DECEMBER 31st

In the heat of the moment, everyone celebrated but for Ndeye's family.  They were already used to spending their Christmas in a hospital, it had become a routine for the past four years.

From 20th December Agu, Mrs Ndeye's first child and only son would take to a strange illness which would last till the 31st of December and suddenly like the wind, it blows away and he gets better like nothing happened.  It was exactly how her husband was before he passed on, his own lasted to seasons before his demise.  On one of the occasions, their kins men had proposed Agu be taken to a medicine man who cured all kinds of ailment since the hospital didn't dictate exactly what was wrong but his mother objected and said it wasn't spiritual. 
She didn't believe those kinds of things existed and kept on hoping that her son would get better with time since this particular Christmas was different.  On other occasion's, Agu's eyes would be shut for the whole period of hospitalization, he'd always wet the sheets and his mother and sister's took turns to clean him up.
On this particular Christmas, he seldom soiled the sheets and he could talk sometimes so they know when his bladder was full, it was a different Christmas and she was hopeful.

Agu's ailment got worse on 30th night as it usually does and his mother hoped he makes it out this year as he always had, he is her only son and he couldn't just die at 30,he wasn't even married and she couldn't bear losing him. 
3pm,31st December, Mrs Ndeye got a call from her security man that a young lady was asking after them and said it was important. She asked to speak to the young woman who introduced herself as Agu's girl friend, she was given directions on how to get to the hospital while Agu's mother wondered why she never knew this particular girl in question.
When Lola got to the hospital, it was already too late.. 
A strong wind blew across the room as Agu bid his mother and sister's a final farewell, he couldn't hang on so he let himself and the pain slip away, he almost made it through this year but it would never have been easy, he fought but his strength failed him at that point. This is the 31st his father had talked about on his death bed, it was his own turn and he had to go, he saw his mother's pain and wished he could stay longer....
Lola ran to his bed side and begged him to stay as he convulsed while white foamy substance escaped the corners of his mouth.  Lola had a boy of about four of five with her, she screamed and asked Agu to hang on telling him the kid is his son but it was already a lost cause. 
Lola's parents had sent her out of the country because they didn't want her to marry Agu, she soon found out she was with child but couldn't contact Agu.  She finally made it back to the country this year and found his home address in one of her old diary that she left behind and decided to look for him since at his old address she was told he relocated after his father's death.
Lola couldn't hold herself as she watched Agu breath his last, he was her first love, the first man that knew her. There was tears and there was joy. Mrs Ndeye held her grand son as she mourned her son who lay there stone dead as the staffs prepared him for the morgue, she was heart broken and at the same time felt unimaginable joy.
  She had finally made a strong decision to go to any length possible to seek the real cause of her husband and son's death because she couldn't take losing anyone again through the same means.

For Mrs Ndeye, it was a 31st to remember..  While she mourned Agu and remembered her husband, she also had a part of her heart that wanted to leap with joy whenever she laid eyes on her grandson....
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 3

I tip toed as i crossed the sitting room window because we lived down stairs and i didn't want them hearing footsteps, i almost fainted when Iya Tobi surfaced from no where genuflecting as she greeted me loudly. Her loud voice attracted Henry as he stepped out through our front door, he asked where i was headed and i quickly sort out a lie to cover up.  "i want Iya Tobi to help me buy akara from the woman down the road", thankfully i wore a slippers and the blouse i wore was one that i used at home so he didn't suspect anything.  "Give Tosin to me, while you go make the custard for the akara before it arrives" he walked up to me and carried our son.
Iya Tobi wondered why i lied, i gave her 200naira to help me buy akara and winked at her so she won't ask any questions that would raise my husband's suspicion. Iya Tobi was the same neighbour who told me about Kemi's death and how the cause is still a mystery to everyone and to think Henry married me barely one year after her demise raised eyebrows but did i care? No, i was in love with my dark hunk, he represented everything i wanted in a man, he spoilt me silly and i stupidly fell for his charms. 
One year and some months into the marriage, Henry began to change, even his parents attitude towards me was not a story to write home about, i had no one to cry to because i am an orphan and an only child, i didn't like to discuss my private life with friends so i kept everything to myself and acted like all was well. Henry changed a bit after Tosin's birth but his attitude fluctuates like network service providers from time to time and today was one of those days....
I walked back into the house and made for the kitchen, mama was there opening the refrigerator to drop the remaining part of the anniversary cake. I took out the kettle, filled and put it on fire, i brought out the custard cup and poured an amount into the plate, added water and stirred.
I thought of an escape plan but nothing was coming to my head, i could run if i was alone but i couldn't leave my son behind. 
Before i finished with the custard, Iya Tobi brought the hot akara balls, she came through the back door, i was alone in the kitchen and no one could hear us.
I asked her to help me escape and she looked at me as if i was insane. "Iya Tobi you just have to help me, today is our anniversary and they want to kill me the same way they killed Kemi, remember you told me the story yourself" i ranted without stopping to catch my breath.  She looked at me with eyes wide open as if to wonder what was happening but she agreed to help, "we have to plan the escape na" she finally said.  I smiled and thanked her.
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The plan was to put something Iya Tobi brought into my in law's custard, something that would make them sleep so i can sneak out with my son.  The plan worked and they all dozed off after the meal, we made a high five and i took Tosin with the small bag i packed and we left, this time i used the car because Iya Tobi advised i use it instead of leaving without nothing.  I drove straight to the police station and was about to report my case when my old school mate and friend who i had lost contact with, Ladi came out from one of the offices, we exchanged greetings, he is an inspector now and was on an official assignment in the state, he helped me talk with the DPO, i reported my case but it wasn't take serious as i had no evidence to prove my claims and the were mere assumptions. After speaking with the DPO, Ladi and i exchanged contacts and i left.
I decided to drive out of town, get a hotel where i can lie low till i secured a visa for i and my son, then i noticed a car following me, the car wasn't familiar but i knew i was in danger. I dialled Ladi's number severally but no answer, i managed to send a text to him about my whereabouts and the fact that i was in danger.
I looked from the mirror and saw my son sleeping peacefully, tears trickled down my eyes, "this people want to kill me and take my son, why do they want to take my life" , the thought ran through my mind as i maneuvered through other cars to dodge the car coming seriously after me. 

I got to a lonely junction and decided to turn and go back to the police station when i got a call from Ladi, he was coming too....  Before i could drop the phone on the passenger's side of the car, i lost control of the car and we pulled out of the road into the bushy parts.

I think i passed out because i woke up in the hospital to discover i had survived by chance.  When the car left the road, Henry and Iya Tobi tried to take Tosin and set the car ablaze but Ladi got there just on time to rescue me and track them down as they wanted to run with my son.
Iya Tobi whom i didn't know worked with my husband  and who was also his mistress had told them all our plans, it was perfect for them and they agreed that i would leave so that my death won't be linked to them. Tobi is my husband's son and Iya Tobi had told me about Kemi's death to scare me away from marrying Henry, there was no Kemi and the only reason Henry married me was because i was doing well in my chosen career and he needed my cash to boost his failing business.
Iya Tobi couldn't take it again and she convinced Henry and his people to kill me and make away with everything, i was dumbfounded at this shocking revelation as i reflected on my wasted years with Henry, my time and everything, the times i trusted Iya Tobi my neighbour i thought was good. My wedding anniversary turned out a day for hidden revelations, i smiled as i held unto Tosin with mixed feelings.........
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 2

I got a hold of myself, stood up and dragged myself out of the room only turning back when Henry enquired to know where i was going to, "i want to check on Tosin" i replied.  "No, come back to bed, he is sleeping and you would wake him" Henry tried to stop me but i didn't look back as i walked into our son's room which is directly opposite ours.

