1 BITTER COCONUTS

SEASON ONE

CHAPTER 1

THE BEGINNING; VILLAGE HOME

It was in the summer of 1980,that a vehicle traveling from the city dropped Gideon, Paul, Rose and Precious in the village.It has been a tiring journey of five hours,but the journey seem to have taken eternity to get to their destination.

Actually,it was the season for the long vacation and they had all travelled to another city and from their city of abode.The decision to travel to their village,had been taken in one flash and the suggestion was put up by Gideon,who is the eldest and most wise of them all,in age, schooling and social relations.

It was the long vacation, schools are on break for a period of three to three and half months.

Alighting from the vehicle-Paul stretched and thought about the earlier years,still growing up that they previously spent in the village.It was or used to be exciting as lot of fun abounded in the village and fun seekers from the city, where not disappointed with their expectations which would be met.

This summer, although this is not winter, and Christmas, where what Paul loves most is football, could be played by the various returning city dewellers residing in Kaima, Romi, Basse, Magii and Cadupa,who could all engage in a football competition,to determine the winning City, amongst the returnee.Paul loves the competition and cherished winter more than summer-anytime they are chanced to return to the village of Amapula.Actually Gideon who is about 20 years old,is a goalkeeper for his high school in the city of their abode, where they journeyed from,to Cadupa.

Their city of abode Molinba,was a beautiful and well sited city, with it beautiful tropical climate, it savannah grassland vegetation.Winter here,was always very severe and harsh and Paul hated it here during the winter.

Journey from Molinba to Cadupa,alway took a whole day. In which you have to wake up early,as early as 6am to start your journey and eat lunch during the course of the journey in most of the restaurants and eatery that adorns the highways. Eating from these restaurants and joints was one of paul's favourite, because it provided the opportunity to savour the dishes of other tribes and culture.

Republic of Polemba,was a vast land mass of grassland and high forest, with sparse of swamps in south and the desert north, bounded by the Atacama desert.

Having alighted from the vehicle, Paul aided Gideon in bringing out their luggages and bag from the bus.Nights, in the village where exciting with it's moonlight tales,told under the Coconut tree in the village house.

Actually the Coconuts,numbering about 4 in all,where planted by Diodio,the patriarch of the family and it was now left for Mapuma,who as the wife of Diodio to take care of her husband's property and farmland.

The coconuts trees,where slender/thin and had grown taller than any surrounding building in the area. It had lots of coconut fruits on it.

Entering the house,we were all welcomed by Mapuma,who was rather excited by our decision to spend about two weeks of our holidays with her. We came with bread for Mapuma and had bought some local food stuffs like prepared cassava- which we where to eat for the next two weeks.

Rose and Precious entered the kitchen later in the day with Mapuma to prepare a local delicacy for the evening meal.It was cassava,cooked,peeled and cut to sizes left in water for a day(overnight) and washed in the morning for eating,by changing the water after a thorough wash.But this evening,we decided to use our mortal,in which we pounded pepper,with and added some local spices with palm oil to turn the cassava into a delicious local spice.

It was always a delight to eat such meal and Mapuma, always delighted in serving us this local delicacy.Dinner done,we all sat down to plan our programme of survival in the village.We made up our mind to engage in farming, harvesting crops and fruits which Mapuma tended.

We planned to visit many of our relatives,the popular Alinor river,which was the main source of water for the villager's consumption.With this settled,we went to bed.

In the morning,we woked up late, as late as 10am, having been stressed out by the journey.We took our bath and set out to welcome what the day have in stock for us.

Gideon decided to harvest the Coconuts. Paul,Rose and Precious took delight in watching the harvesting. Gideon was a good climber and climed to the top of the 50 feet coconut to harvest it fruits. By twinning his legs round the coconut fruit,he was able to climb up and down sliding through the stem of the coconut.

