Val Diary Series

Episode 41

Adaora’s mum returned to the dinning table five minutes later looking a bit coloured up and tense. She slowly settled on her chair and smiled at me.
“you shouldn’t have bothered yourself going after her. I solely came to tell you my side of the story and all about Tessy. I also plan returning to Owerri afterwards” i said to her calmly, taking my time to tell her a little truth about Tessy. I carefully picked each and every detail.
Yea I told her that Tessy was merely a lady i made a mistake of befriending, thinking that her connections could help me in future but Adaora got to know about it and seriously kicked against it, forcing me to stop every association with her, but she lately offered my friend a job and asked him to bring me along. I had to help my friend by showing up, but unfortunately her ex husband busted in on us and assumed the worst. He arrested my friend and I, involving my mum in the process, who like Adaora refused to listen to my side of the story.
“It was also my mum who told Adaora” i concluded calmly, silently praying for her to buy my story and ask no questions.
Fortunately, she asked no question.
“i don’t know why i believe you. Maybe because you look innocent or maybe because i easily trust people. Anyway i’m happy you came up with your side of the story. I will also investigate and talk to Adaora” she promised.
“no don’t bother talking to Adaora. She’s a big girl. Moreover she’s behaving as if she’s being forced to be with me. It’s a free world” i said, smiled and got up.
“thanks for the breakfast. Excuse me, i have to go and get myself ready for the long journey ahead” i added seriously.
“nooo, c’mon you can’t just leave like that” she protested.
“don’t worry mum. I’m a big boy. I know my way around the country” i answered with a smile, breathed deeply and headed to the guest room to get my bag. She stared at me without saying a word…

I got to the guest room and sat on the bed while my head swelled up with different thoughts. It really wasn’t my intention to leave that morning but i just couldn’t take Adaora’s cold treatment which she really overdid. I hated being insulted and treated the way she did. Plus rudely asking her mum to send me out of the house in my presence, forgetting that she virtually grew up in my own home.
“i believe leaving is the right thing. I have lost her for real and i’m not going to beg her again” i said to myself, grabbing my small travelling bag….

As i headed into the sitting room on my way out. I ran into Adaora once again. She was sitting in one of the chairs with her legs crossed, but on seeing me she stood up.
“i’m sorry for being so rude. Of course you know this is your house as well” she said softly.
“don’t bother yourself with the apology. It’s a free world and i’m leaving. Take care” i answered and walked away, while she did nothing but stare at me…

I must confess that her apology almost made me change my mind about leaving but as an Igbo man i had to abide by my decision and walk away even though i wept inside as i left the house….