Diary of a single mother 17.
I had to battle fiercely because she doesn’t want me to dedicate my children in my parish.
“What will I tell people if they ask about your husband? Let’s do the dedication in the outstation”. My mum said resolutely.
“Haba mummy! Haven’t you punished me enough? You know how far the outstation is and why should I Baptise and dedicate my children in a parish I’m not even attending?”.
“Shut up your mouth. Did I ask you to get pregnant out of wedlock? “.
“I know I did wrong mummy but you have punished me enough. Let us all move on”. I said.
“How can we move on when the results of your misconduct lives on”. She said distastefully.
“I’m doing the baptism and dedication in our parish even if it means doing it alone “. I said firmly.
Seeing how persistent I was, my mom had to reluctantly support me. My children were baptise and dedicated.
I was washing my kids clothes outside one evening when Frank walked into where I was.
“Mama beji”. He said smiling.
I didn’t even know how to react. A greater part of me wanted to pour the soap water on him but I don’t want to deny my children from receiving their father’s love, so I kept my cool.
“Where are my soldiers?”. Frank asked.
I felt disgusted by that question.
“Really? Same soldiers you never wanted”. I replied him.
“I thought we’ve moved past that? I want to see my children”. He insisted.
“Allow him see his children Chinyere”. My father who has been watching ordered.
“They are inside”. I replied coldly.
Frank went inside and played with the kids.
When I was done washing, I joined them in the palour.
“They look so much like me”. Frank said with so much pride.
I was just boiling inside.
“How have you been?”. Frank asked fixing his gaze on me.
“Just focus on the kids and leave me alone”. I said angrily.
When he was done playing the kids, he stood up to leave.
He placed some money on the table.
“Please manage it for now”. He said.
TBC
Judith Onyoyibo
