHEW: “The party planner is almost done with the venue decoration. AKINOLA: “That’s good” MATHEW: “I want to tell you something” AKINOLA: “Alright” MATHEW: “I don’t know whether this is the right time” AKINOLA: “Say it” MATHEW: “Let’s wait until we meet tomorrow” AKINOLA: “You know I hate suspense” MATHEW: “I know honey, but it will be good we talk face to face” AKINOLA: “Alright then see you tomorrow, I have to start packing now” MATHE: “Ok” AKINOLA: “Love yeah” MATHEW: “Love yeah too” Akinola was really excited, he wondered what the surprise could be, I can’t wait till tomorrow or does she want to propose to me” he thought. He has heart about women proposing to men in the western world but he tried to be open minded. Akinola went to the market to get some African beads and crafts like beads, adire, tie and dye. He arrived the airport alone with his small luggage heading for Moscow, Russia. He checked in just the way he had seen in the movies. He was with a business class ticket; they both called each other about seven times before he left the airport. This time their conversation was more smoother and her English more cleaver and he was also picking up some Russian word “…………………………………..” how are you “……………………………………” love you. Akinola hasn’t traveled in an airplane before, as the pilot announced that every body should fasten their seat belt, he began sweating profusely. Thirty minutes after the plane took off Akinola was more relaxed, as the hostess asked him for what he wanted, he was given the menu list, he saw regular meals but he wanted to try something else because he was traveling to a place he had never been before. He ordered …………………………………… because the man beside him ordered the same. The man was obviously a Russian, after about few minutes the food was served, it looked like a cereal. The food does not look pleasant to him as he turned to his right, the Russian man’s face could says it all that he was enjoying the meal. Akinola grabbed the spoon with courage and quickly closes his eyes as the spoon got to his mouth, to his surprise the meal tasted delicious. “Oh my God, food dey wey sweet like this” he said to himself, but after a while he dose off. The next thing he knew was that the plane had just landed and he said a little prayer and then alighted from the plane. He was cleared after at the immigration, custom and other departure. There were so many people at the airport but he saw some groups of the people carrying placards with names and some with pictures. He found someone wearing a jumper top, skinny jeans, hair premed, eyelid shaped with lipstick, earrings with muscular arms holding a plaque with Akinola’s name written on it. He walked further to check for Mathew. The person with the plaque kept following him as he took more steps so was the person and heard a voice saying wait!, wait!!, he decided to wait for the person calling him. He stopped and the person smiled at him with a funny accent “can I help you with your luggage” he gave a fake smile in return and replied “thank you” I am Mathew this way please” is she playing a fast one on me Akinola mused. Akinola followed Mathew but wasn’t felling comfortable as they got into the car, Akinola asked “please where is Mathew” and “he” replied “Am Mathew” I thought Mathew was a “she” not a “he” said Akinola. “That’s was what I was trying to explain to you yesterday” said Mathew, “that you are a gay” replied Akinola, “Yes” said smiling Mathew, but am not gay” said Akinola, “actually when I broke up with my boyfriend and met you, I don’t know what happened and I fell in love with you? Mathew replied. “Really” Akinola mused “I don’t believe this”. Akinola did not believe all Mathew said, he still felt something was wrong. As the car moved on, Akinola rested his arm on the window and looked outside and he kept looking at the “guy” from time to time, “how was your journey “he” asked “fine” Akinola replied, “is the venue still far” asked Akinola we’ll be there in few minutes” replied Mathew, “alright” he said and turn out to look at the beautiful city of Moscow. Something in him still felt it was a trick. As he alighted from the car he noticed that the neighbourhood was quite “he” helped Akinola with his luggage as “he” cat walked towards the house. His eyes were roving around for any suspicious activities. He stayed about ten meters away from the “guy” in case of any problem. The “guy” opened the door and entered, the house was so dark “come in” Mathew said. Akinola looked at his eyes and Mathew repeated the word “come in” he finally entered and the light suddenly come on and a wild shoots of “welcome” rent the air. ……………………………………………………………………. Sang in Russian which meant “Happy birthday to you”. The venue was filled up to the brim and decorated with colorful balloons and drapes. He was still shocked to the fact that Mathew was a “male” not a “female”. Everybody in the party showed him some love and all invitees were dressed like Mathew. It was now dawn on him that Mathew was a gay. He called Mathew aside for a little conversation. “I can’t do this” he said, “but u said you love me” replied Mathew, “I do, but ……….” said Akinola, “If you truly loves me let get along” replied Mathew. “This act is against my religion” said Akinola. “I know but I still love you” said Mathew. “Please show me the loo” asked Akinola. He was in the loo for about thirty minutes, just thinking of the problem he had put himself into. Knock! Knock! An authoritative knock on the loo’s door. “baby the guest are waiting for you” said Mathew he paused and said “am coming”. He rinsed his face with water and said a little prayer that God should put him through the day. It was time to cut the cake Mathew held him by the waist, which made him very uncomfortable and pictures were being taken. The master of ceremony announced that it was time for the couple to dance. “What, this people must be insane” Akinola mused. He rejected the offer and the crowds chorus his name “Go Ola!” “Go Ola!!” “Go Ola!!!” with their funny accent they thought he was shy. Akinola who was a good dancer couldn’t dance. He stood there like someone in a tree; Mathew was all over him “Go Mathew Go! Go Ola Go! Go Mathew Go! Go Ola Go!”. “He” gave Akinola a perk and he felt so disgusted. The party was fun with lots of food and drinks; it was only that Akinola wasn’t comfortable with the setting. The party was actually held at Mathew house and after everyone had left Akinola laid on the couch in the sitting room. The sitting room was littered with cans and bottles. As he was about dosing off Mathew came to sit beside him and this made him to stand up. Akinola brought out the gift from his bag and gave them to Mathew. Mathew wore the clothes and the beads and did a small fashion parade for Akinola and he found it funny. The next morning they had a long discussion. Akinola gave his reasons as to why they couldn’t date each other but he insisted he liked Mathew, but they could be good friend and thank Mathew for “his” good gesture and asked to be taken to the airport. Akinola had an open ticket and returned back to his country the following day. Mathew was sad but “he” let Akinola go and hoping that he would changed his mind. THE END Watch out for Akinola’s facebook phobia”