Preordained #ProjectNigeria

70- Complete

Maduka's POV~

"Daddy, I love you. You made food for me today. Thank you. And you put plenty milk!"

"I love you too, my princess. I want you to grow big and strong."

"How is Mummy today? Can I go and see her?"

I suppress a sigh so Kora won't see how worried I am. "Of course, you can. Mummy would never chase you away. But first, finish your pap and akara.

Kora gives me a bright smile and focuses on her meal. It is just the two of us at the table today, having breakfast. Nwanyieze was unable to make it out of bed this morning, because she has been suffering from morning sickness. Her emotions have been all over the place. Right after throwing up, she had burst into a fit of tears, and I had held her for a while but I had to leave because Kora, our four-year-old daughter, was already up.

So I had taken Kora out for a ride this Saturday morning to buy akara for breakfast, supervised her bath, and dressed her up. It is essential that I take part in these activities, so she knows she can count on both parents to take care of her every needs.

Her dark hair is in two puffs, adorned with a fancy headband and colourful clips, courtesy of our combined efforts; she chose the style and accessories, I executed it.

"Daddy, you're doing great," she had complimented an hour ago while I struggled to firmly hold her damp, curly hair without pulling too hard. "I'm proud of you, Daddy."

And I had looked at her precious face in the mirror, my heart full of pride and happiness. She had smiled back at me, her almond-shaped eyes holding my gaze.

My daughter had inherited her mother's thick hair and dark eyes, and my long limbs. But she bore none of our complexions-- she is lighter than we are, almost like my father had been. I can't explain how genetics had played this role, and as no one knows what Nwanyieze's parents had looked like...

"What will you do today, Kora?" I question her even though I know all she has planned because she had been singing about it all week.

"I want to visit Grandma and Grandpa today," Kora replies. "I also want to see Adanna and Mama. And after that, I want to go to the beach."

"All in one day?"

She nods vigorously, her mouth full of pap. For a four year old, Kora speaks well and is bold enough to always make the first move whenever she meets people. I suppose she got that trait from me. She doesn't shy away from eye contact, either.

Yes, definitely me.

I hear feet shuffle and Nwanyieze comes in through the kitchen door, her movements slower than usual. But her smile tells me that she is feeling stronger.

"Good morning, Mummy," Kora greets.

Nwanyieze kisses the top of her head and runs her hands over Kora's face. It's a ritual between them, but I know how much she still marvels at our daughter. Each time she does it, I see her think, She's ours. We made her. This little human being is ours. Kora giggles and kisses her mother's cheeks in return.

"Your hair looks great, baby," she compliments our daughter.

"Thank you, Daddy made it."

"Improving our hairdressing skills, I see," Nwanyieze compliments me, giving me a quick kiss on my lips. I almost lean into her hungrily, but Kora is watching and might start asking questions about how babies are made again...

"Aunty Somto is coming to get you. She'll take you along with Prince, Max and Noel to see Grandma and Grandpa. Let's start there, alright?" I tell Kora. I'm not sure I can do all she asks, but I can at least try. Some of her cousins are visiting my parents this afternoon, and she has been talking about it all week.