BEFORE DECEMBER
Chapter 9
… Haven paid the 4 million naira, I thought that would be the end, but that was only the beginning of more to come.iye and Edos kept asking money from me to solve one problem or the other, I was the one in charge of the whole family, the feeding, the bills and every other thing you could think of. Soon my account balance was running almost empty.
On a very good day, Edos ask me for money to add to his business, I told him I was out of cash, do you know all the expenses on my shoulders. So are you saying my shop would not be stocked, like that of my mates when I am married to a so-called bank manager.honey, being a bank manager doesn’t make me own the whole money in the bank.And my account balance is as good as empty due to all the expenses I carry alone in this house,a sound slap landed my cheek, don’t you ever tell me to my face about the expenses and debts you settle in this house,if not for your mother’s demands,I won’t even be in those debth anyways……
I was in pains,I can’t remember the last time I was slapped,Edos what was that for, that was to remind you that I am still the head of this house,and that I married you in full,rubbish,he said and walked away…
I was bittered and I knew I couldn’t deal with that kind of life,,I was doing well and better as a single lady,this pain is too much for me.I placed a call through to mom,and told her all that had happening.i also told her I was done with the marriage and that I was relocating to Lagos and filling for a divorce..
What? Chimamanda,do you know what you are saying,you marriage that is less than 14months,you are thinking of divorce,and planning to come to Lagos, Amanda,do you know the shame you would be bringing to this family if you leave your marriage..so when you were making all those vows for better for worse on the alter before God and man,you thought it was child’s play,bia don’t think of leaving that marriage,did you ever consider what my club members will say,that my daughter is definitely cursed,at first it was hard for her to get married,only to be divorce in 14 months,oh Chimamanda I shall be the topic of gossip till enternity.
I didn’t believe my mom could actually say those words to me,so she prefers her club members interest to mine her daughter,,,,
Chimamanda that’s marriage for you,it’s a parcel wrapped thoroughly,you only get to know the content only when you have opened it at home…
Well mom,I may not know the exact content, but from feeling it for some time,I just may have a clue as to what the gift was, if you had allowed me to know him before saying the vows it would have been better, but no,you pushed me into all these.
Will keep quiet,what are see saying,are you a child,don’t you have your own mind,if I had asked you to jump into a burning fire, would you,young lady,fix your marriage and don’t get me involved.i am in my husband’s house,stay in yours..
I cried bitterly, because indeed mother was right,I am supposed to have my own mind and stick to it.after all,we are all responsible for our choices, whether good or bad..
My life was just a big mess,I had become a different person,I could no longer recognize my own self.A guy came and took Edos car, apparently ,the guy is based abroad, Michael by name,he goes in and out of the country,on that faithful day we had gone to see Jackson at the airport, Edos had driven him to the airport,so he could bring back the car,the car wasn’t even for Edos….
That wasn’t even a bother to me, since I was hardly ever seen in it….
I didn’t know why I was finding it difficult to concieve,iye was making life unbearable for me,it’s been 14months plus,I had done all the necessary test i was asked to,taking different concoctions prepared by iye and those she bought,I drank all,and I’d better not say no,else it will be 3rd world war.Iye doesn’t allow any day passes without reminding me I was yet to have a child for her son…
Benin was becoming so tiring and fustrating ,for me, I had no one around.no family.
The only person that was a friend and sister was a lady by name Sandra,she was living very close to us,we were acquaintances who became friends.she comes visiting regularly,she always gets angry anytime she comes and sees the way iye treat’s me,she always get angry,and conclude I was too quiet .
See Ama,you are just to lenient for my liking. You have to show this woman you are though,I mean you are in your husband’s house,she should allow you have peace in your home …
If you don’t show this old woman a little of you,she will make you go insane.she would always advice..
While she was talking,her phone range and her fiance was on the phone.i couldn’t help but envy her,she was in a relationship she was loved and appreciated.
It was day break the next morning,and I was ready for work,,coming out ,I couldn’t believe what was before me….
