₦airaland Forum

Kenneth looked at her CV one last time and began to tap his pen against it ''Miss Okiemute Daisy Oki, if you are so smart then why are you looking for a job?''

''I am a recent graduate sir plus country is hard''

Then Ken began to laugh, he liked her already. She had a smart mouth and despite her baby face and fearful disposition, she could pack a punch! He stood up and towed above her ''tea, coffee, water or juice?'' he asked.

''Anything would do sir?''

''It's too hot for tea or coffee so it's between water and juice'' as Ken spoke, he reached for the white phone on his table and asked the receptionist to come in ''get my niece something to drink'' he bellowed.

''Yes sir'' the receptionist replied. He turned around and began to whisper with Okiemute and she smiled shyly in return ''would you like something to eat as well?'' Ken asked. ''Don’t be shy, whatever you want tell him. He'll get it for you''

''What would you like to have ma?''

Okiemute was suddenly happy, she had been walking from one office to the other and even her shoe could testify. She was happy her waka would not be in vain that day. At least if not for anything, lunch would be taken care of and that was a big deal. And so she cleared her throat and asked ''what do they have?''

''They sell everything ma: rice, snacks like meat pie, sausage, burger, eggroll, buns even eba''

''Rice would be fine, fried rice or jellof with the juice'' then she turned to Ken and thanked him ''thank you so much sir''

''Don’t embarrass me now'' he said in reply. Then he smiled again. He had a good feeling, he would be seeing more of Miss Oki in the coming weeks and months.

He had so much faith in her, with every new administration; she was able to get into the corridor of power. He knew she would also deliver with the new management that was coming in but until that time, he had to be patient. The more Ken thought of these things, the angrier he became. He hissed in frustration and reached for the phone on his table when a clear voice rang out ''I didn’t tell him that, it's not his fault sir''

He looked at the slender lady and frowned at her ''what are you on about?''

''I erm… lied to him. I told him I was a relation you were expecting. I told him I was your niece. I'm sorry sir but he does not deserve to get into trouble for my sake''

Then Kenneth began to laugh. It was the first time he was doing that since the start of the day. He pulled her CV closer and scanned the top ''Miss Okiemute Daisy Oki''

''That’s the name sir''

''Vwe Urhobo?''

''No sir, Ijaw''

He frowned at her and she began to explain away ''my mother is Urhobo but my dad is ijaw, from Patani in the same Delta State''
Then Ken began to speak in a mocking tone ''see the way she is saying Patani in Delta State. Is there another Patani in this world?''

''Yes sir, Patani is also in Asia, specifically in Thailand and Malaysia''

Suddenly Ken looked up from her CV and stared at her innocent face. She had just embarrassed him but if she was mistaken, he would have the final laugh. He reached for his phone and googled the word 'Patani' and when Wikipedia showed him she was right, he became humble by force. However, Ken was didn’t want to appear stupid so he scoffed again and gave threw another jibe her way ''hmm! Smart ass ehn?''

''Not really sir, you asked a question''

Ken's business was not doing brilliantly at the moment. Abe and Adams Nigeria Limited only came alive whenever a generous wife pushed a contract his way. But for the help of his wife, Ken Abe was as good as a jobless man!

From time to time, he would get a call for a request for tender (RFT) and that was when Abe and Adams Nigeria Limited would burst forth with life. It was then he would get the contractor or suppliers ready to do business with. Eight out of ten times, he was guaranteed to the get the contract due to the influential position his wife held at the oil company.

Indeed life was good for Kenneth Abe but he had his slow days like today. For some time now, nothing had come forth from Natasha's end and it was frustrating to say the least. The other day, he asked her about it and she said projects had been placed on hold until a new management was put in place. The previous manager had completed his tenure and the acting manager was due to give way anytime soon.

The powers that be had slowly ground things to a halt as the acting manager was due to be replaced soon. Now, focus had moved to the politics associated with choosing a new successor. Meetings and more meeting were being held at headquarters and even Natasha and co had no clue when the madness would end. And so while Ken continued to wait for the next contract call, the big men continued to sit on crucial decisions.

It was unclear how he could spend so much time executing contracts with the help of his wife yet not be able to get the same contract from outsiders. Sometimes he had a small contract trickle through but his wife's company was his greatest client. She knew how to pull strings and bring good stuff his way. He didn’t know how she did it, but she had grown from her humble graduate entry position to someone who could influence the big shot.

