Thorn between episode 18 – 19
TITLE: TORN BETWEEN
WRITTEN BY OGECHI ALABI
FAMILY LIFE 13……
That Christmas and many more after were fun-filled. All lips in the village talked about the look the family house wore in time for Christmas. Eucharia decorated the house with the help of the children. The family house was filled. Njideka had no choice but to stay with her husband in the house. All the grandchildren stayed in Adim’s uncle’s house; his grandchildren were also around. Helen and Njideka’s maid stayed there with the children. It was fun for everyone.
After the child dedication at the church, there was a reception in the house. Eucharia woke up at 3 a.m. to prepare the food. Prisca joined her at 5 a.m. but Eucharia sent her away to prepare for the service at 6:30 a.m. Adim’s mother came out about that time she asked Prisca to go back to her room and she joined Eucharia. She then asked where Njideka was. She was inside the room with her husband. Eucharia told Mama not to bother she had finished cooking the rice and meat and had done the soup halfway. She ordered fufu that would arrive by 11 a.m. after the Mass. Someone would be at home. She had mixed the ‘ncha’ for the ugba and okuko igbo (paste for Igbo fowl). She had killed and boiled the okuko Igbo. There was not much left to be done.
While the whole house had woken up and was preparing for the Mass, Eucharia was putting finishing touches to the food so it remained fresh by the time they returned. Mama Adim was not happy. Eucharia wanted to make breakfast for everyone but her mother-in-law shouted at her, “Go and bathe and get ready for church. You are not the only wife here. Njideka, come and make breakfast for everyone. There is bread in the kitchen, boil water for tea.”
Njideka grudgingly went about her chore. She was upset that Mama would call her to do that. As she finished making the food, Eucharia entered the kitchen. She took Adim’s breakfast and left for the room. He ate there while she dressed up. Njideka was angry when Prisca did the same. She was left to serve her in-laws and her husband.
She lamented on the way to church to her husband. “Mama is picking on me. Why did she ask me to make breakfast? Am I the last wife or the youngest? Eucharia was in the kitchen, why didn’t she allow her to make the food? She hates me. What did I do to deserve this ill treatment from her? I had to bathe again if not I would have been smelling of smoke.”
Peter did not utter a word. He knew his mother had good intentions that was why she did what she did. He did not pacify his wife because he felt she was throwing tantrums over nothing. It was not the first time, and he had decided to address it openly so she would know he would expose anything she says or does against/to any member of the family. If truly his mother was picking on her, he would ask his mother to give her space.
After the baptism, Prisca’s family members, and other invited and uninvited guests came to celebrate with them. Eucharia changed from her outfit to something simple. She went to finish the soup. The fufu arrived in good time to be served. She asked Njideka to help with serving the food, but she refused. Instead, she called her maid and Helen to help her. Prisca saw what happened and called her younger sister and cousins to join Eucharia in the kitchen to help serve. Before long, all the guests had eaten. The men of the family ate the ugba and okuko Igbo with palm wine. They all intended to eat the fufu and oha soup together when the guests had gone.
After everyone had finished eating in the house, Prisca’s sisters helped Eucharia clean up. All hands were on deck to wash out the plates and sweep the floor. Eucharia thanked the girls for their help. She gave each of them money for their service. They refused initially but she insisted. The house was clean and everyone was relaxed.
“Ehen, Njideka, repeat your complaint this morning in the presence of everyone,” Peter said to his wife.
Njideka’s face changed. She looked at her husband in disbelief. She wondered what was wrong with him. She asked, “What are you talking about?”
“In the car this morning you said Mama was picking on you. She selected you to make breakfast. You were upset and I want to address the issue now.” Njideka was dumbstruck. She could not say a word.
Mama responded, “Why would she feel I picked on her? Eucharia woke up at 3 a.m. to cook the food we served today. Prisca joined her at 5 a.m. until I sent her inside the house to get prepared. It makes no sense that the celebrant is late for the baptism. I did not wake Njideka. I helped Eucharia until she finished. Will the same Eucharia who woke up by 3 a.m. still make breakfast? Prisca joined her. She had to bathe, prepare and feed her baby before she got ready. Njideka only has to get herself ready, her maid takes care of Adaure, so tell me, what did I do wrong? How was I picking on her?”
Njideka quickly jumped in and said, “I did not say you were picking on me. I said I was unhappy that you asked me to make breakfast when I was almost ready, and I had to bathe again. I do not know why Peter brought it up.”
“What was the arrangement for the food preparations for today? I know Uk and Prisca went to the market yesterday. What was your contribution to this event? You were lamenting over making breakfast of bread and tea meanwhile your co-wife has not slept since 3 a.m. and you ate the food she cooked. Uk cannot be cooking alone in this house. This week, Njideka will cook all through. I know Uk does not allow another person to cook for Nda Adim but we will be eating as a family going forward. We have agreed we will eat together at this table. The children are fine where they are,” Peter added.
