Thorn between 12 – 13

TITLE: TORN BETWEEN

WRITTEN BY OGECHI ALABI

FAMILY LIFE 7…….

Njideka was scared to enter the room, but Echauria encouraged her. She went into the room expecting Peter to get angry and embarrass her. She was surprised he remained calm. “Sit down here,” he said to her, pointing to the edge of the bed. After she sat down, he began, “You have embarrassed my family and me twice now. It will not happen again. Did you marry me to intimidate my family? Was it because you were desperate or because you truly loved me? I will tell you the truth, my sister imposed this marriage on me. I suspect she did the same with you. No woman who loves her husband will disgrace him in the presence of his family or try to intimidate them with the wealth she believes she has. You are proud and arrogant. There is a saying that goes pride goes before a fall. I want a wife who I can fall in love with. We get to know each other, align our plans and grow stronger day by day. I do not want to have a family with someone who does not share my vision of what our lives should be. I want to spare you the agony of what I intend to do. I will take the blame for the marriage not working by calling it off now. If you agree with me, we can do this quickly and get back to our normal lives.”

“But everyone would know it is because of our misunderstanding you are doing this. I am ready to apologise. It will be a shame for the marriage to end before it even began. I agree. You are not in love with me; I see that. It is a marriage and gradually we will get to know each other. Just bear with me for now.”

“I will be going back to Port-Harcourt in a few days. I will no longer have coitus with you until I am sure this marriage will work. Nobody needs to know our agreement. You will remain here in Lagos with my brother and his family.”

“Why? Is it to humiliate me?”

“No. It is to save your face. You can tell your family or those that care to listen that my work is on the rig and I am hardly home. I made this request. I will visit every two months. You cannot visit me. If you do not like the arrangement, we can go to your parents and let them know we are breaking up.”

“Why do you want to disgrace me? I messed up big time but your revenge stings badly. It is too much.”

“Let’s eat first. After that, I will take you to your parents myself. I will hand you over to them and request the return of my bride price. I will also go to the village to request an annulment. The choice is yours.”

Njideka made no comment. She knew it was between the devil and the deep blue sea. Why would Peter treat her this way? She messed up, but he was more traditional than she thought and more in charge. She took him to be someone she could walk all over, but it was not the case. This guy knew what he wanted and did not care who gets hurt along the way.

After the meal, Peter borrowed Adim’s vehicle. He drove Njideka with her belongings to her parents’ house. They were surprised to see them. Peter calmly narrated what transpired from the day of the wedding. He described how she flouted his instructions, especially her decision to leave him in his brother’s house to Flora’s house. He told them he had only had sex with her once on their wedding night. He deliberately avoided having sex with her because he sensed she was trouble he did not want to have around him. He was returning her to them. He stated the options he had given her and asked her parents to discuss them with her and he would come back in three days for a reply. Njideka’s father was disappointed.

“My son, we know Njideka can be strong-headed and want to have her way. But she is not a bad person. Both of you need to spend time together to bond and understand each other’s personality. The condition you gave her is tough for her. Why would she live with your brother’s family while you live elsewhere? Let her go with you to Port-Harcourt.”

“She can not. I want her to learn from my brother’s wife how to take care of me and other members of my family. Not everybody can be bought with money. Some will collect your money and be the first to castigate you when you are wrong. Some people have integrity and my family is known for that. This is my decision. If she chooses not to obey me, she will remain with you while we call for the dowry.”

Njideka’s father felt disrespected. Not by Peter but by his daughter. Why would she do all she did in her in-laws’ house? She had to learn to build their trust again. It will not be easy. Her mother had a different opinion. “Flora is a negative influence on Njideka. Once she stays away from Flora her life will be better. Even her husband begged us not to allow Njideka to get close to her otherwise she would ruin her. But will Njideka listen? If she stays back here, people will laugh at us. It is not that she married early, but still, she was returned home for bad behaviour. We will not hear the last of this.”

“Njideka, what do you have to say?”

“Peter doesn’t love me, he loves Eucharia. It is only Eucharia that can talk to him and he will accept. He refused to talk to his brothers but allowed her to talk to him. He is comparing me to her, I am not her. I am nothing like her. I cannot be happy doing house chores and popping out babies while serving a man. Times are changing, Papa. I will need help with chores in the …..”

“Shut up! I said shut up! It is this behaviour that made him bring you back to us. I agree with him, you have to learn how to be a good wife and mother regardless of the times. Nwunye m, you did not try with her. I like Peter and he remains my son-in-law. Everybody had only nice things to say about him and his brothers. It was also Flora they said could be stubborn. The problem is not Peter, the problem is you. You will go back to your husband. I will return you to him tomorrow. Nwunye m, talk some sense into her.”

