Blind Desire by Aartial D(Episode 1-10)
Episode One.
I watched as my friends went on rattling about their boyfriends…their boyfriends got them that…got them this…too much stories both the ones that happened and the ones that never did…then the s-x part…how their boyfriends played with the Vjay…pinched and s----d their n-----s…some i found intruiging, some i found disgusting.
‘Ivyy…why arent u saying anything?’ Oma asked.
‘see why i’ve always told you to get a boyfriend? See, now u dont have anything to contribute’ Henna, the eldest amongst us said. Henna was not really my friend and i usually tried my best to keep her as far as possible…i believed she was a bad influence and it was since she joined our school that my friends started acting negatively…well, they could fall for her bad advice but i will not.
I just smiled saying nothing.
‘or have u gotten urself a boyfriend already…one we dont know?’ Ije asked smiling devilishly..
I stopped walking ‘i’m sorry guys but i have to rush home now…i have to help my mum in her store and i also have some chores to do at home, i will see u guys in school tomorrow’
‘but we are going home together arent we?’ Oma asked.
‘or u want to do corner corner…dont worry, we understand, a girl needs to change oil once in a while…go on…we are right behind u…’ Henna said.
I fought the urge not to eye her…instead i walked away.
They all thought of me as introverted and naive…yes, maybe i’m introverted but i’m not naive…or so i thought.
I had always wanted to marry a virgin and i promised myself that the first man i fell in love with is going to be the one who puts a ring on my finger.
My friends were far from being virgins….all thanks to that witch called Henna.
Henna’s father was the richest man in Umueke….she had a driver who always took her to school or wherever she went but most times she preferred to walk with us one our way home from school…she wasnt all that beautiful but she had a figure one would die for and she was the most popular girl in school.
In our so called friendship circle, i was the most quiet and hardworking and this made people wonder how i managed to roll with their clique…truth be told, i didnt know…but i just knew that i felt complete with them…and being with them made me forget about my family problems.
‘Ivyy’ i heard a familiar voice call from behind.
I quickly turned…my friends were far behind…i stopped and watched as my father strolled to where i was…he regarded me with a look that could be called disgust mixed with love…i just dont know how to put it.
‘daddy…good afternoon sir..’ i stammered.
He didnt acknowledge my greeting ‘where are u headed?’
Where else…if not home…i wanted to say…but i knew better ‘i’m…i’m going home..’
He placed his hand on his waist and looked at me accessingly ‘follow me…’ he said and started walking in the opposite direction.
I wanted to argue but i changed my mind and followed him…i sighted my friends waving at me and i waved at them too.
‘where are we going to?’ i asked with gathered courage after few minutes of walking through bushpaths.
He continued walking ‘aunty Chimezie’s house’ he replied curtly.
‘what are we going to do there? Is she sick?’ i wondered why we were suddenly going to see her.
‘no…’
‘then why are we going there?’
‘because thats where you are going to be living…your things are already there…’
‘what?!’ i stopped walking ‘why… Did something happen at home?!’
He ignored my question and pulled me along ‘you will go to school and church from there and you are not allowed to come close to the house or ur mother’s shop…have i made myself clear?!’
‘what daddy? Have i done something wrong?’ i asked getting close to tears…i couldnt stand being separated from Dada and my mum.
‘just be a good girl and Chimezie will treat you well…i will provide everything you need and i will come visit periodically…’
‘but dad…’
‘no more word from you Ivyy’
I sobbed…
Episode Two.
I let out an exasperated sigh and faced the guy who wouldnt stop trailing me wherever i went…he was a very popular guy in school…Ralph, a guy whom was well known to have slept with almost all the guys at school.
‘Ivyy, just give me a chance, i will take care of you, i really love u..please’ he said immediately i turned to him.
‘i bet thats what you tell every girl who’s ur next target…the same thing you said to Henna and the rest’ i said and walked away immediately but not after hearing him curse out.
Fool! Just because his family was rich and he walked with swag and the neatest guy in school, he thought every girl would easily fall for his charms. As it was, i already had too much problems on my own and Ralph wasnt going to add to my problems.
Its been two weeks since i started staying with aunty Chimezie…after father practically dumped me there. I wasnt allowed to see my mum nor Dada.
Aunty Chime practically imprisoned me whenever i came back from school, to the extent she went to the stream herself…going to the market herself instead of sending me…what was going on?
Did something happen to Dada and my mother? Why was my life like this? First was my mum being hospitalised due to father’s brutality and i being prevented from visiting her. Why was papa trying to separate mama and i? What was going wrong?
‘Ivyy….’
I raised my head to see Henna standing in front of me.
I rolled my eyes and forced a smile ‘hi Henna…’
‘hi babes…i saw Ralph following you…’ she had a mischievous glint in her eyes ‘so he’s the one kpanshi you now abi?’
‘Henna, maybe you should just stop this….there’s nothing btw Ralph and i okay?’
‘but that guy is hurt and if i hadnt caught him with that ugly albino called Mesoma, we would still have been dating and he would have been servicing me wella’ he hissed maliciously ‘i hate that albino eh!’
I rolled my eyes. Simply because she had caught Mesoma and Ralph in bed, Henna had swore to make life a living hell for Meso in the village.
‘so babe, i saw ur neighbour, ehm, whats that her name again…Kina, i saw her and she said she hasnt seen you in the compound for over two weeks now and it seems you havent been living there, whats going on? Did you run away from home?’
‘nothing…’ i quickly stood up from the chair i had sat on under a mango tree, and packed my books ‘i’ll be in the library Henna’
‘you are going to the library to read abi you want to corner one guy there’
‘Henna please!’ i sighed and walked away.
I heard her laugh ‘change oil my dear make ur waist no stiff jareh!’
I rolled my eyes…spoilt rabbit!
***
‘Ivyy…’ aunty Chime said during our evening meal of boiled yam and red oil ‘your father was here when you went to school, he bought new novels for u and also new scandals with a new socks and he also gave me some money to give u for ur upkeep’
I suddenly lost my appetite…what did papa come to do? I suddenly hated him…why was he preventing me from seeing my mother? Why?
‘Ivyy…’ aunty Chime said again breaking my thoughts ‘i know you are worried about your mother…but i just want you to know that all is well’
‘thats a lie aunty and you know it…u and papa are both keeping something from me and i can feel it’ i said.
I knew aunt Chime had never liked mama and i feel like all this was her doing. She just hated mama for no just reason, i dont know why.
‘Ivyy luv, there are just somethings you will never understand now, no matter how well explained it is…we took you away from your mother for some reasons, traditional reasons to save u from shame and stigmatization….’
‘what shame and stigmatization aunty?!’ i cut in sharply ‘what is going on? Is mama dead? Why wont you guys tell me everything? I believe i’m matured enof to handle the truth but please…u guys should not hide things from me…u dont know how it feels to be kept away from the truth…if my mother is in her sick bed, at least let me see her before she dies, aunty please’ i pleaded in tears.
‘your mother is not in her sick bed, at least let me see her before she dies, aunty please’ i pleaded in tears.
‘your mother is not in her sick bed Ivyy, she’s fine and just know that if you keep persisting on seeing her, we will send you to a faraway village where you wont even think of seeing her’ she said calmly dipping her large piece of yam into the oil.
‘what?!’
‘just so u know Ivyy, we would do anything to separate you from your mother…Dada has been taken in Ezei to live with Uncle Nonso..its because of ur school you are still here…but if u keep insisting on seeing her, just know you are leaving Umueke for good because we would do anything to separate you from your mother…take it that way’
I felt shattered and hopeless.
Episode Three.
‘God please save my mother…dont let anything bad happen to her please…’ i wept as i prayed ‘whatever she’s passing through, father give her the strength to overcome it…dont let the plans of then wicked ones…’ the tears prevented me from continuing.
If anything bad happened to mama, i didnt know if i would be able to survive it…i really loved mama…she was the best mother the world could ever provide.
People say mama and i looked alike and it was true, i was a replica of mama. Brown skinned just like her, love-shaped face and almondshaped light green eyes.
Dada was lightskinned just like papa with his dreadlocks…his name was Danke but he was called Dada due to his dreadlocks and the Da in his name Danke.
I also prayed for Dada too.
I felt nothing but hatred towards papa…hatred for separating us from our mother for no just reason…oh how mama must be feeling…
Mama had always loved her children and she being separated from us must have hurt real bad.
A plan crept into my head and i smiled.
***
‘Ivyy, take dis money and make sure you are back from school early alright?’ Aunty Chime said thrusting a hundred naira note into my palms.
I smiled in gratitude and left the house.
They were both the same…my father and herself…wicked people..though aunty Chime had been very nice and caring towards me dis past few weeks, i couldnt help but feel nothing but pure undiluted hatred for her.
I hated father and aunt Chime and God was surely going to punish them for their evil deeds especially aunt Chime who hated mama for no just reason.
I clutched my books tightly as i crossed the major road leading to the market. My heart suddenly leaped in excitement at the thought of seeing my mother once again.
We could plan…we could sneak out of the village and go to Ezei, get Dada and then we leave to a faraway village to start life afresh without papa and his brutality.
As i strolled into the line where mama’s shop was located, i started running.
I sighted mama from afar shading her goods with a faded green top and a worn out wrapper with patches below.
I ran to her ‘mama!’
Before she could turn to me, i had already engaged her in a bear hug.
She looked shocked, but then she quickly wrapped her arms around me briefly, then pulled back.
She looked around like she was scared, then looked at me.
‘Ivyy…what…what are you doing here?’ she asked looking around like a thief.
I wonder why she did that..was she scared of papa?
‘mama…they…they took me away from you’ i said hugging her tightly.
She held my shoulders and gently pulled me away from her. I could see the tears stinging her eyes but she quickly wiped them with the sleeve of her dress.
