MY WIFE, MY NEMESIS
CHAPTER 23
I was scared. I didn’t bother to call my doctor for a home treatment since I knew he’d come late. I couldn’t waste any minute so I bundled my babygirl, amidst her weightless protest that she could walk by herself, into my car and raced to the hospital nearby. I’d d.i.e of guilt if anything bad should happen to her as a result of my assault or behavior.
We got to the hospital and she was admitted. They passed a drip to her body while they analysed her tests. I was with her in the ward when the doctor came in to give us the result of the tests.
“Mr Darlington, congratulations, your wife is pregnant.” The doctor broke the news to us and I was too taken aback to even jubilate. It was surprising. Even my wife was very flustered. She sat up on the bed to address the doctor.
“Doctor, that can’t be my test result. I can’t be pregnant. I was a teenager when I discovered that my womb has been damaged. I was made to understand that I can’t ever become pregnant. You people should be careful with your patients’ tests and results, you can’t go around playing on people’s emotions just because you aren’t careful enough.” She spat out furiously. The doctor smiled and I furrowed my brows. I wondered what was wrong with the doctor.
“So, after that time, did you go to any other hospital for check up?” The doctor asked her calmly.
“No. I didn’t. I was a teenager then with no guardian, so the idea didn’t cross my mind. I didn’t see the need to. I believed what the doctor who treated me, said.” Blessing replied him begrudgingly.
“That’s the mistake most people make. Mostly, when people hear about their bad health conditions from one particular doctor, they won’t ever go back for check up, or see the need to do another test at another hospital just to be sure. They’d rather stick to that revelation and keep dying in silence. What happened to the womb then was a minor thing, I don’t know why the doctor would conclude that it was damaged completely. The womb has corrected itself. It’s perfectly fine now.” The doctor explained and we were in awe.
“Oh my God! So, I can actually be a mother? I can actually carry my own child in my womb? I thought I’d never experience the joy of motherhood.” Blessing expressed her happiness and shed tears of joy. I stood up and gave her a bone crushing hug.
“It’s the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes! Babygirl, thank you for letting me be a father.” I told her joyously. The doctor cleared his throat to gain our attention again. I released her from my hold and we paid rapt attention to the doctor.
“I’m sorry to disrupt your moment of joy but I really need to let you know about the result of the other test. You know we did many tests. Like malaria, tuberculosis, pregnancy, HIV test, etc. So, the result of the HIV test came positive.” The doctor informed us calmly. I heaved a sigh of relief. I thought it was another problem.
“We already know about that, doctor. We’re managing it very well.” I informed the doctor.
“Oh, I guessed as much. It’s been well managed. But since she’s pregnant now, we have to engage in some treatments to avoid the mother-to-child transmission. If she is diligent in coming to the hospital for the treatment every three months, her child won’t be infected.” The doctor announced and we jubilated wildly.
“That’s brilliant. I can see the government and the health department in our country are really particular about treating HIV/AIDS. Thank you, doctor.” I appreciated his effort and he went out of the ward.
“Babygirl, I’m going to start processing your traveling papers tomorrow, you’re going to abroad, receive the treatment there. Give birth there…I want you and the baby in perfect condition. So, just choose anywhere you’d love to go to. Canada? USA?” I asked my wife with urgency. She chuckled.
“Hey, baby’s dad! I can receive the treatment here in Nigeria. You heard the doctor, they have everything in our country too.” She replied me and smiled softly.
“I know they do. I just want nothing but the best for you. You don’t have any reason to give birth to our first child in Nigeria since I have the means. And come to think of it, I haven’t been a great husband to you, so please let me use this opportunity to pamper you and the child.” I pleaded compassionately.
“I understand your drift, darling. But, we’re just getting to show love to each other, how can I just leave you all alone in Nigeria. Or you want to be chasing after those girls in skinny jeans when I’m gone?” She added the last part jokingly and I laughed. It was so sweet seeing her getting jealous over me.
“Okay, if that’s what you are worried about, why don’t we just go together?” I inquired and her eyes widened shockingly.
“Who will handle your business?” She asked me.
“My father’s business, you mean? He’s still agile so he’s going to continue managing it. I want to build something for myself too, now that I’m a father. Have you forgotten how you used to mock me that I am nothing without my father’s wealth…” She butt in before I could continue my speech.
“No, that was when I didn’t know better. Now, I know better. You’re working hard for your earnings.” She protested. I shrugged.
“I know. I just want to build something for myself, from the scratch, so I can point it to my children that, they’re the results of my sweat. I don’t want to rely on just my father’s big company. I don’t want to rely on just his wealth. I can’t depend on his name forever. He worked hard to build it for his children, let me build one for my children too. I have assets, I have savings to do that. I want to build something in my name for you and our children.” I explained to her and she nodded.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, my darling. You have my support in everything you do.” She announced and I smiled.
“I’ve grown up, all thanks to you.” I informed her firmly.
“Thank you for wanting to be better just for me and our unborn child.” She replied me and gave me a peck on the cheek.
“No oo! I want moreeeee.” I whined like a child and she smiled sweetly at her before giving me another peck on my forehead. I was dissatisfied so I held her head tenderly and showered her whole face with gentle kisses. She was happy. I was contented.
My wife, whom I’d seen as my nemesis, was rapidly becoming the apple of my eyes and I was loving every bit of it.
THE END.
Marvelousmjt Stories
lovely piece