I quietly turned the door knob and locked it, i didn't understand my dream so i decided to sleep here till morning, i didn't understand Henry's attitude of late too especially with the statement he made as i woke up.  I checked on Tosin, our eleven months old baby as he slept peacefully in his crib releasing soft snores, i looked at him and smiled.     I went to the couch in the room and lay down, i was thinking about my dream when i dozed off.....
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I found myself in a strange forest, i didn't know how to find my way out, then i saw some men chanting a strange tone,as i made to run, the caught up with me, took me and tied me up.  One of the men was my father in law, "Baba help me, what is going on here" i tried to call his attention but he looked away. I didn't see the other men's faces so i couldn't tell who they were, after a while a woman dressed in a flowing black dress came out from no where, it was my mother in law..  I wondered what was going on, what were they going to do with me, i tried to scream but couldn't find my voice, i shut my eyes tightly as they lifted me onto a table, a fire was made at one corner while a large pot of watet cooked on it.  I let out a loud cry as i saw one of the men sharpen a cutlass, when he raised it up it shone and i saw his face through the reflection,  it was Uncle Tobias, Henry's uncle.  Before i could utter a word, he cut me into two, they cut the lower part of my body into smaller pieces that were large for Owambe size of meats, my mother in law sat by the fire and was about throwing my parts into the pot when i sprang up to see Tosin crying.

I carried him out of the cot and looked at my phone to see it was 8am already, i made for the door and walked to the sitting room to behold a surprise.  My in laws were there with my husband, my mother in law held the cake that had "Happy Wedding Anniversary babe" written on it, Henry smiled and planted a kiss on my fore head.  Uncle Tobias was there too, he quickly ran into the kitchen and brought out the bread knife and a plate for the cutting of the cake, they gestured me to join Henry and cut the cake while the echoed "hip hip hip, hurry"...  My mother in law began to cut the cake into different shapes, she threw each piece into the plate just as she wanted to throw my body parts into the pot, they all laughed in a weird way or maybe it seemed so to me.....  They have never been good to me, they never liked me, Henry too wasn't the perfect husband even though i practically worshipped him, he still faulted almost all that i did.  My son has been my only solace since three years i have been in this family, my mother in law had tried to put sniper insecticide into my food once and claimed she thought it was the salt bottle as it was dark in the kitchen that day.

I wondered why my wedding anniversary had to be the day they decided to make peace with me, my father in law smiled at me and i reflected on my dream again, suddenly a thought came into my head "what if the actually want to kill me"...... Another thought came into my head again and i remembered the story our neighbour told me surrounding Kemi, Henry's first wife's sudden death, she died on their  wedding anniversary.
My dream began to make sense, they had ill intentions obviously and i will not allow myself be their scape goat, i quickly excused myself, went into the room, wore a jean and a blouse, took Tosin's bib, grabbed my hand bag which housed my Atm cards and money that i needed for a taxi and left through the back door......

Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

I got out of the bathroom, wondering what i would wear, it is a Tuesday and i needed to look my best for this interview, i didn't want to look over dressed or like i was going for a contest so i sort for something simple.
I quickly glanced through my wardrobe as i discovered it was 7:30am already, my interview was for 8:30am, i selected one of my beautiful black dress and an animal print blazer to go with, i put it on and checked myself out in the mirror, i looked nice, more like a real cooperate working class girl.  I picked my black Dior bag which is  more of a China product, we wear designers too, no be only celebrities sabi wear am..  I smiled as i stepped into my black jimmy choo shoe that i had purchased from a bend down select some weeks back, i was classy in all ramification and i didn't think anyone would doubt that i wasn't expensive as my cologne spoke of class too.

It was a hot morning, i desperately wished i could get a free ride, i wiggled my waist as i walked and my hip danced to the rhythm of my cat walks.  My prayer was soon answered as  two cars pulled up in front of me, a Prado jeep and a gold Honda end of discussion.  Before i could walk to the Prado jeep, he drove off, i guess he saw someone else waiting and thought i might know him.  All the same i was happy there was a car as i just had my transport fare to go and not enough to come back.  I got close and he asked if he could give me a ride, as a sharp girl i didn't hesitate to accept the offer, i got into the car and we exchanged greetings and introduced ourselves, he said his name is Henry, i smiled and told him i am Kate.  He is a dark and very handsome man, i'm sure i would trip over him a thousand times, i checked out his left finger and there was no wedding band, i smiled again, i am sure he wondered what amused this girl.
It was a quiet ride, he only asked for my destination when we got into the major junction,  "pension office" i replied....  I was expecting him to ask if i worked there and i was ready to claim that i did as a sharp babe but he didn't, he dropped me at the gate, asked for my number and left.
I walked into the pension office only to get the sad news that the interview had been canceled, "after i wasted my cloth and i was going to waste transport fare back home", i thought to myself.  I and other angry applicants grumbled as we left the premises, we were all tired of the constant interview postponements .

As i got to the gate, Henry was there in his car, i walked up to enquire what he was still doing here because i thought he had left, he said he was waiting to take me home, i was more than delighted and i quickly hopped into the car, he said he wanted to go somewhere first and if i wasn't in a hurry, we could go together. i said i didn't mind because i actually had nothing to do and we drove off.
We were on the road close to an hour and i asked if we weren't at the place yet but he said we would soon be there.  I didn't know what happened but i slept off only to see myself in a forest surrounded by Henry and three other men in black cloths that was scantily tied around their waist, they were practically naked, making sounds and saying things i didn't understand, i sat on the ground, circled with a white chalk, i was tied hands and legs, i tried to lose myself but i couldn't.  I began to cry, i asked Henry what i had done to offend him but he looked away.  Suddenly i felt  shivers all over my body, i jumped up only to see my husband, Henry staring at me with cold eyes that spoke of murder..  I asked what the problem was and he said "Kate do you know i can kill you as you sleep without anyone finding out what happened"?
I was startled at the question, i stared at him with fear in my eyes and the only thing i could think about was my dream, i looked up to the wall clock to see it was 3am and today is our 3rd wedding anniversary, thoughts of my dream flashed through my mind as i held on tightly to my pillow and wondered what it signified.........
#fiction
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

DUSTED

June 22nd 1999,my son turned nine..  Papa and i decided to throw a lavish Birthday  party for him as papa had just been awarded a huge federal government contract and we were making plans of moving to a new town for a fresh start, i was through with law school and i was successful already,  the only thing that mattered was my son's happiness. 

The party was going smoothly until a mate called Nnanna "born by mistake", it was our neighbours son, Tito.  I came out to separate the fight as Nnanna was already stuffing sand into Tito's mouth while the other kids hailed him, when i enquired and found out what happened,  the only thing i could do was squeeze Tito's ears, i wanted to draw his ears out because the boy is as troublesome as his mother, always looking  for who to say one thing or the other to and i was sure the mum had made that statement about my son, i wanted to run into their compound and beat the hell out of her but i restrained myself.  I simply asked Tito to go home and never return to the party again as he dusted the sand off his shirt that had turned "it was white".  