Njideka was furious with her husband. Why do they always take Eucharia’s side? Before she could say anything, Eucharia had responded, “Nda Peter, I think you are too harsh on her. You know who you married, she has never cooked with firewood and has never woken up that early or cooked for a large number of people. I have no complaints at all. I and Mama chased Prisca in. What was she doing for me except cut a few things and keep me company? I know Njideka’s strengths; have you seen her with the children? They gather around her each time she goes there because she came prepared for this holiday. She always has goodies for them. We will cook the meals together, serve and eat with all of you. I do not want this to bring enmity amongst us.”
Papa Adim changed the subject. Adim smiled at his wife. He could not believe he won a trophy with her. Her wisdom and soft way of scolding his brothers who were older than her without them taking offence was admirable. He looked at Peter and he also smiled in admiration. The eye contact they exchanged said it all. The men got a message from Adim’s uncle inviting them over to the house for late-night palm wine and conversation. The men left the women alone.
Mama Adim was still upset with Njideka. She stood up and went into her room. Eucharia spoke to Njideka, “I supported you in the presence of the men because we women have to stick together but I must confess, I am utterly disappointed in you. How can you complain about your husband’s mother to him? Are you blind to the boys’ closeness to their parents? Can’t you see they worship their mother? No matter how aggrieved you feel, come to us. We will take it and correct you if we have to or we can gossip about it, but no fourth ear will hear it. I stand by what I said earlier. You have to know how to play family politics. Do not always appear as a difficult person; it is not good for your image. Peter loves you, do not ruin it. Soon, you will get him to do as you will but not for malicious reasons; it makes no sense. First, go inside and apologise to Mama. Kneel and cry for forgiveness. Then you do the same with your husband.”
“I should I apologise? I did not know…”
Prisca interrupted her by adding, “This is not the time for arguments but action. I know you did not grow up in the village, but you are enlightened enough to know when to stoop to conquer. Do as you have been advised, and do not give excuses for your behaviour.”
Njideka was shocked. Prisca had a stern look on her face. She sounded irritated by her. She knew Eucharia was right, but must she always be right? She left them to Mama. She knocked before she entered inside. She could hear Mama sobbing on the bed. Her heart broke. She knelt immediately and said “I have offended you, Mama biko forgive me. I acted childishly and now I will never forgive myself for making you cry. I am a disgrace to all daughters-in-law. I am lazy and uncooperative but I am still loved. I took it for granted today and told my husband. He betrayed me by saying it to everyone. I have learnt. I should have come to you, you would have explained what happened and I would have learnt. Will you ever forgive me? Will you ever look at me with love? Nne m, what can I do to make things right? If I kill myself, will you feel better?” Njideka began to cry too.
“Mbanu! Never you you say that. Stop crying, nwa m. I felt terrible that you of all people would suggest that I was preferential to Eucharia over you. Just as Eucharia said, I know all of you. I did not want you to be seen in a bad light that was why I said you should make breakfast. Bread and tea. Eucharia had already put the water on fire for you to make it easier. I wonder why you would complain. Have I not been a good mother-in-law to you?”
“You have been excellent that is why I could complain. If you were a bad mother, I would never complain. I acted as the child I am, your daughter. Biko forgive me. I promise you, Mama, it will never happen again. Eucharia and even Prisca have scolded me. I have repented. Nne m, forgive and forget. I will make it up to you. You are a good woman. I get jealous when everyone pampers Eucharia but I can see why, she is selfless. I am not like her.”
“I do not want you to be like her. You are unique in your way and my son is happy with you. What more do I want? I have forgiven you since but for coming here to apologise, I have forgotten it. It never happened.”
“I will apologise to the others tomorrow.”
“That will be good. You are wise after all. Chukwu gozie gi (God bless you)”
Njideka felt relief as she came out of the room with Mama. The women sat together in the sitting room gossiping about the event of the day. They laughed and their voices could be heard in a distance. When the men came home, they were surprised to see them laughing and Njideka sitting on the floor by Mama’s feet. It was a good sight to behold.
Njideka apologised to her husband and he apologised to her for bringing it up in public. She asked him if he would want her to be more like Eucharia, and he said no. “You can learn one or two things from her but I like you the way you are. You have a lot to teach Uk and Prisca and they in turn have so much to teach you. I saw your hand in Eucharia’s looks this holiday. That is what you should do for each other. We are a family and we do not compete.”
The following morning, Njideka apologised to everyone. She was forgiven and everything went well.
Read – The new girl episode 5 – 6
TITLE: TORN BETWEEN
WRITTEN BY OGECHI ALABI
FAMILY LIFE 14……
Before they all left the village after the New Year celebration, Prisca told Eucharia and Njideka in private that she had missed her period.
