A Tale Of Justice

Chapter 9

A week later, my Waec result was out, and it was an excellent result that deserved the wait. I mean, I scored seven A1’s and two B2’s out of the nine subjects I registered for.

The Jamb result was equally outstanding! It came out with 330. Well, mum... I mean, Hajia Maryam is working an admission for me into the university of Abuja and ABU, Zaria. I just can’t wait to become a gynecologist. Yaay!!...

Days later, after offering our usual Subhi prayer, the Akerele’s called me behind.

“Aisha, my dear. It’s six months already. How are you feeling?”

“Alhamdulillah, Everything is going fine. I’m just curious and scared about the size of my belly.” I ended up smiling.

“Don’t worry, Everything would be alright. Even though I’ve never been pregnant, I feel you’re strong enough to overcome any curiosity or fears.” She replied with a beautiful smile. “Next month... You’ll have to go for that check-up doctor Abdullah talked about, right?”

“Yes, ma. I would surely go for the check-up. I just hope my babies are safe.” I gently placed my hands on my belly with a bright smile on my face.

“Yes... About the babies. Emmm... We have something important to request from you and we hope you give in.”

“Why not? Why won’t I?...” I blushed, looking at their sincere faces. My heart was beating fast already.

“You’re my parents now. I’ll do whatever you ask.” The couple stared at themselves for a while.

Hajia smiled and moved closer to me, holding my hand.

“I know this might sound awkward, but after you give birth, would you give us your babies?”

Confusion struck my face as my smile dropped. My eyes needed an explanation.

“I don’t understand you, ma.”

Dad moved closer to explain better.

“What we are saying is... After you give birth to the twins, can you give them our surname? We would raise them here, like our own kids. Can we adopt your babies?”

Dumfounded, I stood up, trying to assimilate what I just heard. This was so sudden. It brought a tightening to my guts, a feeling of euphoria.

“I’m so sorry to say this, but why would you adopt my babies? I don’t get it ma, Are you negative about the fact that you can give birth to your own babies? What would happen when my family finally accepts me back? If you so want to adopt babies, why don’t you go to a motherless baby home?”

They both look shocked as I asked these questions.

Disappointment flashed through dad’s face.

“I told you darling, she would never accept!”

“You’re only 16, Aisha! What do you know about being a mother? You have a brighter future ahead of you! Don’t you want to become a gynecologist any more?! It’s 13 years now and I’m still childless. Don’t you love me enough to let me give your babies a better life? Don’t you want to make us happy?”

A strong headache struck me like a thunder as I thought about what I just heard. Tears gathered my eyes as her words stabbed me in the heart like a sword from an enemy.

“I know I’m only 16, mum.” I answered as calmly as I can, with tears welling up in my eyes.

“I know how much you want to become a mother and can’t imagine the challenges you must have both gone through, but trust me, ma! You will become a mother. You will raise your children in this house and give them your names, not mine. Have faith, please...”