Zola, The Pregnant Child Pt1 #storytime #africanfolktales #africanfolklore

Zola a 14-year-old girl living in the small town of aor found herself in a difficult situation despite repeated warnings from her parents she had been secretly meeting her boyfriend her father's words echoed in her mind you're too young to have a boyfriend focus on being useful to yourself and leave boys alone for now but Zola driven by curiosity and what she thought was love continued to disobey she would sneak out whenever she could making excuses to her parents about studying at a friend's house or running errands one day after feeling unwell for weeks Zola realized

she was pregnant her heart raised as she approached her boyfriend with the news I I think I'm pregnant she stammered her voice barely above a whisper her boyfriend's face drained of color what no that's impossible it can't be mine he said backing away from her Zola felt her world crumbling but but you're the only one I've been with she pleaded I don't care I'm not ready for this don't tell anyone it's mine he said coldly before walking away leaving Zola alone and scared four weeks Zola struggled to keep her secret she wore loose clothes and

tried to act normal but the fear of Discovery consumed her every morning she woke up dreading the moment her parents would find out one night as she lay in bed she overheard her parents talking in the living room I'm worried about Zola her mother said she's been acting strange lately maybe she's finally taking her studies seriously her father replied it's about time she listen to us about focusing on her future Zola felt a Pang of guilt she knew her parents had high hopes for her and now she had let them down in the worst way

possible the fear of disappointing her parents coupled with the terror of becoming a mother at such a young age overwhelmed her she imagined the shame she would bring to her family and the possibility of being kicked out of her home what am I going to do she whispered to herself tears streaming down her face 4 days Zola wrestled with her options she considered telling her parents hoping they might understand but every time she tried to bring it up her courage failed her one afternoon as she walked home from school she passed by the bus station

she stopped staring at the buses lined up ready to take people to far off places an idea began to form in her mind that night Zola lay awake her mind racing I can't stay here she thought I can't face them I can't face anyone the next morning after her parents left for work Zola made her decision with shaking hands she packed a small bag with some clothes and the little money she had saved as she stood in her room one last time she looked around at the familiar surroundings her school books on the desk photos

of her friends on the wall the teddy bear she did since childhood sitting on her bed everything reminded her of the life she was about to leave behind Zola scribbled a quick note I'm sorry I love you please don't look for me she left it on her bed hoping it would buy her some time before they started searching with a heavy heart she slipped out of the house as she walked toward the bus station every step felt like lead she kept looking over her shoulder afraid someone might recognize her and stop her at the bus

station Zola approached the ticket counter her voice trembled as she spoke to the attendant one ticket please to wherever the next bus is going the attendant looked at her curiously but didn't ask any questions next bus is to Legos leaves in 10 minutes Zola nodded handing over most of her money for the ticket as she waited for the bus she thought about her parents coming home to find her gone she imagined their worry their anger their disappointment but in her mind this was the only way as the bus pulled up Zola took one last look

at the town she had called home for 14 years tears welled up in her eyes as she boarded knowing she was leaving behind everything and everyone she knew the bus lurched forward and Zola watched through the window as a COR faded into the distance she placed a hand on her stomach feeling the weight of her decision and the uncertainty of her future I'm sorry she whispered to her parents to her unborn child and to herself after several hours of driving the bus finally came to a stop at a bustling Park in Lagos Zola stepped off

the bus her legs wobbly from the long journey she stared wide-eyed at her new surroundings overwhelmed by the noise the crowds and the Towering buildings this was nothing like her small town in AE where am I supposed to go now Zola muttered to herself clutching her small bag tightly she had spent her last naira on the bus ticket leaving her with no money and no idea where to go the reality of her situation be began to sink in she was alone pregnant and lost in a big city she knew nothing about as the sun began