“How? When did your husband return that you are pregnant again? Were both of you going at it like dogs?” Njideka asked.
Eucharia laughed and replied, “It is natural. A man who has not seen his wife in how many months will want to make up for lost time.” She turned to Prisca and asked, “Your baby is still a toddler, how will you cope over there?”
“I do not know yet. I am confused. I should have taken precautions, but I got carried away with so many activities.”
“Go and confirm you are pregnant before we know what to do,” Eucharia suggested.
Njideka was shocked at Eucharia’s response. “Before we know what to do? She is having a baby. Have you told Paul?”
“No, not yet. I wanted to know what to do first.”
“Go for the test and show him the result; you are having the baby. If you do not want the baby, give it to me and I will give it to a friend who has been looking for a child.”
“Calm down, Njideka. You are right, she should tell Nda Paul first. I do not think he will be happy about it. Since you are travelling with him and Junior, you have to rearrange plans.”
Paul was not bothered about the pregnancy. He told Prisca to talk to her mother to prepare for omugwo in Germany. After the omugwo, one of Prisca’s sisters or cousins would live with them. He would educate her while she helps with the family. She had to work for two years before she entered the university. It was a perfect plan except the people he suggested were not part of Prisca’s plan. Prisca’s father was unwell and required her mother’s attention. Her younger sister had a fiance and she could not trust her cousins with her husband. There was an unspoken rivalry she did not need. There was no need to be wrong and the consequences will be forever.
Prisca knew the best person to travel with. She did not want her mother to come but her mother’s sister, Nda May. Nda May did not get married or have any children. She was educated and a retired school teacher. She had always wanted to leave the village and travel abroad. This was a golden opportunity. Nda May was a wonderful person and she would stay with them with her whole heart.
Paul made arrangements for Nda May to get her passport and started the process to get her visa. Nda May cried when they told her the plans. It was surreal for an old spinster like her to be considered by Prisca and surrounded by children. She refused to discuss remuneration with them. She was glad to help her niece take care of her children for free as long as she was allowed to live long with them. She asked them to build a small house on her land where she would be buried. She promised to leave the house to Prisca’s children. It was touching.
Prisca was five months gone and living in Germany when Njideka announced her pregnancy. Prisca had a baby girl and Njideka also had a baby girl some months later. While Prisca was excited about the news, Njideka was heartbroken. She cried profusely when Eucharia called her. Eucharia had to ask Adim to permit her to travel to Port-Harcourt to spend a week with Njideka.
Adim paid for a flight to Port-Harcourt. Eucharia had never flown before. He had been promoted three times in the course of the marriage, this was the fourth one. He also mentioned they had to move to bigger quarters. Eucharia was excited but she had a serious issue to address with Njideka. She could feel her pain at having another daughter. She knew how desperate she was to have a son. She wanted to be there for her.
Peter picked her up from the airport. He was upset. “Njideka is paranoid. My baby girl is just a week old and she has refused to feed her. Her mother forced her to express the milk to feed the girl. What is wrong with her? If you know what she put me through to conceive this pregnancy. She followed a chart, then I had to drink coffee. She denied me her body for a month; she said she wanted me to have a healthy deposit of male sperm. Male sperm! When she finally succumbed, she raised her legs for almost thirty minutes after we met saying she wanted the sperm to travel fast. I told her she was running mad but she did not believe me. She gave birth to a daughter after all. She is beautiful, I mean my baby. I want to call her Ojiugo because she is gorgeous and precious. If Njideka rejects breastfeeding her, you will take her to Lagos to raise her amongst your daughters where she will feel loved.”
“Nda Peter, it has not reached that now. I have just arrived and I will stay for a week. She will be fine before I leave, I promise you. You know your wife well, she wants to give you a son…”
“But I am not desperate for a son. I want to come back on my break and spend time with her and the children. Ask her if she lacks anything. Ask her if she has ever suspected me with another woman. I come back to her. She is the only woman I have ever been with; please do not tell her. I do not want another woman but her. You also have daughters and still, Nda Adim is not interested in having a son. He has made it clear he is content with what he has. Why can’t I be grateful that have children? Why do I have to grumble about not having a son.”
“Your wife wants reassurance that her position is sacrosanct. She does not want you to bring home an illegitimate child and blame it on not having a son.”
“First, are you worried about that?”
“No, I am not.”
“It is because you trust your husband and he has proven himself. Why can’t Njideka trust me the same way.”
“I am not Njideka. Njideka wants a son, just tell her you want a son too but he must be conceived from the love both of you share not desperation.”
“Hmmm. Uk please talk to Njideka. I do not want her to treat this child badly.”