Then she reached her waist bag and brought out a five hundred naira note and t----t it in my hand, she looked around once more, this time tears were strolling down her cheeks.
‘Ivyy…’ her voice was shaky with tears ‘you have to go now…and please…please i beg you in the name of God, dont come here again…its for your own good, you have to leave immediately..i dont want this to get to your father’s ears…and…and the council’s…’
I was momentarily numb as she fell on her knees clutching her school uniform ‘Ivyy, you have to stay away from me, you really have to stay away from me if you want a better life…please protect your future and stay away from me…i’m nothing but badluck and i would only spoil your future if you have anything to do with me..i want us to severe whatever connection we have btw us henceforth…’ she was really crying and i felt myself moved with tears as i fell on my knees too.
‘mama…’
‘please Ivyy, i beg you…’ she placed her palms together, then she sniffed and cleaned her nostrils with her wrapper ‘take care of Dada for me…you know i love you both, the two of u are my life and i would sacrifice anything to ensure the future of both of you…but for now, just stay away from me..Ivyy biko, go away’
‘mama…’
‘go away! Ivyy, just go away!’
I was crying ‘mama, why are you chasing me away?’
‘because i love you’ she suddenly got up on her feet…she dragged me out of the shop ‘run…just go, now!’
‘but mama…’
‘go! Just go! Stay away from me!’
I ran away like a scared kid crying like never before.
Episode Four.
I sat under the large mango tree at the back of the compound..the food and nutrition teacher was in the class and i ddnt offer her subject so i had to leave.
I thought of my encounter with my mother the previous morning…she had mentioned something about the council…was she having issues with the village government(council)? If so, what was her offence? Why wasnt anyone letting me in on what was happening?
Mama had looked really lean and pale with dark circles under her eyes…she had looked miserable and lonely…and i couldnt help but notice the guilt that crept into her face the moment she saw me.
Had papa and aunty Chime set her up? Because it was something they were equally capable of. Maybe papa had finally decided to carry out his threat of marrying a new wife and the best way to discard mama was to frame her up and report her to the council…maybe it was all aunty Chime’s idea.
I thought of asking Henna…her father was a chief in our town so he would be aware of the case…but how do i discuss that with loudmouthed Henna and expect her to keep it secret…what if it was a deadly crime? What if mama was really guilty of it?
No…i shook my head. Mama would never do anything wrong.
‘heyy pretty’ a voice called.
I looked up to see the person i really didnt want to see as at that moment…i immediately frowned ‘hi Ralph’
‘you dont look happy to see me…whats wrong with my princess?’ he was with his geeky friend, Sam or whatever his name was.
One funny looking boy who was obviously his errand boy…with his baggy trouser, rumpled shirts..seen better says scandal with his glasses and bowlegs. He was well made jest of in our class..every girl made fun of him in our class for no just reason..even Henna who claimed she had shagged him once back of the principal’s office.
‘yes maybe i’m not happy to see you…because you are the last person i really dont wanna see right now’ i retorted opening my Economics textbook and glancing through.
He snatched the book from my hand and sat opposite him…his errand boy standing behing him as usual.
‘maybe you should give yourself a break Vee, all work and no play makes Ivyy a dull girl…give yourself a little break and catch some fun…everywhere you go, you are always holding a book…dont u know that no matter how hard u read, u’re still going to end up in the kitchen…isnt that so Sam?’ he asked facing his errandboy who stammered in affirmation.
I smiled wryly ‘really? Ever heard of all play and no work at all makes Ralph a dull boy? And do you really think that all girls are destined to end up in the kitchen just like your mother and your entire generational background…and i know you dont read books so you might not know about this woman…late Dora Akunyili…and Ngozi Iweala…wait a minute, you think God destined only men to become successful and popular?’ She eyed him and snatched her book from his hands ‘you are so full of yourself’
I stood up and started walking away when he ran up to me and grabbed my hand.
‘let go of me!’ i screamed.
‘i feel insulted right now Vee…’ he smiled though i could still see the anger in his eyes and the i-will-deal-with-you look in his eyes but i didnt care ‘but i will forgive you on once condition….’
‘really now? Then what does your majesty wants?’ i asked sarcastically…whoever told the idiot i needed his forgiveness in the first place?
‘just a one night stand…i’ve heard rumors stating you’re a virgin…actually i love them fresh..and i will be very gentle’ his hands trailed from my soft cheeks to the first button on my shirt then raised it up again intentionally hitting my right breas.t.
I instantly slapped his hand away breathing fast…i really couldnt help the electricity that surged through me the moment his hand touched my br.east…i had felt moist in between my thighs.
‘stay away from me Ralph or i will be forced to report you to the school authorities’ i said and walked away.
***
‘babes…’ Oma said running towards me…i sighed…my plans of avoiding them this afternoon had failed…i had planned to go home alone…without their company so i could think properly but it didnt work…Oma caught me but fortunately, she seemed to be alone.
‘where have you been? I’ve been searching all over for you..’ she said panting heavily as she caught up with me.
‘sorry…where are the others?’
‘Henna went with her driver to her boyfriend’s place while Ije waited for the sanitary prefect, seems there is something going on btw dem..they might even lash sef’ She chuckled.
I rolled my eyes in disgust.
‘aha babes! Henna said something about your mother having an issue with the Council, said she overheard her father telling her mother but didnt know her crime…’
My heart suddenly flew into my mouth.
God…where are u?
Episode Five.
I opened the door and frowned when i saw my father standing at the doorpost. He was dressing in a native attire and he only wore that whenever there was a meeting with the council of elders….my father were among the ndi iches of the community..but i equally knew that their meetings were scheduled for only Thursdays..and this was a Saturday…maybe he had gone to the council with the issue with my mother.
I decided to confront him there and then, he couldnt continue hiding things from me..i was seventeen already and deserved to knew everything going on in my family.
‘wont you leave the door and let me in?’ he asked in a stern voice and i quickly stepped aside for him to enter ‘where’s is aunty Chime?’
I nearly eyed him but restrained myself ‘she’s not around’
‘get me a glass of water and food..i’m practically starving’ he said relaxing on a worn out brown sofa in the sitting room.
I relunctantly dragged myself to the kitchen…served him a meal of roasted yam and oil.
I watched as he ate hungrily and i waited till he was done before i spoke up.
‘papa, what about mama?’ i asked.
He looked at me angrily ‘havent i warned you to stop asking about that woman? Aunty Chime had complained about this to me and i would not hesitate to send you to Ezei if you keep asking about that woman, have i made myself clear?!’ He barked angrily.
‘but papa, she’s my mother!’ i retorted ‘she brought me into this world so i have every right to want to know about her welfare..what is going on and why are you all preventing me from seeing her?’ tears smarted my eyes.
‘shut up! Ajo nwata(bad child)’ papa said removing his cap from hsi head ‘you have no right to talk back at me because you are not smarter than i am…just because you are educated and versatile when it comes to english and technology does not mean you can underestimate this grey hair on my head! If i say i dont want you to see or talk about your mother, then i must have a reason and why will i even banter words with a child like you? Leave my sight this instant!’
‘papa, this is not fair…whatever evil you are planning against mama will surely backfire, i assure you…’ i wept as i ran to my room.
‘bia nwata! U dare speak to me like that…okay!’ i heard papa rant from the sitting room ‘we shall see’
I locked my door and crawled to the bed and wept.
**
I yawned and stretched lazily on the bed…i looked at the rusty old wall clock on the wall and it was just five minutes past two in the afternoon.
I felt hungry and thirsty and i stood up dragging myself to the kitchen.
I was heading towards the kitchen when i heard voices speaking in whispers…it was aunt Chime’s and papa’s voice.
I tiptoed to the curtain to listen to their conversation.
PAPA: That woman hasnt seen anything yet…i’m going to show her that she cannot mess with me and go scotfree…because i…the great George Maduemezie will show her the stuff i’m made off.
AUNT CHIME: I’ve never like that woman from the very first day i saw her. I told you she looked and behaved like a fox but you didnt listen to me..well, thank God you’ve seen for yourself, the kind of woman you married. After she’s killed by the council of elders, you have to marry another woman and get more kids.
My hands flew to my mouth…was mama going to die?
PAPA: Thats exactly what i’ll do..but sometimes, i feel for the kids..and i wonder how they will take it when they find out the crime their angel of a mother committed. They see their mother through rose-tinted glasses you know, especially Ivyy. That girl really spoke to me rudely today.
AUNT CHIME: Dont worry about Ivyy, i will take care of her. You dont have to let them know about their mother’s crime and when she’s finally killed, they dont need to know about her death, we would tell them their mother ran away with another man abandoning them, to save them from the emotional trauma…what do you think?
PAPA: Thats excellent. But can we hide the truth forever? What if they get to find out about the truth themselves?
AUNTY CHIME: Until then..but now they are too young to understand these things and will probably think we are being cruel on their mother, ur wife (she laughed)
PAPA: Stop it Chime, that witch is not my wife! You know, i actually loved that woman…i never thought…
AUNTY CHIME: Stop it George, looks do not portray the true nature of the heart..that woman is a fool…after her death, we have to take Ivyy to the shrine for cleansing, so she doesnt behave like her mother in the future.
My legs shook as tears ran down my eyes…mama was going to die.
Episode Six.
‘i cant believe that ugly hausa corper is straffing the principal seriously…’ Henna laughed sipping from her drink ‘that “protect ur body for its a temple of God” woman, yuck!’ Henna sighed in disgust.
My friends laughed. The rumors had been circulating that our Geography uncle was straffing our principal…i really didnt believe the rumor but when i saw the picture of both of them kissing from Henna’s phone, i believed it.
Henna and Ralph were the only ones who had a phone in our class due to their father’s status and riches. A phone was something i had always begged father to get me whenever i could but he adamantly refused. If only i had a phone, i would have tried to contact mama or mama would have tried to contact me but mama equally did not have a phone.
