Shades of Marriage π₯°πππ₯Ίπ Part 14
“Mama, I apologize for my outburst earlier on. I allowed my emotions to control me. Please don’t be angry”. Austin pleaded.
“You really surprised me. I have never seen you that angry”. Mama said.
“I apologize for my unruly behavior mama”. Austin said as he genuflected.
“I hear o”. Mama said reluctantly.
“Mama, I know you and my sisters mean well for me and you care deeply about my wellbeing and happiness. Elizabeth here..”
He reached out for my right hand and held it firmly. He continued;
“I was the one that approached her even before her marriage ended”.
I could see the shock in their faces. They passed puzzled glances at one another.
“I was the one that loved her first. I was also the one that made her fall for me. If there’s anyone to be crucified here, then it should be me. Concerning her pregnancy, even if she isn’t pregnant, it won’t change anything because I have always wanted her to be mine before the baby came into the picture. I am not marrying her because I think she is pregnant, I want to marry her because I love her with everything I hold dear. Please, I want you people to respect my choice of a woman. I can go ahead and marry her without your support but my joy won’t be complete. I plead you all to give us your support and blessings”. Austin concluded.
This was followed by a loud and prolonged silence. Loud silence because I could see what was running through their heads in their puzzled faces.
After what seemed like eternity, mama finally broke the silence.
“What else do I have to say? You are a grown man and I believe you know what you are doing. I was particularly excited when you told me you have finally found Love. This is because we were all scared you would never find love since the death of Chi Chi. If Elizabeth is the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with, I have no choice than to give you my support even if it is a very tough decision to make”. Mama said.
“Elizabeth, do you really want my brother as much as he wants you?”. Oluchi asked.
I looked at Austin with so much admiration.
“Who wouldn’t want to be with a man like him? I love him so much and I am glad to be his woman “. I said with smiles.
“You leave us with no choice than to start planning for the wedding “. Oluchi said and we all burst into laughter.
“Please take care of our brother for us o. He is the most precious person in our lives “. Nkechi chipped in.
“He is in safe hands. Thank you for your approval and acceptance “. I said bending one knee as a sign of appreciation.
“Were you really pregnant?”. Mama asked.
“I swear with my late mother’s grave, I saw the two lines in the pregnancy strip. I don’t know what is happening. Austin and I would try another hospital. I am even confused myself “. I said.
“Yes mama. I will communicate back the result to you people. Even if she isn’t pregnant, we can still make babies in the future “. Austin said.
“That’s true”. Oluchi added.
That was how I finally got accepted by Austin’s family.
Austin pleaded I follow him to Abuja since he doesn’t want me to be alone in Portharcourt. So I followed him to Abuja.
We went to another hospital in Abuja to confirm if I was truly pregnant.
During the ultrasound scan, it was discovered that I had fibroid which was covering the fetus, that was why the first doctor didn’t see the baby.
“I wonder why the doctor who carried out the first scan didn’t notice this big fibroid. We need to remove it surgically so it won’t affect the baby”. The doctor advised.
Austin booked an appointment immediately. The surgery was scheduled for the next week.
I told Faith about it. She travelled down to Abuja with her baby a day before the surgery. Austin also took a week off from work so as to stay by my side. His mother also travelled down as well. I felt so loved and cared for.
The surgery was done and the fibroid was successfully removed. To the glory of God, my baby was safe.
Faith travelled back to Port 4 days after my surgery. Mama stayed for over a week before traveling back to the village.
In all of these, non of my family members were in the scene. I told my father I was having a surgery but he acted so indifferent. He never called to check how the surgery went or if I was still alive.
I was so hurt that I told Austin that we shouldn’t do any traditional marriage because I didn’t want my father to reap at where he didn’t sow but Austin wouldn’t hear any of it.
Thanks to Austin who stayed by my side, I was able to heal really fast.
A day was scheduled with my father for my introduction.
In the day of my introduction, no single preparation was made to receive Austin and his family. It was as if, it was a normal visitation.
The excuse was that, I was once married so there was no need to start running around again. I could see the disappointment in the faces of Austin’s kinsmen.
“Austin does not deserve to be treated like this”. I cried bitterly within.
My marriage list was given to Austin. It was twice the amount of my first marriage. My father was bent on frustrating my life.
After plenty talks and deliberations, a date was fixed for my traditional marriage.
News got to my ex husband who vowed to make sure the marriage doesn’t hold.
To be continued
Judith Onyoyibo
