Ryan left Onitsha to Owerre- Ezukala where his parents are based. When he got to the house, he met no one at home; he quickly went straight to the kitchen and dropped the food stuff he brought along with him. As he emptied the bag containing the foodstuff, he heard footsteps. He left what he was doing to see who just entered the house.
Ryan: ‘Addison, where is everybody. How come I entered here and the door was opened’ he asked his little sister.
Addison: Sorry Brother. Welcome. I just went outside to buy garri and groundnut to take. I am very hungry and no food in the house.
Ryan: Where are your brothers?
Addison: They must have gone to play football in Chinedu’s house.
Ryan: Go to the kitchen, I brought some food stuff. See if you can prepare anything with them. Hurry, I am very hungry.
Addison: Okay brother. She ran to the kitchen.
Ryan: Errmmm… Addison, he called out. What is it that Papa wants to talk to me about?
Addison: Hmm.. Brother, you will have to wait for Papa to give you the news himself because if I tell you now eh, I will be in trouble.
Ryan: Tell me what it is joor.
Addison: hmm, brother. I don’t want to enter trouble ooo.
Ryan: Addy! Addy! he said as he went close to her to pat her on the back. Okay, tell me and I promise to act like you never told me. Please nah! She struggled off his hold. ‘You know you are the only Minister of information in this house’ he said smiling.
Addison: I won’t she said smiling , swinging her right leg back and forth.
Ryan: Please nah!
Addison: Okay, fine! The reason why Papa said you should come home is because he wants to tell you and everyone in the house, he wants to take a second wife.
Ryan: What????
Addison: That is not all ooo. ‘I even heard him telling Mama that you will go and accompany him to pay the bride price few months from now’ she said looking round the house to make sure no one is eavesdropping on them…Hmm brother, Mama don talk tire but it seems Papa has already made up his mind.
Ryan: What kind of nonsense is this one now. When things are as hard as ever, Papa wants to marry a new wife. I will have to talk him out of it.
Addison: No point brother! He has already made up his mind. You know how Papa is, once he says he will do a particular thing, he hardly changes his mind.
Ryan: Okay, you can go and continue with what you are about to do.
Addison: Ermm brother, please don’t tell anybody ooo. Just act like you do not know because if Papa gets to know that you are already aware, he will not be happy.
Ryan: No Problem Addy, you have my word. She nodded and went about cooking dinner for the family with the foodstuff Ryan brought along.
==
Aria works as a Storekeeper in Chiwendu’s Store situated at Gowen Plaza Asaba. They specialize in selling whole sale and retail drinks. There, she met Jayce Mbatu who works at Guinness Company as a promoter of their brand and goods. Ever since then, they both have been friends, they share everything troubling them. Even though, Jayce likes Aria more than a friend but since she is hooked with another guy, he respects her decision and judgment.
Jayce met Aria sitting all alone in the store, with her hands on her chin as if she was worried about something.
Jayce: Aria, are you okay? ‘Remove your hand from your chin joor. You don’t know how you look like when you do that’ he said as he stood in front of her.
Aria: Jayce! I am fine Jare, just lost in thought thinking about my personal problems.
Jayce: ‘What is it’ he asked as he drew a chair close to him and sat down. Hope no be man problem because anytime wey I see you like this na Ryan matter you dey think of.
Aria: ‘Can I ask you for a favor please’ she asked ignoring his statement.
Jayce: Sure. What is it you want?
Aria: Can I get like eighty thousand naira from you?
Jayce: Ah! That is a huge money. What do you want to do with eighty thousand naira?
Aria: Actually, It is for something personal. I promise to pay you back but I will pay in installment. You know say my salary na forty thousand naira per month.
Jayce: Aria, you haven’t answered the question. What do you want to do with forty thousand naira?
Aria: Looking at him and contemplating whether to tell him the reason why she needs the money or not. ‘Errmm Jayce’ she said scratching her head, ‘I need the money for personal reasons’.
Jayce: It is for Ryan abi? That is why you need such a huge amount of money. How can you even pay me back when you earn only forty thousand? Is Ryan pestering you for cash?
Aria: It is not like that na. I just need it badly. If you cannot help, just tell me instead of you to keep questioning me.
Jayce: Ehen! Sorry ooo, for my own money again? I need to know the reason because it is my money and i will like to know what you need the money for and when you will pay me back.
Aria: I will pay you twenty thousand naira each for four consecutive months.
Jayce: What do you want to use the money for?
Aria: For something personal na shooo, which kind question be this one na. Give me if you go give me no dey ask jamb question abeg.
Jayce: Okay, but na fifty thousand naira I go give you oooo.
Aria: Thanks I appreciate. I promise that I won’t disappoint you when it reaches time for payment.
Jayce: ‘ I hear’ he said looking at her and wondering why she refused to tell him the reason for the money.
==
At about 9:00PM in the evening, after the whole family members have had their dinner, Mr. Ejiofor called his wife and children in the sitting room for a family meeting.
Mr. Ejiofor: Mama Addison, Errmm..Ryan, Cameron, Dylan, Adam and Addison he called each and every one of the looking them in the eyes. I called you all here today because from now on, you all will have a step mother. You will treat her with love and give her the necessary respect required. Treat her like you treat your own mother and… he was interrupted by Ryan his first son.
Ryan: Papa, you want to marry? I cannot believe this. How can you marry when we can barely stand on our feet in this house?
Mr. Ejiofor: ‘ Ryan, will you shut up’ he shouted. What do you mean how can I marry? Am I not the man of this house?
Mrs. Ejiofor: ah ah! Papa Addison, the young man just asked a question na. Instead of you to answer the question you are busy shouting at him for nothing.
Mr. Ejiofor : looked at his wife with anger in his eyes and continued with what he was saying. As I was saying before I was interrupted, I want you all to respect her so that we can all live in peace. Ryan, you and some of my people will accompany me to her village to pay her bride price next month. Will give you the date in due time. “Addison?” he called
Addison: Yes Papa
Mr. Ejiofor: You are our only daughter in this house and you are the only one occupying your room. I want you to move your things to your mother’s room and get that room ready for your step mother. Did you hear me?
Addison: Yes Papa.
Mr. Ejiofor: Good. Is there anything else? Any question. They all chorused ‘Yes’ Alright, Let me start with you Ryan. What is the question again?
Ryan: In this time of hardship, when there is no job and we are all trying to put our heads above waters, Who will be responsible for her kids when they start coming?
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