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There was a knock on the door and Ken Abe continued to flip through the paper in front of him. However the knocker was persistent ''come in'' Ken replied in an annoyed tone. A sweaty young lady walked in with a folder in hand. She looked uneasy like she had missed her way or was unsure of what she was doing. Ken glanced at her and frowned his face. He didn’t know her and he was not in a mood to chat ''how can I help you?'' he asked.

''Sorry sir, I wanted to drop my CV''

''And what do I do with your CV?''

''I'm sorry sir…I heard that erm…I was just going around the neighbourhood and leaving my CV with companies so…''

''You told that to the boy at the reception and he let you in?''

''Yes sir''

Ken shook his head in disappointment and motioned at an empty seat. In actual fact, there was no position available at his company but his receptionist, PA, secretary, messenger and cleaner ought to have known that. The silly boy ought to have collected the CV and thanked the slender girl wearing a corporate looking black dress. He had mentioned that a thousand and one times.

''You won't understand; he doesn’t like the kids playing out so late plus I've not prepared dinner yet'' Blossom whispered.

''Lay the blame on me then. I'll be your scapegoat'' then Blossom hissed and pushed the paper bag of fish in Belinda's hand. She hurried off to greet her husband and they kissed lightly. Afterwards she took his bag and continued to smile like he was a health inspector from a ministry ''see who came around today'' Blossom announced. She waved her hand around like her husband was blind.

''Ms Belinda Okoro'' Cosmos replied with a laugh. ''I meet you today madam. I've not seen your brake light in a while''

''I travelled to the Garden City and I come bearing your favourite gift''

''I can perceive it already'' Cosmos replied. He hugged her by the shoulder and the children continued to run around ''children, did you see what your aunty brought? Have you thanked her?'' Cosmos asked.

They children continued to chatter while Cosmos thanked her ''I appreciate dear. You never fail to bring my favourite fish''

''It's nothing my brother. I'm sorry I held up everyone. I was just on my way out and the kids insisted on escorting me. I know you don’t like them hanging out so late''

''That’s okay, anything for Aunty Belinda. I'll see you around dear, let me go rest''

Then Belinda waved at him. She saw the look on Blossom's face and she understood her friend couldn’t hang around some more. It was time to go. So she gave the paper bag to Nkem and walked out a dejected woman.

''Nah its okay, I love to see you happy. I hate the fish but I'll buy you a truckload if that would make you happy''

''Oh thanks Bel, you make me want to cry. Okay stop talking in that manner before the children see me wiping off tears''

Blossom exhaled deeply and Belinda smiled weakly ''would you come around this weekend?'' she asked. It was a question but it seemed like she was already begging.

''I'm sorry I can't dear. My sister-in-law is not too happy with me. I've been promising yet failing her and she leaves for her base soon. We are going to see her this weekend''

''But I haven’t seen you in ages'' Belinda whispered.

''Not now'' Blossom replied through gritted teeth then she smiled at her daughter who ran to hug her. She ruffled the child's hair and frowned at Belinda ''I can't do this weekend, the lady leaves for Perth on Tuesday or so. This weekend is the only time we've got to see her''

''Next week then?''

''I can't promise anything but I'll do my best''

''I come all the time but you hardly come around to my place''

''When you've got kids and you don’t have a help you'll understand why it's not easy for me''

''I know it's hard but please make out time for us. I mean I'm happy to come here but you know we hardly have quality time with the kids running around and stuff''

Suddenly there was a horn at the gate and Blossom began to panic ''Cosmos is around'' she announced. ''Children out of the way ''Nkem, go and open gate for your daddy'' Belinda continued to watch her as she danced around and at some point she whispered ''relax, that’s your husband not your boss''

''No imagine waking up beside a man and playing wife!''

''Look at those lovely kids running around and tell me you wouldn’t want to have yours someday''

''Ermm no thanks but I could adopt them if you know what I mean. We'll make a good family''

''I give up on you Bel but seriously, I think you shouldn’t have dismissed him like that. I think you should have allowed yourself go with the flow. You should make more attempts to love a man in that way''

''More like manage a man huh? I should manage the poor man the way you are managing your own husband? He deserves better jo! Anyways here is what you asked for and you owe me'' Belinda stretched a paper bag in Blossom's direction and she shrieked in delight ''my fishhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!'' Blossom cried.