to set Zola wandered the streets of Lagos her stomach growled with Hunger reminding her that she hadn't eaten since morning she passed by food vendors the aroma of their wear is making her mouth water but she had no money to buy anything excuse me she tried asking a passer by do you know where I can find a cheap place to stay the person barely glanced at her before hurrying away leaving Zola feeling even more alone as Darkness fell Zola's fear grew she had nowhere to sleep and the streets were becoming more intimidating by the minute

she kept walking her feet aching hoping to find somewhere safe to rest in a quieter part of the city Zola spotted an elderly woman locking up what looked like a small shop desperate for help she approached the woman good evening ma Zola said her voice trembling please I'm new in this place and I'm lost I can't find my way could you please let me sleep at your house until tomorrow please help me the elderly woman looked at Zola with surprise and suspicion what do you mean you're lost what are you doing on the street at

this time of night where are your parents she asked her voice sharp with concern and a hint of accusation Zola feeling cornered and desperate decided to tell the truth I I ran away from home she admitted her eyes welling up with tears I'm pregnant and I was scared to tell my parents I have nowhere to go the woman's expression changed from Surprise to disappointment you got pregnant as young as you are you're already pregnant you must be a stubborn girl she said shaking her head now go away from me I can't help you Zola felt

her heart sink she had hoped the woman would take pity on her but instead she found herself being chased away once again with tears streaming down her face she walked away feeling more alone than ever as she continued her aimless wandering exhaustion began to take over Zola found a large tree in a quiet area and sat down leaning against its trunk her eyelids felt heavy and she was just about to drift off when she heard footsteps approaching Zola's eyes snapped open and she saw a group of young men walking toward her their loud voices and

aggressive body language making her heart race with fear without thinking she jumped jum to her feet and started running hey where are you going one of the boys shouted to Zola's horror she heard them start to chase her her pregnant body protested as she ran as fast as she could her breath coming in short gasps please God help me she prayed silently as she darted down unfamiliar streets trying to lose her pursuers after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes Zola could no longer hear the boys behind her she slowed down her lungs

burning and her legs shaking she found herself in a quiet partially developed area of the city as she caught her breath Zola's thoughts turned to her family back in a core she imagined her mother discovering her empty room and the note she had left she could almost hear her father's angry voice and her mother's sobs the guilt and homesickness washed over her I'm sorry Papa she whispered into the night tears falling freely now as she walked through the quiet area Zola spotted an unfit finished building it was just a concrete shell with no windows or

doors but it offered some Shelter From the elements and prying eyes cautiously she approached the structure hello she called out softly making sure no one else was using it as a shelter when she received no response she stepped inside the floor was hard and dusty but to Zola's exhausted body it felt like a luxury she found a corner that was partially hidden from view of the entrance and settled down using her small bag as a the pillow as she lay there trying to get comfortable Zola placed a hand on her stomach I'm sorry little one

she whispered to her unborn child I don't know what we're going to do but I'll figure something out I promise the night was long and uncomfortable every sound made Zola jump fearing that someone had found her hiding place but as the first light of dawn began to filter into the unfinished building she realized she had made it through her first night in Lagos sitting up and stretching her sore muscles Zola looked around her makeshift shelter it wasn't much but for now it was the only place she had I guess this is home now she said

to herself her voice a mixture of resignation and determination as the city outside began to wake up Zola stealed herself for the challenges ahead she had no money no food and no plan but she was alive and for now that had to be enough with a deep breath she stepped out of the building ready to face her first full day in this strange overwhelming city as time passed Zola's pregnancy progressed rapidly life in Lagos was incredibly hard for her each day was a struggle to find food and stay safe she often resorted to begging on

the streets approaching strangers with pleading eyes please can you spare some food she would ask passers by some ignored her While others gave her small portions or a few naira to earn a little money Zola started washing clothes for people in the neighborhood I can wash your clothes for you she'd offer to women she saw in the area I'll do a good job I promise one woman Mrs adabo became a regular client you're a hard worker Zola she'd say handing over a small payment but you shouldn't be doing this in your condition Zola would just

