Her Father's Wife

Chapter 11

Akukalia was in his barn processing the yam seedlings that he will plant that year. He was heaping them in different groups. The ones that are already bringing out tendrils, one side. Those will be the first to be planted so that they don't waste outside the soil. He considered them as being eager to be planted. The second heap are those that are healthy looking but they have not yet brought out shoots. Those will be the second group to be planted. They can wait since they have not started bringing out tendrils. Now, the third heap, these ones are not looking healthy enough. They may likely get rotten inside the soil. Those should be peeled. The decayed part thrown away, while the good part will be boiled for eating. As he was working, his mind was wondering, ohooo! the youths will be coming to help him to clear his farm this coming Nkwor. That will be in three days time. He counted it off in his head. Where is Ezinne? Ezinne, he called, no answer. She was not there. He knows she will not be. That woman had a peculiar habit of disappearing when you want her, then, turning up like counterfeit, when you least expected her. Ezinne, he bellowed, putting all his energy into it this time. He did not give her a pet name. That wild cat did not deserve one. She had been a torn in his flesh since the day he married her. Not that it surprised him. Her family is well know in Ngodo for their aggressiveness. Her mother Nwagbor, is notorious in the village for the excessive joy she takes in fighting. She had all but won herself a certificate in biting. That was after she bit her husband, nearly removing one of his fingers. A Leopard does not change it's skin. Ezinne! He shouted once more,'Nnanyi, she answered like someone inside a hole. The only reason he married her, he mumbled to himself was to get himself a boy that will answer his name. Her family breeds nothing but boys. Nwagbor her mother had six boys no girl at all. Ezinne has given him four boys, which was the only reason he tolerates her excesses. She soon came into the barn, wearing a put upon expression. Prepare to cook for the youths on Nkwor day. They are coming to work for us. Why me? She retorted immediately. What of Enyidiye? or better still, your queen Obiageli? I have finished with you. You can now go. Akukalia answered. When I come out from here, I will give you money to buy the things you need to do the cooking. Akukalia does not think it wise exchanging words with a woman. Least of all, a woman like Ezinne who is very fond of arguments. She must have been a man in her previous life. He shrugged his shoulders. Wait until Obiageli comes in, he thought with sadistic joy, she will show you pepper. The major reason he is marrying Obiageli is to get back at Ezinne. Enyidiye has no stomach for trouble. Not Obiageli, she will be able to give Ezinne all that she deserves and more.
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