#Grim
Episode Three
© Omotayo Olukemi Aiyemo
Before I could say Jack, for the very first time in my life, I received a terrible slap that sent out all signals off my head from the man I vowed to spend the rest of my life with.
He didn’t even give me the chance to regain myself before releasing more and severe slaps on my face still. Maybe he felt the slaps weren’t fulfilling his intentions because he soon changed it to rounds of punches, unending ones.
I wished I could defend myself, to stop this beast of a man from tearing me apart..but I had no prior experience, not even once. All through my 28years on mother Earth, I had never been involved in a fight as a reserved girl I’ve always been.
I cried and pleaded with all I have. I begged him with God, his parents with everything I could utter but the beatings only got worse.
I tasted my own blood, every part of my body ached…I couldn’t take it no more as I closed my eyes, receiving all he offered while I waited for my end, my death.
* * *
I couldn’t control myself anymore…I hated everything about her this very moment. Even her face that I idolized irritates me now. I feel like destroying it and see if her Olami will still want her.
I continued hitting her until I became fatigued only then did I realize she had become unconscious. Then did the gravity of what I’ve done to the only woman I’ve ever loved became dawned on me. I shook her vigorously but she didn’t respond…I called, cried and prayed amidst all these but still my wife remained immobile.
I ran as quickly as my legs could take me, got my car keys and rushed her to the hospital where she was attended to straightaway.
After a span that seemed like eternity, the doctor called me into his office to give me details of the injury my wife sustained and also to inquire about the source. I told him all that was needed to be heard and he advised I report the incident to the police and I assured I will do that, but not at the moment cos my wife’s condition is more important.
I left him to stay with Bisade, and I felt bad for the damage I had done to her face. I broke down in tears wishing I could undo this evil I had done to my precious wife.
Her once beautiful face had become unidentifiable…I wept on till I slept off.
My mother-in-law came in at the early hours of the morning and cried aloud on seeing her daughter’s state. I had called her the night before and gave the same explanation I gave the doctor carefully without mincing words. I did so well to calm her and explained everything to her over again. She laid heavy curses on those responsible for Bisade’s condition and I rejected them inwardly.
Not long after, Bisade finally woke up…
***
Opening my eyes slowly, I saw my mother and husband who were looking dejected until they saw me awake. They began to render praises to God for sparing my life amidst tears.
My husband’s expression made stream of tears rolled down my cheeks..I wish I could strangle him for what he did to me. I pitied my mom who was comforting the monster as he was shedding crocodile tears. I wished she knew he had done this to her daughter and watch her bite every flesh off him… I wished so many things that my head began to ache badly.
I tried rubbing my head with my palm but my hand felt too heavy for me to lift… I cried in pain.
Tade rushed to me patting my head telling me all would be alright soon…his hand felt like a thorn on my head and his words like a sharp two-edged sword piercing my already damaged heart.
I cried more, not from the pain that I was feeling all over my body, but from within. I couldn’t stop crying and Tade had to tell my mom to get the doctor as he couldn’t leave my side.
What an hypocrite!
I wished he’s the one that left to get the doctor so I can pour out my mind to my mom. My mom quickly left as if he spoke with jazz…and it took her awhile before returning with the doctor.
As soon as my mom was out of sight, Tade went down on his knees, holding my palm gently asking for forgiveness. He was crying while begging for forgiveness and promising never to lay his hands on me again.
I was moved to another round of tears forgetting I was the victim. Some parts of me was against forgiving him but a greater part of me was having soft spot already. I tried withdrawing my hand maybe that will help me in deciding on what to do but he wouldn’t let me. He wept on like a baby.
As soon as we heard some footsteps approaching, he stood up but still didn’t leave my hand.
” I will bring them to justice, I promise. I will make them pay for what they did to you” he said quickly changing the topic as my mom and the doctor entered.
I became confused… What was he saying? Is he going to turn himself in? But why was he using “them” if he intend to report himself?
Before I drift into sleep as a result of the injection I was given, I heard the doctor say the severity of the injury I sustained had a possibility of affecting my head, my brain.
No, I’m not mad! I’m not…..I slept off
* * *
The doctor’s statement sent me off balance. I wasn’t expecting this, infact, I don’t even know what I was expecting. How could I have done this to myself? How am I supposed to live the rest of my life with Bisade if it really affects her head.
“Does it mean my daughter had gone mad?” Bisade’s mom asked in tears.
“We can’t conclude on that yet. We’ll work on her getting better first and then watch her closely. Let’s just hope it doesn’t affect her mentally but if it does…” The doctor was still saying before my mother-in-law interrupted.
” God forbid! I reject it in Jesus name. The God I serve will not allow my daughter be mad. My head will not allow it” her mother rejected amidst tears.
I embraced her, comforting her and assuring her that it wouldn’t get to that. I felt pity for the old woman whose only surviving child might become crazy all because of me. I felt bad about this. Only if I had controlled myself, all this wouldn’t have happened.
But then,…
“What if Bisade wakes up soon and tell the truth? What if she tells the true side of the story as opposed to my fabrication? Does it mean I’ll end up in jail destroying me, my career and my life as a whole?” These thoughts ran through my mind.
Would it not be for my advantage if she becomes truly mad? As in, living with a crazy wife would be less detrimental to my person than being a convict….or what do you think?
To be continued…
