Three generations episode 72

TITLE: THREE GENERATIONS

WRITTEN BY: OGECHI ALABI

CHAPTER 72
The summer holiday was over. The school was to resume in two weeks. It was a Saturday morning. Someone rang the bell. The help came out to answer the gate at the same time Nwadiuto was coming back home from her morning run. She met the man at the gate. They exchanged pleasantries. She asked the gateman to open the gate. Nwadiuto asked him to come in too.

He sat in the sitting room. Nwadiuto asked the maid to make coffee for him while she went upstairs to see her mother.

“You have a visitor” she mentioned to her mother casually.

“So I was told. Who is it?”

“Paul”

“What? What is he doing here?”

“He came to see you”

“Why did you let him in?”

“Because I think it is about time. Look good before you go downstairs. Take a bath and look hot”

Nwadiuto left her mother and went to her brothers, Chidindu and Kasiemobi, room. She told them there was someone they needed to meet. She took them downstairs.

“Hello, Paul. I hope it is ok I call you Paul for now or should it be uncle Paul?”

“I recognized you. Paul is fine. Who are these fine men?”

“My two brothers this is Chidindu, he is thirteen years old and our baby Kasiemobi who is six. This is uncle Paul, mummy’s close friend”

The children said hello. Nwadiuto expected a reaction from Chidindu who was always protective of his mother but he was surprisingly calm. While Kasie stuck to Nwadiuto as usual.

Nwadiuto left them in the sitting room and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast they would all have. When she came back to check on them, Paul was on the centre rug with Chidindu playing his Playstation. She was shocked at how receptive Chidindu was of Paul. Kasiemobi joined them and was watching and laughing.

Nwanneka came down the stairs as she heard guffaws and noise downstairs. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Paul was sitting with her two sons playing video games. It looked like Chidindu beat him in that round and he turned to tickle him while Kasiemobi laughed at them.

She cleared her throat. Kasiemobi stood up and ran to her for a hug. She hugged him and he went back to his position. Paul tried to stand up but Chidindu said, “We haven’t finished playing”, he sat back down and faced the game.

In the kitchen, Nwadiuto said to her, “Surprised?”

“Honestly”

“And you were worried. Your rival will be Chidindu because he is going to stick to him like super glue”

“I can’t believe he came here”

“He is getting a fully loaded breakfast for taking the bull by the horn. Lady, you have met his two children and you didn’t offer for him to meet yours. If you lose this guy, you have lost everything”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Are you looking at wealth? Are you considering you are richer than him? Is it because he is not Igbo? He is not a fashionista? This guy loves you and if you lose this opportunity it will never come again”

“How do you know he is not Igbo?”

“I can tell. His mother might be Igbo that is why he speaks Igbo but he is not Igbo. Igbos don’t answer English names as surnames”

“He is Itsekiri”

“I guessed as much. His mother must be Delta Igbo.”

“I’m taking my time to sort everything out”

“Well, I will tell him what to do if he is serious to make you jumpstart the process”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Try and stop me,” Nwadiuto said as she carried a tray of food to the dining table to set up for breakfast.

After the meal, Nwadiuto excused herself. “I am going to my boyfriend’s house to spend the weekend. I will be back Monday evening”

Paul found that odd she would be announcing that to all of them. He began to understand what her mother was talking about. She was daring and bold. He loved those qualities in her.

“Your number please” Nwadiuto gave Paul her phone to punch in his number. Paul looked at Nwanneka who lowered her head while he punched in the number. “Thank you. I will be calling you soon to tell you how to get this concluded very fast.” She turned to Nwanneka, “mum, Chidindu and Kasiemobi are supposed to visit uncle Onyedika’s family this weekend. Chigozie likes to play games too so Chidindu will have a game partner while Kasiemobi will cuddle with auntie Uloma who loves having him with her. So, they should leave for Ikeja after they have finished defeating uncle Paul at the game. Right Chidindu?”

