CHAPTER THREE: MOVING ON

Chapter Three

It was Sunday evening. Anuri sat in the living room watching a Nigerian movie. Suddenly, Christopher who was there with her turned to her.

 Hesitatingly, he began, 'excuse me, aunty.’

 'Mmh?’

 'There's something aunty Ogadinma said that has been bothering me.’

 'What is it?' She frowned slightly. 'Is it about me?’

 'Yes.' 

 'Yes, go on,' she urged him.

 'She said that you might have HIV.’

 Anuri was shocked. 'Wh-what did you say? Goodness gracious me,' she gasped in hurt, her hazel eyes darkening with emotions. 'She said that?’

 'Yes.’

 She shook her head. 'How could she?…' Her voice trailed off.

 'She said that most people who come back from the prison have HIV. That is why she does not let you help in cooking.’

 Anuri stared into space, her eyes becoming misty. 'Dear me…' This was definitely the last straw. She had never told anyone of her rape. So how could she presume such a thing? Why should she even think in that line? She was momentarily filled with anger at the women's audacity. It was unfair, very unfair. This revelation annoyed Anuri so much but she fought for self-control.  Two wrongs cannot make a right. She had tried her best to tolerate James's wife despite her constant provocations. But this latest insinuation was beyond the scope of her tolerance. She thanked God she had a job now and some money. She would begin to hunt for a house with immediacy. She would not continue to live under the same roof with a woman who bore such ill notions against her. Not especially now she could afford the money.

 Then, another bout of emotion swept through Anuri. HIV? She had never let herself dwell on the possibility of being HIV positive. A shudder ran through her at that thought, her nerves vibrating with shock.  She had been thankful that that ugly incident had not resulted in a pregnancy. If it had, how could she have coped? It happened to some women in similar situations. Could she have borne the shame? The misery? And, how would she have regarded such a baby? It would have been more terrible, no doubt. When months after the rape, she did not get pregnant, she had wept with sheer relief. When the thought of HIV had crept into her mind, she had brushed it aside, because the relief of not getting pregnant had surpassed any other fear. Now it had cropped up again, she was disturbed. O God, let it not be true… let me be HIV negative, she prayed silently, her heart quivering. She would not like to have that burden on her shoulders. If she really was positive to HIV, would she not have felt peculiarly sick all these past four years? Wouldn't she? Well… she would find out. She looked at Christopher who was staring at her. 'Aunty is wrong, Christopher. I don't have HIV.' 

 The boy took a deep breath. 'I did not believe her. People who have HIV and AIDS are heads and bones. But you are healthy and fine.’

 She shook her head sadly and returned her gaze to the television screen. She no longer watched the film. Her mind became introspective. Little wonder James' wife behaved the way she did! Christopher's revelation was an eye opener. Anuri now knew why she did not allow her to shred spinach, slice tomatoes, onions or yam for her! So, she thinks I have HIV. She pouted in mock amusement. Suddenly, she remembered an  incident that had puzzled her weeks ago. She had used a razor blade and had forgotten it on the side table in the parlour. James' wife had seen it later in the day. 'Who owns this razor blade?' Her voice had wobbled.

 Anuri had sat up. 'Oh, it's mine. I forgot to put it away.' 

 'Please take it away. I don't want to mistake it for mine,' she had said with a frown. 'It's risky.' Anuri had heard her mutter the last sentence. This had puzzled her. At a point, she had felt she misheard her. But now, she understood. 'I will leave,' she mumbled, leaning back on the seat.  ‘It's no use staying, no use inconveniencing her.’

 Anuri did not complain to James when he came back. Of what use? He was not a child. And James was not blind, was he? He must know his wife's attitude to her. If he did not, she was not the person to tell!

 After work on Wednesday, Anuri met a house agent on the issue of accommodation. The house agent, Mr. Okoro informed her that some flats, bungalows, and duplexes were available. 'So which of them do you want?' 

