It's been two years since papa died. Everything came crumbling right before their eyes. Before he was laid to rest, uncles and aunts have made promises not to mourn that they will step in as father to Omlicha, Emeka, and their mother. It was the most travailing time for them. Papa had been their major source of survival. Now that he is gone, what will become of their upkeep?
According to tradition, mama had to go into widowhood for forty days, adorned in a black gown and her hair must be cut. During this time, she is never to be seen outside until the completion of the mourning ceremonies. Omalicha decided to play the role of the breadwinner of the home by engaging in selling food. She started by selling roasted corn and plum and the meager proceeds from her trade, she made food available at home.
As a beautiful lady, fair in complexion, moderate in shape with heavy backside and full sized breasts, she was the eye of every man. Mama had told her never to accept men and their greedy plights. She said:
All they want is to come between your legs and after that, you will be treated as trash.
After the forty days mourning period of mama for her late husband, she decided to take on the business of her husband. She however met a brick wall when her inlaws asked her never to touch anything belonging to her late husband. She wondered why. Till now, no one was able to give any cogent reason why she and her children should not go near her late husband's lands and other property. She thought there must be a wicked plan to alienate her family.
On the first day of December, she had packed all their important belongings with her kids and they eloped from Amakohia, her husband's home, and town. It was the best decision at the moment. At least, her life and her children will be saved.
They arrived in Onitsha, a bigger city where mama's elder sister lived with her husband. She was so surprised to receive them. Welcome Nne, she called mama. How was your trip? You didn't tell anyone you were coming over.
Mama replied:
Inform kwa. We eloped from the village. My inlaws have been threatening fire and brimstone. To be saved from their unseen plot, I took the best option.
Hmmm. Why are people so wicked? They do not think of tomorrow. All along, they have plotted to take that property from your husband. Who knows if they were the ones that caused his death.
No qualms, Nne. You're home. Let all that be in the past now. These children should be your focus now.
They were shown the visitor room.
When her husband returned later in the evening. He was so angry that the inlaws could ever try such. He however asked them to feel at home, that everything will be fine.
Two weeks later. Her elder sister and husband gave her a hundred thousand naira to begin a little business while Omalicha was to take the University entrance examination. She was so happy at the kind gesture that she almost started to cry again. If anyone had told her some six months ago that she will be a squatter and would abdicate her husband's house, she would have called the person a liar. But here is her fate to bear.
Omalicha assisted her mom in the market to serve food to shop owners. The made a lot of money. Soon after they started, they moved out from her elder sister's apartment to a room and parlor self-contained apartment close to the residence of her elder sister. At least, to give some privacy to the kind couple.
Meanwhile, as they continued in the trade, the big boys in the market started making advances at Omalicha but she always remembered what her mother had told her about men. Her testimonial in the market was simple: Morally Disciplined.
It's been six years now, Omalicha has graduated from the university and suitors came for her hand in marriage. They are prominent men and all were testifying of the same thing. Now she is caught in a web of whom to settle with.
Mama is proud of the daughter she has trained. Despite all odds, she kept to the warnings of her mother.
She decided to put all the men to a similar test. Only one of them scaled through. His name, Tony. Others wanted to have sex with her before marriage. It was a huge issue as all suitors had the economic power to gain her attention. But she wanted more. Marriage is a life long engagement and going into it with just anyone would cause her the pleasure she desired
Finding Tony, the one who could love her for whim she is was not a difficult task. He trained as a medical doctor in Scotland and she, a Bio-chemist. The two were made for each other. After all traditional rites was settled, Omalicha walked the aisle to marry the love of her life.
Tony wrote a wedding toast for his love, Omalicha:
Omalicha.
Like the early morning sun,
Your scent of good character,
Beautiful yet patient,
Arrogance could not meet your humility.
What is beauty without character?
Definition and pride of a woman.
Now that I have you,
the world can go to sleep.
The two love birds got married and lived together happily ever after.
Read some amazing pieces of articles from my sponsors
It feels nostalgic while reading these.