Gideon was not spared the climb,as he had to work in a shape like the position he took climbing the coconut. Paul, observed to Rose and Precious that their Uncle Gideon,was now bow-legged due to the climb. He was naturally bow-legged,but this has increased his bowlegs condition. We all picked up the coconut fruits,harvested and carried it all into the room.

Gideon then decided it better we rested our tired bodies,by observing a little siesta for all.

CHAPTER 2

Third day in the village.

It was in the morning of the third day, Gideon walked out of the village building and shouted ,"Precious,Rose get up prepare,time to visit the river", the river was actually the source of water for the village.

Paul was already up and had prepared by wearing his short with a tee-shirt. Gideon was in am old blazer upon shorts, putting on sneakers like Paul. Rose and Precious both wore gown,sewed so loose to aid the long trek,as it was going to be a very long trek down to the river,with all the gully erosion sites, they could encounter on their way to the river.

Rose ran ahead of the lot to the River Alinor. Gideon picked up his cutlass.Paul was engrossed in observing the beautiful landscape and environs.

Having arrived at their destination,the river Alinor, they all bent down to scope of the water of the River, River Alinor was so close to the landscape and low to the surrounding grounds,where they had choose to view it from and where the villages often took to the river.

The water of the river,was clear and not muddy.Gideon,Paul asked "is this River Alinor not also the sources of fishes". Not to my knowledge replied Gideon "as the fishes in this River are revered and sometimes worshipped and it is rather difficult to find fishes in this type of River,which are so crystal clear and clean.

Gideon,shouted Rose, "I love to stay back in the village and visit the river,every morning with Precious."

But you cannot do that replied Gideon, 'you are in primary four and need to finish your schooling and without ur mummy's permission-it is impossible to do such'

"Hmmmm Uncle, but this river is beautiful" replied, Rose.

"Yes it is", Gideon tried to steer away from such discussions as he would not like to offend their mummy,who entrusted him with their care.

Gideon was cherished, adored and worshipped as a brother figure by Paul, Rose and Precious.

His words where law and where to be obeyed. The visit to the river lasted some few hours and they all set back on the way back to home.

CHAPTER 3

In the morning of the first week of their visit,this was on a saturday,they all decided to visit an elderly relative. He was quite advanced in age and nicked name Papa Ochuko. Papa Ochuko,was home alone, elderly,as all his children had gone out and where all based in the city. He served them some biscuits and they all took turns in savouring the crispy taste of the biscuit,served on a stainless tray.

After about one hour of sharing banters with the old man,they departed for their own home. It was a successful visit as Pa Ochuko was instrumental in seeing to the well-being and welfare of Mapuma,who lost her husband at a very tender age,having married very early.

Mapuma was very happy to learn about the visit to Papa Ochuko. She, just like everyone regarded him as a jolly good fellow-who had been saddled with the task of taking care of the kindred of Kiliberto. They were just two brothers that founded the large extended family,and he alone was left of the Kiliberto family line.There where other lineages related in bloodline to them and who share the same affinity with them.

But the Kiliberto family, where just two brothers and Pa Ochuko sworn to keep the family line on and for this particular bloodline to continue and really,it has been a success.

Gideon was of the Kiliberto clan and prided himself in their ability to withstand and endure any form of pressure no matter whom and whosoever is involved.They were noted for their bravery and smartness,with their tough stance on alot of issues brought to them or which they encounter.

Finally,it was the time to go back to school. Everybody said goodbye to the village,after a wonderful two weeks of break and a pleasant hostess in Mapuma.

SEASON 2

CHAPTER 1

A HISTORY OF A FAMILY;UPHELD BY A GERONTOCRACY

GIDEON,is the uncle of Paul,Rose and Precious.Gideon is the youngest of Paul's, Rose's and Precious's Mother. They where ten in number.Gideon was born after his father's demise.Just three months into his pregnancy Mapuma,lost his husband,Dawakota.Who was a very industrious and hardworking man.He made sure his family did not lack and provided for Mapuma.He was among the first to interact and meet with the white in the village of Maarath.He was with the White District Officer as a Colonial Officer under his white master.