 'I don't have what it takes to rent a two or three bedroom flat,' she told him frankly. 'If you can find me a self-contained one bedroom apartment, I'll be happy. Somewhere neat and conducive.’

 'Mmh… there is a vacant single room apartment available. The house is newly built. When you are set, we go and have a look at it.’

 'Oh, good. But where is it situated? And how much is the rent?’

 'The house is off Nwigwe Street, along Faulks road. The rent is forty thousand naira per annum, very cheap.’

 Anuri was still for a while. It was not as if she had much money on her. If she paid forty thousand naira, she would not have up to twenty thousand naira in her account. She had to take the plunge. It was vital. 

 'Is it self contained?’

 'It is.’

 'One thing is, will the Landlord accept a year advance payment? That's the much I can afford.’

 Mr. Okoro paused briefly. 'He will. He’s not really out to make money with the house.’

 Anuri was relieved. 'When can we go and see the apartment? I want to pack in as soon as possible.

 'Mmh… come tomorrow, around this time. I'll take you to the place. If you are satisfied, we will proceed to the Landlord's house at once.’

 'Alright. I'll be here by this time tomorrow. Thank you very much.’

 'You are welcome.’

 Anuri left the agent's house. Was she not lucky to have found the right person to the right house?

 The following day, she made it to the agent's office. She wore a black and pink floral gown, which enhanced her elegance and beauty. Anuri's elegant figure and her greenish brown eyes made her an outstanding figure anywhere. The apartment was annexed to two other apartments in the compound. This was on the right wing of the compound. On the left were three other apartments of like design. Hedges of old paper gray hair dotted the ground in front of the houses. Anuri gave the place a grand appraisal, liking what she saw. Two women were moving about their house chores while some children played in the sand. The women greeted Mr. Okoro cheerfully.

 'How una dey?' he asked in pidgin.

 'They replied with warm smiles, 'we dey fine O.’

 Anuri greeted them politely and they responded in like manner. Mr. Okoro led her to the vacant apartment. He unlocked the door and pushed open the door. She hovered momentarily at the doorstep before e joining Mr. Okoro in the room. The room was standard, the walls painted in creamy yellow. She inspected the small kitchen, the toilet and the bath. They were good. She turned to him. 'I will take this apartment. I like it.' 

 'I know you will.’

 They went ahead to the Landlord's house situate along Udu street, nearby. The landlord lived in a white single duplex. The security man let them in. It was around 5:30pm so the air was a bit misty.  The Landlord, Chief Ukanwoke and his wife sat at the verandah, probably enjoying the cool evening breeze. They were elderly people in their early sixties. Chief Ukanwoke was on the lean side, fair complexioned while his wife was on the voluptuous side and dark complexioned. She looked relaxed in her silver rimmed spectacles.

 As they arrived, Mr. Okoro greeted them, 'good evening, Chief, good evening, Lolo.’

 'Good evening,' they responded. 'How is the family?' Chief Ukanwoke enquired.

 'They are fine, Chief.’

 Anuri stood by the side and bid them politely, good evening sir, good evening ma.’

 'Good evening,' they acknowledged, regarding her. 'How are you?’

 'I'm fine, ma.’

 Mrs Ukanwoke gestured towards the plastic armchairs available. 'Please, sit down.' 

 The visitors sat down.

 Mr. Okoro began without preamble, 'Chief, this lady here wants that vacant apartment.’

 'The one off Nwigwe?’

 'Yes, Chief.’

 'Has she seen the place?’

 'Yes. She likes it and would like to pay at once. But she can only pay for a year.’

 The landlord gazed at Anuri. 'I see…' he intoned thoughtful. 'You have not told us your name, young woman.’

 Anuri smiled. 'My name is Anuri Uchechi.’

 'Anuri Uchechi…' he repeated. 'Where are you from?’

 'I'm from Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government.’

 'Okay… You are welcome.’

 'Thank you, sir.’

 'I want your name written down, your address, and next of kin. You will also provide a guarantor, someone that can stand in for you in case of any eventuality. I cannot accept your payment till I have seen your guarantor. I ghotara? He raised his eyes brows.

