Chapter 6

Flashback

Many Years Earlier

  Lydia quickly and stealthily walked out of the compound, opening the gate quietly and closing it in that same manner so as not to make a noise.

   "Where could Francis be now?"Lydia thought to herself once outside the gate.

"Yes, he is probably at Dike's workshop. Francis my love prepare to loose your Chinenye"

   A smile formed on her lips on the thought of Francis loosing his love for Chinenye. She quickly hurried towards meeting Francis.

She would have to pass the community market which was a very good way of seeing Adanne or as she is popularly referred to as "Nne", Francis' and Emeka's mother.

   Lydia quickened her steps under the scorching sun. Her face had already started to get covered in perspiration as she wiped the sweats from her forehead.

  She just wanted to tell Francis the news and twist it before anybody else could tell him.

"Francis I gave you my body, you will have to marry me by hook or crook"

LYDIA

  "Nne dalu o(Nne well done o)" I greeted. I had stumbled upon Nne on my way to see Francis.

She was probably coming back from the market seeing the polythene bag she was carrying.

It's a good thing I met her, atleast I can break the news of her darling daughter in-law's pregnancy.

"Yes thank you Lydia"Nne replied.

Nne never liked me, I know it.

The only person she likes is Chinenye. What is so special in Chinenye?

Even Francis likes her. I am a good person too but no they won't see the good in me.

I just really wished Chinenye died whilst being raped.

"Nne why are you so cold towards me? Ogini kam mere gi?(what did I do to you?)" I asked with visible annoyance written all over my face.

Nne let out a laugh and smiled at me"sorry I'm just very stressed out"

I know she is lying, Nne doesn't like me, she always think Chinenye is better than me.

'Chinenye', that name. I wonder how Nne will treat Chinenye once she learns of her pregnancy situation.

"Nne you have to stop being rude to me. You are an elder you should know better. Odiru mma (it's not good)" I blurted out.

Nne's smile disappeared and her face wore a frown as she scrutinized me.

"Bia(come)Lydia what do you want eehn?!"

A sigh escaped my mouth. I folded my hands and stared at Nne.

I could see that she got annoyed by my remark.

Well she deserved to hear what I told her and what I'm about to tell her will surely make her explode.

  "Nne I just came to tell you that your darling Chinenye is pregnant and Emeka isn't the one responsible"I said with a huge grin on my face.

On hearing my statement, Nne dropped the bag she was carrying and her mouth went agape.

"Ogini ki ku?(what did you say). Did I just hear you right? My own Chinenye?"

I rolled my eyes on hearing Nne's last words.

"My own Chinenye" really?

What was so bad in me?

"Yes odiri ime(she is pregnant)" I replied with a straight face.

"Mba(no) obu ashi(it's a lie)" Nne objected.

I feel so annoyed at this point. Did she really trust Chinenye blindly?

Chinenye is really getting on my nerves.

"Nne obu ezioku(it's the truth) she's pregnant. When she will not stay one place. Jumping from one man to another ,how won't she get pregnant?"

Nne looks so tensed and confused, watching her this way makes me feel so happy.

She deserves it!

  "Well anyways"I said moving closer to Nne,patting her shoulders.

"I'll be a good daughter in-law ok. Francis and I will soon get married and trust me, I won't get pregnant before that happens. Unlike Chinenye, I'm very modest"I added.

Nne eyed me and pushed my hands away from her shoulders.

What exactly is this old woman's problem?!

"Ogini ki ku?(what did you say) you and who will soon get married?,it can't happen"Nne objected.

I had gotten enough of Nne's rejection. I won't tolerate it again.

  "What is it you this old woman!? Do you want to marry your son!? Francis and I will get married whether you like it or not!" I shouted.

Nne looked at me dumbfounded, hands on her hips as my sudden outburst had shocked her.

I don't care what she thinks of me again, I'm done trying to win her over.

"Do you know you lack manners?"

I eyed Nne and hissed at her. I couldn't care less anyways.

"Obu nsogbu gi(that's your problem). Francis bu di m(Francis is my husband). Take it or leave it"

"Old cargo"I added in an insulting tone as I walked away.

I knew Nne was still staring at me but I couldn't care less, after all her opinion on my marriage didn't really matter to me.

Whether she likes or not, Francis must marry me.