Gideon looked very much like his late father and pride himself to that fact. He was very handsome, charismatic,a good goalkeeper and the co-operative and welfare prefect of his school.Government Secondary School,Molinba.He was in the final fifth form in high school and wanted to become a priest,after his schooling. He wished to enroll in the seminary that was situated in a serene environment in Molinba,managed by White Missionaries,who came a long time ago.The Missionary College was one of it's kind.Gideon was a lady's man and ladies flocked after him.

Paul was a junior to Rose,who was in high school form two,while Paul was preparing to take the entrance examination into High School.Precious,was the baby of the family and she was in Primary School three.

CHAPTER 2

It was on a very beautiful and sunny day,that Gideon worked up and informed Paul about the Football competition between and amongst Secondary School in Molinba.Gideon was the School's Keeper and this made Paul very proud.

Government Secondary School,Molinba was pitched against Eku High School.Eku High School, Molinba had a particular player,who was noted for his left foot and Gideon was aware and told Paul to watch out for this particular player,he was an offensive player and his left foot was bullet.He was Tonas.Tonas was tall and heavily built, unlike Gideon who had a thin frame and probably weighed half the size of Tonas.

"Paul!,Paul!!, come and get me my stocks and jersey.The goalkeeper's jersey had a protective foam sewn on the chest and under the elbow and was always manufactured by the manufacturer to be in long sleeve form,it sometimes, came along with a trouser or short, having the same foam sewed on the outside lap of both the right and left for both designs of the short and long trousers.Gideon was going to wear the long trousers with the long sleeves goalkeeper's jersey.

"Am coming Gideon",responded Paul.

Also get me my boots,am wearing the new adidas black stud.The stud,normally came in one colour,that is black,back in these days.

'Gideon, don't forget to tell mummy,we are going out and that we are going to need her prayers for success in this competition'.Paul reminded Gideon,as he place his complete goalkeeper's wear for him on the floor before him.

"Oh",responded Gideon, "I will do so",he immediately set off to search for Paul's mummy,who was her minding her trade in her little shop,stocked with foreign clothes.

These where Hollandaise, imported from outside the country. Mummy travelled to Bas,often to replenish her stock.

However,the problem with customs on the highway and who also raided her shop often made these wrappers a hot item.

Mummy to Gideon and Paul."Gideon take care of your brother and ensure you people return in peace,do not engage in any fracas and remember." "What is not gotten through peace,is not worthy".Mummy urged them to be competitive and strong,as they had the backing of everyone in the family to come home successfully.

Paul ran to his Mummy and hugged her. Paul's mummy knew how well he loves these games.

Football,was his second choice after his studies.

After a while Paul,left his Mummy and his Mummy also hugged Gideon.

Gideon and Paul chorused in unison "thank you mummy,we will be good ambassadors of this home".We will make you and Daddy proud.

'Good',responded mummy.

'Now start going'.she said!

Gideon and Paul,left for Government Secondary School, Molinba.Where the competition was to take place,as the Eku High School,team was visiting according to the schedule.

They took a taxi and got to the school by 9am.The match/football would kick-off by 10am.

Paul walked into Molinba Secondary School dressing room with Gideon. Here,they meet other players, who where already there.They actually used a classroom as a dressing room,and you could see the chairs and tables scattered all over the classroom space.Some sat on the desk and some on chairs.

'Skippo'!!!, was the chorus that greeted Gideon and Paul,as they walked into the dressing room-here a classroom.

The school compound has already emptied into the football pitch.

All the students,where now on the pitch.

Meanwhile,Gideon admonished his colleagues to face the competition with seriousness,as they where out to carry the trophy.

Desma,a friend and classmate of Gideon responded for the rest players. He promised Gideon,their total commitment to the course,they were to face.

CHAPTER 3

The match referee sounded the whistle and the player ran out to the pitch in straight formation.Gideon lead Government Secondary School, Molinba,while Tonas took the task of leading out Eku Secondary School.Gideon wore shirt number 1,while Tonas wore shirt number eight-as he was to play from the middle for Eku Secondary School.