''I suffered on this your fish oh! It was smelling around me at the airport plus I had to keep in my fridge until today. Now my fridge smells like an open air market. I had to leave it open as I was coming sef. Ugh!''

''You are too dramatic Belinda, common dry fish and you are doing like oyibo. I beg give me my precious fish, Cosmos will be so happy I swear. I'll have to prepare his favourite tomorrow - oha soup tinz on point'' then she looked at Belinda and noticed the look of pain on her face ''chei my friend forgive me, I get excited anytime you buy this fish for me'' she hugged Belinda and suddenly Belinda felt happier.

***
As Belinda and Blossom spoke, the latter's children continued to scream and run about. The friends were in Blossom's house and Belinda was telling her about her Port Harcourt trip ''I can't believe you blew it you this yeye woman, tell me more about him'' Blossom teased.

''Well I've told you everything there is to tell''

''No tell me more like was hot like really hot? Did you guys kiss or something?''

''I don’t know what you mean by that. Are you asking questions about the guy to gauge if I'm digging him? Are you jealous or something?''

''Not really so are you going to squeal some more''

''Chic, there is nothing more to say. He is a good guy and that’s it. He doesn’t deserve drama or someone who doesn't like him. Fancy being married to someone like that and one day waking up to find out your wife is not really into you. Argh! I can't even imagine''

''Imagine the poor man being in pain?''

''Reverend, but we all know this matter won't be like this if it’s the man that is on the receiving end oh!''

''I agree but that is why you are a godly woman so please don’t think like the heathen. Charles is a man. We men have ego as big as the ocean. In your case, I thank God. At least you already have your kids on ground. I think your major focus for now should be those children. What if this was happening and you were trying to make a baby?''

''God forbid!''

''You see what I mean? Sister Ebube, what your husband needs is love and support. However you see it, don’t nag and don’t bring him down. Don’t use this thing as ammunition against him even when he is wrong, that will kill him faster than anything else''

''I never do that - never''

''Good just continue to support and encourage him. You have advised him on what to do so follow it up with prayers. You may be surprised, he would be the one that will open up and tell you all you need to know about his treatment''

''Hmm! So I will just remain like this and continue praying until he is ready to move? It is well. I will pray''

''Sister Ebube, I hope you have heard me?''

''I have heard oh!''

''I will have a quick word with your husband - man to man. I won't even belabour the issue. I will just make reference to one small thing and he will understand what it's all about. Please, please and please go easy on this issue''

''I have heard reverend. Thank you''

''That’s good, now let us pray. Our heavenly father, your word says…''

''Sister Ebube, I understand but please listen to me. While you were talking, I listened to you and didn’t interrupt you and now I'm asking that you extend me the same curtsey''

''I'm sorry reverend''

''Thank you. My sister, this is a very difficult thing for any man and you must be very careful how you handle it. I am a man and I will tell you for free, no man is happy to be in such a position. Such a man will already be feeling down and the worse thing he needs is nagging''

''I don’t nag, I just advise him to see a doctor. How hard is that?''

''Sister Ebube, when the bible talks about wisdom, it is in cases like this you need to practise it. I know you have a valid point but I worry with the way you may have handled this thing. You are quite emotional about it, and rightly so, but I'm pleading with you to use wisdom when speaking with your husband. As a matter of fact, I will advise you to leave this matter for now. Don’t broach it again for now, you must be mature about this''

''I have been most mature; since last year have I not tried? There is only one immature person and that’s why I am here today. A woman has needs and it's only fair they are met. If it is a man now, everyone will be telling me to sit up before the man looks outside. But look at my case now, everyone is asking me to calm down. It is one rule for a man and another for the wife in Nigeria. This is so unfair!''

Reverend Olakunle cocked his head to a corner and looked at her in a strange manner. It was the sort of look a mother would give her child who had refused to stop crying. Suddenly Ebube felt silly ''sorry about that'' she whispered. ''I'm just overwhelmed with grief''

''Sister Ebube, but you are not a newly wedded wife now so why are you acting like this?''

''Everyone is different reverend''

''I agree but you are older and I believe wiser than when you first got married. You should bear with your husband. It seems you have been talking more than you have been praying''

Ebube thought about it for a while then she nodded her head in agreement ''you are right reverend. I admit I can pray more on this issue''

''Good at least we both agree on that note. Sister Ebube, since you cannot drag him to see a doctor, allow your prayers propel him there. It is not every battle you use mouth to win! You must be patient oh. I don’t know of anyone sex killed but I know depression and incessant nagging can drive someone insane''

theyomight:
I guess the Rev. will suggest he has a solution he can offer personally one on one

Fantasyisland well done. You are really doing a great and wonderful work.
I learn a lot from your stories. Am always looking forward to read from you.