nod grateful for the work thank you Ma I have no choice months went by like this with Zola barely scraping by then one evening as she sat in her makeshift home in the unfinished building she felt a sharp pain oh no she gasped realizing what was happening not now please not now but the baby was coming and Zola was all alone she screamed in pain her cries echoing in the empty structure help somebody help me she yelled but no one was around to hear four hours Zola pushed and cried the pain unlike anything she had

ever experienced I can't do this she sobbed but her body kept working to bring the baby into the world finally with one last agonizing push the baby was born Zola exhausted and in shock stared at the tiny crying infant hello little one she whispered tears streaming down her face with shaking hands she cleaned the baby as best she could using the cleanest cloth she had as she held her child a boy Zola was filled with a mix of love and despair she knew she couldn't provide for him she had no money no home no way

to keep him healthy and safe what am I going to do with you she asked the baby who had quieted and was looking up at her with unfocused eyes I want to keep you but I can't I'm so sorry Zola spent the night holding her son trying to feed him and keep him warm but as the sun rose she knew she had to make a difficult decision she couldn't keep the baby with her it would be a death sentence for both of them an idea formed in her mind a way to give her son a

chance at life it broke her heart but she knew it was the only way I have to be strong she told herself for you my little one for you she looked into his tiny face her heart heavy with a decision she was about to make tears streaming down her cheeks she spoke softly to him my sweet baby Zola whispered her voice trembling please forgive me for what I'm about to do I know you won't understand but I'm so sorry this is the only way I can give you a chance at a better life I want

you to know that I love you so much with shaking hands Zola wrapped the baby in the cleanest cloth she had she took a deep breath stealing herself for what she was about to do it's time she murmured more to herself than to the baby Zola stepped out of her shelter holding her Sun clothes she walked to the next street where she knew a wealthy family lived their large house stood Out Among the other buildings a symbol of prosperity that Zola could only dream of as she approached the Mansion doubt crept into her mind what

if this doesn't work she thought what if they don't find him but she knew she had to try it was her son's only chance at a good life with a final kiss on her baby's forehead Zola gently placed him near the Gate of the Mansion she arranged the cloth to make sure he was comfortable and visible be safe my love she whispered before quickly moving away to hide behind a near by tree from her hiding spot Zola watched the gate intently minutes passed feeling like hours to the anxious mother finally the gate opened Zola held

her breath as she saw A well-dressed couple step out it was the billionaire and his wife the couple stopped abruptly their eyes landing on the bundle near their feet what's this the man asked bending down to look closer his wife gasped it's it's a baby oh my goodness how did it get here they looked around searching for any sign of who might have left the child Zola pressed herself against the tree her heart pounding we can't leave it out here the woman said carefully picking up the baby letun take him inside and figure out what

to do the couple retreated into their house carrying Zola's son with them Zola watched them go her emotions a mix of relief and heartbreak she slid down the tree trunk sobbing quietly be good to him she pleaded silently to the wealthy couple give him the life I can't with a heavy heart Zola stood up and walked away from the Billionaire's house she knew she had made the right decision for her baby but it didn't make the pain any easier to bear as she made her way back to her shelter Zola whispered a final goodbye to

her son I hope you have a wonderful life my dear maybe someday somehow we'll meet again inside their luxurious home Mr Mark and his wife Sarah carefully carried the baby to their bedroom they placed the infant on their large bed both staring at the tiny bundle in disbelief what do we do now Mark Sarah asked her voice filled with a mix of concern and excitement Mark ran his hand through his hair looking just as bewildered I I'm not sure we should probably call the police report this Sarah gently touched the baby's cheek her eyes filling

with tears but look at him Mark he's so small so helpless the couple exchanged a meaningful look they had been trying to have a child for years spending fortunes on fertility treatments all to no avail the pain of their inability to conceive had been a constant Shadow over their otherwise successful lives Mark sat down heavily on the edge of the bed you know Sarah maybe this isn't a coincidence we've prayed for a child for so long Sarah nodded hope blooming in her chest do you think could this be our Miracle Mark reached out and took