 When i got into  the house, my son had a stern look as he firmly demanded to know who his father is, i was terrified by the question and wanted to lie but he cut me short when he said i shouldn't lie again that his father is Papa.  How would i tell my son that i don't know who his father is, Papa and i had decided to tell him the story when he comes of age, now how do i start explaining, i  just broke down and started crying...  I left him and went into my room to cry my eyes out while i decided to wait till Papa returns to help me salvage the situation, Papa has been helpful from the day i had Nnanna, he came as soon as he heard i had delivered, he was walking like a peacock when he left the hospital that day as the nurse narrated.  You can't blame him, i am his only child and having another child was a blessing, he made sure we never lacked anything and always put us first before any decision, he is the true definition of a real father and i was grateful he was always available when i needed him .                                                Thankfully,  my cousin Nneoma was around and made sure the chaos between the kids died down and the party continued after i went into the house. 

That evening, when i heard the car horn blaring at our gate, i felt some form of relief..  At least Papa was back to help me out of this uncomfortable situation as he always had, Nnanna refused to join in his party or eat.  Our helps had tried everything possible to see him calm but he refused to listen to anyone so the party was cut short.  Nnanna loves Papa and Papa loved him too, he listened to him and i was a bit happy that a solution would come now even though it was going to be difficult. 

After we greeted and welcomed Papa, i told him everything immediately because i haven't been myself since that afternoon, i didn't want my son to hate me as there was a story similar to mine where the son turned against his mother after she refused and swore never to tell him who his father is but my case was quite complicated and Papa decided we should tell Nnanna everything that happened, he is nine years old and he constantly got bullied because of this, its time he knew the real truth, Papa said.....  

We walked into Nnanna's room, he acted like i wasn't there and the times i caught him staring, he looked at me like i was his worse enemy, it got me more scared and i hoped he understands.  Papa spoke to him first "Nnam, your mother has told me everything that happened today and we will explain the details surrounding your being conceived, please don't hate your mother inugo", Nnanna nodded the affirmative and his face brightened a bit, then Papa signalled me to speak. 

 I held unto the wooden edge of the bed and leaned on the wall as some kind of support as i recalled that black Friday night,  30th September 1988, the day was still fresh in my memory, the day that lead to the cause of Mama's death, the day that my innocence was snatched away from me, the day that almost  ruined my life.....  Mama and i were doing the dishes late  in the night as she had engagements the next day and i couldn't do it all alone,  we had  visitors that evening, Papa had been promoted in the ministry where he worked and we had a small get together party for colleagues and friends.   We had a house  help who came in the morning and leaves by 6pm so she only assisted in the cooking while Mama and i cleared up when everyone  left, we were talking about my school of choice as i just finished secondary school... I wanted to leave Enugu for a while so i told Mama that i wished University of Ibadan offers me an admissiom instead of University of Nigeria Nsukka, i wanted a change of environment.  Mama teased me and reminded me how i ran back after one week in the boarding house and that is how i would also run back from Ibadan if i got the admission..  We laughed loudly and didn't notice we had company until we heard that unfamilair voice, Mama and i turned immediately only  to behold three huge men all in black outfits, with a black mask that revealed only their eyes which we could barely see. 

Fear griped us as we saw the big guns in their possession, i held tightly to Mama and shivered.    The tall man asked where Papa was and we told him he wasn't home yet, we didn't know if they were assasins sent to kill Papa as we heard of bloody things that went down among government workers then,  they had ran out of luck perhaps their informant might have made a mistake, Papa had gone out with his best friend, Uncle Thomas to continue the celebration, Mama was invited too but she turned it down because she couldn't leave only me at home.  The robbers searched every part of our house thinking we lied about Papa's where about but when they didn't see anyone, they dragged me into the living room, raised the jean skirt i had on and began to unzip their trousers, i screamed as i tightly shut my eyes, the tallest one was first, i could perceive his cologne mixed with sweat as he climbed on me,  he forced himself into me and i felt a sharp pain at the lower part of my abdomen as he thurst in and out with every strength he had.  Mama was held hostage by the other two and was soon shot on the left leg when she tried to break free from their grip and rescue me but they held her down and continued pounding into me, one after the other with every pain i felt, i shed hot tears...  I was just seventeen,  i wept as i lay there helpless and sore,  they left a note for Papa saying it was a lesson not to step on toes.  

Mama was bleeding seriously and i had no strength in me to stand up, i was bleeding too and i passed out, i woke up in the hospital to discover Papa got home before things went out of hand and rushed us to the hospital, our  security man wasn't spared too as they had beaten and tied him up before coming to meet us inside the house. I got discharged the next day and Mama went in for a sugery to remove the bullets in her leg, the sugery was successful but she never remained the same, she went from one sickness to the other and her health detoriated. 

Two months later, i fell ill and it was confirmed that i was pregnant, i couldn't bear it, i wanted to die and wished the ground could open and swallow me.  I was just recovering from the trauma of being raped by three strange men now this, i cried myself to sleep, starved for several days to see if i could close my eyes one night and never open them the next day, death refused to come and i was devastated.     Few days before Mama passed on, she called Papa and i and asked that i keep the baby, she asked Papa to take me to my grandmother's place in Rivers state so that i would be in a new environment till i put to bed.  It was her last wish and we had kept to it against Papa's initial decision for an abortion, i had my son there and came back to Enugu when he was a year old.  I took another exam,  got into the university to study law while Papa made sure we never lacked. 

After i narrated my ordeal to Nnanna carefully leaving out some details that might cause damage to his young mind, he wept and hugged me so tight.   He looked at me and promised amidst sobs never to feel he is a child conceived through a mistake again rather one who against all odds was born to make a mark, i was happy that i had an intelligent son as Nnanna who felt his mother's pain and who knew he had to live right at such a young age, i looked at him then at Papa and couldn't hold myself from crying, we held on to each other as we cried tears of joy.......... 

Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

DEPRESSION AND THE TWO FACED NIGERIAN

"Emeka is dead"  mother broke the news.  I couldn't believe it, our land lord's son who was full of life.  I was only gone for a little time,  how did it happen? I asked.  "They said he commited suicide", my younger brother replied. 

Mother was very sure its some witches or forces from their village that had pushed him into taking his own life, if not how else do you explain it that a young man full of life could kill himself,  we argued over Emeka's death and what could have caused him to make such a drastic decision for the few weeks i stayed.  My brother said maybe it was someone that killed him and then made it look like suicide since he was found after some days dangling from his ceiling fan. 

I couldn't argue much that Emeka might have been depressed all the while before contemplating suicide.  No one else besides me knew that a friend of mine at the time was also suffering from series of depression because she had a broken relationship and i haven't been finding it easy at all helping and acting as counselor even though we had to hide under the guise that everything was cool.  

Well after i got hold of life and my friend  snapped out of depression after seeking medical help. I reflected back to Emeka and the little time i knew him, he was a graduate with a good result, we spoke a couple of times whenever he came home and i realized he had been out of school for so long with no job and business wasn't his thing even when he tried.  The youngman didn't look too happy the last time i saw him but i didn't know how frustrated he had become, if only he had poured out his heart, maybe he would have gotten help and would still be alive today..... 

Depression as defined by Merriam webster is a psyconeurotic and psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hoplessness and sometimes suicidal tendencies.                                                                A lot of celebrities suffer depression too, most people can't handle scandals, financial crises, rape, abuse, unemployment and unfortunately they fall into depression. 