I chewed slowly on the meatpie Henna had gotten for all of us..after that day i had eavesdropped on their conversation, i knew i became different…i was no longer cheerful..not like i was a very cheerful person right from time..but i became the dullest person i ever came across.
I needed a distraction…and thats why i hanged out with my so called friends more often to try laughing at their jokes and other stuffs.
‘heyy guys i’ve got good news…’ Henna said getting my attention ‘my brother is visiting the village next week..oh my gosh! I cant wait to see him’
My heart skipped a bit. Ifeanyi! I didnt want to see him…not that he was a monster or anything..but everyone was aware of my huge crush on him before he left the village to study in the city. He was a really nice guy…the richest and the most handsome as at the time he left. That was two years ago.
At the mention of his name, the girls turned to me, of course, they knew about my crush on him.
‘what? Why are you girls staring at me like that?’ i asked rolling my eyes and pouting.
‘it seems my bestie is going to have the best straff of her life now’ Ije said.
That made me angry but i controlled it…i didnt want to cause a scene.
‘heyy!’ Henna said flashing her fingers in front of Ije ‘my brother doesnt do straff and dump…he does the ideal thing…love’
‘and how would you know that?’ Oma interjected.
‘because he’s my brother…he’s really not the flirty type’
‘oh really? What if city changed him?’ Oma asked.
‘then so be it…whats the big deal about being a flirt?’
‘who flirting don epp?’ Ije asked and they laughed.
I tried to laugh too but i couldnt..thoughts of mama flashed through my mind. Truth is, i didnt know when she was going to die, i didnt know what was going to stop her from dying..i didnt know what to do to protect her…i felt so hopeless and useless.
A junior student came to our table that instant and Henna frowned ‘what the heck are u doing in our table Junie?’ Junie was an abb. of junior.
‘sorry senior…but someone asked me to call Ivyy Maduemezie…’ the junior replied.
My heart skipped a beat ‘who…who’s that?’
‘its a woman…she just asked me to call you. She’s at the gate..’ the junior said scampering away.
‘bae, dont tell me the D arent enof for u…u go for V too?’ Henna said and the other girls laughed.
I stood and adjusted my uniform ‘seriously Henna, u need to stop this sick jokes of yours…they arent funny all the time’ i said and hurried away.
What was aunt Chime doing in school? Had she come to inform me of mama’s death? No…she had never do that.
When i got to the gate…i nearly fainted at who i saw…mama!
I nearly jumped around…luckily there was no student is sight as it was break over.
‘mama!’
She had tears in her eyes as she embraced me ‘nwam…nwam…’
She was weeping seriously.
Seeing how emanciated mama had become brought tears to my eyes. What had aunt Chime and papa done to my innocent mother? What was her offence? Why wasnt anyone telling me anything?
I held mama ‘mama, tell me please…tell me, what is going on?’
She shook her head ‘its not something i should tell you Ivyy..its something you’d be better of not knowing about..and its equally for your own good that you and Dada were taken away from me…because you…especially you Ivyy, would have been dragged into this mess with me’ she said wiping her eyes with her handkerchief.
‘mama, please tell me, i heard you were going to die’ i sobbed.
I saw the surprise in her eyes..then she smiled ‘very soon…but i want you to know that…no matter what, i still love u my children…you guys brought me hope when i felt i didnt have one..you guys brought life into my soul…you two brought all the joy and happiness i required into my life…no matter what…i will never stop loving you and Danke..i’m sorry i had to leave you both like this…but i had to see you one last time…this is the last time you’re going to see me Ivyy…i’m very sorry….someone is coming…’ she thrusted a thousand naira note into my hand and before i could speak, ran away like a mad woman.
‘break over…runto ur classroom..’ the gateman said.
I ran away in tears.
Episode Seven.
I watched as aunt Chime spoke over the phone. I knew she was discussing with papa and she was using coded words.
‘….really, so they have chosen a date?….when….okay, i will be there…i wont miss it for any reason…i would be there..bye…Ivyy is fine…okay, i would’ She hung up and turned to me.
I faked a smile and swallowed a morsel of eba…papa and aunt Chime were going to pay for what they were doing to mama. If anything bad happens to mama, then i would never forgive them.
I suddenly washed my hands and stood up.
She looked at me ‘where are you going? Are you satisfied?’
‘yes..i want to go and see my friend Henna, i need to borrow her Biology textbook’
She looked at me suspiciously ‘dont you have one?’
‘mine was stolen the previous week’
‘how much does a new one cost?’
‘a thousand five hundred naira’
She contemplated for a while ‘sit down, i will go to mama Chidi’s store, borrow some money and buy you a new one okay?’
‘but i nid it now for my assignment!’
‘i said sit down Ivyy, you’re going nowhere!’ she commanded.
I became angry ‘what makes you and papa think you can stop me from seeing mama if i want to…dont i go to school? Or you think i cant skip school just to see my mother whom you guys have falsely accused and framed? You think ur wickedness can separate mama and i?’
She was taken aback for a moment before she stood up ‘its not what you think Ivyy…i will tell you everything but when the time is right’
‘tell me now! I request you tell me now! Else…i will show you all how stubborn i can be…what kind of father would separate his children from their mother…isnt that wickedness?’
‘i’m so sorry about that Ivyy..its really isnt our intention…its all your mother’s fault…we dont want you children to suffer for the mistakes your mother made…’
‘what mistakes? Why wont you tell me whats going on in this place?’ i said violently kicking the tabel causing our meal to pour all over the sitting room.
Angered, aunt Chime slapped me ‘you’re very stupid! Now, get into your room immediately before i handle you in a way you would not like’
I ran to my my room but not after mouthing “you will pay for this” to myself.
I wan going to teach them a lesson…i was going to teach them a lesson whereby they would pray for death but death wouldnt come..i knew exactly what to do.
I fell on my bed crying and praying for mama. She needed God’s mercies like never before.
***
The time came for my plans to be set into action when papa paid us a visit and aunt Chime sent me to the garden to pluck garden egg leaves for abacha.
I had smiled within me…they wouldnt know what hit them.
As i strolled to the garden which was not faraway from the house, i hummed mama’s favourite tune to myself ‘nnem nnem oo, ezigbo nnem ee, nnem nnem oo, ezigbo yoyo nnem mama…’ as i sang i remembered my mother and i cried.
She normally sang that song whenever she told us tales of how her mother struggled to bring her up as she was the only child and her father died at a very tender age.
I plucked the garden egg leaves..then moved to where the Imezi leave had grown as a weed.
I had come across it several times in the garden and also told myself to uproot when next i come but i always forgot…now was the time for it to come into use.
The Imezi leave was a very dangerous leave. Once it enters a human body…it doesnt kill, but it slowly weakens every system in the human’s body thereby leaving the person paralyzed with pains…it also causes different types of illness…ranging from terrible fever to diarrhoea and stroke…it was a terrible leave and it would eventually lead to death..but it might take years of pains and paralysis.
I smiled and plucked five leaves from it.
I went to the kitchen and sat on the stood…took the knives and sliced the leaves together.
When the meal was ready, i served it and took it to the sitting room where they were sharing a hearty laughter.
I watched as they ate with a smile on my face…it will take only a matter of hours before the leave began its effect on their body.
Episode Eight.
It took minutes after clearing the plates and hearing papa complain of the bitter taste of the abacha for me to realise that i had plucked the utazi leave instead of imezi.
Yes, the utazi and Imezi do look alike and i must have mistaken it for imezi.
I seethed in anger…why do God spare the unjust and endanger the just?
Maybe they were spared this time but next time, there were certainly going to die because i wont use the imezi next time, i was going to use Otapiapia or indoseed.
***
I blinked twice clutching my books tightly to my chest to ensure i was seeing the right person.
My friends went ahead hugging him while Henna just stood by his side clutching his arm. Yes, she had told me he was going to be arriving this week but maybe i really wasnt prepared to see Ifeanyi again.
‘hi Ivyy’ he said coming closer to me.
I percieved his masculine scent and i felt like relaxing in his arms..before i could speak, he came closer to me and engaged me in a bear hug. Due to the books in my hands, i couldnt hug him back but i relaxed my head on his shoulders.
‘how have you been? I missed you’ he whispered into my ears still holding me tightly.
I saw my friends making funny faces and snide remarks.
I paused to think…did i really miss him too? Maybe i was too preoccupied with my family problem to even miss him.
When he had left the village recently, i had missed him. Because i no longer had my companion with me. One who would hold me close to him tightly shutting my ears to prevent me from hearing mama’s screams as papa pounced on her.
One who would climb the roof with me so i could give food to mama who had been locked up in a room to mama and also help clean her wounds…then climb out through the roof before papa comes back.
One who encouraged me and helped me in anyway he could. Yes, he had left the village without keeping in touch with me..not even replying the messages i sent to him through Henna….i really felt his absence when he newly left but i soon got accustomed to it.
I got used to it.
***
We sat under a pawpaw tree opposite aunt Chime’s compound…aunt Chime had gone for one of their numerous women meetings and i wondered if mama had been killed yet.
‘i’m sorry i didnt keep in touch Veebeauty…’ Ifeanyi said calling my per name.
I was still angry at him and he knew that ‘you havent still told me your reason of coming here..you really have to go before my aunt sees you here’ i wasnt smiling.
‘Obim…’ he said holding my left shoulder ‘i really wanted to contact you but…but…’
‘but what?’
‘i just felt there was no need..i felt you might get into problems with your father again and i wont be there to take the blame…and you might suffer everything all alone’ he said.
True, papa had been wary of our closeness and he accused Ifeanyi and i of having a sexual relationship…and whenever papa tried to hit me, Ifeanyi was always there to take all the blame for my sake.