God will continue to strengthen and replenish you in every area of your life. Thumbs up.

I appreciate.

''It is well my sister''

''Reverend, I am tired. I am tired, I will not pretend''

''Sister Ebube, I have heard you and listened to you well. I will have a quick word with your husband but I want you to be very wise with this thing. Please open your ear and hear me well: as a man gets older, things are not the way they once were''

''Reverend, I know but he's not so old. He only turned 42 the other day. My husband's problem is that…''

''Sister Ebube, I understand but please listen to me. While you were talking, I listened to you and didn’t interrupt you and now I'm asking that you extend me the same curtsey''






What will Rev say?

***
Three days later, Ebube decided to head to church after closing from work. It was late in the evening but she was prepared for it. She had attended the bible study and decided to wait to see the reverend. She had called him earlier that morning and told him she would love to meet with him after bible study.

And now, she was seated before their man of God, Rev Olakunle. He was an elderly man in his late fifties and the assistant pastor of their local church. Charles was particularly quite close to him and for some reason, Ebube felt he was the best person to help her family. The issue was a dicey one and Ebube didn’t believe in informing family members about personal issues especially something of that nature.

Rev Olakunle had a serious look on her face all the while Ebube spoke. And even after the pitiful narration, he continued to stare on with this hard look. At that stage, Ebube was crying uncontrollably ''Mrs Uzoh, it is well'' the reverend finally said. ''Stop crying and giving the devil ammunition to use against you'' he handed her a hanky and she blew her nose in it and continued talking ''I'm just tired reverend. It is very difficult in my home. This thing has been going on since the end of last year. Please help me advise that man. No motivation, no drive to solve this problem. Is it fair? I'm talking from November ending till this day. Right now, we are in the second quarter of the year''

''Well I'm leaving from Lagos anyway so I'll be there. I was just thinking you might want to like…''

''I don’t even have a life in Lagos, I tell you. I barely have the time to attend to my own needs''

''You could make time if you tried''

Then Belinda began to laugh again. Ronald seemed like a quiet fellow but he probably had a problem reading between the lines. This was going to be tough but she had to do it ''I'm sorry Ronald but I can't see you again''

''Why? Are you seeing someone else?''

''Yeah something like that. I'm so sorry but I had to do this because…forget it''

''No, it's okay. I think I know what you mean. The person you're seeing, is it really serious cos I really like you and I kind of got the impression you were like single and…''

''Ermm… how do I put this now? You know like that Facebook status that says its complicated, yeah, that’s kind of where I am for now. My ex and I are still like erm she's… I mean he is like dating someone but we're in the middle of tidying things up… you know what I mean?''

''No''

''All I'm trying to say is you're a really good guy and trust me when I say this is for your own good. I don’t know if I'm making any sense''

''Not really, he is your ex so what are you still tidying up?''

''Ronald, I'm not in a good place. Right now my life is one complicated mass of … complication. It's like this big ball of confusion and I'm stuck in that web like a spider'' Belinda finished her sentence with a small laugh but Ronald wasn’t laughing. And in that moment, she felt so small, so silly. She brushed her hair aside and threw another apology his way before bidding him farewell ''thanks for a lovely evening but I've got to go now. I need to retire early because I've got to catch the first flight tomorrow''

''That’s okay, hugs then?''

They hugged briefly and just before Belinda pulled away, Ronald whispered into her ear ''give me a call when you disentangle okay''

''Sure'' Belinda whispered. Then she smiled at him and jumped into her car before zooming off.

Meanwhile Ronald continued to talk. He gave her the impression he was on a search for a wife and when he said Belinda would make a good wife material, she nearly choked on her drink!

He seemed like a decent guy, a bit boring (socially speaking) but what did you expect from someone who was steeped in aeronautics. However he had some good points. Belinda admired the fact he was intelligent and an avid sports fan, precisely American football. But other than that, that was it. The pair actually spent more time discussing the Super Bowl than anything else!

On the other hand, Ronald thought she was brilliant. More than anything else, he remembered their time together as children and that seemed to excite him. He reminded her of some adventures they had as kids but she couldn’t remember most of them. After a lovely date (at least in his eyes) they strolled out to their respective cars ''I'm so sorry you're leaving tomorrow'' Ronald began.