This is the ordeal of many young Nigerians, even parents don't help matters, some would always tell you how successful your mates have become while you are here asking them for money when you are supposed to be bringing home, people are driven into frustration and they lapse into been depressed and are still expected to live as though everything was alright, as though nothing bothered them and they just had to hustle or else.... 

I don't know how bad it gets but a young man i just met recently told me he had to take up a job where he receives salary that is not even enough for his transportation just so he can leave the house before he falls into depression, he also told me he had gotten a better offer before the new job but he declined because there were unrealistic conditions attached to the job and he would have been frustrated doing it which contributes greatly to depressive episodes. 

Most Nigerians are living two lives, in the public,  they are assumed as happy and have everything going well with them because we have been wired to look and act like normal even in the midst of our problems choking us and we have been wired to always believe "it's well" even when we know we need help but in the dark we are sober and glommy and thinking, hearing  voices and contemplating easy ways to overcome our fears and dejection.... The major thing that leads many into attempting suicide! 

Just like Emeka, many people can't handle depression or get help. Some hide it because no one would even listen to them or believe them, its a sad turn of event because while we think we are enlightened enough, a lot of people around us are down with depression but we don't know because we have been groomed to encourage the "two faced"  life. 

Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 8

Several years had passed and Akidi flourished, he became one of the richest farmers in Owa and Ozoemena, his son grew into a handsome strong young man so also has Uzoamaka, his betroth grown into a very pretty woman. She comes around to assist them in cooking and cleaning, Akidi didn't remarry so Uzoamaka was really of help to Ozoemena whenever she comes around, Ozoemena had accepted her as a sister and haven't wrapped his head around the fact that his father insists on addressing her as his daughter in law.

Akidi knew he was getting old and weak and needed to fulfill his promises to Nnuka, the time to make things straight had come.  That evening, after they had dinner, Akidi called Ozoemena into his Obiri and explained why he is going marry Uzoamaka even though he may not love her enough and the circumstances surrounding his birth and naming, he explained his sojourns to his son and the strange deaths of his grandparents, mother and older siblings. 
Ozoemena was reluctant at first until he encountered a strange woman on his way to the farm one day, the woman advised him not be stubborn and asked that he marry the girl his father had chosen, she spoke in parables but told him it was for his own good, that evening Ozoemena narrated it to his father and described the strange woman who according to Akidi fit into Nwayinma, his mother's description.

Two weeks after the encounter and after much ponder, Ozoemena decided, he told his father, they informed Uzoamaka's family and fixed a date. 
The next Nkwo day was the traditional marriage, on Afo Owa they bought all the item's required, Akidi also bought new wrapper's for his in laws and for the bride and Ozoemena, he bought the same material.   The marriage rites was performed and there was merry after which they took Uzoamaka home and lived in harmony.

Uzoamaka reflected Nnuka in every way, she had her charisma and happy attitude towards things, she was the perfect choice and Ozoemena had to appreciate his father's advise for him to marry her. She soon conceived and on the ninth month she bore twins, male and female.
Akidi's house hold was filled with joy and laughter and he was overwhelmed with such great news, he thanked his chi and made a sacrifice in appreciation.

Two years later, Akidi joined his ancestors, he died a happy and fulfilled man.  Happy that his lineage remained and he made proper reconciliation with whom he offended and that he walked through his own journey and made a better second chance of it.....
The End!
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 7

Five days gone and Akidi was not yet back, Okeosisi was restless and pacing about the shrine while Dibia Okpanri continued in his incantations. Thick clouds of smoke from a pot filled with concoctions that cooked in a corner escaped from the thatched roof of the shrine, Okeosisi's eyes followed the smoke even as his head ran wild in thoughts. 
"Wise one, its already five days and my friend is yet to return, what is happening?"  queried Okeosisi with an almost weeping tone and worried face, the Dibia replied calmly that he was doing his best to bring Akidi back.

While Okeosisi paced about frightened and deep in thoughts about his friend, he had the rumbling of the heavens like it was about to rain but this was harmattan season and it can't rain... The rumbling was even louder and he was scared,  "what is going on?" Okeosisi asked the Dibia again, who then announced it was Akidi's come back.  
The drum cover went off with a mighty sound and Akidi sprang up like someone who was awakened from a deep sleep, he looked weak and was too tired to talk.   He was helped out of the drum and the Dibia asked him to lay on the floor till he regained his strength, he later narrated his ordeals to the Dibia and how he found it difficult to gain access back to the living when his sojourn was over.

After Akidi got strength, they thanked the Dibia and made back to Okeosisi's maternal house to rest awhile and prepare to leave for their own village the next day.

*************************************
It was a glorious arrival as Akidi and Okeosisi arrived Owa, Ozoemena was excited to see his father and Akidi was happy his journey was over and they could live in peace now.  The next day he took his son and some relatives to betroth Ozoemena to Uzoamaka, the family received them well and it was agreed that when Uzoamaka becomes ripe for marriage,  the full marriage rites would be performed, they were already in laws and that's the important part.

Soon Akidi's ailment was gone and his debtors began to pay him back what they owed him, even when the planting and harvesting seasons came, his crops flourished.  He bounced back to life and became rich again, he usually visited Uzoamaka's family with gifts which signifies his interest is still in the child.  Ozoemena didn't understand why they owned Uzoamaka's family a lot even after his father explained that she was going to be his wife, "he is still a child" everyone told Akidi and "he would understand when he is of age" ......
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 6

As soon as the drum was shut, it looked like a tunnel.  Akidi began to hear strange voices, then he heard Nnuka's voice like it was a roaring lion then his parent's voice and Nwayinma's voice, she sounded so loving and was asking about their son.

He then began to see weird things, he saw his late relatives sitting under a shade and chatting away, Akidi wanted to reach out to them before he remembered the Dibia's warning not to talk to any other person before Nnuka, he looked away and they beckoned to him to come over while the let out weird sounds and  laughter's.  Akidi was frightened but he had to be a man and face this challenge, he left them and suddenly saw himself walking through thick bushes when he met some children playing and dancing in circles, soon the children came together and formed into a huge woman with a scary face, she began to chase Akidi and he ran as fast as his legs could carry him.  He ran through the bushes and was almost losing his breath as the huge monster caught up with him when Nwanyinma, his late wife appeared and saved him from the spirit, he heaved a sigh of relief and before he could say anything, Nwanyinma was gone just like the wind that brought her.
  Akidi gasped for breath, he wished this nightmare would be over soon, he looked down and saw a beautiful lake with fruits blossoming from the trees that surronded it, he wanted to take a swim and pluck from the fruits but the Dibia's voice echoed to him once again, he took another turn through the bushes in search Nnuka.

Akidi had walked for many hours already, he began to wonder what his mission here was all about if he had begged Nnuka and appeased her spirit,  he couldn't make anything out of the journey. 
He was tired of walking already and decided to take a rest, as soon as he spotted a huge tree with shades, he made for it and sat under the tree, soon he dozed off, only to wake up to see that he had been surrounded by five beautiful maidens who were identical, they were whispering and he couldn't make out anything they were saying,  they turned to see he was awake, then began to laugh,  their laughter's grew louder as they danced and twisted their bodies like snakes.  They continued dancing round Akidi and laughing before another young woman appeared and joined them in their loud laughter's, hers was the loudest, she was veiled so Akidi couldn't see her face.  It was not until she spoke that he realized it was Nnuka, the woman he seeks, he immediately knelt down and began to plead with all his might and strength asking that her spirit forgives her for everything his family put her through and release them from her spell.