The ball was placed in the centre half and Government Secondary School, Molinba took the kick-off,after the lineup's of the player and the official and a mandatory handshake amongst players and officials and the customary throwing of coin to chose the side that will take the north end first and the other takes the south end.The captain's did so in the referee's presence,who showed them the coin.

He asked both to chose between the head and the tail.The head went north, and the tail south.

Gideon chose first,the head and got the north side,with a toss of the coin to kick off first.The referee placed the ball in the centre circle and the kick-off was taken.

After a pulsating 90 minutes encounter,the game ended goalless.Not after Gideon had made saves from Tonas ferocious left foot.He caught a bullet of a shot in the second half,after Tonas had dribbled his way through the Government Secondary School, Molinba defense line, and there followed a big uproar in the crowd.

Paul brightened with smiles,as he also noticed Clara,the new girlfriend of Gideon,at the back post of Government Secondary School, Molinba.

Clara, jubilated with joy and danced round in a circle. Paul was quite near and loved these uproar and cheers for his Uncle.He was made a proud boy.

SEASON 3

CHAPTER 1

DEATH FINALLY KNOCKS

It was in 1982, that Paul finally gained admission into the High School. Gideon had already started off as a Priest in the Missionary School,in Molinba.Paul visited often and loved to pluck the Mango that dotted the compound. The compound was well cared for by those employed by the Missionary to take care of it.

However,this did not stop Gideon and Paul from meeting up every Saturday to fetch firewood for the family. They took this opportunity to relax by the river, breaking palm kernel and exploring the river banks-which was inhabited by crabs,which could be seen at times swimming in the crystal clear water,as the water was colourless and clear to the view.But,Gideon and Paul never bothered about this particular creatures,as they were few and difficult to catch.

They got alot of firewoods,snails and palm worms,which resided in the palm trees,which had been felled to give way to farming/farmlands or due to it losing it's position in the earth/soil as a result of erosion.

These breed palm worms,a very delicious and proteinous delicacy,eaten roasted or fried in a little oil.Gideon and Paul delighted in it's farming.

"Paul,one of these days,we are going to marry and we will remember these things we shared as a family," voiced Gideon in a very serious and fatherly manner.

"Yes,responded Paul to Gideon's assertion.'What stops us from becoming worm expert's'.

They ended laughing out loud to such childish suggestion made by Paul to Gideon's assertion.

CHAPTER 2

Gideon,had a new girl,named Valentina.This happened after his short romance with Felicia ended abruptly.

Felicia was fetish,and had sworn to end Gideon's life by consulting the juju priest from Cadupa.

This was taken as a small threat,of no consequence.But after,a while, we started to notice some behaviour by Gideon. He became a pick pocket, womanized more, smoked and took lots of alcohol.

This, Paul's father got to know and his military training at Sandhurst,the foremost British Military Academy,clashed with this. Paul's father was a strict disciplinarian in line with his Sandhurst training.In a short description of Paul's father and Gideon's in-law,he was a strict man. Principled as the Colonial Masters of the academy that trained them in line with the military profession.

Paul suggested his going to a pray house and he was taken to a white garment prayer ministry. These did not stop.

They moved him to a spiritual home,he became worst.The solution was to go to a pentecostal prayer ministry,where a seven days fasting was to be observed for him on this issue.

After all these,we all thought Gideon was alright,but he manifested more womanizing tendencies.

Valentina was a beautiful woman,well endowed with all the attributes of a sexy woman.She was heavy at the chest and had a rolling backsides that made all men to steer at her, whenever she passed by. Paul wished to have his,one day and on one occasion,asked his Uncle Gideon,to teach him the trick involved in getting a lady to be your girlfriend,as Gideon rarely encountered much problem with fixing himself with one-they virtually threw themselves at him.

'Gideon,i love to have a girlfriend like you, please can you teach me how to go about this',Paul queried.

