EPISODE 3
My father, Ojukwu dipped his index finger filled with pepper into my inkwell.
an understatement.
I sprawled out on the floor wailing without end and I heard my dad say;
"I will sell you off in marriage when you turn fifteen".
I expected my mother to speak against it but unfortunately, she stood with my dad.
"This girl is useless, selling him off would be a better option" she would always say.
My eyes were still in darkness because of the mixture being poured on them.
Neighbors around wanted to interfere but my parents asked them to mind their business.
I stayed in gloominess and sadness till dawn.
Three years later, I had completed my secondary school education by then.
Things were still not normal - my parents were acting uncannily.
My dad invited Ude to come and ask for my hand in marriage.
Ude was a good palm wine tapper who had five wives and sixteen children.
He was a bosom friend to my dad.
He was rich and famous in the community.
My dad was insolvent and needed money.
Ude assured him that he will come and ask for my hand in marriage the following week.
Ojukwu was happy as Larry because all his problems would be solved.
He came back in the evening and got me some snacks.
I jumbled because this man haven't done this before.
"Why is he doing this now?" I asked myself when he gave me the snack.
My mother who haven't touched my hair for even a day was now playing with my hair.
She plaited it calling all kinds of beautiful names.
Verily, I was uncomfortable. They were acting weird - they changed in a twinkle of an eye.
A week later, It was the day Ude the palm wine tapper would take me.
Different kinds of food were cooked.
Fresh palm wine tapped.
The traditional singer had all come - Osadebe was present.
Our compound was very hot with good music. A piece of music that sounds beautiful to the ear.
The lead singer was Osita Osadebe, a great traditional singer.
My dad and mum were all in their best outfits.
The king of our village was also present.
Ude was in his cultural dress with plenty of beads on his neck and wrist.
It was now time to call the bride - me.
My parents now told Ude that they had been looking for me since morning.
Ude was cheesed off and left the occasion in fury.
The king was disrespected and my dad would bear the consequences.
I packed my bag the other day and left the day of the occasion before the cock crowed.
I didn't know where to go but I just evaded hoping to do well in the City.
My parents were disappointed and happiness filled up my heart hearing that.
To be continued...