After his pleads, Nnuka took Akidi into a place that looked like a cave, she told him, he she had forgiven him as he didn't know what had really happened but asked that his son be betrothed to her as she had reincarnated into the child that was born and of whom the Dibia had asked that Ozoemena be betrothed to.  Akidi wanted to plead for mercy on his son but Nnuka won't hear, she told him he would stay in the cave until the Dibia opens the drum that lets him back into the land of the living and if he is not able to make it back, Okeosisi his friend would stand as representative at Ozoemena's betrothment....
Akidi thanked her and she disappeared, he thanked his chi for his son's safety and hoped he makes it back to make amends!
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 5

Another dream.....  Another dream...  More confusing than the other one but the only thing he could make out of it was the beautiful maiden he saw, so that is going to be his daughter in law, she would grow into a beautiful young woman so he didn't have anything to be scared off but then why did she look so much like Nnuka or was she reincarnating to taunt his family for the rest of their life's?   Beads of sweat gathered all around Akidi's neck, face and his body was socked, he felt hot even though it was a cold night, the thoughts made him shiver and wonder what his son's future would look like.

Akidi tossed and turned till dawn, he couldn't sleep..  It was as if Nnuka's ghost hovered around the room and would harm him if he closed his eyes so he remained awake like a night guard.
At dawn, Akidi set out with Okeosisi to meet Dibia Okpanri as the chief priest was popularly referred to.  The appeasing was to be done for two days because it required cleansing and several other rituals, if Ozoemena was there it would have just been done that day only but the Dibia had to connect Akidi and his son's spirit so that what ever he does would work for both father and son.
Okeosisi was advised by Dibia Okpanri to go home and catch some rest and await his friend as Akidi would be at the shrine for the next two days to break the jinx that had been a pain in his family, the rituals soon began as Okeosisi left.

The Dibia made some incantations, hitting his gong and singing praises to his chi while mentioning the market days and asking their chi to come and partake in the rituals,he broke kola nut and threw it to the oracle, he also threw the cowries Akidi had offered to the floor in front of the deities and made a circle with a white chalk around it, he then used the white chalk to draw stick signs on Akidi's bare chest and back.  He held up a cock and called out Nnuka's name seven times before strangling and letting the blood of the cock to flow freeing on the oracle's head while it struggled for life.
Soon, he made some more incantations, gave Akidi a white cloth to tie around his waist while he held another piece, he went to his big clay pot with his Ofor which he used to strike the water in the pot and Nnuka appeared, the water looked like a mirror as Akidi stepped over to watch, he asked Akidi to ask her for forgiveness and gave him the other white cloth to cover the mouth of the pot which Akidi did.  Dibia Okpanri continued with his praise incantations as he motioned Akidi to step into a drum, where he would spend the next two day before he would be released.  It was also a Journey as Akidi would commune with the spirits and make amends with Nnuka whom he needed to appease, Dibia Okpanri gave Akidi fresh omu to hold on to which would symbolize he was on a peace journey.  He made some more incantations asking the gods to guide Akidi and allow him access back to the land of the living in two days, he then covered the drum as Akidi began his journey in the quest for answers and solutions to his woes.....
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 4

Just before mid night, they arrived Okpanri.  Okeosisi led the way and they made for the oracle of Okpanri.  Akidi was restless and beads of sweat had gathered on his fore head, he thought about his young son and then about his dream on the way to Okpanri, he was soon brought back to life by the sound of the chief priest's gong.
The chief priest motioned them to seat on the dark cloth placed on one corner of the shrine while he continued with his incantations, he is a stoutly built man with a round belly that had the shape of the oku`(clay bowl), he had  different designs on his body and eye that were drawn with a white chalk.
After about twenty minutes of his incantations, the priest turned to face Akidi and Okeosisi with an expressionless face shaking his head as if he was in deep sorrow.   He already knew what they had come to seek and told Akidi that a sacrifice to appease Nnuka's spirit had to be made as her cause had been the main reason why all his children had died at infancy and for Ozoemena, his son to live he would be betrothed to a
a child from Nnuka's father's family.   The child to whom Ozoemena would be betrothed to was being born at that hour and Akidi would make his intentions known to the girl's family with lots of gift and must make sure his son follows up with the plan as he grows into a man if not they would be wiped out.  He also advised Akidi not to bother taking another wife for procreation sake as his man hood had been destroyed as a result of the strange illness that befell him.
Akidi thanked the dibia and they set out for Okeosisi's maternal compound to pass the night as he had a sacrifice to offer to appease Nnuka's restless spirit the next day. 
They were welcomed with lots of food and drink because the journey was a far one, Okeosisi's uncle's were so happy to see their nwa nwa who seldom visits and wanted to stuff them with variety of food items. 
After their meal, they had a bath and settled in, Akidi could not help but think about all the good times he had with Nnuka and why he had given up on her when she was accused of harvesting cassavas and yams belonging to other people.  In Owa, the punishment for stealing is banishment and Nnuka was banished without hearing her own side of the tale, he should have just found a way to help her but he was young and stupid, he didn't know how he let his parents deceive him into accepting that someone he knew for so long was a thief and yet he never found out, now they are not here to help in his sufferings.
He thought about his son again, his only survivor and heir, what if the child he is to be betrothed to doesn't turn out well, what if there was something about the child, why does Nnuka demand that before sparing his son's life.  Shouldn't she have asked for something else, he didn't want all this but he brought it on himself and now his son has to bear the greater consequence.
Akidi drifted off in his thoughts, he dozed off and next he saw himself lying inside his Obiri, a very beautiful maiden appeared and called to him "Nna dim, your food is ready" the maiden looked so much like Nnuka and he was confused as to how someone he didn't know addressed him as "Nna dim", suddenly the maiden disappeared and he saw his parents and Nwayinma at one corner of the Obiri laughing hysterically in a confusing manner, Akidi tried to reach out to them for an explanation but they laughed even harder until he jumped up and discovered it was another dream.....
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c)  2016