''I know but what can one do?''

''And I've been in town for quite a while. It's great to come home and relax sometimes''

''I agree''

''I've got about a week and half left. I could come over to Lagos so we can hang out again. I really enjoyed our time today''

Then Belinda laughed and replied in a small voice ''I wouldn’t do that Ronald''

''Do what? Come over to Lagos or hang out, which one?''

''Both of them''

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Belinda arrived first and she knew it because she called Ronald and he apologised. He was almost there, nearly there… and so she continued to sit in the borrowed car which her mother had graciously given. At some point she looked at her face in the mirror and scowled. Then she ran her lips over her teeth and continued to frown.

Everything about the day had been a drag. She had spent the morning packing her bag for her trip the following day. Then at about 4pm, she began to scatter the bag again. She felt really angry, she didn’t bring anything fancy and her mother had put her in a difficult position. She wanted to throw on a pair of jeans and t-shirt but she felt it would be too casual, too sporty, too unserious abi too unladylike. Finally, she settled for a checked shirt with the jeans trouser.

Belinda was not really the type of person who felt uncomfortable around men. As a matter of fact, she got on very well with them. At work, some of her closest friends were male. There was nothing about her that indicated she played for the other team - absolutely nothing.

Suddenly a black Mercedes Benz pulled up beside her and her tummy twisted in a knot. She sort of knew he was the one and she was right. Ronald came out with a smile and more apologies. He was wearing a dark blue shirt and a washed out jeans trouser. He looked okay, maybe a bit overweight. He reminded Belinda of a cute bunny.

All of a sudden she was glad she didn’t make any attempt to glam up. He looked equally casual and to be fair, he was good looking. But Belinda was not interested from the word go. The only reason she came on this date was for her mother's sake.
She managed to step out of her car and the pair hugged. Everything about him had changed but he kept telling her she looked the same. They had a light meal at a restaurant and Ronald suggested a comedy show afterwards but Belinda declined. She didn’t like shows plus she wanted to go home, curl up in a ball and chat with that special person.

''You are going cuckoo and I'm not having this conversation with you in this mood. I'll be sleeping in the guest room tonight''

''Good sleep there and make it your permanent abode! Sleep there because I can't stand the sight of you, you make me sick Charles! You make me sick to my bone marrow. Pack your face and go away!''

Charles got up from the bed and pulled his wrapper. He stared at her one last time before whispering ''goodnight'' then he flung the door wide open and banged it in anger.

''Charles, this thing is getting worse! It's far worse than when it first started and still you remain in denial? Can't you see what your refusal to see a doctor is causing?''

''This thing is not as easy as you think. I will book an appointment but give me time''

''You've had enough time hon but you keep giving me the runaround. There is help available so why won't you take it? Dr Alabi can refer you to a specialist so…''

''Oh for God sake! My family doctor? What is wrong with you?''

''There is no shame in sickness hon. If you don’t want Dr Alabi then find someone else. Find someone, just do something before I go crazy''

''I will do it in my own time''

''Why are you so headstrong? What more can I do to convince you of this thing? Why are you so selfish?''

Then Charles looked at her with blazing eyes ''selfish? You are the selfish pig here! All you ever want is sex, sex and more of it''

''And when did that become a crime?''

''Are you are teenager who just started having sex or a prisoner who has been incarcerated? You should be slowing down a bit or something. Ebube don’t kill me over sex. We have kids to train''

''Are you not ashamed of yourself this man? This thing is now worse than the last time. Heck, you barely go in and you erupt still you are too proud to seek for help? You told me you would see a doctor but you never did. You lied to me Charles''

''Ebube, I never told you I'll see a doctor. I told you I'll see a medical personnel and I did''

''Oh for God sake who did you see? A nurse, a pharmacist, a sales boy behind the pharmacist's counter, a medical student, a quack doctor, a lab scientist? Pray, tell me who you saw this man?''

''you've already come?'' she asked in shock. She placed a hand over her mouth and shook her head in disbelief.

''I told you I was sensitive down there. I tried to stop you but you kept touching me there right from the study''

''Are you for real? Do you want to blame me for that? What did I just do? I didn’t even do down on you. I didn’t even touch you like that. I didn’t even…''

Suddenly the room was quiet, very quiet. Mr and Mrs Uzoh sat at the opposite side of the bed and continued to stare into space ''I'm sorry'' Charles finally admitted. He spoke in a small voice like a child who had been caught with his hand in the pot.