his wife's hand maybe it is maybe this is the gift we've been waiting for all these years they both looked at the baby who was now sleeping peacefully unaware of the life-changing decision being made around him we could give him a Wonderful Life Sarah said softly everything we've always wanted to give to our child Mark nodded a smile spreading across his face you're right we shall keep the baby this is our chance to be parents tears of joy streamed down Sarah's face as she carefully picked up the baby hello little one we're your new mom

and dad Mark wrapped his arms around his wife and their new son we need to give him a name what do you think Sarah thought for a moment how about Adam it means defender or protector Adam Mark repeated testing the name I like it welcome to the family Adam meanwhile Zola couldn't shake off the guilt and worry about her decision to leave her baby at the Billionaire's Mansion she spent her days and nights walking around the property her mind filled with questions and doubts did I make the right choice she would mutter to herself staring

at the Grand Gates is my baby okay in there one evening as she paced near the Mansion a security guard approached her Miss are you lost you've been here for hours he said Zola jumped startled no IM I'm just walking she stammered the guard looked at her suspiciously this isn't a public park you can't stay here Zola nodded and walked away her heart heavy she found a nearby bench and sat down tears streaming down her face I'm sorry my baby she whispered I hope you're happy in there sleep became a luxury for Zola every night

she tossed and turned in her makeshift shelter her mind racing with thoughts of her child is he being cared for does he miss me she would ask the darkness receiving no answer one day as Zola walked her usual Route Around The Mansion something caught her eye a notice was posted on the wall Nanny kneed her heart raced as she read it this is it she whispered to herself this could be my chance to see my baby again Zola stood there staring at the notice her mind racing she knew it was risky what if they recognize

me what if I can't handle being so close to my child without revealing the truth she paced back and forth talking to herself should I do this can I even pull it off after hours of internal debate Zola made her decision I have to try she said firmly I need to know he's okay the next day Zola cleaned herself up as best she could and went to apply for the job she rehearsed her story over and over good morning she said nervously to the woman at the gate I'm here about the nanny position to Zola's

surprise she was ushered in immediately she found herself sitting across from Mr Mark and his wife so Zola tell us about your experience with children Mr Mark said Zola took a deep breath I love children she said thinking of her baby I've helped raise my younger siblings and cousins Mrs Mark smiled that's wonderful how do you handle difficult situations with children with patience and understanding Zola replied her voice steadier now the interview continued and to Zola shock it ended with Mr Mark saying well Zola we'd like to offer you the position can you start tomorrow

Zola nodded barely able to speak as she left the Mansion a mix of excitement and fear filled her she was going to see her baby again but at what cost Zola started her job as a nanny in the billionaire household her heart racing every time she saw Adam she had to remind herself constantly not to show too much emotion good morning Adam she'd say softly each day fighting the urge to scoop him up and never let go Mrs Mark noticed Zola's Gentle Way with the baby you're so good with him Zola she said one day

he really seems to like you Zola smiled nervously thank you ma'am he's a wonderful baby when the family was out Zola would hold Adam close whispering to him my sweet boy I'm your mama I wish I could tell you she would breastfeed him during these times cherishing the bond this is our secret okay she'd say tears in her eyes as weeks passed Adam began to show a strong preference for Zola he'd cry when she left the room and calm instantly In Her Arms Mr Mark commented on it one evening it's amazing how attached Adam is

to you Zola you must have a special touch oh I just try my best sir Zola replied her heart pounding Mrs Mark added wek so lucky to have found you Adam clearly loves you Zola nodded unable to speak past the lump in her throat she was grateful for this time with her son but the secret was becoming harder to Bear each day that night as she put Adam to bed she whispered I love you so much my little one more than you'll ever know weeks passed and Adam began to show a strong preference for Zola