True to his words, he brought Njideka back to Peter the following day. He told Adim to advise his brother on how to handle his woman without returning her like a broken toy that needs repairs. He asked to see Eucharia. He was not opportune to meet her during the wedding. When he saw her, he understood why Njideka felt threatened. She had an intimidating stature. Even though heavily pregnant she was still beautiful. Njideka was also light-skinned, but Eucharia looked like a half-caste. Njideka could not compare in height.

Papa Njideka gave Eucharia an envelope with money inside and thanked her for her support. He appealed to her to help him overlook Njideka’s shortcomings and help her navigate marriage. Eucharia was surprised. She thanked him. He prayed for a successful childbirth. He prayed for the rest of the family and then he left. Njideka cried as she saw him off. She knew this was him signing out. She had told her mother she did not want to return to Peter because he did not want her. Her mother asked her to fight for her love. She said most marriages were arranged during her time and were not based on love. Love grew as the couple stayed together and worked on their marriage. She added, “Pick two stones from outside. Put them in a jar. Shake them rigorously for days. Check them daily and you will see their edges have chipped away. The stones will smoothen each other out with time. That is how marriage is. With time both of you will drop some habits or character that is offensive to your partner and imbibe the ones they like. Marriage requires hard work. If you know how tiring it is to shake those stones to smoothen them out, you can imagine the amount of work you put into smoothening your marriage. Go there with the mindset of this marriage must work; I have no other option. Watch how well everything will work out. Importantly, that person he loves, draw close to her. See what he likes about her and imitate them. Also, Flora will ruin your marriage if you let her. Keep away from her.”

Peter told Adim and Eucharia that Njideka was staying back with them so she could help with the new baby coming, and also learn a thing or two from Eucharia.

Adim was uncomfortable with the request, “You are setting my wife up for attacks from Flora. She will believe my wife turned Njideka away from her. Please, take her with you.”

Eucharia touched her husband gently and said, “Let her stay if it is her desire. But if it is not, she will be unhappy here and might ruin your marriage.”

Peter replied, “You can ask her. I will be grateful if she stays. I will send money every month for her upkeep.”

“Why would you want to pay me to feed your wife? How much food can she eat? Talk to her before you leave,” Adim told Peter.

Read – Married To a mafia boss episode 75 – 76

TITLE: TORN BETWEEN

WRITTEN BY OGECHI ALABI

FAMILY LIFE 8…….

That night, Eucharia went into labour. Adim tried to leave quietly with her, but she insisted on seeing her two children. She went into their room to kiss them. Helen woke up and asked what was wrong. It was then her waterbag broke. Helen had never experienced such, so she panicked and ran out. Njideka had not slept well. She heard a little commotion and came out of the room. She saw Adim leading Eucharia out of the children’s room. Eucharia was wet, and water trailed her as she walked.

“What happened?” she asked as Eucharia was whining in pain.

“Do not make noise,” Adim cautioned, “she is in labour.”

“Ah! She has to change her wet clothes. She can not go to the hospital wet like this. I will wake Peter so that we all go together. Bring out a change of clothes for her; I will change her. I will be fast.”

Eucharia went back to the room and undressed. The contractions were getting closer. She was worried she might not get to the hospital before she delivered, and the pain worsened. She struggled not to scream down the house. She lay down naked on the bed. Adim did not know what to do.

Njideka knocked on their door, and Adim asked her to come in. He was helpless on how to help his wife.

“Peter is in the parlour. He wants to get his brother and wife to join us. You can join him while I get her dressed. Do not worry.” Peter mouthed a thank you and left. Njideka checked inside Eucharia’s wardrobe for a free gown she could wear and she found one. She helped her sit up immediately after a contraction passed and quickly helped her wear the gown. She held her and led her to the sitting room. The water had stopped draining and the contractions were getting even closer. Adim returned with Prisca. The two brothers left for the hospital in a motel taxi. Prisca helped Njiedka to lead Eucharia to the vehicle. In the car, Prisca timed the contractions. She was worried Eucharia could deliver in the car because the timing between contractions was too close.

The journey to the hospital took less than twenty minutes. Adim drove as though he was in a high-speed chase by the authorities. Paul and Peter were outside with the medical personnel when they arrived. They took Eucharia into the delivery room. They said only one person could be with her. Prisca offered to go as she was a nursing student and had done midwifery. Within ten minutes of taking her into the delivery room, she gave birth to another beautiful baby girl. It happened so fast that they were all shocked.

Eucharia was in the hospital for two nights before she came home. Prisca made pepper soup for her and tendered to the baby. Njideka took over after the baby had had a bath. She carried Chineremem with so much joy. Everyone could see how excited she was being part of the process of Chinemerem’s birth. The whole experience opened her to the fact that she had so much to learn.

Njideka went to Peter and said, “I gladly accept your proposal. I will stay here for as long as you want me to. I know you do not love me now, but I will make you fall in love with me soon. Do not abandon me here, please. Visit me at least once a month, I would love to see you. Even though you did not love me when you married me, I loved you. You were easy to love.”