 Anuri nodded, dismayed at this development. She had wanted to conclude everything about accommodation before informing James. Well…she must tell him now.

 'Alright sir. I will provide a guarantor. We will come back tomorrow.’

 'Good. Your guarantor can either come in person or send his letter of guarantee, which must bear his concrete address.’

 'Okay, sir.' She glanced at Mr. Okoro 'I'll  leave now. Thank you sir, thank you ma.’

 'Our pleasure,' both couple smiled.

 Mr. Okoro bade them farewell and left with Anuri.

 That night, she told James about the accommodation and the need for a guarantor. They were alone in the living room, around eight thirty eight.

 He was obviously pained. 'You want to leave us?' His voice was tinged with sadness.

 Anuri evaded the question. 'I want to live on my own, Brother. It will help me arrange my life better.’

 James took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He understood very well why Anuri wanted to leave. His wife was the cause. She was disrespectful and hostile to her even though she veiled it. But any sensible person would realize it. He had tried to make his wife behave well, to no avail. Some women could be very inconsiderate and bad towards relatives. His wife was amongst them. The worst aspect was her suggesting that Anuri could be HIV positive. He had been very angry that night and almost hit her. What had gone into her to say such a thing? She had not shown pity on a girl who had suffered betrayal and hardship. What she could do was suspect she had gotten HIV from the prison! Good heavens! His wife must be mad. Even if it was so, was that how to treat another human being? James sighed and asked Anuri, 'do you have enough money for the accommodation?’

 'Yes, I can pay for a year. He said I must bring a guarantor before he accepts my payment. Will you serve as my guarantor?’

 'Why not? I'll go with you and meet the landlord,' he assured her. 'You don't have to worry.’

 'Oh, thank you.’

 'Don't mention. If I had the money, I would even help you in paying the rent. But thank goodness you can afford it. I hope the place is good.’

 'It is.’

 'Alright.’

 The next day, around 5:30pm, Mr. Okoro, Anuri and James visited Chief Ukanwoke. The Chief was pleased to see James. Anuri paid the rent and documents were signed. Everything was concluded amiably. Anuri was happy. Now, she could move!

 That night, she broke the news to James' wife. They were watching the television in the parlour. 'I have found an apartment for myself, aunty.’

 Ogadinma turned to her, surprised. James had not told her. She got over her surprise and asked sweetly, 'you want to live on your own?’

 'Yes, I want to live on my own, I will move on Sunday.’

 She glanced at her husband who did not take any note of her. 'That's alright. It is good for you.' Ogadinma realized that James already knew. Let her go, she thought. Have we not tried for her? At least I can breathe freely and also get more money from James. I know how much he had spent on her. Let her go…

 On Saturday, Anuri bought a mattress, a cooking stove, some plates and pots. Luckily, James had given her some money to assist her in the purchase of household items else it would have been difficult. She carried them to her new house and returned to James'. That night she was busy packing her belongings into her suitcases.

 The children especially the first two were unhappy that she was leaving. Chisom shook his head vehemently in protest. 'Don't go, aunty Anuri, don't leave us!’

 She patted his shoulder with a smile. 'Don't cry, Chisom. I'll be coming to visit you. You won't even know I have packed out.’

 'We will visit you too,' put in Samson.

 'Of course, you will. Your dad will bring you along.’

 Around 4:00pm, she informed them that she was set to go. James and his wife were in the living room, watching a religious program on the television.

 ‘Are you set?' James asked, sitting up.

 ‘Yes,' she replied, her luggage in both hands.

 ‘I will drop you at your new place. Ask Christopher to help you stow those luggage into the car booth.’ He stood up and left the room.

 Anuri turned to James' wife with a smile. ‘Aunty, I’m very grateful for all you did for me. Thank you,’ she said with a catch in her voice despite all odds. She was indeed grateful to James' wife despite her shortcomings. 