MY SISTER'S WOES

It was the night of 5th july in 1993,that rainy night, i was
busy scribbling on a paper, ideas on how to set up my new
business as i had been settled by my Oga after serving him
for four years, as papa couldn't afford to send me to a
secondary school, i had just returned to the village to
announce the good news to my parents who were so happy,
i didn't see my sister and was too tired but decide to visit
her the next day.
As i wrote my ideas down, i heard a knock on my door, it
seemed more like a tap, then it came again. I wondered who
it was at this hour, it was almost 11pm and anyone who
needed anything should be knocking on mama's side of the
house not here.
I hesitated, then i heard my sister's voice "Emenike, its me",
it was Ugonma, i quickly ran to unbolt the door, she was
there, wet and shivering. I gestured her to come in, gave her
my wrapper to cover herself and made to get the ointment
on my table for her to inhale before dabbling into all the
questions running through my mind.
Ugonma was my only sister, she had been given out to Mazi
Ize four years ago, the richest palm wine tapper as papa
usually hailed him, my sister's marriage was all because
papa didn't have enough money to pay for me to learn a
trade, i wasn't bothered because i didn't want my sister to
do something that's against her will. It was also at a time
when we couldn't afford even food as papa's crops had
been affected during a great flood in our village as such
mama didn't have anything to sell in the market, we were
just managing to feed.
Then suitors began to come for my sister's hand in
marriage, she was only 16 and didn't want to marry then,
she had dreams, i remember when papa would call her into
his room to plead with her to consider the proposal of one
the men coming for her as that was they only way we could
start up again through what he'd get from her bride price.
Ugo had to be bait for our survival, she cried for many
nights but she decided to marry Ize after papa threatened to
disown her, he was tired of pleading with an "inconsiderate"
child, he'd always say then.. As i remembered, tears began
to trickle down my eyes.
I summoned courage, wiped my tears and asked her "Ugo,
what are you doing here at this hour, what happened, what
was chasing you, what about your husband?" there was so
many questions that needed answer. When she finally found
her voice she told me she was going to run away. My jaw
dropped and i demanded to know why, she explained how
she wasn't happy and couldn't come back home as my
parents won't accept it, my mother was even the worst,
she'd begin to scream "go back to your husband's house
and leave my own husband's house for me". I heard news
about my sister's ordeal while i was with my Oga but i didn't
know it got to where she had to run.. I held her, we cried
together and then fell asleep.
I woke up and couldn't find Ugo, i looked at my wrist watch
to see it was 6am.. She had left, i didn't know what to do,
then i had voices, it was Mazi Ize and papa arguing, i
jumped out of bed because i already knew what the
commotion was about, my sister had ran away as she
promised. I felt so bad that i couldn't do anything about her
situation.
As i got out, Mazi Ize was fuming and shouting on top of his
voice that papa should return his wife from wherever he had
hidden her, he didn't even respond to my greeting as he was
screaming like a man whose balls had been cut by a sharp
object..
I just prayed my sister was alive and had somewhere to get
shelter, i was pretty worried but then i couldn't do a thing,
everyone was worried but we couldn't do much.
Days, weeks,months and years had passed without word
about my sister, we lost hope of seeing her again. I had
started my business and was doing well and i was even
planning on getting married soon.
*******************
It was a sunny Friday afternoon in August 11th 2010,i had
gone to visit my wife to be , she is educated and works in a
big office,she was already out to meet me before i got to
the office, Chiamaka is a very good woman, she is all a man
could ever dream off though stubborn in a way. We
exchanged hugs and i asked that we go have lunch but she
declined saying she wanted to introduce me to her boss as
she'd been on her neck to marry her husband's younger
brother, Chiamaka wanted her to know she was serious
about being in love with someone. I obliged, i am a very
jealous man and i was thankful my woman understood we
had to do things in a certain way.
As we made it to the woman's office who is dark skinned
and in her late 30's, her husband, the actual owner of the
office before his demise the previous year had handed
everything over to her, Chiamaka had told me. She is just
two years older than i am, i was impressed a woman could
have done so well that her husband trusted her enough to
leave his business in her hands.
My thoughts still ran wild as i saw the face of the boss. My
face turned green, i became pale, the woman fainted and i
immediately got myself and jumped over to help revive her
as Chiamaka called for help.
It was my sister, my Ugo, my friend before fate separated
us, i always believed in her.. I was in tears, i couldn't
imagine she had done so well for herself, i was filled with
happiness and sheer hatred at the same time. My parents
had caused this separation if they weren't out to achieve
their selfish desires and the hatred was for them but then
happiness filled me, unexplainable happiness!
Ifunanya Ononiwu, copyright 2016

THE JOURNEY 1

Akidi had to bear the pains of having to lose his two children under two years at infancy, he had also buried his parents the same year and now his wife, he couldn't bear the pain again. Sleep was far from him and food was story for another day.

Nwayinma, his wife was all he had, she can't die now.  He paced around as he prayed to his "chi" to protect and keep his wife for him.
The midwife came out, took a bowl of water and made it back to the room, it was almost dark.  Akidi sat down as several thoughts raced through his mind.  He was the only child of his parents and couldn't stand not having his own children, who has he offended, he continued thinking...
At the footstep of the midwife, Akidi startled, jumped up with expectations of good news but the mid wife's face wasn't encouraging.
But she broke the news, "Nwayinma is dead but your son lives". Akidi let out a loud scream which woke the entire kindred, his worst nightmare had come, his heart felt like it was been ripped out with a sharp object, darkness filled every corner of the compound and the dark clouds thickened.
Akidi continued screaming "Ozoemena", he had had enough and continued to question his chi but took solace when he finally beheld the face of his son, the survivor.
**********************
He was named Ozoemena, considering the circumstances surrounding his birth.   The year  Ozoemena turned five, Akidi fell ill with a strange disease, it was exactly the kind of illness that killed his father and Akidi wouldn't sit back and watch himself die like a helpless chicken.  He had decided to consult the oracle of Aro, one of the most powerful deities around, he told his son to get ready as they would set out for their journey the next day at dawn!
#to be continued#
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 2

THE JOURNEY!
Contd....

At dawn, immediately the first cock crowed, Akidi set out to Aro with his son, he dragged two healthy goats along as a sacrifice to the oracle of Aro. They had packed roasted yam in a bag in case they got hungry, the journey was going to last the whole day and as it was quiet a distance from Owa to Aro.
Akidi hoped his chi would be kind enough to show him mercy this once, he believed the journey would change a lot of things, the journey should have been taken a long time before now.
The finally got to the shrine of the oracle of Aro at sunset, the shrine had demarcations, one side was for sick people, suffering from different ailments, another section was people with their different problems that needed solution.  The oracle was consulted on a daily by people from far and wide and Akidi was convinced his problem was a small case.

It finally got to their turn, it was almost mid night, Akidi stepped into the inner chambers of the shrine with his son and the goats he had brought to appease the oracle, the priestess after several incantations finally spoke to him...
Some years before he married Nwanyinma, Akidi had been with another woman Nnuka, his parents rejected the romance between this two and sent Nnuka away from the village by cooking up false tales against her which attracted banishment, they didn't know she was pregnant,she was left helpless and while she was dying, she placed a cause on the family "No child shall live above six years and there shall be no descendants from the lineage"
Akidi was shocked at this revelation, he asked the priestess what he could do, She told him it would demand a human sacrifice, which after it, he Akidi would get better, marry another wife and procreate children who would not die at infancy but the human sacrifice had to be someone dear to him.
His son....... Ozoemena!
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

25 AND NIGERIAN episode 6

That evening when Preye got back i couldn't gather the courage to tell him anything because he had already planned for us to have dinner at one of his favorite restaurant.
I can't continue doing this to myself, i thought but i was going to get the shock of my life.      By 7:00pm, we left the house to the restaurant, Preye had ordered the food ahead of our coming and we were served in less than five minutes after we got seated and we ate silently, the silence spoke volumes, i knew something was up because unlike Preye we should have been all chatty or he should have complimented the food.
I didn't like the silence because i found it difficult to think of any other thing besides the fact that i was madly in love with this man and i couldn't say it.

The meal was nice no doubt and i used it as a way to break the silence, i also went ahead to find out why Preye was quiet and he said he was fine and that he needed us to go to his old house because he wanted to see one of his tenants. We still drove to the house without a word, Preye insisted we had to go into his old apartment and at this point i was kind of worried at his calmness and strange attitude today but i didn't say anything.
When we got into the house, the place had a good scent then Preye immediately went on his knees and asked me to marry him , he slipped the ring he had giving me before from my finger for a better diamond. I was confused and i just stared at Preye in utter surprise, he asked me again to marry him and i asked if we were not already on it, we are wedding next month right but he said that first proposal was for our plan unlike this, he swore that he loves me more than he thought he did, he confessed his love to my surprise.
So like me Preye is also crazy about me but also concealed it, i couldn't believe it yet.