''Did you really see the doctor as promised?'' Ebube asked in a quiet tone.

Charles cleared his throat but said nothing in reply. He continued to stare right ahead while Ebube watched him in shock ''you did not? Charles, please talk to me. Did you see the doctor or not?''

''No''

''Why?''

''Not tonight dear. I really don’t want to do this tonight''

Kajiang02:
Chai, this lady's writing skills really makes me wonder.
Me love it to pieces.
Fantasyyyyyyyyyyy, Can I take you to Daddyyyyyyyy?
How are you?

Honieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (in Ebube's voice) no you can't!

Good morning everyone.

Charles said nothing in reply, he merely smiled at her and then it happened so quickly, she slipped her finger in and brushed her hand against him in that spot. He was ready for her, she wanted to keep brushing him there but he stopped her again ''dear, it’s a bit sensitive down there. Let's just do it''

And so Ebube shrugged her shoulders and got ready. She removed her negligee and pulled down his boxers but was met with a disappointing scene. Her mouth flew open in surprise and sadness crept into her fine features ''you've already come?'' she whispered in shock.

TBC

She headed in his direction again and sat by the edge of the desk as he tidied up ''this one you're all over me tonight, you nor wan sleep?'' Charles asked in jest.

''I want to sleep with you by my side'' Ebube replied.

She moved closer to him and they kissed lightly at first then they kissed again but this time, it was passionate. Ebube moved from the desk and sat on her husband's lap. She began to unbuckle his belt when he stopped her ''not here, the bedroom'' Charles said. He held her by her arms and tried to get her to stand up.

She wanted to argue with him and push him back in the chair, but she knew better than to do that. She wanted to remind him of those days when they had sex in the study, living room and kitchen. She wanted to remind him of when they did it his first car in the garage. The following week when the car got bad and the mechanic asked what had happened to it, they looked at themselves and burst out laughing.

They did all sort of crazy things in their heyday but something had taken over her husband. He was not the man she knew from her university days. She was the one who should have begun to dislike sex (after pushing three children) but it ended up being the other way round. Charles had become so irritable and any small talk like saying the wrong thing before sex could turn things sour so quickly. And so she bit her lips today although she wanted to him to do her while she sat on his laps or maybe while bent over the desk. Hah, it was all wishful thinking. Like they say 'half bread was better than none'

And so Mr and Mrs Uzoh walked to their bedroom together and sat on their matrimonial bed. The action continued like it had started from the bedroom. At a point, Ebube reached for his belt and swiftly removed it. She brushed her hand against his nether region and suddenly he came alive but not in a good way. He held her hand at bay like he didn’t want her to go there ''you shy?'' Ebube teased, ''you don’t want me to touch it with my hands right so would you like me to use my mouth?''

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Ebube opened the study door quietly and stared at her husband as he continued to type. It seemed like his new found man cave. Most times, he worked long into the night and that was after coming from work late. Sometimes she ignored him but most times like tonight, she was here to pull him away. Nothing much had changed in their marriage especially regarding their medroommatics challenges. It was worse in the sense that she could barely get him to do anything.

He told her he had visited the doctor and she believed him. Tonight she just wanted him on the bed so she made her move ''are you working all through the night hon?'' she asked. As she spoke, she moved closer to her husband and placed a hand around his back ''hey you?'' she whispered.

Charles Uzoh turned around and smiled at her wearily ''just rounding up. Are the kids asleep?''

''Yeah, I tucked them in about an hour ago''

''Good, good. I'll join you in a jiffy''

Then Ebube floated out of the room. She spent the next 30 minutes arranging stuff and generally doing nothing. Then she yawned again and headed for the study. Her husband was still by the desk but he began to turn off the computer the moment she walked in ''still busy?'' she asked.

''Turning off the computer now dear''

''Belinda, you work 9 to 5 so what time do you have to meet new people? I've been to your place and I saw you leave by 5am and return by 10pm. I wept that day; how can you find a good man when you work like that? At least if you were a doctor, by now, you would be a consultant and your hours wouldn't have been so strenuous''

''Oh mum!''

