Unsteady Storm

Chapter Twenty

Mama folded her arms in defiance. "You are not following me anywhere"

Ije pouted. "Please mama, just for a few days"

"What did Nedu do that is so unforgivable?" Mama queried, her eyes flashing with anger.

Ije had just been discharged from the hospital and she told mama that she wanted to go home with her.

"Mama, he did nothing"

"So why are you following me? Who will cook for him?"

"Sinachi is around"

"Sinachi is not his wife, I will not allow you to follow me to the village and abandon your duties as a wife" mama maintained.

"What duties mama?" Ije equally folded her arms. "You know.... I'm actually tired of being a wife... Of being vulnerable... Of having someone to serve and obey and cook for and have babies for...."

"Shhh!" Mama hushed her as Nedu strolled into the sitting room in his pajamas.

Ije hissed and exhaled keeping her mouth shut.

"What's going on here? Mama, why are you not sleeping?"

"I was about to my son, infact, I'm going to bed now... Good night" Mama turned and left.

"Ije, aren't you going to bed?"

Ije sank to the sofa and burst into tears.

Nedu was shocked at the sudden outburst.

"Ije, what's the problem?" Nedu asked with worry.

She was still sobbing silently.

"Ije, please talk to me" Nedu begged.

She stood up and walked out on him.

***
Tobe stopped his car in front of Paula's shop and he and Nedu got out.

The lady at the entrance was reluctant in attending to them as if she had been informed beforehand of their visit.

"Where is Paula?" Tobe asked. He could be mean at times.

The lady shuddered. "You mean madam"

"Isn't she in?" Nedu asked impatiently.

"She stepped out to buy something but she would soon be back" the lady replied.

As if on cue, Paula entered the shop, she was putting on black crazy jeans and a tank top revealing the tattoo on her belly.

"To what do I owe this visit?" She smiled at them then fixed her gaze on Nedu. "How did kind Ijeoma take it?" She laughed.

Nedu frowned but said nothing.

"We need to see you in your office" Tobe said sharply.

Paula shrugged and led them into the inner room, the picture of she and Nedu towered over them.

As soon as they shut the door, the huge framed picture crashed to the ground shattering into pieces.

"My God!" Paula exclaimed glaring at Tobe who had a smile on his face.

"So you have God?" He laughed.

"Tobe please for the sake of my sanity, mind your business! Is it your wife I sent the picture to?"

"Where's the baby in your womb eh?" Tobe rushed and threw a punch on her stomach and Paula landed a hot slap on his face.

"Guys!" Nedu exclaimed but Tobe had already retaliated with a punch on the nose.

"Tobe, come on, leave me alone!" Paula screamed.

"Not until you explain when Nedu kissed you"

Paula rolled her eyes, obviously in pain.  "If there's anybody I should be explaining to.... It would be Ijeoma"

Tobe grabbed her neck and pushed her to the wall, blocking her air passage.
"Listen and listen carefully, you obsessed slut, Nedu is taken, infact, he is a father to be"

Paula writhed in pain until Nedu touched Tobe's arms. "That's enough, Tobe" he said quietly.

Tobe let go of her neck while she rubbed it.

"If you like, be deaf, we are ready for you, I'll advice you to get over this because Ije wouldn't bulge at your silly antics" Nedu told her sternly.

"Not until her tiny baby kills her and we will see who will hold me back" Paula retorted although her voice came out cracked.

***

Two weeks later.

Ije dished the food into ceramic plates and handed it to Sinachi to carry them to the dinning room.

"Nedu, come down for dinner"

Nedu appeared at the door in his pajamas, he gave Ije a kiss on the forehead and settled at the table.

"You don't look okay, what's the matter?" Ije asked.

"I'm fine" he muttered.

Ije rolled her tongue and sighed. "Nedu, you can tell me anything, you know right?"

"Yes... Yes" he murmured. "I just feel sick"

"Why don't you eat and come and take some tablets?"

He shook his head. "I'll be fine"

She shrugged. "I hope so"

He began to eat silently while she sat and watched.

"You know ... Nedu...." She started, playing with her fingers, her head down timidly.
"Just in case I die...."

Nedu dropped his spoon noisily. "Are you insane?!"

She stared at him with shocked eyes.

"What is actually wrong with you Ije? Why are you fond of saying death..... Haven't I done enough? You are on a diet, you are taking drips to assist you and the baby... I've made sure that every measure is covered for your safety!" Tears brimmed in Nedu's eyes. "The past months have been hell for me and all you do is to add more pains, and fear and sadness...."

"No, Nedu, don't even start" Ije closed her eyes dramatically. ".... Because you are not  the one who is carrying a bloody child that is constantly reminding you of death.... You are not the one who has been having several dreams of the baby dying.... You are not the one who has been receiving threatening messages about your husband and child.... "

"Did you tell me, Ije? You ask me to share my pain and troubles with you, did you share your own with me?" Tears rolled down his cheeks. "Ijeoma, I never knew marriage could be this difficult"

Hello people.... Your favorite person is back... How are my readers doing?

I may have deviated a bit but the story will be back in track soon.

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