“She is a mother, she won’t.”
Njideka was so happy to see Eucharia. She was surprised she arrived so early until her husband told her she had come by air. She was surprised and congratulated her. Eucharia explained that she was also surprised when he husband drove her to the airport instead of the bus park. She had him to thank for the experience.
Eucharia picked Ojiugo up. She turned to Peter and said, “She truly is beautiful. Where did she get this beauty from? I am certain it is not her mother.” They all laughed. She could see pride swell in Njideka’s eyes. She knew everything would be alright.
Njideka’s mother came home with Adaure. She was so glad to see Eucharia. She wanted to report Njideka but Eucharia stopped her and asked her to be patient with her sister, she would do better. Mama Njideka smiled at Eucharia. She said in her mind, “Wise woman.”
Eucharia allowed Mama to bathe the baby while she bathed Adaure and attended to Njideka. She asked Njideka to express milk for the baby so her mother could feed her. She helped her express it. Njideka lay down and tears dropped from her eyes. Eucharia continued talking generally to her. She saw the tears but she did not want to dwell on the subject of a male child because she knew it would come up. Instead, Eucharia asked Peter if he knew any of her close friends, if he did, it was time for them to visit. She would come out of her shell.
Two days after Eucharia’s arrival, a group of Njideka’s friends visited. Mama Njideka went to make pepper soup for them while Eucharia helped her wear her girdle to hold her tummy and a nice gown. She rubbed ‘pancake’ on her face. She did not look bad at all. As she came out, Eucharia carried the baby behind her. Her friends stood up and hailed her. She was all smiles. Eucharia showed them the baby but refused to allow any of them to carry her. She was a newborn and she did not want them to carry her or kiss her to avoid any form of infection. They were all amazed at how beautiful she looked.
“NJ, this girl is so beautiful. God decided to show you pepper by giving you a girl you cannot but thank him for.”
“This girl will be a heartbreaker. See how she pouted her mouth. There will be trouble in the land.”
“I want a son. I must have a son, dash me this one and go and have the son.”
The comments made Njideka feel great. She had not carried her daughter since her birth. Eucharia carried her until she cried. Mama brought the bottle to Eucharia to feed the baby. Njideka’s friends were surprised. One asked boldly, “Are you not breastfeeding? Why feed her with formula?”
“It is breast milk,” Eucharia replied.
“Why use a bottle? NJ why are you not breastfeeding this baby? Give her the baby so she can breastfeed her. Breastfeeding…..” This friend who spoke boldly was a medical doctor and an advocate of breastfeeding. She lectured them on why they should breastfeed. As she spoke, she helped Njideka place the baby well to feed her. “You are producing enough breast milk. How can this fine baby not enjoy her mother’s breast? Tell your husband to stay away from the breast until she is tired of breastfeeding. When your son comes he will feed round the clock, boys like food. For now, make my baby girl happy.”
Eucharia could have sworn the lady knew what was happening. Njideka was happy and chattering before they left. Eucharia understood her predicament. She must have bragged about having a son to her friends only for her to have another daughter. She feared the mockery but it was gone. She had to face her attackers and also stop being a bully. Eucharia wondered how she would explain this to her without sounding condescending.
The opportunity presented itself a few days before she left. Njideka told her about her discussion with Peter. “He says I am the one that wants a male child, not him. If I want God to give me a son, I have to be more loving towards the ones he has blessed me with first before I can be blessed with my heart’s desire. He claims to be happy with his two daughters and might not have more children. Uk please talk to him. Peter is not Nda Adim. The places he goes offshore, I have been told what happens there. I do not want to take chances, let me have a son first before he has children with concubines.”
“What if I tell you he has no interest in women except you, would you believe me?”
“If it is Nda Adim, I will believe.”
“But they are from the same family. So why do you not believe he can be faithful to you? Relax and enjoy your husband. I can assure you, that you are not sharing him with anyone. He loves Adaure and Ojiugo.”
“Ojiugo?”
“That’s your baby’s name. She is the rival you should be worried about. He asked me to take her to Lagos if you refuse to care for her before I leave. Now he is talking to you. If you want a son, pray and leave everything to God. Enjoy Nda Peter, you must be doing something right for him to want to be with only you. I have seen the temptations in this town and still, he rushes back to be with you. You said so yourself. Your son will come I will be the happiest person on earth for you when he does.”
“Uk, how do I thank you? You have the same problem but you came here to help me. You are a good person. I wonder why Nda Flora dislikes you. Anyway, you have won people’s hearts and there is nothing anyone can do about it.”
When Eucharia was returning to Lagos, Peter called her aside and gave her an envelope. Njideka gave her some clothes and shoes from her new collection. Njideka’s mother gave her an expensive Jorge and Hollandis wrapper. She went back home fulfilled.