''I know what I'm saying and that’s why I feel bad. You are so intelligent, the most intelligent child but you've chosen to remain behind a screen''

''Brilliant people are also in the arts mum. TV is not for dull people. As a matter of fact, you can't be dull and have a successful career in media''

''TV, TV and it's not like I've ever seen your face on the television oh! I watch that your station all the time''

''Mum, you know I don’t work on-screen''

''Please leave TV alone for now. Now I'm on about a man. You are not helping your case Belinda and even the church you don’t take serious. The place you would meet men and interact, you have blocked it off with your new age religion. All your friends are married so you are not helping your cause. It would be unfair to leave tomorrow when I promised Ronald's mother…''

Suddenly Belinda was tired. She was so tired she didn’t know when she blurred out ''where is the place and what is the time for this meeting?''

Then Mrs Okro smiled and began to read out a number from her phonebook.

''I did and she asked after all of you. She has not changed at all; still a wonderful woman who enjoys baking. Herself and her husband relocated back to Nigeria some years ago but the kids are still in the States''

''Good for them''

''I hear Roland is in town though''

''Okay''

''Mrs Horsfall told me he is an aeronautical engineer and at the minute, he is rounding up his PhD programme. I'm sure she said he just finished sef''

''Wow! That’s smashing to say the least. Is he planning on working with NASA or something because that is one seriously hot course?''

''I don’t think so. She said something like he is taking up a teaching position at a university in Cincinnati, Cincinnati Ohio''

''Good for him. Well you guys spoke a lot for a simple market meeting''

''Yes we did and there is more good news''

''I kind of have a feeling where this is going and it's not a good one''

''Ronald would love to meet with you''

''I said it!''

''That's the major reason I wanted you to come around. Roland can't wait to see you again and I think it’s a brilliant idea. Remember how close you two were? Remember how you wept when they won the visa lottery thing? Remember how you cried when they were moving away? I had to hold you back on that day and later bribe you with an outing before you agreed to calm down''

''Hah! That was like ages ago. I can barely remember how he looks like or… mum, what have you done this time? Is this what I think it is? Are we in the season of husband finding now?''

''There is no harm in matchmaking my daughter; people did it then and it worked. Even till this day, people continue to do it besides it's just a simple date''

''I don’t need hooking up''

''Remember Mr and Mrs Horsfall and their children?''

''How can I ever forget? Tonye, Belema and … oh what's that his name again?''

''Ronald the baby of the house''

''Yes Ronald! Ronald Horsfall. Oh my God and to think he was my best friend yet I forgot his name. I always wondered why he was the only one without a native name''

''I think he has a native name but the Ronald just stuck. I believe he was named after his father - Ronald Jnr''

''Really? I always asked then but no one said a thing''

''Oh you were young then and we probably didn’t want to say anything so you wouldn’t start calling Mr Horsfall by his first name''

''I wouldn’t have!''

''Oh you were so naughty, both of you. I bet you would have convinced Ronald to do that''

''You are quite right, we were indeed a handful. Remember that time we wanted to make cake and I told him to get flour from their house…''

''And he plucked all his mother's flowers…''

''And got a good whooping from her. Oh those good old days, anyway you said you saw her?''

She looked around in shock and noticed her mother was weeping. Immediately, she stopped and stared on. She had this look on her face like what have I done? The crying went on for some seconds before she knelt by her mother's side and began to comfort her ''Mum, its okay. Please stop crying''

''I'm just tired'' Mrs Okoro cried out. ''I don’t know what I did wrong. I don’t know where we lost it. I tried my best for you children but today it's so hard. Your brothers have refused to return since they left and the other one is talking marriage to a foreigner''

''It's okay mum''

''It's not okay, he will go ahead and marry oyibo and we all know oyibo will not allow him come home. The first one married Black American and has refused to return ever since. He wants to remain there because his wife will not follow him down here. Did we do wrong by sending them to school abroad? Did we do wrong by not insisting he marries a Nigerian?''

''Of course not''

''They have all forgotten why they went there to school. Who will take over the hospital then? You that likes Nigeria refused to study the medicine. What has one been slaving for then? Your dad is so sad, every day we think and think about the future of that place. We worry about the future of the hospital, the dedicated staff, the patients, our legacy, our…''

''Mummy, mummy you people cannot carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have to worry about you and do your bit. Do the little you can do and…''

''I'd like you to leave on Monday morning as planned''

''Would that make you smile?''

Then Mrs Okoro wiped her tears and smiled ''I saw someone at the market the other day'' she announced.