Tears came to my eyes…papa had always denied me happiness for no just reason…was i really his child? Why did he favour Dada more than me?
‘Ivyy…’ he said wiping my tears with my back hand ‘i never stopped thinking about you’
I didnt say anything. I couldnt say anything.
‘i asked about you countless times from Henna…and i told her to safeguard you from boys’
I nearly laughed. Henna? Henna whom had been trying to force me into a relationship? He made a mistake entrusting me to Henna.
‘i heard everything about your mother from my father…’ he said and i abruptly turned to him ‘but i’m sorry i wont tell you…because i know how much you love your mother and i…i dont want you to see your mother negatively…because i know how highly you think of her…heck! You wont even believe me when i tell you all she has done’
I quickly stood up grabbing his shirt ‘Ifeanyi! Tell me what is going on with my mother! Tell me!’
‘heyy calm down…’
I held his shirt even tighter ‘tell me all you know about my mother please…please i beg you…is she dead?’ i cried.
He drew me to himself and kissed my hair ‘my baby’ he breathed ‘i’m so sorry for all the pains you are passing through right now…i’m here, so everything will be alright henceforth’
Mama…please dont die…i cried.
Episode Nine.
‘veebeauty….’ he said blocking my way as i made to hang the wet clothes on the rope.
‘get out of my way Ifeanyi!’ i snapped. Yes, i was mad at him..if he wasnt going to tell me everything happening with my parents then i see no reason why we should remain friends.
‘Ivyy, try to understand me…its best you dont know whats happening…okay, okay…i will tell you…’ he breathed and closed his eyes like he was fighting with his mind.
I dropped the clothes back in bucket and looked back at the compound, aunt Chime was in taking a nap and i didnt want to risk her seeing Ifeanyi here.
So i held his hand and led him to the garden…i spread cocoyam leaves and we sat on the ground.
‘tell me everything now…’ i said in an authoritative manner.
‘Ivyy, it would be best if you dont know…you’re not going to be happy about it if you find out what your mother had done and i cant stand you being sad…’ he said touching my cheeks.
I slapped his hands away ‘if you are not ready to tell me then forget about it….’
‘Vee calm down…’ he held my hand ‘promise me you wont be sad…’
‘i promise…’
‘okay…your mother is…you mother….’
‘Ivyyyyyyy!’ i heard aunt Chime’s voice screaming from the main house.
I sighed in fustration ‘this goddamn woman…’ i cursed.
‘calm down…’ Ifeanyi said chuckling ‘there will always be another day…i’ll come pick Henna up from school tomorrow…so maybe we could talk from there’
‘okay…’ i said getting up.
He held my hand ‘Ivyy…about us..who are we to each other?’
I remembered him using this particular line several times two years ago and each time, i kept telling him the same thing…”friends”
Maybe i should tell him the same thing again…but were we really friends?
‘acquaintances’ i replied and walked away but not before seeing the look of hurt in his eyes.
***
‘Ralph! Leave me alone…how many times am i going to beg you to?’ i asked as he locked the door.
We were in the female toilet. I had gone in there to ease myself only for him to barge in just before i could squat.
He dragged me to himself forcefully and breathed on my face ‘babe…you are so beautiful…’
‘leave me alone you per.vert……else i’ll scream!’ i stuggled to get out of his arms but he was stronger than i am.
I went behind me and grabbed my as.s kneading them together.
‘leave me…alone Ralph…’ i said my voice shaky.
I couldnt explain what i was feeling inside…but i knew i was getting aroused.
His left hand left my buttocks to my brea.st and he squeezed them touching my ni.pples in return. I didnt know when i moaned.
He chuckled ‘you love it dont you? Guess u never felt like this before…’ he was unbuttoning my shirt now.
I slapped his hands away ‘get lost!’
He dragged me to himself and enveloped my mouth in a hot kiss that brought out an involuntary moan from me.
I tried protesting but the kneading of my as.s and the squeezing of my ni.pples were really getting to me.
And before i knew it, i had my hands wrapped around his neck responding to his kisses as he continued massaging my breasst.
He completely unbottoned my shirt, dipped his hands in my bra and massaged my ni.pples.
I broke the kiss and moaned shamelessly asking him to continue…his perverted chuckle and smile didnt bring me to back to my senses and all i wanted was for him to keep on.
His mouth covered one of my ni.pples and the warmth sent waves of arousal down my spine…i gasped.
His hands went under my skirt and into my panties toying with my cli.t. The toilet was just filled with my moanings.
I didnt care that someone could walk in at that moment and catch us in the act…all i wanted was maximum pleasure from the boy i hated the most.
The ringing of the bell and the voice of the disciplinarian brought me back to my senses and i pulled back immediately…my face flushed in embarrassment.
I picked up from blouse from the filthy ground, dusted it and wore it.
The grin on his face was really annoying and i gave him two slaps for it.
He held his cheek in shock.
‘thats for taking advantage of me…’ i said ‘perver.t!’ I dashed out of the bathroom in embarrassment and anger.
I couldnt believe Ralph had my first kiss. Ralph of all people.
That dickhead!
Episode Ten.
It was Henna’s birthday.
Yes, i should have gotten a gift for her but it skipped my memory…because i had alot on my plate.
The issue with mama, Ralph, papa and aunt Chime and then Ifeanyi. We decided to have a small get together in a small restaurant in the outskirts of the village. It was very far and we had gone in Ifeanyi’s car.
Kainene, Henna and Ifeanyi’s elder sister was there…gosh! I hate that girl…she’s so pompous and proud and believes no one was better than she was.
Then Ifeanyi, Henna, Ije, Oma and i.
We…or rather should i say they were having fun.
‘i invited Ralph and Jude over you know…’ Henna suddenly said.
I nearly choked on my drink ‘you did what?!’
Ifeanyi gave me a wierd look while Kainene was like has-she-gone-mad?
‘i invited Ralph and Jude…’ Henna repeated staring at Ije and Oma ‘any problem?’
‘you shouldnt have invited that shameless golddigging flirt over to this place!’ i snapped before i could stop myself.
‘i can sense something here…’ Ije said looking at me suspiciously ‘babe…tell me like seriously, whats between the both of you…i mean…’
‘just hold it there Ije…’ i said immediately ‘i dont have time for this. You know very well that i cannot date Ralph even if i want to date…i’d rather go for….’
‘Ifeanyi…’ Henna said immediately and the girls laughed.
My face flushed in embarrassment..why did they have to say that in front of him.
‘what…’ i stammered.
Kainene rolled her eyes ‘seriously..dont tell me you too have a thing for my brother…’
Henna looked at her ‘so what if she does?’
‘Henna, i wasnt talking to you’ Kainene said.
‘Sure you werent…’ Henna snapped.
‘thats enof seriously…’ Ifeanyi interjected ‘you guys should stop taunting Ivyy please…you know she doesnt like it’
‘thing is…i’m already regretting coming to this place’ i said rolling my eyes.
‘oh my babie…’ Henna said pouting throwing her hand over my shoulder ‘i’m sorry some people are giving you a hard time…’ i knew she was referring to Kainene…for some reasons best known to the both of them, they never really got along as sisters.
‘you are also one of them…’ i said smiling.
‘you are finally smiling…’ Oma said.
My smile widened but disappeared immediately i sighted the monster coming with a swag i had come to hate. His errandboy, Sam was with him as usual..i wonder if that boy was ever going to get a life asides from being Ralph’s toy thing.
‘hello babies in the house…’ he said smiling sitting beside me ‘hi Vee luv…happy birthday Henna’
Henna and the girls exchanged glances ‘so you had to acknowlegde the presence of ur luv first before wishing me a happy birthday. Anyways, no problem…where’s Jude?’
‘Jude, uhm….stopped by to get cigarettes..’ he replied looking at me.
I caught the anger and jealousy on Ifeanyi’s face but i pretended not to see it.
‘excuse me Veebeauty…seems you’re as bored as i am, lets take a stroll’ Ifeanyi said standing up offering his hand and i gladly took it. Anything to get away from the demon beside me.
We walked away from the table despite the stares the girls were giving me. Who cares?
‘care to tell me what….’ i was saying.
‘Vee pls dont start…its going to spoil your mood and i dont want you ruining Henna’s birthday’
‘truth is, i dont know why you’re hiding this from me…she’s my mother’
‘i know…’ he suddenly looked pale ‘Vee, i…i want to ask a question’
‘what is it?’
‘are you and Ralph an item?’
‘heck me! That dirty and nonsensical idiot? Hell no! Why do you ask?’
‘nothing….’ he shook his head immediately ‘i…i just dont want any guy claiming you…’
I laughed ‘and why would he claim me? Am i a trophy?’
He laughed then suddenly looked serious. He brought my hands to his chest ‘i rili love u Ivyy…yes, i havent been able to tell you about it…but i always did love you…even before i left for the city…you’re my source of joy and happiness, even Henna and Kaine knows that’
‘Ifeanyi….’ i was dumbfounded and flabbergasted…Ifeanyi was my best friend…yes he was once my crush but…did i still have feelings for him?
‘just say yes…i’ll take care of you…i’ll make sure you are contented and happy…’ he said pushing my hair aside.
‘Ify, i nid time to think about this…’
‘i cant wait…i luv you…i cant wait any longer…’
‘Ify…’
‘Vee..please….’
‘but…’
‘you dont nid doubts…i love u so much…’
Maybe i should give it a try..give love a trial…afterall he was once my crush…i made up my mind to tell him yes when his phone rang and he had to step aside to answer it.
I decided to use the ladies as he answered his call.
I paused when i saw Ralph there with a grin on his face ‘i knew you’d come here baby’
I opened my mouth. He had an Attention.
I cant remember what happened next but i knew before long we were kissing and smooching inside the ladies…his manhood already out of his trousers.