“Right”

“Good. Excuse me”

Nwadiuto had cooked two bowls of soup and stew to take with her to Josh’s house. Since their return from the Summer holiday, Naomi had been avoiding Nwadiuto. She either locked herself in the room or left the house altogether.

Nwadiuto felt sorry for her. Dave had disappeared from the scene. Apparently, Naomi had financed the trip for them and Dave was stranded when she left and he had to spend another night. He couldn’t afford it. Josh paid for him for that night and told him to find his way back to Nigeria. He hadn’t come to the house since then.

Naomi had apologized to Josh about the wh0le mess she created. Josh accepted her apology but asked her to stay away from his relationsh¡p with Nwadiuto. He told her he was with Nwadiuto and wanted to be with her and that was it.

Naomi’s hurt was because Josh made her believe there was nothing between him and Nwadiuto only for everything to change in such a short time. She didn’t understand him anymore and their friendsh¡p was dwindling because of Nwadiuto’s constant visits to the house. She was very much interested in Josh and she wanted him but he had turned her down too many times for her to get the message but she still didn’t get it.

Nwadiuto was in her man’s house. She quickly made swallow for him to eat. Both of them cleaned up the room. Josh had asked that they should go for tests for STDs and STIs. Nwadiuto had agreed but she began to stall along the line. He insisted during the week that she did it.

That afternoon, Josh drove them to a laboratory to pick up their results. All the results came out that day.

“I hate c-ndoms,” Josh said finally when they found out they were both clean.

“I don’t know what to compare it with but if you say so no problem. My main issue is getting pregnant. I don’t want to get pregnant”

“Why not?”

“Outside wedlock? I wouldn’t do that to my mum or grandmother; they won’t forgive me”

“But if it is the only way they can accept me, would you do it?”

“They know we are dating so they have accepted you. What’s the issue?”

“Would they accept me if I came with a marriage proposal?”

“What are you saying, Josh?”

“I’ve found the one. I’m in love with her and I want to make her permanently mine. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life like this with you. You make me happy; you complete me. You are crazy, confident, fearless, smart, intelligent and beautiful; what more would I ask for? You believe in me and listen to my advice and follow whatever I say. When we make love, I am transported to another world; we are so compatible. I want to be with you forever”

Nwadiuto stared in disbelief. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she looked at her man telling her he loved her enough to make her his. “When did you decide this?”

“That night when you cried because you were scared you will lose me. I knew I would never be the same if I lose you. I see how guys look at you and I get worried one young Igbo guy will snatch you away from me especially during your service year. I’m scared and would I say, I want to protect my territory”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I want to marry you. I want to do this. But, do you want to marry this old man and spend the rest of your life with him?”

“Yes, Josh, I will marry you” she replied in tears.

Nwanneka was finally able to be alone with Paul when the children went upstairs to get ready for their weekend trip.

‘Nwadiuto made up this weekend getaway, right?” Paul asked.

“You are right”

“I like her a lot”

“She’s sharp. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you. I wanted to meet your family too. I love them already”

“We didn’t agree you will visit”

“I stopped waiting for you to agree. It is time we did the right thing. Get ready, we will talk about this at the hotel”

“No need, my maid is going with them because of Kasiemobi. The cleaner has left. We can stay here”

“Nikky, you want me to stay in your house with you?”

“You are here already. Noone will be home until Monday evening”

“Fine. I will check out. Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Very sure. We will have the house to ourselves”

That weekend was the best weekend they had ever had. They stayed indoors and talked most of the time. Nwanneka led Paul into her bedroom at night for them to watch a movie together and they made love. Sunday, they stayed mainly in bed. Nwanneka appreciated him taking a bold step and she reciprocated by allowing him to stay in her house.

“We can’t do this with the children at home” Josh mentioned in passing.

“Yeah. We can’t”

“But they need to know we are in a relationsh¡p”

“I don’t know if I am ready”

“Chidindu asked me to take him back to school when he resumes. He said he wanted me to meet his friends. I was surprised”

“Chidindu said that?”

“He did. I think I am the closest to a father figure he has seen in a while”

“What else did he say?”