he would cry when she left the room and calm instantly In Her Arms Mr Mark commented on it one evening it's amazing how attached Adam is to you Zola you must have a special touch oh I just try my best sir Zola replied her heart pounding Mrs Mark added we're so lucky to have found you Adam clearly loves you Zola nodded unable to speak past the lump in her throat she was grateful for this time with her son but the secret was becoming harder to Bear each day that night as she put Adam to bed

she whispered I love you so much my little one more than you'll ever know one sunny afternoon Mr Mark and Sarah were sitting on their patio enjoying the Pleasant weather they watched as Zola played with Adam on a blanket spread out on the lawn Sarah turned to her husband a slight frown on her face honey I don't know but have you noticed how attached that Nanny is to Adam Mark nodded his eyes focused on Zola and the baby I was just about to mention that my darling we hired her to watch over Adam but she

seems almost too attached to him it's a bit unusual don't you think they watched as Zola tickled at him making him giggle loudly the sound of the baby's laughter filled the air look at how she looks at him Mark continued it's almost like well I don't know I hope everything is all right with her Sarah sighed her expression softening maybe we're overthinking this she could just be a very dedicated Nanny some people are naturally good with children that's true Mark agreed but he still looked concerned but don't you find it odd how quickly Adam bonded

with her he cries whenever she's not around Sarah reached out and patted her husband's hand I understand your concerns but let's not worry too much about it she's taking excellent care of Adam and that's what matters most they fell silent for a moment watching as Zola gently rocked Adam who was starting to look sleepy you're right Mark finally said she's probably just trying to be a loving Nanny as long as Adam is happy and well- cared for we shouldn't complain Sarah nodded smiling as she saw Adam yawn in Zola's arms exactly let's be grateful we

found someone who cared for our son so deeply Zola was tidying up Adam's toys in the garden when she noticed Mr Mark and Sarah talking on the patio she couldn't hear their words clearly but their frequent glances in her Direction made her uneasy pretending to be busy she moved closer straining to catch their conversation as she picked up a stuffed animal she heard Sarah's voice that Nanny is so attached to Adam Zola's heart raced she bent down pretending to tie her shoelace listening intently Mark's response made her blood run cold too attached to the baby

oh no Zola thought her hand shaking slightly as she placed the toy in the basket she caught more Snippets of their conversation each word increasing her Panic as the couple's discussion ended Zola straightened up her mind racing I have to be more careful she whispered to herself they're getting suspicious I need to watch my steps she took a deep breath forc ing a calm expression as she turned towards the house all the while thinking I can't lose this chance to be with my baby I have to be smarter about this for 10 long years Zola

lived a double life in the Billionaire's household every day was a delicate balance of caring for Adam while hiding her true identity she poured all her love into her son savoring every moment they shared Adam have you finished your homework Zola would ask her voice gentle but firm almost done Nanny Zola the boy would reply his face lighting up at her attention as Adam grew Zola marveled at his progress she watched him learn to walk talk and eventually excel in his studies each Milestone filled her with a Bittersweet mix of Pride and sadness one evening

as she tucked him into bed 9-year-old Adam asked Nanny Zola why do you always look sad when you think I'm not watching Zola's heart skipped a beat oh Adam I'm not sad I'm just thinking sometimes she replied forcing a smile Nanny can I tell you a secret 9-year-old Adam whispered Zola's heart raced of course Adam you can tell me anything you're my favorite person in the whole world he said hugging her tightly Zola fought back tears oh Adam you're very special to me too Mr Mark often boasted about Adam's achievements did you see Adam's latest

test scores he'd say to Sarah he's at the top of his class again he's such a smart boy Sarah would agree beaming with pride Zola would listen to these conversations her heart swelling with pride but aching with a secret she carried she'd think to herself That's my boy my brilliant beautiful boy during Quiet Moments Zola would sometimes allow herself to imagine a different life what if I had kept him she'd Wonder but then she'd look around at the luxurious home the opportunity Adam had and remind herself why she made her choice Nanny Zola can you