Then Belinda took her seat and smiled ''pray tell me''

''I understand but I find the continuous questions about men suffocating''

''Okay so what happened this time?''

''A lot but I'll make it short - it didn’t work''

''He told me lots of things dear. He told me you called off the relationship for no reason. He said you complained about his needs. What does that mean? What do you mean when you say someone is needy?''

''Like I said mum, it didn’t work. Relationships fail all the time and sadly this was one of them''

''Belinda, you broke up with a man because he has needs? If he is needy that tells me certain things were not being met. As a good woman, you should have tried to meet those needs. I mean who breaks up for something so flimsy?''

''I do and this is another reason I broke up with him. Calling my mother behind my back to weep like a child. This is not an even an issue for me and I can't believe you made me travel all the way down for this''

''First off, I called him not the other way round so your point is invalid. Belinda, I'm beginning to feel you are not helping your case. You break up with a man because he is too needy. Is it not a needy man you should be looking for at this age?''

''Okay that’s me done!'' Belinda announced. She got up and dusted her jeans dress while her mother continued ''your younger brother is talking marriage this fall''

''We thank God''

''That is last born who just finished his Masters program. Your immediate younger brother is already inside house with wife and children. Boys are getting married and my first daughter remains unconcerned. We are talking of people doing this of their own volition not like they are being coerced to marry because of papers. You are all citizens so there is no paper marriage involved''

''Mum, I'm going to say something and I know you wouldn’t like it. This thing you have done… I mean this stunt you pulled with me coming over is akin to crying wolf. God forbid but the next time you cry wolf and there is a wolf, I won't be here. I'm sorry but I just had to say it. I leave first thing tomorrow'' then Belinda turned to leave when she heard a loud sound.

Belinda grew up at an area referred to as old G.R.A. She had never liked home, it held too many memories of days she didn’t wish to recall. Some of her worst days as a teenager, was coming home for holiday and having her parents scrutinize her to bits. So many times in secondary school, she chose to have her midterm break at her guardian's house. To the outside world, it would seem like Belinda was ungrateful but to her, that was not the case. For Belinda, the problem was trying to live a predetermined life. It was a life she had no say in. From as young as she could recall, someone was already singing medicine into her ears.

Someone wanted her to take certain courses. Someone wanted her to act in a certain way because doctors were studious and serious people. Someone wanted her to remember her parents practise because some day, it had to be taken over by responsible children. It was too much for the young Belinda and one of the greatest decisions she felt she had made was choosing to study anything but medicine!

It used to be a lot nicer when they lived in the States but when her parents relocated, they became too serious. They shouted a lot and often said the children were a disappointment to them. Her father was particularly hard on them. Belinda shuddered with revulsion when she remembered her father standing behind with a book open in front of her.

And that was why she detested coming back to this city. As her mother continued to talk, she continued to smile but nothing was funny. After a while, her mother asked what was so funny ''you lied to me'' Belinda whispered.

''I had to do something to get you down here''

''Then you used daddy to lie because of this?''

''Well I've been asking you about the architect and you've been lying to me too. Is it a lie? I will call you and ask, how are you and architect doing and you will tell me great but it was all lies''

''I had to because you've been on my back. I can barely breathe and I don’t like it''

Then Mrs Okoro touched her knees lightly and tapped it ''calm down Belinda, I can see you are already getting worked up. If I ask about him, I do it because I mean well''

[size=18pt]13[/size]
Belinda walked into the parlour and greeted her mother ''morning dear'' Dr Mrs Okoro replied. ''Did you sleep well?''

''I did as soon as I discovered this visit was not as important as you made it seem. So what is it really about?''

''Sit and let's talk about other things first. You are too much in a hurry. Have you had something to eat?''

''Cereal and yes it's okay. I don’t each much in the mornings anyway''

For the next few minutes, mother and daughter continued to talk about loads of mundane things and Belinda felt somewhat disappointed. Earlier in the week, her mother had insisted she come over to PH during the holidays. It was one of those holidays that fell on a Friday so workers smiled throughout that week.

Luckily Belinda had the day off as well but she was not too happy. She worked really hard and every holiday or weekend she got off was precious to her. She tried to find out what the problem was over the phone but her mother kept insisting it was something they had to talk about. Belinda almost ignored her but for the fact her mother said the matter involved her father. That certainly got Belinda's antenna up and it was then she finally booked a ticket for her trip.

@Kenwins thanks for the shout out.

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