AN OVERSEAS HUSBAND. . . Chapter 3
If anyone was really happy that we made it to the village this year, is Chika.
“I’m so happy you could make it. ”
“I didn’t want to miss your big day. So it’s only the traditional wedding and the court marriage abi?”
“Yes, my sister. Although we’ll go to the church for the pastor’s blessing before we leave.”
“I can’t believe you’re really leaving me behind.” I replied feigning sadness. “In this ugly country to obodo oyibo. Chai.”
“Stop it jor.” Chika hits me stylishly on my arm. “I can connect you to one of my fiance’s friends.”
It didn’t really sit well with me but If that was one way to leave the country, I would give it a try.
I want to leave the country. “Is he a white man?”
I asked about her fiance’s complexion as though it mattered. I have never seen his pictures. Chika brings out her phone to show me his photograph. She had never sent it when she told me about it but I didn’t press her either.
“He’s a Nigerian but wants to marry a Nigerian and not a white lady over there.” Chika replies.
“Are you sure he didn’t do what other Nigerian men do over there.” I asked not to cause her to worry. It just bothered me. “Don’t you remember that book I asked you to read? Arrangers of marriage by Chimamanda.”
“I read it but even if that’s what he did, I don’t care. But I trust my Collins.”
“Hmm. Congratulations but. . .”
“Stop worrying, Stella. These are superficial analysis. What matters is that he gets his green card not minding how.” Chika replies.
“But you have to tell me how you met o.”
“Hmm, my sister, it’s from picture o.
“Ordinary picture?” I asked as my eyes nearly bulged out of their socket. “You mean your marriage is like a picture marriage?”
“Yes o. I was scared o but as we started talking on phone. You know, voice calls and video calls, I think I like him.” Chika replies as I begin to wonder why she was all flushed up.
“He’s a handsome man. You have eyes for good things.” I teased my cousin.
“I know right?”
“Keep quiet jare. Did you pick him or he picked you?”
If I hadn’t ran, Chika would have given me a stronger blow on my arm. I dared not stop because Chika was fast enclosing on me. I ran till my legs became weak and I stopped as I put on a pleading face.
Chika has always been the stronger one. When she visited us in Lagos, we had gone to the barracks once for an open field day where she got attracted to join the track games and won in the 400m race.
My breathing rate had increased as I bent to catch my breath. “You’re such a poor racer.” Chika commented.
“I know. I’m tired please.”
“You need to stay in the village to eat freshly pounded fufu and. . .” A sharp loud bang shut through the air as we saw some children running from behind, approaching to where we stood.
In a twinkling of am eye, a child had thrown what looked like a thin short stick in their midst. It began to give out sparking of light as Chika screams, “Runnnn!!!”
Unfortunately before Stella could understand, the banger had already exploded as she screams and begins to run after her cousin. She hates these stuffs. She had never lighted one successfully. Her last attempt, she had thrown the banger into the bush before she even lighted it.
“Is that how they do here?” I ask as we ran into our compound.
“It’s Christmas. It’s the Joy of the season.”
“There’s nothing fun about that stuff.” They walk into the compound only to see Jeremiah with some other kids. Some should be his agemate, around six years. The oldest in the circle should be nothing more than eleven.
“What are you doing Jeremiah?” I asked as I walked towards him.
Jeremiah kept chuckling without saying a word. I saw the kids watch us with smiles evidently on their faces. Chika seemed to be retracing her steps. Jeremiah slipped something into my hands and screamed.
“Sister, run! Banger.”
Not again!
All the other kids ran in different direction as they all took shelter from the flying banger.
I don’t know where I threw the banger but nothing will stop me from dealing with Jeremiah for playing such a prank at me.
Nothing even mother.
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
