TOLANI 😭😭
Episode 13
At evening, Chimaobi left my house to his.
My dad had called me while we made out, but I couldn’t pick his calls.
He became extremely mad at me for not picking his calls.
“I’m sorry, Dad. I was arranging my room.” I lied to him.
Months later, my Dad called me on the phone, telling me about a young man he would want me to meet.
“ He is my childhood friend’s son. I saw him grow to the man he is today. Very respectful child.”
“Dad! I do not want to meet anyone. Please, don’t force anyone down my throat. I don’t need this now.”
“Ah! So, it has come to this? You disrespect me because of an Igbo boy?”
“Dad, don’t misunderstand me. You know I can never do that. I am just not ready for any form of relationship with men. I have gotten the person I want.”
“Tolani, ah! I cannot be dragging with you. You know I can do and undo. Tolani, the young man is coming to Awka next week, you must see him and be good. I am not negotiating with you. I am instructing you. “ He said and hung the call.
I began to cry afresh.
I could not just stand losing Chimaobi, I knew I wouldn’t survive it.
The following week, the young man came around as dad had instructed me.
I couldn’t vibe with him, I had told Chimaobi about it before going.
Meeting Tobi was a nightmare for me because everything about he irritated me, his laughter, his walking step, his mode, and face was horrific for me.
He tried all he could to connect with me, but I didn’t open to him. There was no space for him.
I knew he had told my Dad about his experiences with me, and I was ready for anything my Dad had to say to me.
As predicted, my mom called, shouting on me, that I should be ready for the next thing my father has in store for me.
“You will not kill me, this child.” She cried so loud.
Not quite long, my dad called me.
“If you don’t want me to disown you, stick to my instructions TOLANI. I shall disown if you ever step out with that Igbo boy.” He shouted.
I couldn’t hold myself, I had to call Ruth to my lodge.
She had heard me cried over the phone, she became concerned and came to comfort me.
I kept crying until she came around to see me.
Ruth had to call Chimaobi because I began to run hot temperature.
Chimaobi had to leave his meeting to come to the house.
“Girl, you need to act fast oo. If you don’t, your parents will tamper with your future, your happiness.” Ruth said to me before Chimaobi arrived.
“What do you want me to do? I have fought my dad for months now, we are like cat and rat. He says over his dead body for me to marry Chimaobi. How have I not acted?” I cried.
“Don’t be dumb, get pregnant for Chimaobi and everyone will rest.” She said, stamping her foot.
“What? What did you just say?”
“You heard me right. Don’t even tell Chimaobi. Mark your ovulation and hit Chimaobi, he doesn’t have to know your plans because he will kick against it.” She said, again as I looked, gazing into a space, pondering over her suggestion.
Will Tolani accept this suggestion?
Watch out…
To be continued.
Love you all…
©️ Esther Charles (The Storytelling Diva)