Peter had seen the transformation in her. The birth of Chinemerem opened Njideka’s eyes to the realities of life. He was happy. He was tempted to travel back with her but changed his mind. He had to leave before Eucharia’s mother arrived so she could have a place to stay. Paul was travelling back to Germany, and Prisca wanted to stay back and help Eucharia. She stayed with the family for two weeks before she returned to school. It was going to be a full house.

Eucharia’s mother came two weeks after the baby’s delivery. She stayed for two months and left. Adim’s mother came too. This time she only stayed for three months. Eucharia was a veteran and did not need so much care. Helen and Njideka were God-sent.

Peter visited every month. He stayed in the guest house. Njideka stayed with him there. During the first two visits, he kept to himself. On the third visit, he could not resist her. She was different. She was calmer and kinder. The way and manner she spoke to Eucharia’s mother surprised him. She told him she had learnt how to cook traditional foods. Adim’s mother testified that she was an amazing cook.

Prisca came to Lagos when she was on holiday. Adim’s house was a rallying point for the family. It made his mother very proud. Her sons and their wives got along very well. She expected Prisca to be pregnant before Paul left, but she was not. She was not happy about it. She also observed Peter’s monthly visits and Njideka’s excitement when he was around.

By the time Mama Adim was going back home, Njideka had shared the good news of her pregnancy with the family. Peter was shocked his wife was pregnant. He was ecstatic. He took her to her parents to break the good news to them. Her father wept for joy while her mother danced.

“It means she will join you in Port-Harcourt,” her father suggested.

Njideka replied quickly, “No, Daddy. I will have my baby here in Lagos. When he is six weeks old, I will travel to Port-Harcourt with mummy. I want to have my baby surrounded by people who will love him or her.”

“It is a brilliant idea. I hope your brother, Adim, will not be overwhelmed by our presence in his house.”

“He won’t, sir.”

Peter took Njideka to Flora’s house. Flora had not stepped foot into Adim’s house because her husband forbade her from going there. She did not see Chinemerem when she was born until her mother brought her to visit. Chief had warned never to speak to or with Eucharia. She was scared of her husband and obeyed him.

Flora was so happy to hear that Njideka was pregnant. She was aware that she was living with Eucharia, but since she could not visit and Njideka was not allowed in her home, there was no way she could know what was happening. This was a golden opportunity.

Chief popped champagne for them while Flora dragged Njideka into the kitchen to whip up something for them to eat. She asked Njideka questions which she answered. She was careful not to reveal too much because Peter had warned her before they entered the house.

“How have you been coping with Eucharia?”

“She is a nice lady. Her only business is her husband, children and school. She does not care about anything else. She minds her business. That is unless you involve her in your matter, she does not contribute. Peter and Paul do not play with her. When Paul was going back to Germany, he gave her a substantial amount of money. Peter too. They see her as their mother even though they are older than her. She knows how to play the game in marriage.”

“Really? Paul gave Eucharia money but gave me ncha (soap) and cream. He brought chocolate for my kids and some toys. Ogwula (that is all). I do not even know what he gave my husband.”

“Ah, Nda Adim said he did not get anything from Paul. It was Eucharia he gave money. He kept the money for Prisca with her too. She is the one to give Prisca her school fees and pocket money.”

“Prisca will suffer in her hands,” Flora said joyfully.

“On the contrary, Prisca is getting more than she had ever imagined. They go to Lagos Island to shop. Prisca does not play with her. She comes back to Lagos every holiday.”

“She has taken over my responsibility. My brothers are betrayers. Why should they ask Eucharia to care for their wives instead of me?”

“I do not know, maybe you should ask them. Although, I must confess that she takes excellent care of us. Your brother, Nda Adim, loves her. He comes back from work early and they retire to bed early too. He likes to be with her all the time. We enjoy her when he is at work.”

“Adim is a woman wrapper. Eucharia is the man in the marriage. What she says is what he does. He is a weak man. She has her sister there; soon she will bring the rest of her family.”

“Well if she is the man, she has a way of doing it that her husband still appears as the man. Nobody cooks Adim’s food except her. She worships the guy. She has finished her degree course; she is a graduate now. Adim encouraged her. She goes for what she wants and achieves them. They have three children.”

“Three girls, are those ones children? Until he has a son, he has not had a child. And Eucharia’s footing in the family is shaky. Be wise. Let your son be the first grandson of the family. He will be more revered than Eucharia’s daughters.”

“But Adim does not seem to mind her having girls. I see how he treats her and their daughters. He is not influenced by what society believes. Maybe it is because of his foreign education and mindset. But I will listen to you and hopefully, I will have a boy. If I do not have him now, the next one will be a boy.”