NKEM 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Nkem sat dejectedly on the chair wondering if this was how his relationship with Gladys would end. It has been two weeks since he last heard or saw her. He was not allowed to see her, Gladys' mother made sure of it. It seemed the more he made his presence known, the more painful the memories that mother and daughter experience afresh.
The last time he saw her was at the hospital and every attempt on his part to speak with her after that day was always hampered by either her mother or one of her friends. Their presence didn't give Gladys s chance to consider him for a second chance. Was a second chance even possible? He asked himself. She lost her pregnancy because of him. He impregnated another woman and now, he is hooked with the responsibility.
Speaking of Adora, her belly keeps growing bigger by the day and every now and again and the rate at which she eats confuses him even more. He spends more than he had bargained for. He would either give her money for one or the other. Most times, there was always a request for money for one medicine or the other prescribed to her at the hospital which he goes by himself to the chemist shop to buy because she complains of being too tired to go. Most times, he is saddled with taking her to the hospital for antenatal and back again especially whenever his mother was not up to the task.
"A man should be responsible for his wife", Adora would lash at him whenever he grumbles about taking her to the hospital or performing one obligation or the other. Adora's mother would come to check on her daughter and to also remind the family that her daughter's dowry is still waiting to be paid. In order words, their union should be solemnized.
He didn't nurse any hatred for her. After all, she is a beautiful girl. What she lacks in height, nature has made up for her in physical endowment. Perhaps, it was that physical endowment that took his senses away the day she offered herself to him. His intention was to enjoy her for that moment and be done with her for good. However, karma would not permit him to have his cake and eat it. His lack of discipline had cost him the woman he truly loved with the depth of his soul.
He doesn't love Adora even though she is beautiful. Everytime he thinks about the pain he had caused Gladys, he becomes angry and he always wants to vent that anger on Adora. But is it really the girl's fault?
The sudden knock on the door startled him and brought out his irritation.
'What is it",he shouted without standing up. Perhaps, the visitor didn't hear him because the person knocked at the door two or more times before he stood up to answer it
"Who is there?'' he shouted before opening the door.
"It is you", he announced with a smile and a little concern when the visitor came in almost breathless. It was Ejike, one of his band boys whose mother he met on the way to visit Gladys in the hospital.
"What is the problem", he asked.
The young man sat down to catch his breath before he could say anything further. The suspense was becoming too much for Nkem who feared that something bad may have happened to someone dear to him.
"Gladys…Gladys", he breathed finally.
"What has happened to her?"he asked, looking intently at the young man before him.
"I saw her with a travel bag. I think she is leaving the village."
"What? To where?"
"I don't know but they are going towards the motor park."
"They?"
"Yes. Her mother and her friend".
"But…but she didn't tell me anything". He said it as if they had spoken the day before and she didn't mention it in their conversation.
"As soon as I saw them, I ran to come and tell you.
"Thank you, Ejike. You have done well. But did they see you?"
"I can't say. Won't you go at least to see her?"
He didn't wait any longer. He took his shirt, ran out, came back, entered into the room to inform his mother but the latter was sleeping beside Adora who was equally fast asleep. Both men ran out like madmen chased by masquerades.
