Last updated on February 17th, 2024 at 09:31 am
Service was ending in a few weeks and I had been going for interviews back to back. Tochi and I had agreed to continue our long-distance relationship since neither of us wanted to move. I had no fear about this considering that we were doing fine. Really fine. Zabby and Tochi were even cool with each other now having spoken on the phone many times.
I just returned from Lagos. He was supposed to come, but he pleaded with me saying it was cheaper for me to come and he had just spent a lot. Instead, he sent me my transport fare and I went to Lagos. He didn’t want to be employed under anyone, so he had also been swamped promoting his art and I was proud of him.
The last few months have been a breeze in my relationship. The sweetest months so far. I was optimistic about our future. I also met Zabby’s guy eventually.
***
“I don’t know why my periods are late.” I was talking with Zabby on the phone. She was considering moving to Abuja. Her boyfriend recently moved to Abuja and they agreed to make up for the months of long-distance and be with each other in the same state. The guy was ready as far as I knew, Zabby was the one delaying. We had plans to live together should she make up her mind.
“You should get a pregnancy test strip.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes, Angela. You have sex, you can get pregnant.” At this, I sat up in bed, suddenly warm.
“Zabby, we always always use protection.”
“Okay, wait for some days then.”
“Better.”
***
Since Elizabeth mentioned the possibility of me being pregnant, I’d been a mess. In about eleven days, I’d be done with service and I had my life planned ahead of me. After waiting for one more day, I went to the pharmacy on the street and got three pregnancy test strips.
“Elizabeth,” I said, shaking.
“Uh uh, what’s wrong?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Wait. What? Switch to video call. Show me the strips.” I did as she asked. All three strips showed two pink lines.
“Zabby, what should I do?” I asked and started crying. My life was officially over. Through the pregnancy scare, I didn’t tell Tochi. Now I thought about telling him and felt like barfing.
“Wait, just calm down. I will come to Abuja tomorrow.”
“Okay, what should I do?”
“Don’t do anything. Just wait. Just breathe.”
“I’m dead, Elizabeth.”
“Nooo, just breathe for me, Angel. Just breathe.” I did as she said and sat down on the floor of the bathroom. I had a million thoughts in my head and they all ended with the same thing. My life was over.
***
“Angela, honestly, we can sit here and cry together all day but it doesn’t change what’s on ground.” Elizabeth had bought a more expensive pregnancy test kit on her way here. The result was the same thing. Positive. I never knew a positive result could be so negative and life-ruining. I didn’t reply to Elizabeth. I just kept crying. She sighed and dropped her head.
“Angela, what are you thinking of? First, we need to tell Tochi and let him know. You both did it. Secondly, we need to think of an alternative. For me, it’s to terminate it.” At this, I raised my head. Call me crazy or delusional, but the second option sounded like death. I hated the thought of it. But, I was probably crazy because even the first option left a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Angela, talk jare. What’s this?” Elizabeth sounded impatient already. She had been here for hours and all I did was cry and mope.
“Elizabeth, what of my parents?”
“Let’s start with option 1. Your parents might never know if you follow through with option 2.” That’s true. I wasn’t really scared of telling my parents. It was easier to tell my parents than to tell Tochi. “What are you saying?” Elizabeth pushed. I couldn’t tell her that calling my boyfriend left me a bit panicked, so I picked up my phone and dialled Tochi. We had not spoken all day anyway.
“Put it on speaker,” Elizabeth whispered. I did as she asked.
“Baby, what’s up? I’m sorry I haven’t called you. Been busy.”
“Hi, Tochi,” I said, my heart almost jumping out of my chest. Our relationship was so good at this time and I knew that this news could ruin everything. But I had to tell him.
“Baby, speak up.”
“Tochi, are you in a place where you can talk?” He seemed busy and didn’t respond immediately.
“Angel, sorry baby. Can I call you shortly?”
“Okay.” I probably answered too soon and immediately ended the call.
“You know you have to talk to him regardless? If you like heave a sigh of relief.” Elizabeth said gently. Her tone was gentler than the venom in her voice. I rolled my eyes.
“Let’s talk about option 2 since we are already on option 1.”
“I can’t,” I whispered. Elizabeth seemed taken aback but her response was different.
“That’s fine, Angela.” We both kept quiet. After a while, she cleared her throat, “Is there a reason?” I was not expecting that question, so it took me a moment to provide an answer.
“I just can’t. I’m scared, I feel guilty thinking about it. It… it’s weird. I know I might sound silly. The alternative is very tough to think about. Yet, it feels like the better option.”
“I understand, Angela. As much as I can, I understand.” Zabby replied, holding my hand.
“You’ve never been pregnant?”
“You would have known na.”
“Well, you hid your partner from me for months.”
“That’s different and we already talked about it.” She replied, and we both laughed—my first laughter since yesterday.
…
Thanks for reading this episode. Please leave a comment below!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?