Replica: Crazy Versus Smart (Nigerian Story)

Chapter 35: In Susanne's Trap

In Maitama, the calm morning began with a light mist over well-kept lawns and big houses. The cool air smelled of flowers and freshly cut grass, while the sound of rustling leaves was relaxing. As the sun rose, it cast a golden light over the neighbourhood, making the cobblestone paths and dewdrops sparkle. Birds sang sweetly, blending with the distant, quiet sounds of the city.

At the Balogun's house, Micheal dashed out early without breakfast, slamming the door and heading straight to his car. Meanwhile, after her breakfast, Susanne embarked on a long drive to her mother's house in Kuje, an area council of Abuja. Preferring company over solitude, she called her mother upon reaching Kuje’s junction to announce her imminent arrival. As soon as Susanne entered her mother's house, she rushed to the toilet, vomiting violently.

"Susanne, I spoke to my friend, Nurse Jumai, about your situation." Mrs. Nike began. "She said high heels and tight clothing can be harmful during pregnancy. I regret speaking to you harshly yesterday." She brought out some plates and served her daughter. "I realize now how much this pregnancy is taking a toll on you. When it comes to love and support sacrifices, it’s always the woman who suffers. I made this local soup for you."

Whenever Susanne was sick as a child, her mother would make her drink the medicinal soup made of young mango leaves, cashew leaves, turmeric, ginger, and pepper, among other spices, with chicken added for nourishment. Susanne nibbled on the chicken with a grimace. "It's too spicy!" she complained.

"Don't just eat the chicken. Drink the soup!" Mrs. Nike urged.

"Ugh," Suzanne exhaled, blowing the hot soup before taking another spoon.

"Silly girl, all pregnant ladies get fat, but look at how thin you are.  You barely eat yet you wear such skinny clothing. Have you registered antenatal?" Nike suddenly brought up.

"You have no idea what I go through at Micheal's house." Susanne suddenly gave a reply. "Cryst spies on my every move, like a detective. Micheal is also one sneaky husband! I can't go for antenatal due to the pressure of not letting them know."

"So how do you manage to tell your husband now? How long will you keep it away from Micheal? What's your plan?"

"Mum, I have to find a quiet place to hide. Somewhere I can live freely and have this baby without any of them finding out. I only have five months till I go to bed. I will tell Micheal that you and I went to spend some time in our hometown in Ogun State."

Her daughter's words were shocking. Nike grabbed her head in puzzlement.
"God, and you will be away from Michel for five months?" She screamed. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier? I would have suggested a better plan. Now I feel guilty for the pain you are going through."

Susanne chewed on the last piece of chicken and pushed the plate forward. "If I stay in Micheal's house, I can't have this baby." She grabbed her bag and handed a letter to her mother.
"These are the drugs prescribed to me by Balogun's family doctor. They are meant to heal me from sicknesses like fibroids and get me pregnant." Mrs Nike flipped through the list of drugs. And in front of the listed drugs are the prizes that cost a fortune. "I take all that with local herbs but Mum. Do you know that all those drugs and medications are contraceptives?"

"What?" Mrs. Nike gasped. Her eyes narrowed and she sat next to her daughter on the sofa. Speechless for a moment.
"How long have you been on medication? Tell me, Suzanne. How long have you been on this medication?" Agony rippled over Mrs. Nike's face, then it flushed with warmth.

"The family doctor, Aunty Funke, had been prescribing this for me since I got married into their house. But I found out six months ago that it was a contraceptive. So I stopped taking the drugs and got pregnant."