'When did you realize you loved me this much'? i asked and he explained how he had always had eyes for me but he thought i didn't love him and when i asked him to go ahead with my plans to act as my husband he didn't hesitate because he couldn't stand seeing me married to someone else. I was shocked and i opened up to him how i had decided we'd call off the wedding because i didn't want to continue deceiving myself... Preye asked again if i would marry him genuinely now and i agreed, we hugged and kissed and made love before driving home........


November 5th, standing in front of the mirror on my first traditional marriage attire, i was happy that i was marrying my husband and best friend, Preye was everything i wanted and more and he was all smiles you could see the happiness in his eyes when i looked through the window and saw him as he walked to the canopy, i know he is happy with me.
My mother came into the room and also confessed to how happy Preye looked and me too, she said she was only trying to be a good mother and she is happy i made a good choice. My reply sure made everyone laugh,
   ''I am sure the choice is also favorable to you too mum because you got yourself yet another wealthy son in law and i am happy it isn't your choice, that your choice Omereoha is really an ugly man and i would have died before the wedding day as i wouldn't have been able to stand him''. 
  Everyone laughed.....

THE END!
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

THE JOURNEY 3

"You have till the next two nkwo market day to make the sacrifice or else death follows" This was the voice of the priestess of Aro echoing in Akidi's head.. He was in a dilemma, should he sacrifice his son or let his lineage close, he had barely eight days to make this hard decision.
They had gone back to Owa the next day after the consultation, aside the human sacrifice, Akidi would be bringing a special kind of white cloth which his son would have on the day of the sacrifice,he would need money for the purchase of the white cloth and the purchase of other small items as listed by the priestess, he also wanted to confide in someone about his ordeal... He was torn between the devil and the deep blue sea, how will the only remedy be Ozoemena, the son who finally stayed, his conscience would taunt him for the rest of his life if he killed his son but then his father's lineage would close and he was sure his father's spirit would never forgive him, he needed answers to all the questions his mind were bombarded with and fast.
It was on Afo market day, time was going and Akidi had not come up with what else to do.. He was in deep thoughts when he had a voice outside "kpoi kpoi", it came three times before he responded, it was his friend, Okeosisi, the palm wine tapper.. After exchanging greetings and taking the kola brought to him, Okeosisi demanded to know how Akidi's health is and what was the outcome of his journey to Aro. Akidi explained his current situation to his friend and asked if he had any idea what else to do as he couldn't kill his only son.
Okeosisi listened with rapt attention as Akidi poured out his heart to him, he had just remembered there was a great medicine man in his maternal home whom his powers were said to be greater than that of the oracle of Aro, the only problem was getting to see him as his maternal village was quite a distance and would take two nights, he knew his friend had limited time but he had to tell Akidi about this great medicine man.
He told Akidi about it and he agreed they had to set out tomorrow for Okpanri, Okeosisi's maternal village.
That night Akidi made his decision, he couldn't disappoint his father nor kill his son, he would ask if his life would be taken so his son can live and procreate for the family, its going to be a life changing journey and Akidi couldn't wait for the outcome, he was prepared to die in place of his son after all, he had lived some time.
Before the cock crew, Akidi and Okesosisi set out to Okpanri, they had packed water and some edible leaves and roasted yam which Okeosisi's had prepared for them as cure for hunger on the way, they would be passing the two nights at Okeosisi's relatives house, the women were married to men from the two villages they would pass before Okpanri.
They had walked for quite some time and needed rest, so they decided to take shade under a tree before continuing, they sat down, ate and soon dozed off.
Akidi saw himself in a pit, a very deep pit, at the edge of the pit was his late wife, Nwanyinma, his father and his mother, he was asking them to help him out but they had laughed continuously at him, increasing the tone of their laughter each time, Akidi was so scared as he shouted for their help till he woke up, his shouts woke Okeosisi, whose heart almost jumped out of his body.. "What is the problem, my friend, have you been bitten by a snake?" Akidi with a confused face answered "it was a dream, oh a dream", we can continue now, as he took the next question that was on his friend's lips..
They continued till they got to the first relatives house, they hadn't spoken till they got to the house. And true to what Okeosisi told him earlier, they were received well, the best part was when they were facing well prepared Egusi soup and a bowl of pounded yam each with fresh palm wine to wash it down.. Akidi hadn't eaten well in a while, and for a second his problems seemed not to bother him especially when they joked and laughed over different things as they gulped down horns of palm wine with the man of the house, Akidi slept so well that night, who wouldn't, if you only slept on mats and now had to sleep on a bamboo bed like kings do.
The next day at dawn, they set out again, Akidi kept mute most of the time, he wasn't even listening to whatever Okeosisi had to say, he had just three days remaining.. They needed to walk faster, they had to get to Okpanri this night, there would be no need to sleep over at anyone's house, he didn't care if they made it into Okpanri at midnight when the spirits commune, he wasn't going to lose his life and that of his son, and prayed his chi favours him this time around!
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

25 AND NIGERIAN episode 5

It was noon when we got to my father's house, only De Steven my father's elder brother and my mother was around.  I had to go and fetch my two other uncle's who i think were with my mother on her decision about Omeroha. They didn't know Preye had an edge over Omeroha, he is educated,enlightened and even wealthier than Omeroha, because someone is not showing off doesn't mean the person is nothing but i wasn't bothered because what ever i and Preye had was false so i didn't even want to start wasting my strength in convincing anyone.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Preye made known why they had come and presented the gifts he had brought which included cartons of wine and wrapper for my mother. Normally, he only needed to bring a keg of palm wine or a bottle of wine because this was knocking on the door(iku aka) but i had insisted he brought those to satisfy my mother's want but i guess it didn't work because when my uncle's asked her to call me so i can attest to knowing Preye and accepting his marriage proposal.   
 My mother smiled from ear to ear and told me Omereoha has married you and put jara, she said i should go out there and tell my uncle's i don't want Preye again. I just smiled,walked into the sitting room and answered the affirmative to all my uncle's questions leaving my mum mad, it was all over her face when De Steven gave Preye a copy of the bridal requirements and asked that when he comes for the introduction and performing the four days rites he should come with his parents.
Preye and his friend left and i stayed to leave the next day. That evening my mum convinced me why Omereoha was the best for me and that he was inviting me to his house that evening as he was in town, i agreed to go just to stop her from further stressing the matter.

By 7pm, Omereoha's driver was at the gate already. My mother was in my room once again doing what she knows how to do best; convincing me, i got dressed and in a few minutes we were there.
Omereoha is from the neighboring village so his house was a trekking distance, he was at the sit out and was smiling as he saw me. He motioned me to come upstairs,  he asked me to sit and brought out drinks.    When he talked, trickles of spit made patches by the sides of his mouth, oh God how i hate this man, if only he knew how everything about him puts me off, he would just give up on me and find himself another woman.
It was 7:45pm when i asked to take my leave but he kept convincing me to stay, i knew if i stayed five more minutes there i would do something nasty, i didn't want my mother to feel bad so i insisted i had to go home. He asked his driver to drop me off, in his words ''bia ka ibula my sweet potatoe, nne i will see you before you travel tomorrow inu'', what a phrase. My own was, let me just leave this house first so i just smiled and said okay.
That night, Preye called me severally saying he misses me and couldn't sleep and asked if i could be in Port harcourt as early as possible, i didn't understand him so i was worried something might be wrong with him or maybe he is just trying to act the role of the ''fiance''.
I left very early the next day throwing a deaf ear to all my mum's sermon to wait a bit, i knew why she wanted me to wait a little longer, i didn't want that annoying Omeroha to meet me so i attended the 6am mass and left as soon as we got home, i didn't even wait to have breakfast. Preye was at the park already when i alighted from the bus, he hugged me so tight, it felt strange but i felt it was also fiance duties when we had to drive straight to his place and the cook had made a delicious breakfast at his order. Something Preye never does....

