Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 34: Grace Sees Her Mother

As the sun shyly peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the dewy grass, the amusement park awoke with a symphony of joy. The cool morning air carried the laughter of children, mingling with the melody of calliope music from the merry-go-round. Colourful balloons bobbed in the breeze, while the scent of cotton candy and popcorn wafted through the crisp air.

Susanne brought Grace along and asked her to wait and watch behind a tree where the children played. It excited Grace that she was going to see her mother for the first time.

"Why do you call me out here instead of coming over to my place?" Nike brought up while Grace watched them from a distance.

Susanne ordered a bottle of chilled wine for the both of them as they sat down, sipping and discussing.

"Have you considered doing an abortion or do you expect Micheal to find out before you do the needful?"

"Mum, I've thought about it and I've decided that I won't do such a thing." Susanne gulped on the wine cup and gently placed it on the table before them.  "Perhaps it clocks four months today. Having an abortion at this point is too risky. I am the only one left for you, Mum. Don't you want to see your grandchild?" She exhaled. "I've made up my mind to keep this child."

"Susanne, you want to have a bastard child for who?" Nike's brow knitted in a frown.

"Mom, I thought you would support me since you had the same experience. You also had a hard time getting pregnant with us back then. You gave birth despite the hardship you were facing. I will do the same with my child. I will endure this pain and have it."

"It's not the same. We were poor, but your father and I were legally married. If you give birth to this child, that means you have left the Balogun family."

"You know that won't happen. I'm trying to tread carefully with my plan. I want this child to have Balogun as his surname and inherit everything from the family. He won't be born poor."

“Susanne, are you crazy? You told me that you and your husband never shared a room. Now, how will you push this upon him? How will he accept the child from you?”

“Mum, don't worry. I will find a way. All I want is your support. Help me with this process.” Susanne clamoured with painful eyes.

“I can't help you in raising a bastard child. If you want me to accept it, then tie the knot with its father. I won't let you have a stranger's baby for Micheal.”

Children darted through the park, their faces alight with wonder and excitement. On the swings, little feet kicked higher and higher, reaching for the sky, while on the roller coaster, thrilled screams echoed as cars whizzed down tracks. Despite the laughter in the background, Nike and her daughter concentrated on their discussion.

Grace watched from a distance, her mind racing with questions about what had incited such rage in their mother. As Mrs. Nike stormed towards the gate, Grace's eyes fixated on her mother, who walked past without noticing her. Suzanne observed the scene, sipping her strawberry coffee with an air of detachment. Grace, paralyzed with fear, nearly followed but instead sought refuge behind a tree.

Standing frozen on the sidewalk, Grace's heart pounded as she gazed at the woman she had only known through old photographs and dreams. The morning sun bathed the street in a warm glow, but Grace felt a tempest of emotions—sadness, excitement, and disbelief. She watched her mother, tears streaming down her face, each step resonating deeply within Grace's heart, a heart that had longed for this moment for so many years.

Mrs. Nike, wiping away her tears, lamented the shame Suzanne was about to bring upon the family. "That selfish girl! When will she ever learn?" she muttered, stopping to dab her eyes with a handkerchief from her handbag.