“Just guys talk; nothing serious. O, he wanted me to speak with his Mathematics teacher for the new session. He was told the man didn’t like him because he was bold. He didn’t want you talking to him, he wanted me to talk to him, man to man”

“What’s happening? Why is he talking to you and not me?”

“You are not a man. I will fly back to Port-Harcourt and come back on Friday. He says he is resuming on Saturday”

“That’s true. But you just met, why is he talking to you like you both have been friends forever”

“Do you remember when we first met? We clicked instantly. It’s the same with Chidindu. And of course Nwadiuto.”

“I don’t know what to say”

“Tell me you love me”

“I love you”

Nwadiuto came back an engaged girl. She hadn’t told anyone about the proposal and she felt she owed it to Ada to know first. At least about the relationsh¡p.

She called Ada on the phone. They chatted like they normally do. Nwadiuto asked about the pregnancy and all that

“I have a suitor for you. The guy has been on my case. I told him to wait until I have the baby then you would come to Asaba.”

“I am in a relationsh¡p right now”

“Who are you in a relationsh¡p with?”

“Josh”

“Josh? This is serious. He never mentioned it. When did this happen?”

“A few months ago. I wanted to be sure before telling you”

“That’s nice. The problem is that he is not Igbo. You need to marry an Igbo man who will …….”

“He asked me to marry him”

“Josh asked you to marry him? When?”

“Today. He asked me to marry him today”

“And what did you say?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? That guy was older than me and clearly older than you with at least ten years. Why would you want to marry someone that old when you are so young?”

“Because he knows how to love me. He knows me very well and has played a major part in my life in the past year. I wasn’t expecting a marriage offer yet. It came as a surprise and it feels so right”

“Edo guy! Your mother won’t agree. Grandma will fight you”

“They won’t when they see how happy he makes me”

“I am happy for you if you are happy”

“I am. You are the first to know; I haven’t told anyone of the proposal”

“Has he given you a ring yet?”

“Not yet. I don’t need one; his word is more than enough for me”

“Truly, you are in love. I am surprised at Josh. He never showed any signs he was interested in you”

“It developed the more we intEr×¢ted. He is a great guy and I love him”

“Nwadiuto! You are talking about love? This is serious then. I will call Josh”

Josh and Nwadiuto had agreed to get married during her service. They agreed not to influence her posting and allow her to explore a state in Nigeria for a year serving her nation. She was posted to Abuja.

Josh was worried immediately he saw it. He didn’t want her to run into Malik who was such a sweet talker. He still remembered how she described what he did to her body and he could see she enjoyed it. There was no way he was going to come out and state his fear. He decided to ensure she got good accommodation where she would be protected and also a well paying job. He wanted her busy and out of mischief. He trusted her but he didn’t trust men especially Malik.

Her mother paid for her accommodation in Abuja and uncle Onyedika got her a good job. It was obvious to Josh her family had her back. Nwadiuto lacked nothing. Her grandmother bought her a brand new Honda Accord as promised her if she was the best graduating student and she was. Even though young, Nwadiuto was undeniably a big girl.

Josh knew it would attract the wrong crowd. He didn’t want to be travelling to Abuja every week to see her as though he was insecure but in all honesty; he was. For the first time, age mattered. She was a carefree girl with a big personality. It was a huge attraction to many guys. She told him how the guys rallied around her during her two weeks camp. She talked to him as often as she could which eased his fear.

He went to Abuja to help Nwadiuto settle down. He stayed for a week. She resumed work and her tales of what happened in the office increased his fears. How would he express his concerns without sounding insecure and jealous? He loved her very much but then he now had stiff competition. The only thing he can do is to legalise the union.

He ordered her ring. He visited her the next weekend and presented her with it to make it official. She was surprised. She was also very happy and excited. She wore it immediately and never removed it. Then he asked her if he could talk to her mother and grandmother about his proposal.

“The person we need to talk to that will definitely help in this situation is uncle Onyedika. I will arrange for you to meet with him. He will take it from there”

“I am scared to meet him”

“He likes you, he will agree to the marriage. He has also been badgering me for a suitor. The ball is in your court”

“Are you ready for this?”

