₦airaland Forum

Thanks lenmafon and Plaitex for the previous comment. Guys please drop something after an update; its somewhat comforting. The other day i noticed i was typing Doris instead of Dorcas and no one brought it to my attention. Chai

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On a hot weekend in November, Mama Ulo sent for her with no prior warning. She made it sound urgent and it only annoyed Ulo because she knew her mother could have sent for her during the week. She didn’t work anyway and everyone knew this. Mrs Obinde had grown older and life was a lot comfortable courtesy Ulo and Dorcas. She still lived in the same rented house and refused the offer of moving to a better home or buying a plot where she could build another house. She would murmur ''if I die tomorrow, who am I leaving the house for? You are all in your husband’s house and I am happy here.''

Pearl was still a liability although Mrs Obinde refused to admit this. She still complained about her marriage and took turns spending the weekend at either her siblings or mother’s place.

As soon as Ulo arrived, her mother kicked off by sending her on various errands around the house. It was annoying because they both knew this visit had nothing to do with errands. A young relative lived with mama and attended to her every need. Next Ulo could not believe what her mother wanted her to do. Her mother knew how much she hated that task.

''Mama did you send for me to break melon seed with you? This is unfair you know.''

Mrs Obinde, ignored her and motioned for the tray full of half broken melon. She appeared pensive ''my child is still my child, no matter what you have become. The farmer will bend his plant to harvest the maize no matter how tall it has grown. Sit down and break melon with me.''

Ulo sat and they began breaking the melon in silence. Finally, her mother coughed twice and spoke ''how is your husband?''

''He is fine mama''

''And where is he gone this time?''

''Abuja'' Ulo answered.

''My daughter I have called you today to discuss your marriage. I know what you are going through but that does not mean you are hundred percent without fault. I know because I gave birth to you. The mother seal can spot her cubs amongst thousands on the beach. There is no perfect child but you are a good one. I am not happy anytime you have problems with your husband and it was even more painful the last time you moved out of your home. God forbid that reoccurs while I am dead or alive. We have one constant runaway whom I still sort out, I can't have two. I trained my daughters better than that!''

She was quiet for about a minute before she continued ''I have heard your complaints my child and I have studied your husband. I know you speak the truth.''

Ulo began to cry softly ''I can't stand that man. I live in misery mama. You don’t know half of what I go through in that house. I don’t say everything but it has been so hard. Mama he is a difficult man.''

Her mother hushed her ''that is not why I’ve sent for you today. What pleasure will I derive if you come and sit here with me? My knees still hurt from the hours of long prayers I made on your behalf before you left this house. Your husband may be unreasonable but most men out there are the same. The difference is the degree to which it varies. As an African woman, you can make or mar your marriage because you are ninety nine percent responsible for the success of your union. Most men act as children so treat Dennis like you will treat your son. It is not every battle you must win. It is not every point you must prove. Overlook his faults and be humble. Everything you want will come to you in due course. Yes I said it; mark my words even that career you long for, it will come.''

Ulo said nothing; it was too much to take in. When she finally spoke, she thanked her mother for the advice. Mrs Obinde looked at her with a smile ''the job of a mother is never finished. Go and find something to eat, you look like a broom stick. You won't take in, if you continue at this rate.''

Later that night, Ulo thought about all her mother said. She was not prepared to swallow all hook, line and sinker. It was amazing how quickly one’s opinion changed. Before marriage, if someone had re-echoed what her mother said earlier in the day, she would have cursed and shouted. It still made no sense but she decided to put it to practise. She had nothing to lose with a marriage heading for the rocks.

Over the following months, Ulo was shocked to discover the changes brought about by the radical implementation of her mother's advice. It was not clear if Dennis had changed for the better or she had finally gotten used to his behaviour. She rarely argued and simply ignored him most times. She became almost like a robot, devoid of emotional feelings and lacking in warmth where her husband was concerned.

And so life continued peacefully until the following year when the absence of a child began to tell on her.

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lenmafon:
i actually thought u were a guy until i saw ur pic on ur profile. thanks for the update. cheerio

Who dash me nor be Agbani be that?

Costlybabe:
Oh my !this story na bomb,why will ulo go into a marriage where she already knows the outcome but what is wrong with that her mother sef,she is the pushing her,touch meder,u are doing great

Thanks dear will update later tonight.

debdave:
Welldone touchmeder. Am so following this.
But na only one tyn go pursue me ooo#shey u know?#

What did u mean to say there? Totally lost you. Welcome guys take off ur shoes and relax. Drinks are on me. LOL

Ulo decided to wait until it was safe enough to leave, those last hours felt like the longest period of her life. Bode remained quiet under the sheets staring at her while she sat on a chair swinging her leg.

There was nothing more to say or do because it had all been done. She didn’t feel ashamed or scared. In hindsight, this was the pointer, that her impending marriage was doomed from the start.

By the time she got up to leave, Bode began sobbing like a baby, dabbing the corner of his eyes with the bed sheet. He didn’t have the strength to walk her out, which was a good thing as it was best no one saw anything. He began to beg ''stay with me baby, what we share is real. Run away with me and let's build a home. I may not have the world now, but I promise to make you very happy someday. You know I love you and that man can never love you like I do.''

She walked out without a word or backward glance and gently closed the door behind.

to be contd

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Dennis came from a poor home blighted by polygamous problems: badly behaved children, quarrelsome wives and an egocentric father. His mother was the second of four wives who fought hard to ascertain her children’s right; not that they were entitled to much anyway. Dennis was the second of four siblings from his mother and they all attended public schools.

On the day he graduated from secondary school, his father called him aside and spoke solemnly ''from now onwards, you are on your own. At your age, I was married to my first wife and toiling the fields with my bare hands'' he stretched out his hand to emphasis his point while his son looked on. ''Henceforth, don’t expect to receive anything from me because those days are long gone. Instead, I should be the one asking for pocket money. If you want to go into business, you have my blessing. If you want to further your education, you have my blessing. If you say it is a wife, I won't stop you. Whatever you do, don’t ask me for a kobo! God bless your efforts my son. Kneel, let me pray for you.''

Dennis hated his family and the life he was used to. Most nights before he slept, he would ask God why he was born into such family. He got a job at a building shop right after secondary school. He would leave home first thing in the morning and be the last to close shop after his boss. Anything that took him away from home was bliss.

His boss was impressed by his dedication and offered to take him to Lagos. He was opening a new shop and needed a dependable sales boy.

Dennis wasted no time in jumping at the offer to leave his godforsaken town. His mother urged him on as she packed his bags ''don’t look back my son because there is nothing in this wretched town. We have tilled the soil and plundered all that is left of her. God bless your oga, the moment I saw him, I knew he would bring me joy.''

zyzxx:
wow. Actually I felt d same but am not sure because u balance btw both. Awesome ma'am.
Apy weknd.

Really i balance between both? Interesting i always thot my speech gave me away most times but so many people kept referring to me as sir/bro. I didn't mind though. Have a great weekend too.