THE EXCHANGE
Episode 15
I had a lot on my mind but I finally decided not to tell Tunji what happened in Lagos…atleast, not yet. I would have to think of a way around this, as I was still torn between the two of them but Tunji’ s approach to issue he had with me made me feel very guilty. The guilt, somehow bought some soft spot for him.
I was still nursing my conscience but I knew I can’t pretend to be fine anytime Tunji came around for too long… things were a little awkward between us &Tunji felt it was his fault, every time he noticed I’m in a foul mood, he would hold me close.
Bcos of the weight of the guilt, I finally decided I would tell Baba T that I didn’t want to date him, & everything that happened was just a mistake. I had thought he would come over that weekend, as usual, but he didn’t; instead Laide was the one who showed up with her big belly. I was a little worried & angry that I had not heard from Baba T, it made me feel very cheap & used; I told Laide & that I
would give him a piece of my mind, & some more, anytime I saw him. I also told her she was the one who led me into this problem & I didn’t know how to come to terms with it. How do I tell Tunji that I am no more a v!rgin? I asked Laide, with tears in my eyes. I went on & on but she just sat quietly & let me talk but when my voice broke, she pulled me close & began talking. She told me that was why she had come. Baba T had told his mother everything & the fact that you were a v!rgin now made it justifiable why both of you should get married. She wanted me to bring her here so that proper arrangements would be made for introduction, engagement/traditional marriage & wedding, but I convinced her to let me come first so that I can prepare you. She sent a present to you because when a man meets his wife a v!rgin, there are certain gifts that she’s supposed to receive. I sat there gaping at Laide, then I almost screamed that I am not his wife & I needed time to think; they have just been crowding me with their wealth & gifts, they should give me some space. We then talked about some other things & I told her not to take such risks travelling up & down in her condition since her due date was near. When she saw that I was feeling better, she got up to leave, she asked if I had told my mom anything but I said no; she said I should get her prepared because she may not be able to stop Baba T & his family next time because Baba T is really bent on claiming his wife. I saw her off just as Tunji arrived but she didn’t bother to wait but asked the driver to drive off. Tunji was upset when he got to my side “who was that?” he asked with a strange intention in his voice that I had never heard before so I looked at him surprised & replied “Laide, my cousin in Lagos” & he walked past me into the Salon. “I thought it was D’aroshia” he said when I followed him into the Salon; his statement caught me unawares so I looked at him strangely for a while before I understood who he was talking about & I burst out into laughter, almost falling on the floor… don’t tell me you are jealous & he said, “why not? When the guy is doing everything to get my woman. That hit me like a sack of beans & I instantly became quiet.
A week later, brother Kola came home to introduce his girlfriend to us & told me Baba T had to travel out of the country for some kind of emergency but he did not have the details.
A couple of weeks after that, I woke up with a terrible headache & was feeling nauseous. My mum had to come check on me in the bathroom as she could hear me throwing up. She asked jokingly if I was pregnant…
”How could I be?” I answered scornfully; my period started 2 days before then & she was the one from whom I bought sanitary towels.
My mum gave me some medicine & advised me to stay at home for the day & rest. Tunji also came around when he checked on me at the Salon & was told I didn’t come. I wasn’t getting better so about three days later, I decided to go to the hospital… Tunji couldn’t come with me because of work & I thank God he didn’t.
The Doctor asked a some questions before running some tests…after all said & done, it was confirmed that I was PREGNANT!!!
I did not want to believe it as I showed the doctor the extra sanitary towels in my bag. “My period started 5 days ago &
should end today…I can’t be pregnant.”
I protested.
The Doctor smiled at my statement & gave me a lecture on the basics of s*x & pregnancy. She told me that it’s not uncommon to confuse bleeding during pregnancy for menstrual period. She advised me against terminating the pregnancy as she could tell I was not very happy about it.
I left the hospital in absolute sorrow… what would I tell Tunji?
I had not even seen Baba T since the incident, though Laide had come on his behalf, so I know he would not denied the pregnancy.
I wasn’t sure if I should tell my mum or not.
As sick as I was, I decided to leave for Lagos the following morning. I figured Laide would be the best person to talk to at this time. I told my mum & Tunji that the doctor diagnosed Malaria & gave me some anti-malarial medicine. My mum did not look convinced but I went straight to my room to avoid more questions.
Tunji wanted to stay but I told him I needed to rest & I would see him the following day. I couldn’t tell my mum I was going to Lagos because she wouldn’t have allowed it so I went to the Salon took off from there.
Laide was about to drive out of her house when I got there. “O ti ko ba mi o”(you have gotten me in trouble) I screamed as I started to cry. She quickly told the driver to drive back in & the gateman closed the gate as she calmly took me inside with a concerned look on her face. She asked what the problem was & I told her I was PREGNANT with tears streaming from my eyes. I told her the doctor already confirmed it.
She hugged me & said that was the matter is then settled, she smiled happily & said we should go & see Baba T’s mum immediately so that we can set the ball rolling….
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