help me with this math problem Adam would call snapping her out of her thoughts of course Adam she'd respond grateful for another chance to be close to her son letun figure it out together one afternoon 9-year-old Adam was playing in the sitting room running around with his toy airplane as he zoomed past the ornate glass table his elbow caught the edge of a delicate glass ornament it toppled off the table and shattered on the marble floor with a loud crash Adam froze his eyes wide with fear oh no he whispered the sound of breaking glass

echoed through the house within seconds Sarah rushed into the room her eyes darting from the broken glass to Adam who was standing stock still next to the table what Sarah exclaimed her face turning red with anger Adam you broke that glass on the table I've told you so many times not to play near near that table before Adam could explain or apologize Sarah grabbed him by the arm and started spanking him how many times do I have to tell you that glass was expensive Zola who had been in the kitchen ran into the room when

she heard the commotion her heart broke as she watched Sarah punishing Adam it took every ounce of self-control not to intervene she clenched her fists fighting the urge to protect her son after the beating Adam ran to his room sobbing Sarah still fuming stormed back to her own room without a word to Zola Zola waited a few minutes then quietly knocked on Adam's door Adam can I come in a muffled yes came from inside Zola entered to find Adam curled up on his bed his face Streed with tears she sat down beside him and gently

stroked his back I know you're sad now Adam Zola said softly what happened was an accident next time if you want to play just come outside with me okay I'm always here for you Adam looked up at her his eyes red and puffy I didn't mean to break it he sniffled I was just playing I know sweetheart Zola soothed accidents happen Adam sat up and threw his arms around Zola I just wish you were my mother he cried I love you so much Zola felt her heart shatter tears welled up in her eyes as she

hugged Adam tightly if only he knew the truth please stop crying Adam said noticing Zola's tears did I say something wrong I just I wish my mom was like you Zola quickly wiped her eyes no you didn't say anything wrong she assured him don't worry about your mother Adam she's not a bad person she was just angry because that glass was expensive she loves you very much but you never get angry like that Adam pointed out everyone shows love differently Adam your mother loves you in her own way after comforting Adam for a while longer

Zola left his room as she closed the door she heard Adam whisper I wish my mother was just like my nanny Zola leaned against the wall outside Adam's room overwhelmed by emotion the irony of the situation wasn't lost on her she was Adam's real mother yet she couldn't tell him she had to watch another woman raise her son some times in ways she didn't agree with and there was nothing she could do about it oh Adam she whispered to herself if only you knew how much I love you after comforting Adam Zola retreated to her

small room in the servants quarters as soon as she closed the door she broke down in tears my baby she sobbed quietly sinking onto her bed oh Adam if only you knew Zola's mind raced with Adam's words I wish you were my mother the irony of it all was too too much to bear I am your mother she whispered to the empty room I've always been your mother as her tears subsided a dangerous thought began to form in Zola's mind maybe I should tell him the truth she muttered maybe we could leave this place together

but quickly doubt set in no it's too risky she argued with herself what if they don't believe me what if they take Adam away Zola paced her small room torn between her desire to claim her son and the reality of their situation there has to be a way she said I just need to find it after that emotional day Zola couldn't shake the idea of revealing the truth to Adam she spent nights tossing and turning imagining different scenarios I could just tell him outright she mumbled one night but then thought no he's so young he

might not understand during the day she watched Adam closely noticing his growing sadness one afternoon she found him staring out the window instead of doing his homework Adam sweetie aren't you supposed to be studying she asked gently Adam sikit what's the point mom and dad are never around to see my grades anyway Zola's heart achd they're just busy with work Adam they still care about you but you're always here Adam said looking at her with sad eyes why can't they be more like you Zola swallowed hard fighting back tears everyone one has different responsibilities Adam

your parents love you very much as Adam turned back to the window Zola thought oh my sweet boy if only I could tell you the whole truth Days Later Adam's life had turned into a nightmare once known throughout the school for his intelligence and academic prowess the popular and Brilliant boy now found himself struggling his grades had plummeted dramatically dropping from first place to Third from last in his class at home the situ was equally dire his father would Bellow at him his face red with anger what's wrong with you Adam how could you let