A prayer for me please.
TBC
I watched as my friends went on rattling about their boyfriends…their boyfriends got them that…got them this…too much stories both the ones that happened and the ones that never did…then the s-x part…how their boyfriends played with the Vjay…pinched and s----d their n-----s…some i found intruiging, some i found disgusting.
‘Ivyy…why arent u saying anything?’ Oma asked.
‘see why i’ve always told you to get a boyfriend? See, now u dont have anything to contribute’ Henna, the eldest amongst us said. Henna was not really my friend and i usually tried my best to keep her as far as possible…i believed she was a bad influence and it was since she joined our school that my friends started acting negatively…well, they could fall for her bad advice but i will not.
I just smiled saying nothing.
‘or have u gotten urself a boyfriend already…one we dont know?’ Ije asked smiling devilishly..
I stopped walking ‘i’m sorry guys but i have to rush home now…i have to help my mum in her store and i also have some chores to do at home, i will see u guys in school tomorrow’
‘but we are going home together arent we?’ Oma asked.
‘or u want to do corner corner…dont worry, we understand, a girl needs to change oil once in a while…go on…we are right behind u…’ Henna said.
I fought the urge not to eye her…instead i walked away.
They all thought of me as introverted and naive…yes, maybe i’m introverted but i’m not naive…or so i thought.
I had always wanted to marry a virgin and i promised myself that the first man i fell in love with is going to be the one who puts a ring on my finger.
My friends were far from being virgins….all thanks to that witch called Henna.
Henna’s father was the richest man in Umueke….she had a driver who always took her to school or wherever she went but most times she preferred to walk with us one our way home from school…she wasnt all that beautiful but she had a figure one would die for and she was the most popular girl in school.
In our so called friendship circle, i was the most quiet and hardworking and this made people wonder how i managed to roll with their clique…truth be told, i didnt know…but i just knew that i felt complete with them…and being with them made me forget about my family problems.
‘Ivyy’ i heard a familiar voice call from behind.
I quickly turned…my friends were far behind…i stopped and watched as my father strolled to where i was…he regarded me with a look that could be called disgust mixed with love…i just dont know how to put it.
‘daddy…good afternoon sir..’ i stammered.
He didnt acknowledge my greeting ‘where are u headed?’
Where else…if not home…i wanted to say…but i knew better ‘i’m…i’m going home..’
He placed his hand on his waist and looked at me accessingly ‘follow me…’ he said and started walking in the opposite direction.
I wanted to argue but i changed my mind and followed him…i sighted my friends waving at me and i waved at them too.
‘where are we going to?’ i asked with gathered courage after few minutes of walking through bushpaths.
He continued walking ‘aunty Chimezie’s house’ he replied curtly.
‘what are we going to do there? Is she sick?’ i wondered why we were suddenly going to see her.
‘no…’
‘then why are we going there?’
‘because thats where you are going to be living…your things are already there…’
‘what?!’ i stopped walking ‘why… Did something happen at home?!’
He ignored my question and pulled me along ‘you will go to school and church from there and you are not allowed to come close to the house or ur mother’s shop…have i made myself clear?!’
‘what daddy? Have i done something wrong?’ i asked getting close to tears…i couldnt stand being separated from Dada and my mum.
‘just be a good girl and Chimezie will treat you well…i will provide everything you need and i will come visit periodically…’
‘but dad…’
‘no more word from you Ivyy’
I sobbed…
Episode Two.
I let out an exasperated sigh and faced the guy who wouldnt stop trailing me wherever i went…he was a very popular guy in school…Ralph, a guy whom was well known to have slept with almost all the guys at school.
‘Ivyy, just give me a chance, i will take care of you, i really love u..please’ he said immediately i turned to him.
‘i bet thats what you tell every girl who’s ur next target…the same thing you said to Henna and the rest’ i said and walked away immediately but not after hearing him curse out.
Fool! Just because his family was rich and he walked with swag and the neatest guy in school, he thought every girl would easily fall for his charms. As it was, i already had too much problems on my own and Ralph wasnt going to add to my problems.
Its been two weeks since i started staying with aunty Chimezie…after father practically dumped me there. I wasnt allowed to see my mum nor Dada.
Aunty Chime practically imprisoned me whenever i came back from school, to the extent she went to the stream herself…going to the market herself instead of sending me…what was going on?
Did something happen to Dada and my mother? Why was my life like this? First was my mum being hospitalised due to father’s brutality and i being prevented from visiting her. Why was papa trying to separate mama and i? What was going wrong?
‘Ivyy….’
I raised my head to see Henna standing in front of me.
I rolled my eyes and forced a smile ‘hi Henna…’
‘hi babes…i saw Ralph following you…’ she had a mischievous glint in her eyes ‘so he’s the one kpanshi you now abi?’
‘Henna, maybe you should just stop this….there’s nothing btw Ralph and i okay?’
‘but that guy is hurt and if i hadnt caught him with that ugly albino called Mesoma, we would still have been dating and he would have been servicing me wella’ he hissed maliciously ‘i hate that albino eh!’
I rolled my eyes. Simply because she had caught Mesoma and Ralph in bed, Henna had swore to make life a living hell for Meso in the village.
‘so babe, i saw ur neighbour, ehm, whats that her name again…Kina, i saw her and she said she hasnt seen you in the compound for over two weeks now and it seems you havent been living there, whats going on? Did you run away from home?’
‘nothing…’ i quickly stood up from the chair i had sat on under a mango tree, and packed my books ‘i’ll be in the library Henna’
‘you are going to the library to read abi you want to corner one guy there’
‘Henna please!’ i sighed and walked away.
I heard her laugh ‘change oil my dear make ur waist no stiff jareh!’
I rolled my eyes…spoilt rabbit!
***
‘Ivyy…’ aunty Chime said during our evening meal of boiled yam and red oil ‘your father was here when you went to school, he bought new novels for u and also new scandals with a new socks and he also gave me some money to give u for ur upkeep’
I suddenly lost my appetite…what did papa come to do? I suddenly hated him…why was he preventing me from seeing my mother? Why?
‘Ivyy…’ aunty Chime said again breaking my thoughts ‘i know you are worried about your mother…but i just want you to know that all is well’
‘thats a lie aunty and you know it…u and papa are both keeping something from me and i can feel it’ i said.
I knew aunt Chime had never liked mama and i feel like all this was her doing. She just hated mama for no just reason, i dont know why.
‘Ivyy luv, there are just somethings you will never understand now, no matter how well explained it is…we took you away from your mother for some reasons, traditional reasons to save u from shame and stigmatization….’
‘what shame and stigmatization aunty?!’ i cut in sharply ‘what is going on? Is mama dead? Why wont you guys tell me everything? I believe i’m matured enof to handle the truth but please…u guys should not hide things from me…u dont know how it feels to be kept away from the truth…if my mother is in her sick bed, at least let me see her before she dies, aunty please’ i pleaded in tears.
‘your mother is not in her sick bed, at least let me see her before she dies, aunty please’ i pleaded in tears.
‘your mother is not in her sick bed Ivyy, she’s fine and just know that if you keep persisting on seeing her, we will send you to a faraway village where you wont even think of seeing her’ she said calmly dipping her large piece of yam into the oil.
‘what?!’
‘just so u know Ivyy, we would do anything to separate you from your mother…Dada has been taken in Ezei to live with Uncle Nonso..its because of ur school you are still here…but if u keep insisting on seeing her, just know you are leaving Umueke for good because we would do anything to separate you from your mother…take it that way’
I felt shattered and hopeless.
Episode Three.
‘God please save my mother…dont let anything bad happen to her please…’ i wept as i prayed ‘whatever she’s passing through, father give her the strength to overcome it…dont let the plans of then wicked ones…’ the tears prevented me from continuing.
If anything bad happened to mama, i didnt know if i would be able to survive it…i really loved mama…she was the best mother the world could ever provide.
People say mama and i looked alike and it was true, i was a replica of mama. Brown skinned just like her, love-shaped face and almondshaped light green eyes.
Dada was lightskinned just like papa with his dreadlocks…his name was Danke but he was called Dada due to his dreadlocks and the Da in his name Danke.
I also prayed for Dada too.
I felt nothing but hatred towards papa…hatred for separating us from our mother for no just reason…oh how mama must be feeling…
Mama had always loved her children and she being separated from us must have hurt real bad.
A plan crept into my head and i smiled.
***
‘Ivyy, take dis money and make sure you are back from school early alright?’ Aunty Chime said thrusting a hundred naira note into my palms.
I smiled in gratitude and left the house.
They were both the same…my father and herself…wicked people..though aunty Chime had been very nice and caring towards me dis past few weeks, i couldnt help but feel nothing but pure undiluted hatred for her.
I hated father and aunt Chime and God was surely going to punish them for their evil deeds especially aunt Chime who hated mama for no just reason.
I clutched my books tightly as i crossed the major road leading to the market. My heart suddenly leaped in excitement at the thought of seeing my mother once again.
We could plan…we could sneak out of the village and go to Ezei, get Dada and then we leave to a faraway village to start life afresh without papa and his brutality.
As i strolled into the line where mama’s shop was located, i started running.
I sighted mama from afar shading her goods with a faded green top and a worn out wrapper with patches below.
I ran to her ‘mama!’
Before she could turn to me, i had already engaged her in a bear hug.
She looked shocked, but then she quickly wrapped her arms around me briefly, then pulled back.
She looked around like she was scared, then looked at me.
‘Ivyy…what…what are you doing here?’ she asked looking around like a thief.
I wonder why she did that..was she scared of papa?
‘mama…they…they took me away from you’ i said hugging her tightly.
She held my shoulders and gently pulled me away from her. I could see the tears stinging her eyes but she quickly wiped them with the sleeve of her dress.
