Sisterhood episode 69

TITLE: SISTERHOOD

AUTHOR: OGECHI ALABI

CHAPTER 69

Demian’s mother spoke with him about Nkem having the baby at her place. He asked her not to bother. She was having the baby where he lives and her mother was coming for the omugwo of three months. When she leaves, his mother can come and stay since Nkem would have started her lectures. His mother was upset. The dislike for Nkem increased. She accused Nkem of orchestrating bringing her family to live off Demian. She knew she would bring her siblings to America too on Demian’s resources.

Demian wasn’t having it “How did you come to America? Your eldest sister got married and relocated to meet her husband. Didn’t she bring all of you to America? Didn’t she do it on her husband’s bill? So what is wrong if my wife does it? You have not explained where your dislike for Nkem is from. She hasn’t done anything to you to deserve all you say about her. You claimed she wasn’t pregnant, she was using it to trap me. When it was confirmed she was pregnant, you asked for the report. Then you said it was fake. That was why I called you all during the sonography. I wanted you to see for yourself. You asked for the sonography report. You have confirmed now there is a strong possibility I am responsible for her pregnancy, now you want her to stay with you and give birth there. Someone you don’t like? I will never allow that. If you want to do a DNA test, you can come to visit after the birth and take a swap, I won’t stop you. But please stop harassing my wife. Don’t call her again otherwise unless it is very important. If you don’t stop, I will ask her to block your line. I have told you. Leave my wife alone.”

“Wife? Is that one wife? Someone that planned to get pregnant for you to trap you. Good thing she succeeded and we are having a grandchild from you. Why must her mother come when I am around? Why waste money on bringing her here? This girl is a gold digger and has a plan to rip you off.”

“If that is the case, I permit her. Rest mum, there is so much more to life than hate. How long do I have? Can’t I enjoy the time I have with the woman I love and our child without rancour? Can’t you overlook her shortcomings for my happiness? Every other member of the family loves her except you. If she wants to help her family have a better life here, I will be willing to help just like your sister’s husband helped all of you to be successful. Grateful people will never forget.”

Demian’s mother was unhappy. Nkem had taken control of her son. Why was she using him as a poverty alleviation machinery? If her mother comes, she will refuse to go. Then she will bring her other siblings which won’t be funny. Her sister’s case was fresh on her mind. All her siblings became richer than her sister’s husband. She observed that is what happens. She didn’t want that for Demian, he had to always be above them and put them in check. Nkem and her siblings were bold and fearless. They were humble but she observed her brother always spoke confidently. He was smart and firm; what he didn’t want, he didn’t want it. They are hungry for success and when they achieve it, they will explode. She didn’t want that. She was already thinking ahead. She would stop it by discouraging Nkem with subtle threats.

Demian went shopping for the baby with his two sisters. He called Nkem on video and they shopped together. They were buying items Nkem felt were unnecessary but they wouldn’t hear of it. They encouraged her to check the sex of the baby so they could shop for clothes. She said since she was coming in July, they could check the sex together and then shop for the clothes then. So some purchases were placed on hold.

### read – Crystal gem high episode 25

Nkem’s mother came for her interview with the embassy and she was granted a visa. They were very happy although Demian knew she would be granted. Nkem had to move out of her accommodation before she travelled. She planned to hire a truck to move some of her furniture and electronics to the east.

Mama Nkem asked uncle Tobi if he could recommend a truck driver he knew for them to hire. She wanted someone they could trust since he would be travelling alone.

“Why move them to the east? I thought she was coming back. When she comes back she will still move them back. I have a warehouse she can keep them until she returns.”

Mama Nkem was happy. Uncle Tobi hired the truck to move the property to the warehouse. He came to Nkem’s house to pick them up to his place to stay until Nkem travels and Mama Nkem returns to the village. Nkem declined. Going back to that house would bring back memories she had tried to forget. Also, she felt defenceless when she is there. It was like within those walls he possesses her. She had crazy thoughts and just didn’t want to think any further.

Uncle Tobi knew why she refused but he didn’t want to confront her yet. Her mother insisted. She refused to stay with her in a hotel when uncle Tobi had such a big house and was willing to accommodate them. Nkem was leaving Nigeria in four days. She figured she could manage the four days with her mother around. She sent Demian’s car to the village.

Uncle Tobi made himself scarce while his wife and Mama Nkem bonded very well. They were always together watching a movie or talking about one thing or the other. Nkem couldn’t understand the friendship between two women who were different. Uncle Tobi’s wife was nice to Nkem. She treated her very well.

The night before her trip, uncle Tobi came home earlier than usual. Nkem was in the private sitting area working on her laptop. She was sending a detailed handover note to her colleague relieving her concerning certain transactions as instructed by her boss. Uncle Tobi saw her there and went to meet her.

“You have been avoiding me. I have also done the same. I thought my sincere apology to you was enough to make you forgive and forget but you can’t forget.”

Nkem was surprised when he spoke and also uncomfortable with the conversation as his wife and her mum were in the house too. “I have forgiven and moved beyond it,” she replied scouting around to see if anyone can see them together.

“If you say so. I am sorry, I would want us to go back to the way we were before. I mean you trusting me and seeking my advice and direction. I felt bad when Funke told me you didn’t want Uloma to serve in Abuja because you didn’t want her to stay with me. Why would you think I would go near your sister?”