your grade slip like this he shouted waving Adam's report card in the air his mother was no better she'd yell and call him names her words cutting deep are you trying to embarrass us you used to be so smart what happened to our brilliant son she said her voice dripping with disappointment neither of them seemed to care about what might be troubling their only child they didn't take the time to sit down with Adam and ask if something was wrong or if he needed help their busy schedules and high expectations left no room for understanding

or compassion the constant criticism and lack of support at home took its toll on Adam he became lost in his thoughts his mind a Whirlpool of sadness and confusion this internal turmoil directly impacted his academic performance leading to a breakdown in his studies at school his teachers noticed the change Mrs Johnson his English teacher approached him one day after class Adam is everything all right you seem very distracted lately she asked gently Adam just Shrugged avoiding eye contact I'm fine he mumbled even though he was far from it Mr P his math teacher also tried

to reach out Adam your grades have dropped significantly is there something bothering you you can talk to me if you need help he offered but Adam wouldn't open up to them he simply shook his head and walked away leaving his concerned teachers at a loss the only person Adam felt he could turn to was Zola one evening as she was helping him with his homework he finally broke down Nanny Zola he said his voice quivering I don't know what to do anymore nothing I do seems good enough for Mom and Dad Zola's heart achd as

she listened to her son's pain oh Adam she said softly putting an arm around his shoulders what makes you feel that way Adam's words came out in a rush they're always yelling at me about my grades they don't care about anything else they don't even ask how I'm feeling or if something's wrong it's like like they only love me when I'm perfect Zola fought back tears as she hugged Adam close your parents love you very much Adam they just have a hard time showing it sometimes but I'm here for you always you can tell me

anything okay okay Adam nodded burying his face in Zola's shoulder in that moment Zola wished more than ever that she could tell Adam the truth that she was his real mother and that she loved him unconditionally but for now all she could do was hold him and offer what Comfort she could Adam's academic performance had been suffering due to his worries about his parents busy schedules and their seeming lack of interest in his life once a top student he had slipped to the middle of his class however with Zola's constant support and encouragement Adam started

to regain his focus on his studies one day after class Adam's teacher Mrs Okafor called out to him Adam can I speak with you for a moment Adam turned back a bit nervous yes Mrs okor Mrs Okafor smiled warmly Adam I've noticed a significant Improvement in your academic performance lately your grades have shot up and you're participating more in class discussions I'm really impressed with the new Adam I'm seeing Adam beamed with pride thank you Mrs okaf for I've been trying harder well your efforts haven't gone unnoticed Mrs Okafor continued in fact I've spoken with

the school principal about you we would like you to represent our school in the upcoming national competition it's a contest between 2,000 different schools across Nigeria Adam's eyes widened in Surprise and excitement really me Mrs Oka for nodded yes you we believe you have the potential to do very well Adam couldn't contain his excitement thank you so much Mrs okaf for I promise I'll do my best I want to put our school on the map as one of the best schools not just in Nigeria but in all of Africa Mrs okafor's face lit up with

delight at Adam's enthusiasm that's the spirit Adam your newfound wisdom and dedication are truly impressive keep up the great work and I'm sure you'll make us all proud as Adam left the classroom he couldn't wait to share the news with Zola he found her in the kitchen preparing dinner Nanny Zola Nanny Zola he called out excitedly you won't believe what happened today Zola turned to him smiling at his enthusiasm what is it Mrs Okafor said I'm going to represent our school in a big competition it's against 2,000 other schools in Nigeria Adam exclaimed Zola's face

beamed with pride oh Adam that's wonderful news I'm so proud of you Adam hugged Zola tightly it's all thanks to you Nanny you always listen to me and encourage me you make me want to do better Zola felt tears welling up in her eyes as she hugged her son back you did all the hard work Adam you should be very proud of yourself as they celebrated Adam achievement Zola couldn't help but feel a mix of joy and sadness she was immensely proud of her son but she wished she could share this moment with him as