Then she reached her waist bag and brought out a five hundred naira note and t----t it in my hand, she looked around once more, this time tears were strolling down her cheeks.
‘Ivyy…’ her voice was shaky with tears ‘you have to go now…and please…please i beg you in the name of God, dont come here again…its for your own good, you have to leave immediately..i dont want this to get to your father’s ears…and…and the council’s…’
I was momentarily numb as she fell on her knees clutching her school uniform ‘Ivyy, you have to stay away from me, you really have to stay away from me if you want a better life…please protect your future and stay away from me…i’m nothing but badluck and i would only spoil your future if you have anything to do with me..i want us to severe whatever connection we have btw us henceforth…’ she was really crying and i felt myself moved with tears as i fell on my knees too.
‘mama…’
‘please Ivyy, i beg you…’ she placed her palms together, then she sniffed and cleaned her nostrils with her wrapper ‘take care of Dada for me…you know i love you both, the two of u are my life and i would sacrifice anything to ensure the future of both of you…but for now, just stay away from me..Ivyy biko, go away’
‘mama…’
‘go away! Ivyy, just go away!’
I was crying ‘mama, why are you chasing me away?’
‘because i love you’ she suddenly got up on her feet…she dragged me out of the shop ‘run…just go, now!’
‘but mama…’
‘go! Just go! Stay away from me!’
I ran away like a scared kid crying like never before.
Episode Four.
I sat under the large mango tree at the back of the compound..the food and nutrition teacher was in the class and i ddnt offer her subject so i had to leave.
I thought of my encounter with my mother the previous morning…she had mentioned something about the council…was she having issues with the village government(council)? If so, what was her offence? Why wasnt anyone letting me in on what was happening?
Mama had looked really lean and pale with dark circles under her eyes…she had looked miserable and lonely…and i couldnt help but notice the guilt that crept into her face the moment she saw me.
Had papa and aunty Chime set her up? Because it was something they were equally capable of. Maybe papa had finally decided to carry out his threat of marrying a new wife and the best way to discard mama was to frame her up and report her to the council…maybe it was all aunty Chime’s idea.
I thought of asking Henna…her father was a chief in our town so he would be aware of the case…but how do i discuss that with loudmouthed Henna and expect her to keep it secret…what if it was a deadly crime? What if mama was really guilty of it?
No…i shook my head. Mama would never do anything wrong.
‘heyy pretty’ a voice called.
I looked up to see the person i really didnt want to see as at that moment…i immediately frowned ‘hi Ralph’
‘you dont look happy to see me…whats wrong with my princess?’ he was with his geeky friend, Sam or whatever his name was.
One funny looking boy who was obviously his errand boy…with his baggy trouser, rumpled shirts..seen better says scandal with his glasses and bowlegs. He was well made jest of in our class..every girl made fun of him in our class for no just reason..even Henna who claimed she had shagged him once back of the principal’s office.
‘yes maybe i’m not happy to see you…because you are the last person i really dont wanna see right now’ i retorted opening my Economics textbook and glancing through.
He snatched the book from my hand and sat opposite him…his errand boy standing behing him as usual.
‘maybe you should give yourself a break Vee, all work and no play makes Ivyy a dull girl…give yourself a little break and catch some fun…everywhere you go, you are always holding a book…dont u know that no matter how hard u read, u’re still going to end up in the kitchen…isnt that so Sam?’ he asked facing his errandboy who stammered in affirmation.
I smiled wryly ‘really? Ever heard of all play and no work at all makes Ralph a dull boy? And do you really think that all girls are destined to end up in the kitchen just like your mother and your entire generational background…and i know you dont read books so you might not know about this woman…late Dora Akunyili…and Ngozi Iweala…wait a minute, you think God destined only men to become successful and popular?’ She eyed him and snatched her book from his hands ‘you are so full of yourself’
I stood up and started walking away when he ran up to me and grabbed my hand.
‘let go of me!’ i screamed.
‘i feel insulted right now Vee…’ he smiled though i could still see the anger in his eyes and the i-will-deal-with-you look in his eyes but i didnt care ‘but i will forgive you on once condition….’
‘really now? Then what does your majesty wants?’ i asked sarcastically…whoever told the idiot i needed his forgiveness in the first place?
‘just a one night stand…i’ve heard rumors stating you’re a virgin…actually i love them fresh..and i will be very gentle’ his hands trailed from my soft cheeks to the first button on my shirt then raised it up again intentionally hitting my right breas.t.
I instantly slapped his hand away breathing fast…i really couldnt help the electricity that surged through me the moment his hand touched my br.east…i had felt moist in between my thighs.
‘stay away from me Ralph or i will be forced to report you to the school authorities’ i said and walked away.
***
‘babes…’ Oma said running towards me…i sighed…my plans of avoiding them this afternoon had failed…i had planned to go home alone…without their company so i could think properly but it didnt work…Oma caught me but fortunately, she seemed to be alone.
‘where have you been? I’ve been searching all over for you..’ she said panting heavily as she caught up with me.
‘sorry…where are the others?’
‘Henna went with her driver to her boyfriend’s place while Ije waited for the sanitary prefect, seems there is something going on btw dem..they might even lash sef’ She chuckled.
I rolled my eyes in disgust.
‘aha babes! Henna said something about your mother having an issue with the Council, said she overheard her father telling her mother but didnt know her crime…’
My heart suddenly flew into my mouth.
God…where are u?
Episode Five.
I opened the door and frowned when i saw my father standing at the doorpost. He was dressing in a native attire and he only wore that whenever there was a meeting with the council of elders….my father were among the ndi iches of the community..but i equally knew that their meetings were scheduled for only Thursdays..and this was a Saturday…maybe he had gone to the council with the issue with my mother.
I decided to confront him there and then, he couldnt continue hiding things from me..i was seventeen already and deserved to knew everything going on in my family.
‘wont you leave the door and let me in?’ he asked in a stern voice and i quickly stepped aside for him to enter ‘where’s is aunty Chime?’
I nearly eyed him but restrained myself ‘she’s not around’
‘get me a glass of water and food..i’m practically starving’ he said relaxing on a worn out brown sofa in the sitting room.
I relunctantly dragged myself to the kitchen…served him a meal of roasted yam and oil.
I watched as he ate hungrily and i waited till he was done before i spoke up.
‘papa, what about mama?’ i asked.
He looked at me angrily ‘havent i warned you to stop asking about that woman? Aunty Chime had complained about this to me and i would not hesitate to send you to Ezei if you keep asking about that woman, have i made myself clear?!’ He barked angrily.
‘but papa, she’s my mother!’ i retorted ‘she brought me into this world so i have every right to want to know about her welfare..what is going on and why are you all preventing me from seeing her?’ tears smarted my eyes.
‘shut up! Ajo nwata(bad child)’ papa said removing his cap from hsi head ‘you have no right to talk back at me because you are not smarter than i am…just because you are educated and versatile when it comes to english and technology does not mean you can underestimate this grey hair on my head! If i say i dont want you to see or talk about your mother, then i must have a reason and why will i even banter words with a child like you? Leave my sight this instant!’
‘papa, this is not fair…whatever evil you are planning against mama will surely backfire, i assure you…’ i wept as i ran to my room.
‘bia nwata! U dare speak to me like that…okay!’ i heard papa rant from the sitting room ‘we shall see’
I locked my door and crawled to the bed and wept.
**
I yawned and stretched lazily on the bed…i looked at the rusty old wall clock on the wall and it was just five minutes past two in the afternoon.
I felt hungry and thirsty and i stood up dragging myself to the kitchen.
I was heading towards the kitchen when i heard voices speaking in whispers…it was aunt Chime’s and papa’s voice.
I tiptoed to the curtain to listen to their conversation.
PAPA: That woman hasnt seen anything yet…i’m going to show her that she cannot mess with me and go scotfree…because i…the great George Maduemezie will show her the stuff i’m made off.
AUNT CHIME: I’ve never like that woman from the very first day i saw her. I told you she looked and behaved like a fox but you didnt listen to me..well, thank God you’ve seen for yourself, the kind of woman you married. After she’s killed by the council of elders, you have to marry another woman and get more kids.
My hands flew to my mouth…was mama going to die?
PAPA: Thats exactly what i’ll do..but sometimes, i feel for the kids..and i wonder how they will take it when they find out the crime their angel of a mother committed. They see their mother through rose-tinted glasses you know, especially Ivyy. That girl really spoke to me rudely today.
AUNT CHIME: Dont worry about Ivyy, i will take care of her. You dont have to let them know about their mother’s crime and when she’s finally killed, they dont need to know about her death, we would tell them their mother ran away with another man abandoning them, to save them from the emotional trauma…what do you think?
PAPA: Thats excellent. But can we hide the truth forever? What if they get to find out about the truth themselves?
AUNTY CHIME: Until then..but now they are too young to understand these things and will probably think we are being cruel on their mother, ur wife (she laughed)
PAPA: Stop it Chime, that witch is not my wife! You know, i actually loved that woman…i never thought…
AUNTY CHIME: Stop it George, looks do not portray the true nature of the heart..that woman is a fool…after her death, we have to take Ivyy to the shrine for cleansing, so she doesnt behave like her mother in the future.
My legs shook as tears ran down my eyes…mama was going to die.
Episode Six.
‘i cant believe that ugly hausa corper is straffing the principal seriously…’ Henna laughed sipping from her drink ‘that “protect ur body for its a temple of God” woman, yuck!’ Henna sighed in disgust.
My friends laughed. The rumors had been circulating that our Geography uncle was straffing our principal…i really didnt believe the rumor but when i saw the picture of both of them kissing from Henna’s phone, i believed it.
Henna and Ralph were the only ones who had a phone in our class due to their father’s status and riches. A phone was something i had always begged father to get me whenever i could but he adamantly refused. If only i had a phone, i would have tried to contact mama or mama would have tried to contact me but mama equally did not have a phone.
