Ex-boyfriend Episode Seven
Linda stepped into her car and drove from the hospital straight to the UNILAG hostel where she hoped to see Chima. Her heart was beating very fast as she approached the hostel. She really wanted to marry Chima and the news of her getting pregnant served as something that would help her trap Chima.
“Finally, I can have my heart’s desire. I have been hoping to get pregnant for him and it has worked. Now, he will have no option than to marry me because he cannot reject his child. He has to take responsibility for the pregnancy. This means he is going to marry me and I’m so glad about this.” Linda said as she entered the hostel gate and packed her car in one corner of the compound.
Linda came down from her car and rushed to Chima’s room. She did not bother to knock on the door before opening it. She just opened it and rushed in.
“I’m pregnant!” Linda shouted with a loud and excited voice. She was so happy and Chima could see that she was excited about having a baby. At first, Chima thought she was joking, but he saw that there was no joke in what she was saying. He was laughing at first but his laughter would soon give way for sadness.
“Are you joking or what? What do you mean you are pregnant? Is that supposed to be a joke or an April fool’s day prank?” Chima asked.
“I’m not joking and it’s not a prank. I’m being very serious. I’m just coming from the hospital where I ran a test. There is no joke in what I’m saying. It has been confirmed through a medical test that I’m expecting a baby. The doctor even tested me twice just to be sure. I’m pregnant! We are going to have a baby. We are going to be parents. Are you not happy? I’m so happy this has happened.” Linda said while jumping around the room like a child who got a chunk of meat. She was also weeping out of joy and happiness. Her dream had come true.
“I know you are happy, but wait, who is responsible for the pregnancy?” Chima asked with a sarcastic tone. His voice made it clear he did not think he was the one who got Linda pregnant. Linda was taken aback by the question because she did not expect it.
“Of course you are responsible for the pregnancy. Do I have another man? You are the only man in my life. The baby in my womb is yours. The question you just asked suggests you don’t believe you are the father of the child. Do you think I’m pinning another man’s baby on you?” Linda asked. She had stopped jumping around. She was now standing face to face with Chima who was standing hands akimbo.
“I have to ask questions. You and I know that you have another man in your life. Kele is also your lover. And in fact, you were preparing to marry him before we reconnected. That’s why I’m asking. I’m not the only man playing football in your field. He has been playing too. How do we know which one of us scored the goal? There are chances he might be responsible for the pregnancy. You have to be absolutely sure that I’m the one who got you pregnant. I don’t want to raise another man’s child.” Chima said as he sits down on his small bed. He used his palm to wedge his chin mournfully.
Chima’s heart was actually thinking more of how to take care of the pregnancy and the unborn child rather than thinking of who was responsible. He knew there were greater chances of him being the father of the child, but he just didn’t expect Linda to fall pregnant so soon for him. Throughout the years they were dating in school, there was never a time she got pregnant. Now, within just one month of their reconnection, she was saying she was pregnant. Chima was scared. As things stand, he still can’t afford three square meals per day, and now, Linda is saying he would soon be someone’s father. It was exactly why Chima did not want to get married yet. He never wants to be in a situation where he would be struggling to feed his child or his wife.
“I’m jobless Linda, don’t you get it? How can a jobless man get a woman pregnant? That was supposed not happen. I’m not even supposed to play football at all. I’m so scared. If this baby happens to be my own, then there is a big problem. How am I going to take care of the child? I can’t even feed my self properly not to talk of feeding you and the baby. Please, check your heart well, are you sure I’m responsible for the pregnancy? Are you sure the baby does not belong to Kele? You can give the baby to Kele, I don’t mind.” Chima said.
“What are you saying? Am a little baby? Why won’t I know who got me pregnant? I was not pregnant before we got reconnected. And for more than one month now, I have not played football with Kele. I have not even gone to his house since I started seeing you again. I have not allowed him to touch me for more than a month now. So, yes, I’m sure you are responsible for the pregnancy because you are the one who has been enjoying my football field. The baby is yours! I’m not giving the child to anyone else. You will stand like a man and take care of me and the baby. Stop behaving like a child! Grow up and stop been afraid. You are a real man and I believe in you. I want you to believe in yourself as well. Stop underrating yourself. You are a graduate and you are about to get your second degree. All you need now is just one opportunity and your life will change. Even motor park touts are taking care of their families not to talk of a university graduate. Cheer up! There is no need to be sad. This pregnancy calls for a celebration and not mourning.” Linda said to Chima, trying hard to cheer him up.
“How do you want me to believe what you just said? How do you want me to believe you have not visited Kele since we reconnected? You want me to believe I’m the only one who has played football with you for the past one month? I don’t believe you. I have to be honest with myself. That baby in your womb is not mine. I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the pregnancy. I’m not the only man in your life.” Chima said.
“Please, I was about leaving before you came in. I have a football match to watch. You can lock the door and leave when you want. You can go and look for the person who got pregnant, because I’m sure it’s not me.” Chima said as he leaves the hostel.
To be continued…….
