#Grim
Episode Five
© Omotayo Olukemi Aiyemo
Is Tade not the dragon chased out of heaven? Or must he be with horns before anyone of you would be able to identify him as the devil himself?
Before I dropped off…I thought of how I didn’t deserve this not even at the later part of my marital years let alone this early. I had never wished this for my enemies and would always pray for those, even the women I don’t know in person going through domestic violence.
Why would God allow me to walk in this path? His He not faithful anymore? Has His tender mercies ceased? Where have I failed God that he had chosen to punish me with a beast of a husband? Why me God? Why me?….
* * *
“She hasn’t been sleeping for long ma” I replied her mother’s question.
Her mother appreciated me for loving and caring for her daughter this much that I had to take some days off work. She brought me some tasty meal that I devoured in a rush.
I told her Bisade’s getting better and she should try not to worry her with much words as it may tend to distort her mental state. I was glad she understood without stressing me as she agreed to talk less when she’s finally awake.
Unlike her mother who can talk for Africa, Bisade would always choose her words carefully trying not to offend anyone in the process. That’s how great a wife I’m married to or so I thought until I discovered it was for a purpose, a deceitful one.
I watched as my mother in law couldn’t take her eyes off her daughter, I wasn’t that moved like before. When I sensed she might have actually heard my advice but not act accordingly, I had to remind of the need to let her daughter be.
” Mama, talk to her only when she talks to you first. Do not question her or try finding out from her what happened because this might trigger her rage again. Mama, I need you to be strong for her with few words so as she can recover quickly else her case may become worse o..” I advised with a decorative threat and she nodded in agreement.
Bisade moved in her sleep, and like a caring husband I should be, I rushed to her making sure my face is the first to see as she woke up… That was on a purpose.
* * *
I woke up to see Tade’s face first and I cursed within. I almost asked him to get his hell of a face off my sight, before I remembered his words before I slept off. I needed to maintain a cool composure and strategize on how best to handle this beast, else everyone becomes convinced I’ve become mentally ill. If not, I see no reason why the doctor and his nurses would keep injecting me to sleep every now and then. Maybe the doctor is also be part of Tade’s plan… maybe he is. I needed to leave the hospital as soon as possible before they do something worse to me.
I felt a sudden pang in my belly out of hunger.
” Tade, I’m hungry” I said weakly
He smiled and told my mum who was now standing, staring and waiting for God knows what.
” Mama, my wife said she’s hungry… isn’t God so good to us. Will you please serve her her food now” my husband said and my mother obeyed without saying a word to me. This was unlike her… something definitely is not adding up…what has even been adding up sef?
I ate my food in silence patiently waiting for my mom to speak with me. The silence was awkward… My mother, my own very mother isn’t saying a word after my near death experience, no! This is unbelievable. My mom who I’ve known never to allow me eat in peace especially if she prepared the meal.
“Hope it isn’t too peppery? Are you sure the pepper ok? Are you enjoying it? Which is better, the one I cooked the last time or this? Do you want water?” All these and many more were the questions I was expecting from my mom as usual while I answer with either Yes, No or simply a nod. But my mom wasn’t saying anything, only smiling weakly as I ate.
* * *
I watched my wife eat up all the food dished for her in silence and I appreciate the fact that her mom adhered to my advice.
As soon as she was done eating, I quickly packed up the dishes and asked if she needed any other thing but she replied in negative.
I excused myself to take the basket to the car giving mother and daughter a moment. I needed to see if she was acting up? If she’ll tell her mom anything while I pretended to be away. I wanted to know if I had really gotten her.
I actually don’t know what I’d do if she eventually speaks but I know damn well that it wouldn’t be pleasant. I’ve been a good man and I know it until Bisade made me change. Well, I’m still a good man to everyone else but my wife. Although I don’t plan on loosing my marriage anytime soon, but I won’t let her ruin my reputation. Which means, my marriage must stand, any which way for myself first.
* * *
I waited awhile to ensure he was out of hearing before I spoke. I asked how my mother is doing and she burst into tears telling me she had not been fine because of me. Tears rolled down my face as she spoke amidst tears. Who would be fine seeing her daughter in this state?
She stood up and started checking my body, pointing to different parts and asking how it was fairing. I was expecting her to ask me how it happened but she didn’t.
My mom not minding how many people have told her same thing about a particular thing would still hear my view for confirmation. She had always trusted and believed in me, and I have always been plain in my own way even though I know she talks too much. Looking at her eyes, I knew she wanted to tell me things but something was holding her down. Worry was written all over her face but would smile at me when my eyes meet with hers.
” Thank God for Tade, who had been a wonderful husband to come check up on you when you didn’t arrive on time… He might have slept off like many others who had had a long day at work. And God bless him so much for taking good care of you. Do you know he even had to take a leave from office even when he knows I can equally take care of you. I’m so blessed to have him as a son in law who treasured you. Well, what was I even expecting? He had been so loving and caring even when you were both friends let alone now that you’re married. He’s such a good gentleman, his type is rare to find and may the good Lord continue to strengthen his love for you. You’ll both live long together forever in Jesus name. Just get well soon my daughter, get well oko mi…” My mom narrated.
A greater part of me wanted to interrupt her while she was speaking, especially when she was praying for him and us…but I forced myself not to so I can know what is actually going on and how best to handle it. Just as I have thought, I know whatever was holding my mom down wouldn’t last long as she’s a chatterbox especially with me…I only smiled expecting more coolvalstories information from her and she didn’t disappoint.
“Ehn ehn… What in God’s name where you going to get before the incident happened? Have I not warned you never to walk alone at night? ” My mom enquired with many more questions without waiting for answers.
From her questions I was able to understand that Tade had told them entirely a different story, playing the good husband.
I needed to talk to my mom, I know she’ll believe me over any other person, not even my husband.
Tade had been gone for a while now and I feel the need to quickly explain what actually happened to my mom. I don’t know how long before he returns but I prayed God gives me a chance to tell my mom before he comes. I’m now afraid of my husband, so so afraid.
“Mum, he did this to me…” I was revealing in a hurry but mum wouldn’t allow me.
“Who? Who are you talking about? I don’t understand you, make me understand..” she was saying disrupting me.
How would she understands? She’s not always calm…thank goodness I didn’t take after her in this part.
“Mum, will you just keep quiet and let me speak?” I shouted at her. She became silent with confusion all over her as she waited patiently to hear me speak.
Just as I was about to tell her everything, God failed me with time again, just as he had failed me with Tade, my husband.
Tade strolled in with a devilish smile I alone can see, which I interpreted to be daring.
” So what are you about telling Mama? Don’t you think I deserve to know first? ” Tade asked still smiling making me go numb with fear.
“How’s your head feeling? Hope the headache had subsided or should I go get the doctor? He continued and added inaudibly ” CRAZY WIFEY”
To be continued….
