Episode 4
He recognized the voice. It wasn’t Madam Veronica. He took a deep breath. Worry lines etched on his forehead and he started sweating profusely. This cannot be happening, he thought. Not today. This cannot happen. Why didn’t Ebere tell him she was pregnant all these while. Why must it be today of all days. He felt pity for Angela. Can she bear all of these. He knew Ebere so well; wicked and heartless. She can show up at the church and interrupt everything. He wouldn’t want such a thing to happen.
Different thoughts and ideas ran through his head. At that point in time, he was confused on what to do. He must do something now that he still has the chance to. A stitch in time saves nine.
“Stop the car. Stop ” Tony finally broke out of his confused state.
Angela stared at him in shock. The wedding mass will commence soon and he’s telling the driver to stop.
“Is there any problem dear” She tried to conceal any atom of surprise in her.
“We are running out of time. Let the car take you to the church. I will be there shortly but first I must go and fix something now. It’s very important. There is no time to explain now” He drew her closer and kissed her before coming down from the car. The look on her face was not a happy one. Questions that needed answers piled up in her head but who would answer them now? The car moved slowly and she checked the time. The wedding mass will commence in about 50 minutes time and now, Tony, her sweet Tony is not there with her. He has gone to God knows where. Tears threatened but she blinked them back in. She looked up the sky and whispered some words of prayer.
Tony wasted no time in stopping an Okada man whom he told where he was going. He urged the Okada man to drive very fast to his greatest surprise. Passengers always tell motorcycle drivers not to drive at a high speed but here was this man, telling him to run at his highest speed.
*******
He knocked at the door again and this time Ebere spoke from inside. She knew he was the one knocking but wanted to waste his time knowing full well that he must get back to the church in the shortest possible time.
“Who is there ” She asked from inside.
” Ebere open it’s me. I’m here please open ” Tony stole glances at the wrist watch in his wrist as he spoke.
“You who? Who are you or don’t you have a name? …..
“It’s Tony, you asked me to come here ” Tony cut her short.
There was silence. After what seemed like a minute, she opened the door and Tony went in.
“What game are you trying to play with me, Ebere? ” Tony was furious.
” hold it right there Mr man. Who are you shouting at? I’m pregnant and you have the guts to yell at me? ”
“You are pregnant? Pregnant for who? Because I have never had s*x with you without protection? Who paid you to do this….. ”
“Get out of my house right now and watch me do my worst ”
Tony was sweating profusely. He produced his handkerchief and wiped off the sweats on his face.
He looked at Ebere again and wondered why she has chosen to do this to him.
“Ebere what is my crime? We both know that there was nothing serious between us. I gave you money when you wanted it. I bought you things and made sure you were happy. Where did I go wrong? ” Tony’s voice was low this time. He wanted to settle things with her and get back to the church as soon as possible.
“There was nothing serious between us you say. But you saw something serious under my skirts. Tony how could you be so heartless? You kept using me every time you wanted and you now tell me that there was nothing serious between us? I am not good for marriage but I am good for s*x. Tony I am your s*x object but I am not good for marriage right? I am pregnant. What do we do?”
“Ebere are you serious about this? Why didn’t you tell me all this while? ”
“Do I look like a joker to you? And for your information I am not aborting this pregnancy. I don’t want any problems. I have already done enough ” She was serious about it.
Tony moved close to her and held her hand.
“Please Ebere don’t spoil today for me. I will do whatever you want me to do but please let me go back in peace. I don’t want you to come there and cause any drama ” Tony pleaded.
“You will do whatever I want ” She asked again.
“Yes, anything within my power but please don’t spoil today for me”
“Alright then,Ebere smiled,i will let you go but remember you cannot get me pregnant and think you will marry another woman in peace ”
********
Hot tears rolled down Angela’s face trying to mess up her makeup. The Priest who had waited for the groom said he will call off the mass if he doesn’t arrive soon and they have been waiting since then.
Angela knew there was a problem the moment Tony stopped the car but he didn’t give any chance for questions.
The priest stood up again and walked to the alter.
“May the Lord be with you ” He addressed them.
“And with your spirit ” They responded.
“My brethrens, it doesn’t give me joy to do this but we must follow the laid down rules. We have waited for the groom for more than the time we can wait for him and for this…. I am so sorry to announce to you that this wedding mass will no longer….. ”
Ebere stood up. Her eyes has been fixed on the road looking out for Tony. Despite the tears in her eyes she was able to spot him running into the church from as an Okada dropped him in the church premises.
“He is here father… He is here. Please don’t call off the wedding ” Angela could not control her tears. Tears she couldn’t differentiate from that of joy or sorrow.
Tony ran straight to his soon to be wife and hugged her. He apologized and dried her tears with his handkerchief.
He apologized to the Reverend father and the waiting congregation.
The wedding mass kicked off immediately. It got to the point where the Reverend asked the congregation if anyone knew anything that can make the wedding not to continue and urged the person to stand up and speak or forever remain silent.
Just then, Tony saw Madam Veronica walk into the church building observing the whole place like someone who had never been to a church since she was born.
