DEMERITS

The Oxymoron

Mary was a rare stepmother-type. She wasn't like most cruel stepmothers, yet the other, Emelia, was like most stepmothers--- numb, mean and impolite. She had two boys with Father.

Sadly, Mary didn't. Instead, she brought her own daughter, Patience, into the marriage. Father claims Pat is his biological daughter, but all other relatives know it's a true lie. As for Emelia, I just can't understand why father married her.

Mother had once told me that it was discovered that she had used black magic on Father. But because half of her left ear was bitten off in a fight between Shuga, a relative of my mother's and her, which lead to the refusal of Emelia's parents in agreeing to the divorce between her and Father, he got stuck with her.

As for Mary, she use to be a cook in a restaurant near a lorry station where Father initially dinned. Mother knew her then. But had no idea Father was in a relationship with her. One certain day, Father reported to Grandfather--- may his soul rest in peace--- that he was reported to that Mother was seen performing black magic in an uncompleted building which belonged to him. He had no proof to back his accusation. But kept on pouring oil in blazing fires that Mother was responsible.

The witness was called to the meeting and confirmed that Mother wasn't the one. Through his description, Father knew that Mary was the one. Yet he kept on casting glances at Mother. Why would Mother be responsible if Father had promised her that we would live in that house after its completion? Would you destroy something valuable if you know it will be yours?

Father didn't think far enough. All that was caused by the pollution of his mind by our elder aunt, Patience, to marry Emelia and get rid of Mother for good. I pitied her because she didn't know that asides Emelia, Mary hanged around.