Chapter Five: Boundaries And Burdens.

Lisa was in the kitchen when she heard the knock.She wiped her hands quickly with a towel and walked to the door.There stood Bella and Faith…her two closest friends.Bella looked like she had something heavy on her chest, while Faith wore her usual bright smile.

“Ah ah! see fine girls” Lisa teased as she opened the door wider.” Come in jare, the queen is home”.

“Queen ko,” Bella mumbled as she walked in. “ Queen that wants to run mad”.

Faith laughed. “You and wahala! just one day we haven't seen you ,and you're already moody”

They all settled in the parlour, each with a chilled glass of juice in their hand. Lisa sat between them, happy to have her girls around again. Faith was different from Bella… She was warm, respectful, and always had good advice. Unlike Bella , who could be blunt and overly confident, Faith had a way of making everyone feel calm and happy.

“ So wetin happen again” Lisa asked, looking at Bella who had already slumped into the sofa like someone who just got fired.

Bella sighed and took a deep breath. “ Na my mama oh. That woman fit make person run mad. She just kept shouting and talking anyhow just because I'm still single.

Lisa and Faith exchanged glances .

“Again”? Faith asked softly.

Bella nodded, her face twisted in frustration. “ She even compared me to that her daughter- in-law . Can you imagine? She said, even uju that is not even fine like you have a husband. You just dey decorate house for nothing.” 

Lisa shook her head in disbelief. “ Ah. that's too harsh naw”

“My ugly sister - in-law” Bella said laughing.

“Ugly sister- in-law ?” Faith asked.

“Yes now! You've not seen her before?” Bella leaned forward from her chair. “ That one no fine at all. Her front teeth alone can scatter someone's confidence “.

Lisa tried not to laugh. “ Bella , abeg …she is not that bad. I've seen her once “.

Lisa, don't lie jor! That lady's teeth are like old yam peels. There is no way my mother should compare me to her”.

They all burst into laughter .

“ Still*,Lisa said, catching her breath. “ Your mom must have been really angry to say these things. I think I'll go and see her, maybe she just needs someone to talk to”

Faith nodded. “Exactly what l was thinking. Let's both go and talk to her, maybe if she hears from us, she 'll calm down.

But Bella quickly shook her head. “No, oh. Don't bother yourselves, I'm not stepping foot into that woman's house again until l have a ring on my finger”.

Lisa smiled. “Hmmm, ring ke? So you now believe in dramatic revenge”?

Bella giggled. “It's not revenge. It's just….l want to prove to her that I'm not useless as she claims. One day I'll walk in there and she will see me with a ring and a man that'll make her jaw drop”.

Faith sighed. “ Bella , don't let your mum pressure you into making a mistake. I know it's hard, but please wait for the right person “.

She raised her left hand and admired her wedding ring. “ l and Kunle took our time. We understand each other. We respect and love each other's feelings genuinely.”

Bella rolled her eyes. “How are you even sure you married the best man”.

The mood changed instantly. Faith's face twitched. “ Excuse me”?

Bella shrugged, unapologetic. I'm just saying… don't be too sure. Even men of God cheat these days. So what makes you think kunle won't “?

Faith sat up straight, her smile gone. “Bella, what are you trying to say?”

Lisa’s heart skipped. She could feel tension climbing the room like steam.

“I'm just saying all men cheat”, Bella said bluntly. “You're there bragging about Kunle as if he is from another planet. He's a man, Faith. Just a Man “.

That was it.

Faith stood up, eyes wide with anger. “ Bella or whatever you called yourself. For the fact that you haven't gotten a man doesn't give you the right to insult my husband! I've had enough of your bitterness.

Faith, please calm down. Lisa tried to hold her arm, but Faith snatched it away.

“No! l won't calm down. Every time we talk about something good, you find a way to ruin it with your negativity. l won't take that from you, Bella. Never again.”

Bella blinked, clearly stunned.

“You don't even know what people pass through in their marriages”, Faith continued, her voice trembling now. “But you sit there and talk anyhow. You think I'm bragging? Do you even know what I'm carrying right now?.

Lisa looked at Faith, her heart sinking. She knew what she meant.

“Faith, please…tried to calm her down again.

But Faith turned sharply toward the door. “ Let me just go before l say something I'll regret.”

“Greet Kunle for me”. Lisa shouted after her.

She didn't look back. The door slammed gently behind her.

Lisa turned to Bella, disappointment written all over her face. “Bella , that wasn't fair”.

Bella scoffed. “ What did l say that was so wrong! l only said the truth.

Lisa frowned. “You think it's the truth, but it was cruel. Faith is pregnant Bella. She doesn't need this kind of pressure. And you know she has a soft heart, things easily get to her. You hit her where it hurts”.

 Bella shifted uncomfortably on the couch.” Wait …. Fatih is pregnant “?

Lisa nodded slowly. “Yes," she told me last week. She hasn't even told many people yet. The least you could've done was be supportive “

Bella's face dropped.

 “l didn't know”, She finally muttered. “Lisa l swear l didn't know “.

“But you did say it, Bella” Lisa's voice was low but firm. “And is not the first time you speak without thinking.You talk down on people without realising how deep your words cut”.

“I'm really sorry”. Bella muttered. She stood up and stretched. “Alright, I'll leave you to finish cooking your food.Let me go home, maybe I'll stop by Faith's place later”.

Lisa followed her to the door. “ That's a good idea.And don't wait for too long. The longer you wait, the harder it gets”.

Lisa turned off the kitchen light,her head spinning.

Her phone buzzed,It was a voice note from Faith.

Lisa hesitated... then pressed play.

At first,it was just silence. Then Faith's voice came through, low and shaky.

“Do you think Kunle is cheating on me”?