Preye had spoken with his parents and reached an agreement to go see my people the next month so that everything can be put in place and we can have our traditional marriage towards the end of the year because the rains were already coming and we couldn't do it now.   Preye's mum also insisted we had to do a church wedding and Preye agreed but he told them he had plans for a white wedding outside the country, it was one of the plans right because we both knew we weren't going to that extent and Preye in his calm manner would always tell me to relax that he knew what he was doing.

Every plans were put in place and the traditional wedding was set for  November 5th despite the fact my mum tried to kick against it while encouraging her Omeroha who continued to shower her with gifts and food items. My twin brother and my aunt Chinasa was always at my defense and at one point my twin threatened never to come home again if our mum continued with her disturbance, that was when she calmed down, my brother was her weak point, i don't think she loved Akudo the way she loved my brother and he was the only one who could talk and she listened.

Preye asked that i move in with him, he said it would make the plan perfect and no one would suspect a thing, those months together were part of the best, it was as if Preye was rebaptised or a new spirit was working in him. He spoiled me silly, we took trips together and we really acted like people who were in love, we were almost the perfect couple in everyone's eyes and it seemed as if we were no longer acting, it seemed so real but i knew we couldn't share our beds, what ever i felt had to be limited to the plan.
 I was still head over heels with Preye but i couldn't make that fact known, i just hid it because i still saw Preye as the womanizer he was but he would always say he has changed whenever i teased him about the numerous girls that hanged around him.

One month before November 5th and i suddenly developed cold feet and didn't want to go along with the plan again, i decided to let Preye know as soon as he gets back from work because i can't continue denying  the fact that i loved him and was acting or rather would have to keep acting to a plan and torturing myself.  We would have to call the wedding off and i wasn't going to give a damn about anything now.....

Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016

LOVE'S BEAM

Pum pum.. Pum pum... The older woman was smiling while she held a phone to her ear and talked to the younger woman sitting with her, "ehe nwam his phone is ringing, wait let me talk to your husband ... "
On the other side... Nnamdi looks at his phone, sighs and murmurs "not again" and takes the call, "Hello mum, how are you?
" I'm fine Nna m, hope you are still coming home this weekend, i really need to see you and show you something nice".
"yes ma, i'd come. Take care of yourself, we will talk later, i'm at work now. Bye".
He hangs up the call, Nnamdi was sure it has to do with him getting a wife soon, he was the only son of his mother, his three sister's were already married but his mother has vowed not to be at rest until he finally settles. He had a girlfriend, a wonderful woman who had her crazy sides which was even his major attraction and he was going with her to see his mum, he hopes her mind can be at rest.
Chizo was all smiles as Nnamdi introduced his mum to her, they had prolonged this meeting and here she was facing her future mother in law.. "Mummy meet Chizo, she's also from Imo state, i told you i had someone to marry, isn't she cute?" Nnamdi said.
His mum all smiles and probably pretending she was happy.... "My daughter come and sit beside me" she beckoned to Chizo, "what part of Imo state are you from?"
"Owerri, Uratta to be precise" Chizo answered. Nnamdi's mum showed off a fake smile, it was obvious while convincing his son that she was okay with his choice, she told her to feel at home and food would be ready for them soon.
Voices were heard in the sitting room, it wasn't mother and son heart to heart talk as Nnamdi's mum had made them believe when she said she wanted them to talk after dinner, it was an unpleasant argument. Chizo tiptoed to where she could hear them, the argument was about her..
Nnamdi was trying to explain how good she is but his mother wouldn't budge, she kept insisting "Owerri women were known to be promiscuous, arrogant, they are always opening eye and they don't like staying in their husband's house, that is what they have been known for since i can remember. Please you are my only son, i don't want any woman to kill you before your time and see, there's this beautiful girl i have seen for you".
"Mum i am not interested in your beautiful girl, i love Chizo and that's final".
"What do you know about love", his mother snapped back. "I have gone to do" iku aka" in the girls house with your uncle, she is also a graduate and has seen city life, what else. You know your mother's choice would be the best, Nna biko hapu nwanyi Owerri and listen to the voice of reason inugo, sleep over it".
Nnamdi was already feed up with his mother constantly trying to shove her own choice down his throat, he made her study law after his father passed so as to retain the man's chambers and continue from where he stopped, those were her exact words.
He wondered how his mum, with all her exposure could reason this way, Chizo has been faithful in their one year relationship, she's one of the best person's he'd ever met and none of those attributes his mum talked about in Owerri women were true about her, he just has to marry her or he was bargaining to live a very miserable married life if he listens to his mum.
Chizo had tip toed back into the room, pretending not to have eaves dropped on their conversation. Nnamdi came into the room smiling like nothing had happened, hugged her and said good night.
The next day, Nnamdi got up to see Chizo was not beside him, he went out to check for her, he had gone round and came to the kitchen to see if she was there rather he met a young girl of about 25 washing the dishes, he didn't know his mum had a new help so he just greeted and made for the sitting room to find Chizo.
"Mummy good morning, have you seen Chizo i didn't see her anywhere around the house?"
"Ehe Nnam, your Owerri woman has gone to her father's house maybe, i told her to leave. Your wife is in the kitchen, i'm sure you like her" his mothers responded with a big smile on her chubby face.
"You what, mummy what is it? I have done everything to please you all my life, am i the first person to become an only son? I am leaving your house for you and i am going after Chizo, she gives me peace and i will marry her with or without your blessing, you can look for another son you'd marry the other girl to. As for me its my Owerri woman or no other".
Nnamdi went into to the room, got dressed, parked his bag and left as his mum shouted, pleading to the entire village to come and help rescue his son from the charms of "Nwanyi Owerri".
*********************
Five years later, Nnamdi's mother was going for a second Omugwo, Chizo had twins this time.
She was telling her friend, Mama Ndidi that came to see and congratulate her that her son was coming to take her in a few days.... "Hah, that Owerri girl is good o, even after i kicked against the wedding, she still accepted me and treated me like she treats her own mother, the first time she put to bed and we traveled to Obido Oyibo, she spoilt me eh, you see all those things we were saying about Owerri women are just lies, those ones that leave their marriages did so because they weren't even happy, after all my younger sister left her batterer husband and we are not from Owerri, we just judge and generalize everything most times. Chizo has made my son a happy man, they way he smiles each time i am around, chai ihe oma amaka. Mama Ndidi, you know you are my good friend so let me give you small hint, Chizo has a younger sister too, a very beautiful girl, maybe Emeka your son can marry her. Those girls are just too nice and i am a lucky mother in law".
She was talking amidst big smiles, a car pulls into the compound, she stood up and went to hug her son as he came down from the car.....
Ifunanya Ononiwu (c) 2016