Episode 1

Last updated on September 15th, 2024 at 10:56 am

I was 30 when I got divorced. It turned out that my ex-husband was in love with the woman he cheated with. As a divorce lawyer, I thought I had enough experience to beat the odds. After all, I had seen it all. Boy, was I in for a rude shock? My divorce rattled me but honestly, I couldn’t be resentful, not one bit. 2 years and six months, that was how long I was married.

Well, it’s been two years since then, which makes me 32 now, and I don’t feel ready to get involved with anybody still. I promise I’m not bitter, just can’t find the strength. And that’s why on a Friday morning, off work, I’m frying prawn crackers to accompany my weekend movie line-up. I tie my robe firmly and drop more pieces into the hot oil.

Immediately after my divorce, I threw myself into work and I can say that it paid off but I knew that I was stalling from focusing on the main thing, which was that I’d suffered a loss. Not in the sense that I lost my one true love, but a committed relationship offers a form of stability that is not frequently spoken of. When I got divorced, I lost that stability for a while, and work was the only stable thing in my life, so it made sense to get lost in it. It paid off so well that I can now take breaks I couldn’t have taken prior.

I am about to settle down with my snacks and movie when my phone rings. I dropped my phone somewhere, I can’t remember. I get up and turn on the lights to search for my phone. It must be in the bedroom. The call ends as soon as I get into the bedroom. It’s my sister. I contemplate calling her back but she makes the decision for me as the phone starts ringing immediately. Urgh!

“Hello, ma.”

“Hello. Ibukun?”

“Ma?”

“This one that we don’t know your schedule again, CEO. What are your plans today?” She says the CEO as if it’s a bad thing. I sigh and conclude that I’m not at home.

“Sis, I’m busy today. I’m not even at home.”

“That’s what I expected you to say. Busy, always busy.”

“Do you need something, ma?”

“Nieces and nephews!” I already asked the question before it occurred to me that it’s the wrong question… or maybe it’s a normal question but the wrong person.

“What do you need today? I’m busy.” I reiterate.

“There’s a church event by six in the evening today and tomorrow. It’s for singles. Prayers, a get-together, and a movie night. That’s a full package. I want you to attend.” 

I have tried explaining to my older sister who has taken up the role of our mother (since she died five years ago) that my being single isn’t because I lack suitors. If anything, especially with my business doing better, I have a lot more suitors now than I did even as a younger person. It’s not like I’ve never been married, so I don’t understand her. Well, I think I do—she expects me to have kids already at my age. 

Not having kids in my previous marriage is something that I’m grateful for. We agreed to enjoy the first two years of the marriage before having kids and in retrospect, it was a good idea. Wanting good for the children would have made the divorce impossible or harder. My sister, who is actually like my mum considering the eighteen-year age difference, is waiting for my reply though, so I answer her.

“I can’t attend it.”

“Just like that? No reason?”

“Siiiis,” I drawl. refuse to be bullied into doing as my sister wishes. It feels necessary to solidify my stance rather than let things slide. “I don’t have the time. I don’t need a husband right now and I definitely won’t consider finding one in your church.”

“Just like that?” She asks again sounding almost shocked as if this is the first time this is happening between us.

“Ma, let’s talk later. Take care.” I end the call.

We had to delve into Ibukun’s life considering the way we left things off in Our Love. Hope you enjoy her story!

Thanks for reading! Episode 2

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