'Ooooh,come off it Paul,you still a very small boy and should not be thinking of such. When the time comes,i will fix a beautiful lady for you.In our next journey to Basse,i have a girl,i will give to you. Don't tell your other uncle's, promise'.

'I promise Gideon,not to reveal our secret', responded Paul.

'Goodboy', Gideon parted Paul on the head as he uttered this word.

Paul loved Valentina,and he never seizes to show it, anytime he has the opportunity of coming into contact with her in Gideon's presence,as she had rented a house for herself in a very serene environment in Molinba. Gideon alway went with Paul to her house and it was on these occasions that Paul got the opportunity to admire the beauty of her Uncle's Gideon girlfriend.

CHAPTER 3

It was in September,1983,that Gideon on his way back to Molinba,from Basse,failed to get back to Molinba.He left all his studies in the Missionary School and eloped with a particular older woman named Hadet.Who turned him into a habitual drunk and made his poverty worst.

Hadet was in the Marine Kingdom,she prided herself on this fact and had a very strong influence on Gideon.They both lived in a City in Kadana,that is very close to the atacama desert and had five kids.

Hadet,had a previous kid outside the marriage,which she brought into the home.

Gideon became am errand boy and lost most of his charisma and boyish homesomness to suffering, womanizing and drunkness.He made the dry gin his past time and did not fail to indulge in the continual consumption of this liquor and the local gin in Kadana City.

He kept other women and his wife responded equally by bringing men home to sleep with her on her matrimonial bed.

Kadana,was a place where tourist came and interacted with the locals. They came with foreign money and where willing to spend on any woman who could fall for the power of their foreign currency.

All the infectious disease where available;from Hiv/Aids, Herpes, Staphylococcus, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Tuberculosis and Herpatitis.These were offered to the people who daily populated the social life of Kadana.

These sexually transmitted diseases spread like wildfire from one victim who has it to another.

Unprotected sex was rampant and alot of people died of these STDs.

In 2010,a message came to Paul's Mummy that Gideon had contracted and has been diagnosed of HIV/AIDS and probably had Aids.

In three months time, exactly, December 2010,his corpse was brought home for his burial.We all attended his burial. Rose was now married with kids.Precious was based in South Africa and i was preparing towards obtaining my PhD.

After the burial,i remembered the Coconut,Gideon used to climb and the after effects it had on his legs (bow-legs) spread out more for three days and he now became like a child with lack of vitamin D (rickets) otherwise known as bowlegs.

I called Rose and Precious and told them,that 'of a truth Gideon's life which was a sweet Coconut ( in reference to the Coconuts fruit and it waters) has indeed turned to a Bitter Coconut and life has not spared him any second chance.

Rose shaked her head and said 'you are quite right,little brother.' She never seizes to call Paul little brother.

EPILOGUE

A SON REINCARNATES

When i got back to my base,i had the responsibility of taking custody of three of Gideon's children. Mercy, Victoria and a single male amongst the children,who were entrusted to me.I had the responsibility of taking care of them.

Mercy was 6 years old, Victoria was four,while Henry was just a year and six months old.

It is 10 years now.Mercy is all grown up,while Victoria had taken after his Mother.She was tall and lanky and had the sharpness of her father. Mercy was not left out in the growth race and she equally had height and had added tremendous weight for a young lady. Henry brought up the rear,but i cannot help feeling,his father's world coming to me through this particular sibling of Gideon,who exhibited all the attributes of his father and at times uttered words that where straight from the heart.He was a reincarnation of Gideon. Gideon is back.The rest kids,i left with their mother,who travelled back to her people in Bebemi, in Polemba.

One thing that brought confusion recently was when a medical test-fixed and it was found that Mercy and Victoria,where certified clear.The problem was that Henry,had carried the problem of the tourist City,Where Gideon ran to with Hadet.

We are in shock,the father has eaten the sour grape and the teeth of the children has been set on edge.Who bails the cat...