FINDING MY VOICE

Part 1

Lillian had been married to Ken for 4 years now. The 2 years of their courtship was very exciting. Ken would spoil her  with gifts, take her to different places and whisper words of love in her ears. She had met Ken in her third year at the University of Ibadan, where she was studying Sociology. 

That fateful day,  it had rained heavily and she  had an important test that she mustn't miss. She had waited a while,  hoping that the rain would subside but to no avail so she had no choice than to go to class in the rain. She was with her umbrella at the junction, waiting to get a bus to school, when this car sped past and splashed muddy water on her. She  was red with rage. How on earth was she going to get to school looking dirty? Besides, she was rather late for the test and couldn't afford to go back home to change her dress. She was in this dilemma when the same car that splashed dirty water on her reversed and a handsome young man came down,  ‘ oh my God! I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to splash water on you and you look like you are in a hurry. Can I drop you at home, so you can change? Don't worry, I promise to take you wherever you are going today’. That was how Lillian hopped in. His name was Ken and he was an engineer. He dropped her at school after she had changed into another dress.  From that day forward, Ken became a constant visitor at her lodge.

One day,they had gone on one of their usual outing. They were relaxing at a Fast Food Joint when Ken got down on one  knee and said  ‘Lillian, I feel like I've known you forever. My life is incomplete without you and I can't bear to live the rest of my life without you in it. It will be my joy to spend every single day of my life with you by my side. What are you doing for the rest of your life? Will u marry me?’ She was speechless, tears clouded her vision and choked her voice as she whispered ‘yes' amidst the applause and congratulations. It was even then that she saw some of her friends. they were aware of the whole plan. How could she forget the envious stares from her classmates as she went to school the next day, wearing the beautiful silver engagement ring that Ken had slipped on her fingers.

Few months after the proposal, they got married. Everything about their wedding was classy. From the wedding dress to the bridal train to  the reception venue, to the cake.  Everything was superb. In Lillian’s mind she thought ‘ what more could I ask for? my life is just perfect!!'