his mother not just his Nanny the school competition arrived quickly and Adam put his whole heart into representing his school he had spent weeks preparing staying up late to study and practice on the day of the competition Adam felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he stood on the stage you can do this Adam he whispered to himself taking a deep breath for starting his presentation his hard work paid off Adam's performance was outstanding impressing both the judges and the audience when the results were announced Adam school was declared the winner recognized as one

of the best schools in the area and the winner is Adam from St Mary School the announcers Voice boomed through the speakers the entire Auditorium erupted in cheers Adam's classmates rushed to congratulate him patting him on the back and shouting words of praise you did it Adam his best friend Tom exclaimed you were amazing up there adamk exceptional showing caught the attention of government officials present at the event the governor impressed by Adam's Brilliance and bravery made a decision on the spot this young man represents the best of our state the governor announced I'm proud

to award Adam a prize of 20 million naira for his outstanding performance the crowd gasped at the amount Adam stood there stunned unable to believe what he had just heard later that day the school principal called Adam to his office he handed Adam a letter his face beaming with pride Adam make sure you give this to your parents the principal said his voice filled with excitement you're such a brilliant kid the governor of our state has confirmed a cash prize of 20 million naira for you your parents will receive it next week Adam took the

letter with shaking hands thank you sir he managed to say still in from the day events when Adam got home he found Sarah sitting on the couch scrolling through her phone he approached her his heart pounding with excitement to share the news good afternoon mom Adam greeted trying to keep his voice steady Sarah looked up from her phone oh my baby boy how are you doing how's school I hope you didn't get into trouble with anyone she asked her tone more distracted than concerned I heard your mother screaming Adam said what's the good news Zola

asked her voice filled with concern and interest Adam looked up at Zola feeling a sense of comfort in her presence my teacher gave me a prize for my parents he explained he told me I won it for performing well at the school competition Zola's eyes lit up with pride this is great I trust you now tell me exactly what this prize is she urged sitting down next to Adam on the bed Adam took a deep breath before for answering my teacher told me I won a prize of 20 million naira sponsored by the governor of

our state he revealed still hardly believing it himself Zola's jaw dropped and she almost fainted upon hearing the amount what a huge prize she whispered more to herself than to Adam unable to control her emotions Zola quickly stood up that's that's wonderful Adam you deserve it she said hastily before leaving the room and retreating to her own quarters sitting alone in her small room Zola's mind raced Adam won a prize of 20 million naira she thought her heart swelling with pride and pain so this billionaire family is going to get all that money won by

my son that's impossible this is the time to fight and get what is mine she said quietly to herself the idea of revealing her true identity as Adam's real mother consumed her thoughts she paced back and forth in the small space weighing the pros and cons it's going to be hard muttered but with that prize money Our Lives could change forever we could have a fresh start just Adam and me Zola stopped pacing her resolve hardening whatever happens I shall get Adam back as my son I'm his real mother I carried him for 9 months

she declared to the empty room taking a deep breath Zola left her room and walked back to Adam's door her hands were shaking as she knocked softly come in Adam's voice called out Z Ola entered the room her heart pounding Adam was sitting at his desk working on some homework nanny is something wrong why do you look so scared Adam asked noticing her distress Zola stood there Frozen the words she had rehearsed in her mind refused to come out the more she tried to speak the more frightened she became Adam she finally managed to say

her voice trembling please there's something I want to tell you Adam put down his pen and turned to face Zola fully concern etched on his young face what is it nanny you can tell me anything he said his voice full of trust and affection Zola took a deep breath knowing that what she was about to say would change everything the truth that she had kept hidden for so long was about to come out and there was no going back if you want to find out what happens next in this touching story please subscribe to African

Tales by Rosa we'd love to hear your thoughts so leave a comment below and type continue if you're ready for episode 2 your feedback will help us create more wonderful stories for you thank you for joining us on this journey e e