HER NAME

"Allyson Alaba Afoluwa ", this is how my mother addresses me whenever there's a serious matter to discuss.

"Not tonight", I whispered to myself.

"Allyson Alaba Afoluwa, my darling daughter. May I have a word with you?"

Oh no! There's trouble. I just knew it.

"Okay mom, what's the matter?"

"No mother is expected to compare her daughter to another person's child."

"Of course mom, I'm specially and differently made by God."

"I know. You're my daughter. A unique one at that and that is why I love you so much."

"I just want to ask if you've ever wondered why your friend Peterson seems like a precious child?"

What is this? Did my mom just compare me with petty Peterson? And did she just say he's a precious child compared to me?

"Uhm mom? I'm sorry, I don't understand."

"Look, I know you are far better academically compared to that boy ok? So don't you think you should do something more appropriate in the future?"

"More appropriate, like?", I decided to engage her knowing exactly what she was trying to say.

"I don't know. Your dad and I can make that decision for you if you want"

"But mom, you were fourteen when you told your family that you wanted to become a school teacher"

"I know that's in the 80s but I'm a year older and I should be able to choose what I'd like to be in future, isn't that appropriate?"

"My dear, listen to your mother. I didn't come here to listen to you chat away about the past. So listen to me, I'm your mother."

The tone in her voice had risen and I knew I wasn't going to be let off so easily like before. We have had this conversation in the past and it didn't end well. I didn't speak to my mom for a week until my dad intervened.

At this rate, I only hoped it wouldn't get even worse.

"I mean why won't you even listen to your parents? What is it that you've ever wanted that we've not done for you?"

Newsflash, all they've ever done for me was based on what they thought was best for me. We're talking about my future here. I should have a say in this at least.

"Mom, I would be an ingrate to say that I do not appreciate all that you and dad have done for me. But this is my future mom. I want..."

"Don't! Don't even say it, I don't want to hear it"

She burst into uncontrollable tears. This is how I knew I had to surrender. I hate to see my mom in tears. I love my mom....I love her so much. This conversation had to end here...at least for now.

"No mom, please don't cry, please", I said patting her on her back.

That was how I survived this conversation so I could live to fight another day..........