“Funke couldn’t have told you that because that was not what I said. I told her Uloma is gullible and I didn’t want any issues between your wife and her. It had nothing to do with you. Besides, I can arrange where she will stay.”

“And it will be safer than being under my wife and I’s watchful eyes? Let Uloma serve in Abuja. She will stay with me and I will fix her up. I will not touch your sister; I don’t have such feelings for her and besides, she is a child.”

“I will get back to you on that. Thank you.”

“Are you excited to travel and have this child or rather to meet your husband?”

“Both, I can’t wait.”

“I never saw you as one that will fall in love and I don’t think you are in love. You love him but you are not in love with him.”

She looked at uncle Tobi in amusement and asked him, “Why do you say so?”

“When women are in love they take risks. They don’t wait for all the ducks to be in a roll before they move. They are ready to give up many things to be with the man they are in love with. They make a sacrifice that makes people call them fools. They put the man first. I don’t see that with you and him. I might be wrong but that is how I feel.”

“If I wasn’t in love with him, I wouldn’t have given him my virginity. That’s the biggest sacrifice I could have made so far. And having this baby.”

Uncle Tobi stood up, walked closer to Nkem and said, “Should I be honest with you? Look at me. I could have taken your virginity that night if I wanted to. You didn’t put up any resistance. I would have had you and made you mine but I didn’t want to do that to you. Don’t think it is because I got back to my senses, no. It was because I was in love with you and I didn’t want you to hate me after it.”

Nkem’s eyes opened widely as she stared at him in surprise. He attempted to walk away and then he came back. He said, “And it is for the same reason I wouldn’t touch your sister. I’m not attracted to her and never will be. You are married now and I am trying to kill the affection I have towards you. It is not love anymore but friendship. Call me whenever you need me. As long as you are married, I will never touch you. Never. I respect you too much to ruin your marriage or your life. Ok?” and he walked away.

The conversation wasn’t what Nkem expected. She didn’t know how to feel about the discussion. He was so confident he would have had her. It hurt her that he belittled her love for Demian. She knew she had to avoid him completely. She was happy his wife was around so he couldn’t dare attempt anything with her. She came here because of her mother. If she had insisted on her hotel she would have wondered why. Her mother would have known there was something up and was smart so she would ask questions and be suspicious. She couldn’t encourage that.

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Uncle Tobi took them to the airport. Nkem had been travelling on her own but this time, her mother was coming to see her off. Nkem was about thirty-two weeks when she travelled. She wore leggings, a big top and a jeans jacket. The top and jeans jacket hid the pregnancy. Uncle Tobi upgraded her to Business class so she would be comfortable, have more luggage allowance and be attended to on time. Nkem didn’t expect it and she thanked him. She hugged her mother, Uncle Tobi’s wife and finally uncle Tobi. He whispered in her ears “I will miss you. Take care of yourself.”

As she boarded her flight to meet Demian, her conversation with uncle Tobi played in her head. She thought about it. She wondered if truly she was not in love with Demian. She believed she was. She had made the sacrifice for him many times. She began to count them. Her mind was settled. She didn’t make a mistake choosing Demian. Uncle Tobi needed to leave her alone. She would appreciate him for all he has done for her but she couldn’t pay him back with what he wanted. Even if she felt the same way about him, she would have been a kept mistress or a baby mama. Would he divorce his wife to be with her? She knew better than that, he wouldn’t. He loved his wife.

Immediately she was cleared by customs and she exited the airport, she saw Demian waiting for her. She left her trolley and ran into his arms. They kissed passionately. Demian wondered what had gotten into Nkem. He came with his sisters but she didn’t see them. When she separated from Demian, that was when she saw them. She felt embarrassed.

Ada didn’t let that bother Nkem, “I can see you missed him. You guys should take it easy so she doesn’t go into labour early, the baby’s lungs aren’t fully developed. Be gentle with her.” It was even more embarrassing for them. Since she was staying for a longer period, Nkem had a lot of luggage. Demian was aware so they came in Ada’s SUV. She drove them home. Ada had cooked food for Nkem for two weeks. Demian didn’t want Nkem cooking until she had the baby so he made the arrangement.

Nkem was grateful. She brought gifts for them, especially Ada’s kids. She got hair attachments and accessories for her girls and also clothes in African fabric. Ada was appreciative of them. She assured Nkem she will bring them around after she had rested and settled in. Agnes wasn’t left out. Nkem spoilt her with African outfits and also locally-made slippers, bags, bangles etc. Agnes couldn’t wait to go through her gifts. They left not long after.

Nkem took her bath. Demian couldn’t believe her tummy got that big. It wasn’t too big and bulgy but from the wedding to that time, the difference was much. It grew ten times its previous size. He was scared to touch her that night. He wondered how he would do it. Nkem was on fire, she wanted Demian and she told him. He was too scared and couldn’t maintain an erection. Nkem was worried until he confessed what the issue was. Instead, he opted to pleasure her so she could reach orgasm and fall asleep.

Nkem settled in nicely. She had taken charge of the home. Over the years she had mastered her way around and could move around without assistance. She visited Ada regularly, she liked her children. Ada and her husband were cohabiting for now so they could reduce the cost of living apart. Nkem noticed it was more than co-habiting that was taking place. Well, it announced itself a month after Nkem arrived. Ada was pregnant. Her husband was very excited. Ada wasn’t. Both of them were strange.