BEING A WIFE OF A PRISONER

Chapter 51

BUSISIWE

I drag my feet to counter.

Me: Ma Agnes can I please have a glass of water.

Ma Agnes: You look like you’re carrying the whole world on your shoulders.

Me: That’s what happens when you have a man who is forcing himself and his family in my child’s life.

Ma Agnes: You do realise that you have to put your differences aside with that man because Junior will need his family some day.

Me: I’m hoping it won’t come to that.

Ma Agnes: The boy will need his father some day. What if they have rituals they do in that family and you know nothing about? Yes he hurt you but don’t turn into this vile person just to settle a score. Be the bigger person and put your child’s needs first. Each and every child deserves a father. Abandoned or not if that’s the case at least the family has to know.

Me: Why should I be the bigger person?

Ma Agnes: Because you’ve been through a lot. No one can take away the fact that you’re his mother but give him a chance to know his father too.

She places the glass of water in front of me.

Me: He doesn’t deserve to know my son.

Ma Agnes: Your anger is justified but think about your child. This is about him not you or the father. You both have to put your differences for that boy. You grew up knowing your father so please sisi don’t deprive him that part of his family.

Tears burn my eyes.

Ma Agnes: I can see you’re getting emotional. It’s upsetting you which is understandable but don’t be selfish.

I pick up the glass sniffing and bring it my lips.

Ma Agnes: Be the bigger person for your son. Harbouring hate over the father is okay but don’t show it when you’re around Junior. Don’t make him inherit your battles because he was not there. He didn’t to be caught up in between you two.

I wipe my face and take another sip.

Me: I’m not ready.

Ma Agnes: You will never be ready. Remember this is not about you nor him. It’s about that boy you created. Give him a healthy mother not this angry person.

Me: I’m not angry.

Ma Agnes: You’re always angry. Set yourself free from those bondages and just live. Be free and be you. When was the last time you went out and lived your life?

Me: (sniffing) My life ended when I fell pregnant. I’ve been living for my son nothing else.

Ma Agnes: See what I’m talking about? Call that man and set boundaries then live Junior with to and have a night out by yourself. Even if you’re going to the movies.

Me: I usually watch a anime with Junior.

She shakes her head.

Ma Agnes: Junior will be with his father and his more than capable of taking care of him. Call him and set that meeting. Be firm with your rules.

I breathe out.

Me: I don’t have his number.

Ma Agnes: You don’t have one or you just don’t want to call him?

Of course I have his number because his been blowing my phone but I don’t want to call him. I’m not ready. She takes out her phone and hands it to me.