 'What did we do?' Ogadinma smiled. 'Don't say another word. Take good care of yourself.’

 'I will, bye-bye.’

 'Bye.’

 Anuri left quietly. Shortly, James' children ran into the living room asking their mother. 'Where is aunty Anuri? Is she gone?’

 'She just went out now.’

 'Mummy, you did not wake us!' Samson cried in dismay, running out of the room. The rest followed. Indeed, it was their father who had woke them up.

 ‘Mmh,’ Ogadinma pouted. 'These children.’

 Anuri clad beautifully in a pink lace outfit walked into Goodwill Hospital along Port Harcourt road. It was Saturday, in April, the beginning of the rainy season. The weather was cool and the sun was not strong. It seemed it would rain later in the day. The hospital was a large two storey building neatly and strongly constructed. Goodwill Hospital was highly reputed in the town. Anuri had chosen it because of its first class reputation.

 She looked round the neat hospital lounge, inhaling the smell of disinfectants and medicine. She saw some patients waiting to see the doctors. She met the receptionist and made her enquires. She wanted to see the presiding doctor.

 'You will obtain the hospital card first,’ the young man told her the price for each hospital card.

 Anuri paid and collected her card. She joined others in waiting. After what seemed like an age, it was her turn to see the doctor. The doctor was a fair complexioned middle-aged man. He looked understanding, kind and authentic. He adjusted his spectacles and looked up at her.  He had a peculiar face.

 'Good afternoon, sir.' She moved to the desk. 

 He smiled professionally. 'Good afternoon, have a seat.’

 Anuri sat down in one of the armchairs facing the doctor.

 'You are Miss Uchechi?’

 'Yes, Sir.’

 ‘What can I do for you?’

 ‘I want to be tested for HIV.' 

 ‘Mmh?' He gazed at her thoughtfully. 'Alright. Apart from desiring a HIV test, do you feel sick?’

 ‘No sir, I don't feel sick.’

 'Okay.’

 'I'll like to have the result today.’

 'Sure you will have it. You will also be tested for Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.’

 Anuri stared at him. 'Hia,' she interjected inwardly. Could she have Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B too? What is all this? To the doctor she said worriedly, 'sir, I don't think I have those two ailments in my blood.’

 He smiled. 'I believe you but you see, when it comes to medicine you don't leave anything to speculation. It is good to be certain. These two other tests are as vital as knowing your HIV status. There's no harm in taking the tests, okay?’

 She nodded slowly.

 As she waited for the result of the tests, Anuri's heart pounded painfully. O Christ Jesus, let me negative to all the tests, father please, I don't have the strength to manage any ailment; just look at all I went through, please…

 At last, she was called into the doctor's office. He handed her an envelope, which she received with trembling hands. She opened it and pulled out the typed document. As she unfolded the paper, her eyes searched for the place of status. Good heavens! She was negative! Great relief washed through her veins. Negative to HIV and the other two. She looked at the doctor with darkened eyes. If she were alone now, she would have cried.

 Tremulously she spoke, ' thank  you doctor.’

 'My pleasure to be of service,' he smiled. 'Now that you know your status in HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B, I advise you to be cautious. Avoid pre-marital, casual and unprotected sex. For the moment the cure for HIV is not out.’

 Anuri nodded overwhelmed with joy.

 'You will repeat the HIV test in three months time, a confirmation test.’

 'Oh.' 

 'Yes, that is the routine, for absolute certainty. But this shouldn't diminish your joy.’

 She nodded slowly. 'I understand.’

 It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Indeed, it was so. She gazed up the sky in gratitude to God. I'm grateful father, she prayed silently.

 Back in her apartment, she prepared a meal of plain beans, stew and ripe plantain. She relaxed on the bed and enjoyed the food. How glad she felt. She had proved James' wife wrong. That alone made her happier. Anuri had lived on her own for two months now. She was now her own mistress. She lived in friendly but detached terms with her neighbours. They respected her and she did nothing that could jeopardize that respect. Life was becoming lenient to her.