CHAPTER 2

MICHAEL'S POV:



AT MY PARENTS RESIDENT...

I walked in with Kiara who was looking dazzling as ever, I took my time in spending huge amount of money on her... I spend 70% of my salary on her every month and it doesn't affect my pocket at all, like I said ,my parents are super rich.

I met dad and mom in the second sitting room upstairs where they both sat gisting. I walk over to them and pecked them on the cheeks.

"Hi". Kiara waved at my parents... Mom flash her a smile but dad frowned...

"Wow, who is this sweet angel here? ". Mom asked and faced me... I smiled and help Kiara sit in one of the sofa then I sat beside her...

I smiled at my parents before clearing my throat. "Uhmmm.... Mum, dad. Here is Kiara, my fiancee".

"Oh my God, she's so beautiful". Mum exclaimed, rush to Kiara and hugged her tight while she blush.

"Thank you so much, ma'am". Kiara said still blushing.

I heard my Dad cleared his throat, and I turn to see him pick his Newspaper and marched out of the room angrily...

"Mum, what's with dad? ". I turned to mum surprised and at the same time embarrassed by Dad's action....

"Uhmmm... dont worry kids, I got this,okay? Just make Kiara feel at home while I go talk to your Dad". With that she left the room.

"What Nonsense mike, I can't believe this". Kiara said as she picked her bag and walk out of the room angrily while I ran after her...




***BELLA'S POV ***


My family and I just finish eating dinner of pounded yam and melon soup then we sat outside....

We always sit outside to relax after our dinner whenever we dont have fuel to On our Generator.

Everywhere was noisy, generator noise from the neighbours, chirping sound of birds, dogs barking, cats slinking through the bushes and children playing around.

The streetlamps flickered leaving dark shadows and on the floor the black tarmac glistened from the rain that fell earlier and insects flying around.

Our lantern was on and different insects kept coming for because of the illuminated light.

My youngest sibling, John who is 13 years old sat close to it doing his assignment.

My immediate brother Andy who is 20 years old sat close to my dad eating a roasted corn with pear, my dad had his radio close to his ear, his attention was there...and when he's listening to that , you dare not interrupt him...

Mom and I ...we were busy folding the clothes I washed earlier in the day...

"Mum, how was today's sells? Am sorry I couldn't come to help you".

"Common Bella, it was fine and I understand you couldn't come because you were busy. You're a good and hardworking girl and am so proud of you darling".

I smiled. "so songo eka mmi... (Thank you ma).I said in our dialect...

"Bella...". My dad called. I turned and notice he has switch off his radio.

"Sir". I answered, left what I was doing and went to sit beside him...

Everyone continued what they were doing but am sure their attention is on what dad wanted to say because ...my dad only call us by our name when he has something important to say... except that he has pet names for us all... like me ..am called inin-ge mmi(meaning my sweetness)...

"You're getting married". He said... and I burst out laughing, I laughed so loud but stopped when I notice I was the only one laughing.

"obongowo,(dad) you're joking, arent you? ".

He pick up his cup of palm wine... which was on the stool in front of him, he took it to his mouth and gulped down then he dropped it back.

"Do I look like I am?".

"Of course ette mmi(Dad) I know you are, even though you're not smiling".

I know how much he crack jokes but he's not smiling today. He can't be serious, right?

"Am not joking dear, you will be getting married in three weeks time". He finally drop the bomb and I flinched...

My siblings were shock too but mum doesn't look like she is cos she was still focused on what she was doing...

"obongowo (dad) What are you talking about? Getting married as how? In three weeks time? to who?"
"Dad it will be better to stop the joke if you're joking... because this joke is dry ... am not marrying just anybody". I said boldly cos I was suddenly annoyed...

"Listen dear, you're getting married to my friend's son and not an anybody like you said".

"Mom.............. ". I called as I rush to her.

"Listen Bella, you have to accept what your dad said, not like you have a choice anyway... This an opportunity for us to send your siblings to school and I won't miss that out... Am tired of poverty if you're not".... I was shocked to my marrow when I heard what my own mother just said...

My mouth was wide open in shock, they are selling me out because of money. Really......... ?

"Are you guys selling her out? "... I heard Andy asked angrily... We each other's favorite, we dont joke with each other at all...

I fell on the ground crying as the word "sell out" rang in my ear.

"Will you shut up....... You dont talk when elders are talking. She is getting married and that's final". My dad said angrily and went inside.

"Mom, please dont do this to me please,you're the only one that can talk to dad"...I pleaded with mum...

"Please convince him,I don't want to marry someone I dont love, please". I cried out but my mum just packed the clothes and went inside...

"sister bella, please marry the man... I want to go to university and become a lawyer and am sure same with brother Andy"...

My youngest brother(John )blurted out and rushed inside... when he saw the murderous look on Andy's face.

Andy came to me and hugged me tight while I cried...
© SUSAN REWARD