I chewed slowly on the meatpie Henna had gotten for all of us..after that day i had eavesdropped on their conversation, i knew i became different…i was no longer cheerful..not like i was a very cheerful person right from time..but i became the dullest person i ever came across.
I needed a distraction…and thats why i hanged out with my so called friends more often to try laughing at their jokes and other stuffs.
‘heyy guys i’ve got good news…’ Henna said getting my attention ‘my brother is visiting the village next week..oh my gosh! I cant wait to see him’
My heart skipped a bit. Ifeanyi! I didnt want to see him…not that he was a monster or anything..but everyone was aware of my huge crush on him before he left the village to study in the city. He was a really nice guy…the richest and the most handsome as at the time he left. That was two years ago.
At the mention of his name, the girls turned to me, of course, they knew about my crush on him.
‘what? Why are you girls staring at me like that?’ i asked rolling my eyes and pouting.
‘it seems my bestie is going to have the best straff of her life now’ Ije said.
That made me angry but i controlled it…i didnt want to cause a scene.
‘heyy!’ Henna said flashing her fingers in front of Ije ‘my brother doesnt do straff and dump…he does the ideal thing…love’
‘and how would you know that?’ Oma interjected.
‘because he’s my brother…he’s really not the flirty type’
‘oh really? What if city changed him?’ Oma asked.
‘then so be it…whats the big deal about being a flirt?’
‘who flirting don epp?’ Ije asked and they laughed.
I tried to laugh too but i couldnt..thoughts of mama flashed through my mind. Truth is, i didnt know when she was going to die, i didnt know what was going to stop her from dying..i didnt know what to do to protect her…i felt so hopeless and useless.
A junior student came to our table that instant and Henna frowned ‘what the heck are u doing in our table Junie?’ Junie was an abb. of junior.
‘sorry senior…but someone asked me to call Ivyy Maduemezie…’ the junior replied.
My heart skipped a beat ‘who…who’s that?’
‘its a woman…she just asked me to call you. She’s at the gate..’ the junior said scampering away.
‘bae, dont tell me the D arent enof for u…u go for V too?’ Henna said and the other girls laughed.
I stood and adjusted my uniform ‘seriously Henna, u need to stop this sick jokes of yours…they arent funny all the time’ i said and hurried away.
What was aunt Chime doing in school? Had she come to inform me of mama’s death? No…she had never do that.
When i got to the gate…i nearly fainted at who i saw…mama!
I nearly jumped around…luckily there was no student is sight as it was break over.
‘mama!’
She had tears in her eyes as she embraced me ‘nwam…nwam…’
She was weeping seriously.
Seeing how emanciated mama had become brought tears to my eyes. What had aunt Chime and papa done to my innocent mother? What was her offence? Why wasnt anyone telling me anything?
I held mama ‘mama, tell me please…tell me, what is going on?’
She shook her head ‘its not something i should tell you Ivyy..its something you’d be better of not knowing about..and its equally for your own good that you and Dada were taken away from me…because you…especially you Ivyy, would have been dragged into this mess with me’ she said wiping her eyes with her handkerchief.
‘mama, please tell me, i heard you were going to die’ i sobbed.
I saw the surprise in her eyes..then she smiled ‘very soon…but i want you to know that…no matter what, i still love u my children…you guys brought me hope when i felt i didnt have one..you guys brought life into my soul…you two brought all the joy and happiness i required into my life…no matter what…i will never stop loving you and Danke..i’m sorry i had to leave you both like this…but i had to see you one last time…this is the last time you’re going to see me Ivyy…i’m very sorry….someone is coming…’ she thrusted a thousand naira note into my hand and before i could speak, ran away like a mad woman.
‘break over…runto ur classroom..’ the gateman said.
I ran away in tears.
Episode Seven.
I watched as aunt Chime spoke over the phone. I knew she was discussing with papa and she was using coded words.
‘….really, so they have chosen a date?….when….okay, i will be there…i wont miss it for any reason…i would be there..bye…Ivyy is fine…okay, i would’ She hung up and turned to me.
I faked a smile and swallowed a morsel of eba…papa and aunt Chime were going to pay for what they were doing to mama. If anything bad happens to mama, then i would never forgive them.
I suddenly washed my hands and stood up.
She looked at me ‘where are you going? Are you satisfied?’
‘yes..i want to go and see my friend Henna, i need to borrow her Biology textbook’
She looked at me suspiciously ‘dont you have one?’
‘mine was stolen the previous week’
‘how much does a new one cost?’
‘a thousand five hundred naira’
She contemplated for a while ‘sit down, i will go to mama Chidi’s store, borrow some money and buy you a new one okay?’
‘but i nid it now for my assignment!’
‘i said sit down Ivyy, you’re going nowhere!’ she commanded.
I became angry ‘what makes you and papa think you can stop me from seeing mama if i want to…dont i go to school? Or you think i cant skip school just to see my mother whom you guys have falsely accused and framed? You think ur wickedness can separate mama and i?’
She was taken aback for a moment before she stood up ‘its not what you think Ivyy…i will tell you everything but when the time is right’
‘tell me now! I request you tell me now! Else…i will show you all how stubborn i can be…what kind of father would separate his children from their mother…isnt that wickedness?’
‘i’m so sorry about that Ivyy..its really isnt our intention…its all your mother’s fault…we dont want you children to suffer for the mistakes your mother made…’
‘what mistakes? Why wont you tell me whats going on in this place?’ i said violently kicking the tabel causing our meal to pour all over the sitting room.
Angered, aunt Chime slapped me ‘you’re very stupid! Now, get into your room immediately before i handle you in a way you would not like’
I ran to my my room but not after mouthing “you will pay for this” to myself.
I wan going to teach them a lesson…i was going to teach them a lesson whereby they would pray for death but death wouldnt come..i knew exactly what to do.
I fell on my bed crying and praying for mama. She needed God’s mercies like never before.
***
The time came for my plans to be set into action when papa paid us a visit and aunt Chime sent me to the garden to pluck garden egg leaves for abacha.
I had smiled within me…they wouldnt know what hit them.
As i strolled to the garden which was not faraway from the house, i hummed mama’s favourite tune to myself ‘nnem nnem oo, ezigbo nnem ee, nnem nnem oo, ezigbo yoyo nnem mama…’ as i sang i remembered my mother and i cried.
She normally sang that song whenever she told us tales of how her mother struggled to bring her up as she was the only child and her father died at a very tender age.
I plucked the garden egg leaves..then moved to where the Imezi leave had grown as a weed.
I had come across it several times in the garden and also told myself to uproot when next i come but i always forgot…now was the time for it to come into use.
The Imezi leave was a very dangerous leave. Once it enters a human body…it doesnt kill, but it slowly weakens every system in the human’s body thereby leaving the person paralyzed with pains…it also causes different types of illness…ranging from terrible fever to diarrhoea and stroke…it was a terrible leave and it would eventually lead to death..but it might take years of pains and paralysis.
I smiled and plucked five leaves from it.
I went to the kitchen and sat on the stood…took the knives and sliced the leaves together.
When the meal was ready, i served it and took it to the sitting room where they were sharing a hearty laughter.
I watched as they ate with a smile on my face…it will take only a matter of hours before the leave began its effect on their body.
Episode Eight.
It took minutes after clearing the plates and hearing papa complain of the bitter taste of the abacha for me to realise that i had plucked the utazi leave instead of imezi.
Yes, the utazi and Imezi do look alike and i must have mistaken it for imezi.
I seethed in anger…why do God spare the unjust and endanger the just?
Maybe they were spared this time but next time, there were certainly going to die because i wont use the imezi next time, i was going to use Otapiapia or indoseed.
***
I blinked twice clutching my books tightly to my chest to ensure i was seeing the right person.
My friends went ahead hugging him while Henna just stood by his side clutching his arm. Yes, she had told me he was going to be arriving this week but maybe i really wasnt prepared to see Ifeanyi again.
‘hi Ivyy’ he said coming closer to me.
I percieved his masculine scent and i felt like relaxing in his arms..before i could speak, he came closer to me and engaged me in a bear hug. Due to the books in my hands, i couldnt hug him back but i relaxed my head on his shoulders.
‘how have you been? I missed you’ he whispered into my ears still holding me tightly.
I saw my friends making funny faces and snide remarks.
I paused to think…did i really miss him too? Maybe i was too preoccupied with my family problem to even miss him.
When he had left the village recently, i had missed him. Because i no longer had my companion with me. One who would hold me close to him tightly shutting my ears to prevent me from hearing mama’s screams as papa pounced on her.
One who would climb the roof with me so i could give food to mama who had been locked up in a room to mama and also help clean her wounds…then climb out through the roof before papa comes back.
One who encouraged me and helped me in anyway he could. Yes, he had left the village without keeping in touch with me..not even replying the messages i sent to him through Henna….i really felt his absence when he newly left but i soon got accustomed to it.
I got used to it.
***
We sat under a pawpaw tree opposite aunt Chime’s compound…aunt Chime had gone for one of their numerous women meetings and i wondered if mama had been killed yet.
‘i’m sorry i didnt keep in touch Veebeauty…’ Ifeanyi said calling my per name.
I was still angry at him and he knew that ‘you havent still told me your reason of coming here..you really have to go before my aunt sees you here’ i wasnt smiling.
‘Obim…’ he said holding my left shoulder ‘i really wanted to contact you but…but…’
‘but what?’
‘i just felt there was no need..i felt you might get into problems with your father again and i wont be there to take the blame…and you might suffer everything all alone’ he said.
True, papa had been wary of our closeness and he accused Ifeanyi and i of having a sexual relationship…and whenever papa tried to hit me, Ifeanyi was always there to take all the blame for my sake.
