Chapter 4: Chapter 4
'Hello Bayo'. The creepy guy said in a raspy and low tone.
Bayo was gripped by fear but decided to talk. 'Who are you?'
'I am....'he paused and suddenly let out a loud, hearty laugh, startling Bayo even more.
"I'm so sorry," the man said, his laughter subsiding. "I didn't mean to scare you. I was just playing a little joke." He held out a flier to Bayo. "We're having a Christmas caroling event tonight down the street. You should come!" Bayo was confused and a bit dazed. Was this guy really just trying to be friendly? He took the flier from the man's hand and read it. Sure enough, it was advertising a Christmas caroling event.
Bayo looked up at the man, who was still smiling widely. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about this guy. 'Uh, thanks,'he said, not sure what else to say. 'I'll think about coming to the event.'
The man nodded. 'I hope to see you there!' he said. And then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Bayo stopped him and asked him a question. 'How did you know my name?'
He turned and smiled, 'I got it from a friend. Don't be scared, you're safe. And don't forget to come along with your friends and sister. See you in the evening.' He said and left.
Bayo watched him leave, still feeling uneasy. He wondered how he found out he had a sister. He had been watching him for a while without doubt. Having looked sideways, he closed the door. He squeezed the flier and threw it on the table. He called his sister out and assured her that it was now safe. She asked who it was and he told her about the man and what he said. She picked up the flier and straightened it to check out what was there.
'A Christmas carol?' She asked
'Yes.' He replied
'What was your response?' She asked again.
'I said I would think about it. And literally, it's a no. Remember what mom and dad said about strangers.' He replied.
'But I would love to be there, it's actually going to be fun. We can go together if you don't want me to be alone. Please! Please!' Tolu begged
Bayo shook his head. 'I'm sorry but I just don't trust that guy and whoever belongs to his team. So, you are not leaving this house.'
Tolu's eyes began to fill with tears. 'You're so unfair!' she said, her voice breaking. Bayo felt a pang of guilt, but he stood firm.
'It's not about being fair,' he said. "It's about keeping you safe."
While this argument argument was going on, there was another knock on the door. They both stopped talking and looked at the direction of the door. Bayo asked who it was and this time the person responded. It was the voice of a female and Tolu already knew who it was. She ran to the door before Bayo could stop her and opened it.
'Tinuke!' Tolu squealed, running over to hug her. Tinuke smiled and hugged her back.
'What's with the face baby girl? Tinuke asked glancing at Bayo.
"Bayo is being so unfair!" Tolu said, her voice full of frustration. "He won't let me go to the Christmas carol!"
Tinuke raised her eyebrows. 'Really?' she said. 'What's the big deal?'
Bayo sighed. 'I just don't want her walking around in the dark,' said Bayo who was now at the door.
Tinuke looked thoughtful. 'Can't she go with an adult?' she suggested.
'I already suggested that too but he still refused.' Tolu said.
'Come on Bayo. Let her go and have fun. It's a community carol and kids of her age will be there. Okay fine, we will go with her and I promise to keep her safe.
'Tinuke, you're supposed to be helping me stop her from going. I'm just trying to keep her safe. And who exactly are the 'We'?' Asked Bayo.
'Oooh, I'm sorry about that. I didn't come alone. 'Come here Flora.' She said facing the other direction.
'Did I just hear you say Flora? He asked with a perplexed look and to his utter dismay a girl in black sweatshirt, jean trousers and white sneakers walked up to them.
'Hi Bayo.' Flora said with a smile.
Bayo couldn't help but feel a little flustered. 'Uh, hi,' he stammered. He turned to Tinuke and whispered 'Why did you bring Flora?' he asked, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
'I told my dad I was going to spend Christmas eve with a friend and he agreed. Then Tinuke told me she is coming over to your house so I decided to follow her.' Flora said.
'Oh…okay. It's nice to see you again.' He said with a smile. He was actually happy to see Flora again. But he was a bit disappointed about her discovering the kind of house he lives in. But little did he know that Flora didn't care about that.
'So, are you letting us go or not?' Tolu cut in.
Bayo hesitated, but he could tell that Tolu was not going to back down. He finally relented. 'Fine,' he said. 'But you have to stay with Tinuke and Flora at all times. And I want you home before midnight.'
Tolu nodded vigorously. 'I promise!' she said. Tinuke smiled. 'Come on, Tolu, Flora, let's get going!' she said, taking Tolu's hand.
'Why don't you come along Bayo?' Flora asked.
'No. Someone should stay behind and cook. Besides, I don't really like going to carols. Bayo replied.
'I can stay with you if you want.'
'No, no. It's fine. Go and have fun.'said Bayo with a smile.
'Okay then. See you later.' Flora waved along with the other girls.
Bayo heaved a deep sigh and watched them walk out the door, a knot of worry in his stomach.
(Bayo)
"I shouldn't have let Tolu and the two girls walked out of the door. That was the mistake I would forever regret making. That night was an unforgettable night in my life."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone