Three Generations episode 18
THREE GENERATIONS
WRITTEN BY: OGECHI ALABI
CHAPTER 18
Chinyere was having it tough in her village. Her brother had left very strict instructions; she wasn’t allowed to leave the compound for any reason. Her shop had to be locked up. How would her children survive? Her brother gave an allowance to Obi for the children’s upkeep for the period.
It wasn’t that Chinyere’s family didn’t know how irresponsible Obi was but for the fact Obi always supported his wife, he was pardoned for his sins. What they didn’t know was he did it in order to gain from her. Chinyere’s hatred for Nwakaego started when Anozie died. She overheard her husband talking to some useless friends like him about Anozie’s widow. He told them he was going to bed her no matter what happens. He claimed to have seen her wearing a small skirt and a small top through a window in their room and she had a tiny wa-ist. He said he saw Anozie putting his hand around that wa-ist and it hurt him. He believed Anozie had the best of everything including spouse and he wanted to covert all of them. He even had the effrontery to compare her, Chinyere, to Nwakaego.
Chinyere had to work h-rder than ever just to put food on the table as Obi couldn’t work and bring home the money. He loved women, pepper soup and drink; those consumed everything he earned. When the money finishes, he becomes sober and comes back to her. She couldn’t leave him then. When Anozie died and he was pushing to marry Nwakaego, she threatened to expose him. She told him she overheard him telling his friends he would kill Anozie and now Anozie was dead and he wanted his widow. He claimed he was doing it so he could lay claim to all Anozie had but she refused to believe. Instead, she used her hold to try to change him. He had stopped womanising over the years, (could be old age), and because she was now controlling the resources he couldn’t eat and drink to stupor like before. This matter had given Obi wings which she intended to clip when she gets back. But she was scared of his newfound freedom. She felt life wouldn’t remain the same again. It was worse now she couldn’t monitor her husband like she used to. He would go astray and squander all he had.
In those two months, she was away, a woman who came in from abroad started a relationsh¡p with Obi. It was a secret relationsh¡p initially but Isabella was scared of competition and wanted to make it open. His biggest obstacle was Chinyere. He wasn’t in a hurry for her to return as he was enjoying being taken care of. He went to his brother-in-law who was in the army and asked him to keep his wife for another six months so she would become remorseful and change her evil ways. He agreed. Obi left their home and their children (although they were able to take care of themselves) and moved in with Isabella.
Isabella was in her early forties as at then, she had never been married and just came back from Italy. She was from Edo state but her mother was from the same place with Obi. That was how they met. Isabella didn’t say the work she did in Italy but she had money, businesses and properties. Obi was like her puppy. He drove her around in her cars, went on errands for her, went to the club and parties together and generally had a good time. Where money was involved, Obi was loyal. He was the first man who she would date and he would not try to scam her and was content with what she did for him. She felt he was a keeper. They sunk deeper into the relationsh¡p.
Isabella knew about Chinyere and her children. She didn’t care. She wanted Obi. They moved to her mansion in Benin. He handled some of her businesses while she handled the ones that bring most of the money. He didn’t dare misbehave with her; he had seen how she dealt with someone that doublecrossed her. He couldn’t afford to do that. She gave him everything he needed; he had no cause to complain. She made sure his children were taken care of financially and those ones didn’t care about their father or mother.
Obi’s daughter Ogo came to live with them. She wanted to learn Isabella’s trade and just like her father, she was loyal and content with what flowed her way. Isabella pimped her to rich clients and helped her build her finances. Obi was living in the same house with them but was oblivious of what was happening. Ogo travelled all over Nigeria to meet with these men as arranged by Isabella.
When the six additional months were over, Chinyere went back home. Her home was in disarray. Her husband was nowhere to be found. It was then she heard all that had been going on. Obi had left her for another woman. She was angry. She got ready, went to Benin city to find Obi with her second daughter Chioma. Ogo had given Chioma the address of Isabella’s house in Benin. When they got to the house, they realized Isabella is big trouble. This woman was living large. She had security everywhere. She asked to see Obi. They were ushered into the sitting room.
“What are you doing here?” Obi asked when they were seated.
“I came to look for you. So, this is where you are? You left me in the village for eight months to move in with another woman. What did I ever do to you?” Chinyere asked.
“See, I don’t want my baby to meet you here when she comes down otherwise all hell will be let loose. Be going, I will come to the house later for us to discuss”
“What do you mean? You are not going with us? You must come with us; you are my husband. Go and pack your things let us go”
“Who do you think you are talking to? Look eh, if she gets you here she will deal with you”
They didn’t realise Isabella had joined until she cleared her throat loudly. Chinyere turned to look at the woman who snatched her husband. She wasn’t what she expected. She was younger than her, far more exposed and sophisticated but you could see she had gone through life. Her skin was bleached, she wore heavy makeup probably to hide imperfections caused by using harsh chemicals on her skin. She was also skimpily dressed. A strong pleasant smell filled their nostrils when she walked past them to take a seat. Chinyere left her mouth hanging when she saw her walk past and take a seat.
