Last updated on February 17th, 2024 at 09:32 am
“So, we have thought about it.” My dad said and looked at my mum who then spoke.
“Thanks for telling us and not aborting it. I’m also sorry I shouted at you.” At this, the tears fell freely. Zabby also sniffled beside me and I knew she was also crying. My mum started crying and my dad gulped.
“So, we have decided to support this. To support you.” My dad continued.
“You’d have the child and we would take the child once we wean her so you can continue with your life.”
“But you have to take courses and certifications while at it. No idling around. You need to enter the job market strong.” I heaved a sigh and went to kneel between my parents. Their support meant the whole world to me right now and I was once more reminded that I was lucky to have them as my parents.
“We won’t ask about that guy again to avoid getting upset but if there is any update on him, tell us immediately.” My dad added, his voice getting hard. That guy.
***
“Has Tochi called?” Zabby asked over the phone. I was still at her friend’s place. We had all agreed that I would get my place in Abuja. It was no surprise that Zabby eventually decided to move to Abuja after stalling for weeks. So, we would be living together.
“Not yet.”
“That’s it. I’m going to call him!” She ended the call before I could say anything.
It’d been about three weeks since I told him and he hadn’t called. But he had resumed posting on WhatsApp. His posts seemed malicious but I just muted him. I didn’t even know if we still had a relationship or not. It broke me but I had to sit up now that I had the support of people who meant a lot to me, especially after such a mistake.
We’d been house hunting since I returned to Abuja. The plan was to get a two-bedroom apartment. We just found one today with the help of Zabby’s boyfriend. Zabby was to come in the next day, so we could make the payment and start moving in. Thankfully, my symptoms were light and manageable. I hoped they remained this way.
***
I heard my phone ring. It was Tochi. My heart skipped a beat before I slid the green button.
“Hey, warn that mad dog you call your cousin or whatever!” So, this was the route he decided to take. I was livid. Not Zabby.
“Tochi, come off your high horse, you self-centered fool! You think everything is about you. They want to trap you. They want to stop your shine. They want to ruin your dreams. You you you. I regret ever knowing you! Take responsibility for once.” I was going to continue when I noticed that he had ended the call. Big fool! Angela, bigger fool.
***
“Hi, Mum,” I answered my phone. I expected my relationship with my parents to be a bit strained after informing them about the pregnancy but after their initial anger, everyone acted like nothing had happened.
“Baby girl. How are you today? How is the new place?” Zabby and I had been living together for about two weeks now and it almost felt natural.
“Fine and fine. How are you?”
“I’m okay, baby.”
“I haven’t spoken to Daddy in about two days.” My mum chuckled.
“He travelled to see your stepbrothers.” I was shocked at the casual way my mum said it. I reckoned our family was one of forgiveness. Given my situation, I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Oh…okay. Hope you are good.” I didn’t even know what the question meant.
“Baby, I’m fine.” She said and sighed. We were quiet for a while before she continued, “I feel guilty about everything that has happened with you, baby. I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry. I’m not the best mother but I’m working on it. I feel like I failed you. I feel like what happened at homemade you find succour in some unhealthy place.”
“Mum…”
“Angela, let me get this off my chest.”
“Okay,” I said, already getting emotional.
“I want you to know that I support you in every way. But I also want you to know that if there is a model of love that you desire, you can have it. You are not doomed to a love less than you desire just because you think that’s what’s available.”
“Okay, mum.”
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, mum.” I had so much to say. I wanted to tell her sheds been nothing short of perfect and she wasn’t at fault. I wanted to tell her that I counted myself blessed just because she and my dad were my parents. But I was overwhelmed with emotions, so I cried instead.
***
Hey, Sweetcakes. Joe’s message distracted me from the course I had been battling for over the past hour. It was a very welcomed distraction.
Joe boy. He answered with a smiley face, then continued.
Been a while we chatted.
I know. I answered.
Tell me that you’ve been fine, Sweetcakes. How could I tell him that I was far from fine? That I got knocked up before the end of service and that my boyfriend hadn’t reached out to ask how I was in weeks? How did I tell him that I woke up every day with regret and hope? Regret was fine, but the hope made me feel dumb.
I’m fine, dear. You?
Not bad here. You know, I see us as good friends. So, I thought to tell you that my visa has been approved and I will be leaving for my masters in a week. It felt as if I was stabbed. With a growing baby in me, I imagined she or he must have felt it as well.
Congrats, Joe! A
Yeah yeah… J
Will miss you. J
Will definitely miss you too. A
This news filled me with a sense of loss. I wiped angrily at the tears streaming down my face even as more tears poured.
…
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