“I can’t wait to be Mrs Josh-Osasogie!”

Uncle Onyedika had to deal with two suitors for his niece and grandniece. Paul had come to see uncle Onyedika at Nwadiuto’s prompting.

Nwadiuto had told Paul to make the move because her mother will never make the move. The two people she adviced him to see before goingfor with a proposal were Chike’s parents and uncle Onyedika. He already had support from grandma.

He had met Nwanneka’s father-in-law and he gave his blessings without even a second thought. The man called Nwanneka his daughter and believed she was too young not to have a companion. Paul couldn’t believe his luck.

Uncle Onyedika was happy to meet him. It was tougher with uncle Onyedika because he asked many questions. When he was satisfied with the answers, he gave him the go ahead to propose to Nwanneka since her father-in-law had agreed to the union. He would have preferred Nwanneka to marry an Igbo man but since Paul’s mother was Igbo, and still in her marital home, he gave his consent.

Paul hadn’t told Nwanneka anything about meeting the two most important men in her life. He played along with Nwanneka while working underground. He never missed any visiting day for Chidindu and also came around during the mid-term break. They had agreed to spend part of their Christmas holiday with him in Port-Harcourt. Nwanneka was outvoted and had to accept.

It was Josh’s turn to see uncle Onyedika. Uncle Onyedika was excited to meet him. They talked like old friends. When Josh stated the reason why he visited; uncle Onyedika said he knew.

“I have been waiting for you. Nwadiuto’s fear is that her mother and grandmother will be against your union. They will be. I want you to understand why. You are from Edo state; we as a family have had nasty experience with a lady from Edo state which caused the death of my niece, Ogo, My niece and her mother want Nwadiuto to marry a man from our place who knows the customs of our land. Secondly, they will be afraid you will use what you know about Nwadiuto against her. Will you inform your parents of the circ-mstances of her birth? Will they accept? Thirdly, you are far older than Nwadiuto. She is still a baby, she hasn’t matured yet. I know it is good to marry early, but Nwadiuto is different. She is bold and strong-willed. For an older man, you might just be seeking respect but she might not give it to you. Nwadiuto doesn’t cook or clean; she spoilt. She only does chores she is comfortable doing. She’s not afraid of anyone. She is a tougher version of her mother. Your family members cannot intimidate her. Her grandmother and mother can meet her every need so she doesn’t need your money. Can you cope with all that?”

“Nwadiuto can cook and also clean. She cooks in my house and cooks very well. She’s not spoilt in my books. And saying she’s not afraid of anybody is wrong sir; Nwadiuto is ass**tive and would stand for what is right. She says it as it is regardless of who you are. I agree she might not be diplomatic but she is malleable. She has changed a great deal now. We’ve been friends for almost two years and started a relationsh¡p recently. I can tell you, she is ready to settle down. I promised her one thing; I will allow her to be herself. I was attracted to her personality and craziness as we call it and it paved well for this beautiful relationsh¡p we have now. She’s in Abuja with wolves and it worries me every day. But, she accepted my ring and wants to marry me. I can wait if you feel she needs more time. I am ready to marry her right now or next year or five years from now. I will wait for her until she’s ready or until you, her family are convinced she is ready”

“You have spoken well. I know why she sent you to me; because she knows I like you. You have my support but it should be done right. She should inform her mother and grandmother about your plans to get married. It will come to my table and I will speak my mind concerning it. If she can convince them, then it will go smoothly, if not, there isn’t much I can do now. Convincing them might take a while so you should start now.”

“Thank you, sir. Once I have your support, I believe we can conquer the rest”

“Nwadiuto tutored you well. Thank you for loving her the way she deserves. Truly, I have seen a huge difference in her. Your friendsh¡p helped her self confidence. My fear now is where she will be given out in marriage. Are we going to expose to the community her paternity? Anyway, we knew this day will come”

“It will be sorted when we get to that bridge”

“That’s right son, when we get to that bridge”

TBC