Her Father's Wife

Chapter 35

Obidiye was completely swept off her feet by what she was seeing. What was Ona trying to do? Did she want her late father to strangle all of them. She called Njide and Uzoamaka and told them what happened. She sent Njide to Nkechi's house. She invited her to come down and talk to her sister before she brings death to all of them. She went round to Nwokeforo's kins men and invited them to come the next Nkwor so as to follow to persuade Ona and Maxwell to desist from toying with the lions tail. Finally, she rounded on Ona. She screamed her disappointment, her frustration and anger. When that did not work,she retorted to pleading, but it was too late. Had it been that she pleaded at first, may be Ona would have reasoned along, but throwing the fight to the public before coming to beg only hardened Ona's determination. The house was divided, some of the siblings sided with Ona, while others sided with their mother. When Obidiye saw that she was not making head way, she started keeping malice with Ona. This hardened Ona's resolve the more. Finally, Obidiye asked Ona what she intended to do with the baby she was carrying. Ona said the baby will be with her family. It will answer her father's name. Obidiye was a bit comforted by this. Ona felt sorry for her mother, but this is the only way for her to get back her value and also find happiness. Her mother will get over it. She was not going too far away, she can still take care of her mother from her husband's house. That way, it will be more appreciated, what's more, finally, she will be able to bring the bride price her mother crave so much. Obidiye was full of fear. What will be her fate when Ona leaves home. She had never been a strong person. Who will take over the farm work that Ona was doing? Things will never be the same. Once she gets married , Ona's first responsibility will be to her husband's family. She may not have time for her like she used to. Then, what will become of her? Granted Uzoamaka and Njide are there but, they are not Ona. They don't have her strength or charisma. Nobody man or woman dare talk to her any how outside. It was all due to the respect Ona commands in the community. One night after tossing and turning with these thoughts, she knocked at Ona's room and entered. In a calm and subdued tone she started telling Ona all her fears. Hunger will snatch all of them away. Yam, she would no more see it to eat. Who will replace her wrappers when they have worn out? Who will mend the roof when it starts leaking? Supposing other women start trampling on her, who will stop them? Obidiye was calm enough when she started talking, but soon her voice became shaky as tears started flowing down her cheeks. She sobbed heart brokenly. Ona's heart went out to her mother, but, she cannot look back now. She had already given her words. She promised her that she will make sure she always have food to eat. As for
wrappers,she will continue to buy them for her. Nobody will trample on her, after all, she was not going to be far away. She will still look out for all of them. Njide will continue in school until she finishes primary school. Obidiye was not satisfied but she had to be contented with what she got. She did not want to get Ona's temper up again. Her only hope now is for the kinsmen to be able to convince Ona to let go. Though she did not see the possibility, still its better than no hope at all.