“My baby, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting them; I don’t know what she (pointing to Chinyere) is doing here.” Obi announced.
“Why should you be sorry? My fellow wife and stepdaughter have come to visit. Have you entertained them? Bring them refreshments, their journey was long. Make pounded yam and egusi soup with bush meat for them to eat. My senior wife, welcome”
Chinyere couldn’t believe her ears. Senior wife to who? God forbid. But Chinyere couldn’t leave without her husband and her husband was talking nonsense. How would she convince him to follow her home? Her thoughts were cut short when she heard her rival say,
“Obi and I are planning our introduction and traditional wedding soon, I don’t know if he has told you. I have told him he has to stop drinking and eating late in the night to drop some before the wedding so he would look good in our photos. What do you think? Does he look good now? Didn’t I do a good job while you were away?” Isabella asked Chinyere.
“Sister, I don’t know what Obi told you but we are married with six children. I don’t know what he is doing here but I am back now. Thank you for taking care of him but he needs to return home and face his responsibilities”
“What are his responsibilities? He children are very well taken care of. We give them enough foodstuff and money to cater for themselves. Chioma here can attest to that. Once he is with me, he will fulfil all his obligations. I will support him. What do you need? I will give you. Do you want to resume your business? How much would revive it? Just mention it and I will give you” Isabella spoke with confidence.
“Mama, let us take her word. Tell her what you need and she must give you. That way you will get rid of papa and his annoying ways and focus on your business” Chioma advised.
“I should leave my husband for her? Over my dead body. She has charmed Obi; he is not using his right senses. Obi is worsh¡pping a woman; can that ever happen? Obi is a proud man. She has used medicine on him”
“Shut up, Chinyere, what nonsense are you saying? Is it because she allowed you to remain sitting in her presence? Stand up and leave here at once. Show her some respect”
“I should show a husband snatcher some respect? Where is that done? I want my husband back and that is all I want”
There was banter between Chinyere and Obi, Isabella didn’t need to say a word. Chioma was more interested in what she stood to gain seeing Isabella. She went closer to her while her parents argued to talk to her.
“Auntie, I have finished university and served since last year but I have been unable to get a job”
“That’s so sad. What did you study?”
“I studied Sociology. I badly need a job. If you have a company, I can work there”
“Hmmm. I will try to get you something with a friend. You mustn’t work with me”
Ogo had told Chioma what she had gained from working with Isabella therefore she wanted the same experience. She wanted to work with her by meeting big men that will change her story. She wasn’t ready for slavery job. So, she continued, “auntie, it is under you I want to be. I was told you send girls abroad too; I am interested in going abroad to make money”
“Your parents will never support your travelling for my business. Forget about it. I will talk to my banker friend to see if he can help”
“I had a 3rd class. No bank will take me. But I can work for you and make money for both of us”
Isabella thought about it for a few minutes. She was recruiting new girls to send to Italy and Chioma had what she wanted in terms of her figure, height and exposure. She was the right spec. She considered it and said to her, “Come and see me in my office on Thursday. You cannot mention your plans to anyone; no one must know what we are up to especially your parents. If you tell anyone, I will deal with you mercilessly. Do you hear me?”
Some minutes later, the cook announced the food was ready. Isabella looked at all of them and said, “Shall we?”
Chioma stood up and joined her to the dining tables as the aroma of the food had hit her nostrils. Obi followed immediately. Chinyere sat bad refusing to eat or drink. She didn’t want to be charmed. She had cut eye for Chioma but the girl was lost to food. She had ‘long throat’ but with all she ate she never adds weight. She watched her devour the food with such greed which has only been replicated by her father. Both of them were alike. Ogo, Chioma and Chuka were just like their father, greedy and foolish. The last three were just like her; smart, hærdworking and focused. They were of N doing very well academically compared to the first three.
After the meal, Isabella gave Chioma two packets of N20 notes for their transport and she could keep the rest. She offered three packets left from the bundle. She rejected it which Isabella expected. She asked Obi to drop them off at the park.
Papa and Mama Anozie were stuck with a hysterical Chinyere when she returned home. She cried as she tried explaining what happened. Obi’s parents were shocked to hear about Isabella; it was news to them.
Papa Anozie was perplexed at the story that he asked, “How can Obi abandon you and your six children to be with another woman? Is he insane? No wonder he hasn’t brought her home yet, we will certainly send for him to explain what is going on”
“Are you sure he is living with her as husband and wife right now? Obi wants to marry two wives or what?” Mama Anozie asked.
“I don’t know his intentions but I feel he has been charmed by whatever Isabella used on him. Obi is now bold. He threatened me. He has to tell me what I did wrong for him to treat m this way”
“My daughter, I will advise you to exercise some patience. We will have a family meeting and discuss this new development. Chai, Obi is bent on bringing this family disgrace. How can he be comfortable being kept by a woman? Tufiakwa! It will be resolved”
Tbc