Last updated on February 25th, 2024 at 08:48 am
After five months of nursing my baby, I was ready to resume my life. Though I had been taking courses, and my dad had paid for some really expensive ones, it still felt as if my life was on pause. All I did was go to the hospital, study, take my supplements, and rest. I wasn’t allowed to go out alone except for when I took a stroll in the street. One time, Zabby had her boyfriend even drive me to my antenatal because she wasn’t around. It felt stifling at some point, but my support system took their jobs personally.
Even after I had my child, everyone still insisted on taking care of me. My mother stayed for the first two weeks, and then my dad resumed for the next two weeks. If they both could take more time off work, I’m sure they would have. Zabby was really on the lookout for any symptoms of postnatal depression. She became a clown and ensured we were always gisting or watching a funny movie. We also took turns with the baby.
***
I replied to the interview invitation mail with the closest date, I didn’t need them to change their mind. I knew my parents could help me get a job, but I wanted to try on my own first. They deserved to rest and stop being so disturbed by my life. My failures were mine to bear, not my poor parents. I’m sure my dad would have a fit if I told him this.
I went into my wardrobe and brought out an outfit for my interview. Not getting the job was a possibility, but the excitement of going for an interview was too much for me to even worry about not getting the job. I tried on the outfit and was satisfied. Thankfully, my stomach had drastically reduced. This may sound vain, but I disliked my bulging stomach after I put to bed. I didn’t like that at just 21, I could be resigned to a stomach like that. I raised my head to the ceiling and thanked the gods of postnatal fat.
I was about to undress when my phone rang. It was definitely one of my parents calling to ask about us. I scrunched my nose as I tried to decipher the unknown caller. At last, I slid the green button and waited. Two can breathe on this phone, stranger!
“Hi, Angel.” The voice whispered after what seemed like an eternity. Angel? Only one person called me this. I shook my head, I was clearly hallucinating. I should check if that was also a postpartum symptom.
“Who… who is this please?” I replied, dusting an imaginary lint off my suit pants.
“Please, don’t hang up, don’t hang up.”
“Who is this?” A part of me knew who it was already, but I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t.
“It’s Tochi.” Yup. I hung up immediately and undressed. Eliam was asleep and if I was lucky, it could last for another hour. Yay, five months! I refused to think about the call I just received. I focused my attention on ironing instead. I ironed five more outfits after and was about to continue when Eliam started crying.
***
“Tochi has been calling,” I told Zabby. It was Friday night and our ritual was movies and homemade popcorn. If Eliam was awake, we would watch a cartoon. Tonight though, he was asleep.
“What?! Is he crazy?”
“He called about a week ago and I hung up as soon as he told me it was him. He has been calling since then.”
“Have you picked?
“No.”
“Hmm, let me calm down first.” Zabby adjusted herself on the chair and exhaled roughly.
“What is it?” I said, almost bursting with the laughter I held back.
“When next he calls you, please pick up, and let’s hear what he has to say.”
“Zabby?!” I was confused. I had imagined that Zabby was going to totally refuse, but now she was the one even suggesting I talk to Tochi.
“I am not saying you should get back together. In fact, I don’t buy that idea. But you can hear his excuse and maybe find closure.” A couple of nights I had told Zabby that I would have loved it if Tochi and I didn’t end things the way we did. But now I was completely over him and just needed to move forward.
“Zabby, I don’t know about this.”
***
“Is daddy there?”
“Yes, he is here. Should I put the phone on speaker?”
“Yes.”
“Ngwanu, talk.”
“I got a job!” I screamed. Trust my parents to match my energy. I heard my dad shouting ‘yes’ as my mum started singing. After what seemed like forever, they both calmed down.
“When do you resume?” My mum asked.
“First Monday, next month.”
“That’s in two weeks.” My dad boomed.
“Yes, sir.”
“Angela, we are so proud of you. You keep making us proud.” These were the words I didn’t know I needed to hear today. I tried to comport myself but failed.
“Baby girl, are you there?” My dad called.
“I’m here.” I sniffed.
“Awww, she’s crying.” My mum said.
“You don’t have to cry, baby girl. You know you are my baby for life.”
“Daddy you are not helping matters.” I replied at the same time my mum said, “Ikenna.” We all started laughing.
“But if I catch that guy ehn, he will be sorry for himself.”
“Just leave him alone. At least we have a healthy grandson and our daughter is fine.” My mum replied.
“I don hear. Me I have said my own. So, you need to drop Eliam with us now.” I honestly hadn’t thought about that. My heart pulled as I thought about staying away from my baby, but I needed it. It was only for a while. Eliam was also used to my parents, so I had nothing to worry about.
“We can go and pick him up the weekend before she resumes.” My mum replied to my dad.
…
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