APril Fool || A Tale of Family, Laughter, and Unforeseen Consequences

The 1st of April in the year 2017 was a day to remember for the scenario that played out on that particular day in my life and that of my parents. It was a day that's started with so much optimism and the zeal to prank someone just like everyone else does on the 1st of April yearly. This particular day is tagged April Fool, and over the years, it has been a day when loads of people prank their friends, loved ones, and those around them all in the name of jokes. Just like everyone, I played a prank on my parents that very year, and the outcome of that was what plagued them with most emotions you can possibly think about: worried, concerned, excited, angry, and others—just name it.

Yes, I understand you're dying to hear the story of how it all plays out, so without beating around the bush, let's get to it. The day began just like every other day; the only difference was the sounds of laughter that woke me up. I realized my neighbor was on the phone, calling her fiancee. Although I don't know the body of their conversation, all I know is that she was making fun of him over the phone, laughing and saying, I'm sorry, its a prank, you know, its April fool.   With that conversation, I smile sheepishly, thinking of how I'll need to play a prank on someone myself. I think about who to prank and come up with different ideas of what I can prank with. I initially thought of pranking my sister, but then I decided against it because, given the fact that I did the same to her the two previous years that preceded 2017, in the end I concluded on playing a prank on my parents and cooked up a particular story, after which I called them.   When I called my mom, my dad was the one who picked up the call, and so I told him I'd got something important to say and I'd love to speak with him and mom. He said mom was in the garden in the backyard, and I said I'd call back. Just two minutes later, they both called back and inquired about what was going on. Obviously, I've never called them and requested such, so they were worried about what it was.   I started the conversation by thanking both of them for their impact on my life, after which I began to plead with them to please forgive me for what I'm about to say. You can sense the fear and longing to hear what I have to say in their voice, but I kept on begging, and then I asked them to promise not to get mad at what I'm about to say. My mom immediately promised, while my dad was like, "Mr. Man, say what you've got to say or get off my phone."

Mom immediately chastised him and promised, on both of their behalf, not to make them too worried. I went straight to the point by going straight to my prank. I told them they'd noticed I hadn't come home in the last 4 years and that the reason for that was because I had impregnated a lady and she had given birth, but we were too afraid of what both of our parents would say. That's why we both just decided to stay away from our family, give birth, and start a family.   Mum and dad were dumbfounded for a few minutes, and all they could say was ha ha victor. Then Mom inquired about the lady and her grandson. I told her they stepped out, and the reason why I'm telling them is because the lady's parents are beginning to suspect something is wrong for their daughter not to come home in the last four years, just like I didn't. While that conversation was going on and I was going through different questions and answers from my parents, my phone battery got exhausted, and it switched down.   I knew they would try different times to reach me, but the phone was dead and there's no way I can charge it, so when I sought different ways of charging and found none, I gave up and decided I'd call them later in the day when I charged my phone. But the unforeseen scenario played out a few hours after that call, and upon seeing that, I was shocked.   Apparently, after trying to call me without any positive response, my parents decided to travel all the way from Kwara State down to Lagos just so they could see me and the lady to talk things out, see their grandchild, and as well visit the lady's parents. I was on my way to fetch water from the next street when I saw a car that looked like that of my dad, and lo and behold, when it came closer, it was them.   At first, I was shocked; they even came with my elder brother. I entered the car and followed them to my place, thinking of what to say to them, while on the other hand, they were asking about me, the lady, but most especially about the child. I couldn't even respond because I even saw they'd brought some children's clothes and gifts along the way.   To cut a long story short, they entered my house and saw no traces of anything, and I immediately had to open up to them that it was a prank, apologizing that I wanted to tell them over the phone but my phone battery had died. immediately I said that, and they couldn't believe their ears. My brother was just laughing, telling them, Didn't he say that couldn't be true and that such wouldn't have happened without his knowledge?   At first they seemed angry, but later we just laughed over it, and then I was like, You guys haven't visited me in about 10 years, so just say this is a courtesy visit, and that's how we all sat down discussing and eating the things they brought along while coming. It's funny that my prank went beyond what I envisioned.     That's about it for now. I hope you enjoyed the read. Do have a good day and stay blessed.

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