Tears came to my eyes…papa had always denied me happiness for no just reason…was i really his child? Why did he favour Dada more than me?
‘Ivyy…’ he said wiping my tears with my back hand ‘i never stopped thinking about you’
I didnt say anything. I couldnt say anything.
‘i asked about you countless times from Henna…and i told her to safeguard you from boys’
I nearly laughed. Henna? Henna whom had been trying to force me into a relationship? He made a mistake entrusting me to Henna.
‘i heard everything about your mother from my father…’ he said and i abruptly turned to him ‘but i’m sorry i wont tell you…because i know how much you love your mother and i…i dont want you to see your mother negatively…because i know how highly you think of her…heck! You wont even believe me when i tell you all she has done’
I quickly stood up grabbing his shirt ‘Ifeanyi! Tell me what is going on with my mother! Tell me!’
‘heyy calm down…’
I held his shirt even tighter ‘tell me all you know about my mother please…please i beg you…is she dead?’ i cried.
He drew me to himself and kissed my hair ‘my baby’ he breathed ‘i’m so sorry for all the pains you are passing through right now…i’m here, so everything will be alright henceforth’
Mama…please dont die…i cried.
Episode Nine.
‘veebeauty….’ he said blocking my way as i made to hang the wet clothes on the rope.
‘get out of my way Ifeanyi!’ i snapped. Yes, i was mad at him..if he wasnt going to tell me everything happening with my parents then i see no reason why we should remain friends.
‘Ivyy, try to understand me…its best you dont know whats happening…okay, okay…i will tell you…’ he breathed and closed his eyes like he was fighting with his mind.
I dropped the clothes back in bucket and looked back at the compound, aunt Chime was in taking a nap and i didnt want to risk her seeing Ifeanyi here.
So i held his hand and led him to the garden…i spread cocoyam leaves and we sat on the ground.
‘tell me everything now…’ i said in an authoritative manner.
‘Ivyy, it would be best if you dont know…you’re not going to be happy about it if you find out what your mother had done and i cant stand you being sad…’ he said touching my cheeks.
I slapped his hands away ‘if you are not ready to tell me then forget about it….’
‘Vee calm down…’ he held my hand ‘promise me you wont be sad…’
‘i promise…’
‘okay…your mother is…you mother….’
‘Ivyyyyyyy!’ i heard aunt Chime’s voice screaming from the main house.
I sighed in fustration ‘this goddamn woman…’ i cursed.
‘calm down…’ Ifeanyi said chuckling ‘there will always be another day…i’ll come pick Henna up from school tomorrow…so maybe we could talk from there’
‘okay…’ i said getting up.
He held my hand ‘Ivyy…about us..who are we to each other?’
I remembered him using this particular line several times two years ago and each time, i kept telling him the same thing…”friends”
Maybe i should tell him the same thing again…but were we really friends?
‘acquaintances’ i replied and walked away but not before seeing the look of hurt in his eyes.
***
‘Ralph! Leave me alone…how many times am i going to beg you to?’ i asked as he locked the door.
We were in the female toilet. I had gone in there to ease myself only for him to barge in just before i could squat.
He dragged me to himself forcefully and breathed on my face ‘babe…you are so beautiful…’
‘leave me alone you per.vert……else i’ll scream!’ i stuggled to get out of his arms but he was stronger than i am.
I went behind me and grabbed my as.s kneading them together.
‘leave me…alone Ralph…’ i said my voice shaky.
I couldnt explain what i was feeling inside…but i knew i was getting aroused.
His left hand left my buttocks to my brea.st and he squeezed them touching my ni.pples in return. I didnt know when i moaned.
He chuckled ‘you love it dont you? Guess u never felt like this before…’ he was unbuttoning my shirt now.
I slapped his hands away ‘get lost!’
He dragged me to himself and enveloped my mouth in a hot kiss that brought out an involuntary moan from me.
I tried protesting but the kneading of my as.s and the squeezing of my ni.pples were really getting to me.
And before i knew it, i had my hands wrapped around his neck responding to his kisses as he continued massaging my breasst.
He completely unbottoned my shirt, dipped his hands in my bra and massaged my ni.pples.
I broke the kiss and moaned shamelessly asking him to continue…his perverted chuckle and smile didnt bring me to back to my senses and all i wanted was for him to keep on.
His mouth covered one of my ni.pples and the warmth sent waves of arousal down my spine…i gasped.
His hands went under my skirt and into my panties toying with my cli.t. The toilet was just filled with my moanings.
I didnt care that someone could walk in at that moment and catch us in the act…all i wanted was maximum pleasure from the boy i hated the most.
The ringing of the bell and the voice of the disciplinarian brought me back to my senses and i pulled back immediately…my face flushed in embarrassment.
I picked up from blouse from the filthy ground, dusted it and wore it.
The grin on his face was really annoying and i gave him two slaps for it.
He held his cheek in shock.
‘thats for taking advantage of me…’ i said ‘perver.t!’ I dashed out of the bathroom in embarrassment and anger.
I couldnt believe Ralph had my first kiss. Ralph of all people.
That dickhead!
Episode Ten.
It was Henna’s birthday.
Yes, i should have gotten a gift for her but it skipped my memory…because i had alot on my plate.
The issue with mama, Ralph, papa and aunt Chime and then Ifeanyi. We decided to have a small get together in a small restaurant in the outskirts of the village. It was very far and we had gone in Ifeanyi’s car.
Kainene, Henna and Ifeanyi’s elder sister was there…gosh! I hate that girl…she’s so pompous and proud and believes no one was better than she was.
Then Ifeanyi, Henna, Ije, Oma and i.
We…or rather should i say they were having fun.
‘i invited Ralph and Jude over you know…’ Henna suddenly said.
I nearly choked on my drink ‘you did what?!’
Ifeanyi gave me a wierd look while Kainene was like has-she-gone-mad?
‘i invited Ralph and Jude…’ Henna repeated staring at Ije and Oma ‘any problem?’
‘you shouldnt have invited that shameless golddigging flirt over to this place!’ i snapped before i could stop myself.
‘i can sense something here…’ Ije said looking at me suspiciously ‘babe…tell me like seriously, whats between the both of you…i mean…’
‘just hold it there Ije…’ i said immediately ‘i dont have time for this. You know very well that i cannot date Ralph even if i want to date…i’d rather go for….’
‘Ifeanyi…’ Henna said immediately and the girls laughed.
My face flushed in embarrassment..why did they have to say that in front of him.
‘what…’ i stammered.
Kainene rolled her eyes ‘seriously..dont tell me you too have a thing for my brother…’
Henna looked at her ‘so what if she does?’
‘Henna, i wasnt talking to you’ Kainene said.
‘Sure you werent…’ Henna snapped.
‘thats enof seriously…’ Ifeanyi interjected ‘you guys should stop taunting Ivyy please…you know she doesnt like it’
‘thing is…i’m already regretting coming to this place’ i said rolling my eyes.
‘oh my babie…’ Henna said pouting throwing her hand over my shoulder ‘i’m sorry some people are giving you a hard time…’ i knew she was referring to Kainene…for some reasons best known to the both of them, they never really got along as sisters.
‘you are also one of them…’ i said smiling.
‘you are finally smiling…’ Oma said.
My smile widened but disappeared immediately i sighted the monster coming with a swag i had come to hate. His errandboy, Sam was with him as usual..i wonder if that boy was ever going to get a life asides from being Ralph’s toy thing.
‘hello babies in the house…’ he said smiling sitting beside me ‘hi Vee luv…happy birthday Henna’
Henna and the girls exchanged glances ‘so you had to acknowlegde the presence of ur luv first before wishing me a happy birthday. Anyways, no problem…where’s Jude?’
‘Jude, uhm….stopped by to get cigarettes..’ he replied looking at me.
I caught the anger and jealousy on Ifeanyi’s face but i pretended not to see it.
‘excuse me Veebeauty…seems you’re as bored as i am, lets take a stroll’ Ifeanyi said standing up offering his hand and i gladly took it. Anything to get away from the demon beside me.
We walked away from the table despite the stares the girls were giving me. Who cares?
‘care to tell me what….’ i was saying.
‘Vee pls dont start…its going to spoil your mood and i dont want you ruining Henna’s birthday’
‘truth is, i dont know why you’re hiding this from me…she’s my mother’
‘i know…’ he suddenly looked pale ‘Vee, i…i want to ask a question’
‘what is it?’
‘are you and Ralph an item?’
‘heck me! That dirty and nonsensical idiot? Hell no! Why do you ask?’
‘nothing….’ he shook his head immediately ‘i…i just dont want any guy claiming you…’
I laughed ‘and why would he claim me? Am i a trophy?’
He laughed then suddenly looked serious. He brought my hands to his chest ‘i rili love u Ivyy…yes, i havent been able to tell you about it…but i always did love you…even before i left for the city…you’re my source of joy and happiness, even Henna and Kaine knows that’
‘Ifeanyi….’ i was dumbfounded and flabbergasted…Ifeanyi was my best friend…yes he was once my crush but…did i still have feelings for him?
‘just say yes…i’ll take care of you…i’ll make sure you are contented and happy…’ he said pushing my hair aside.
‘Ify, i nid time to think about this…’
‘i cant wait…i luv you…i cant wait any longer…’
‘Ify…’
‘Vee..please….’
‘but…’
‘you dont nid doubts…i love u so much…’
Maybe i should give it a try..give love a trial…afterall he was once my crush…i made up my mind to tell him yes when his phone rang and he had to step aside to answer it.
I decided to use the ladies as he answered his call.
I paused when i saw Ralph there with a grin on his face ‘i knew you’d come here baby’
I opened my mouth. He had an Attention.
I cant remember what happened next but i knew before long we were kissing and smooching inside the ladies…his manhood already out of his trousers.
A prayer for me please.
TBC
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