Till Eternity

I have to start by introducing myself properly, my name is Nora, the only daughter, and last child of the late plantation owner; Mr. Gabriel. I was raised single-handedly by my father because my mother left us when I was still a baby.

The only people I knew as a family were my Dad and my two elder brothers but when I was three years of age, my elder brother died due to a sickness he had sustained at birth. After his death, I was left with my father and Ryan; my brother.

At age 12, Ryan became a rude boy and this gave my Dad concern because he was the only male child he had left, all efforts to make him change his bad ways proved abortive. Well, I wasn't close to him because of his bad ways.

My father had a lot of workers at his plantation, so, every morning we all report there to watch them do their work and also to give them little assistance. Ned was one of the hard-working workers my Dad had. His childhood experience was similar to mine but more tragic than mine.

Ned was raised by his grandmother's sister, he was made to believe that his mother abandoned him at birth, and his father didn't accept him because he didn't believe the child she was carrying was his son; besides he already has a wife and his mother would not allow him to take her in.

As a result, Ned's mother took him to the sister of his lover's mother to take care of her while she travels abroad to look for greener pastures. Since her departure, Aunt Lucy has raised Ned and also told him that she was his grandmother.

This was the reason why I got closer to Ned, who practically became my lover. We had the same childhood experience, so we share similar ideas and we were together most of the time.

Immediately I saw that his grandmother walked in one early morning, I got high hopes that he will follow suit, but to my dismay, he didn't show up. I waited for an extra hour if he will show up but he didn't. I got up and walked up to his grandmother.

"Good morning grandma, I greeted with a smile.

Good morning dear. She responded, how are you doing and how was your night?

My night was splendid and yours?

Mine was great. Ned isn't here yet, he is on an errand for your father and he will be back soon.

It's okay grandma. I responded and turned to leave.

It was not until noon that Ned came. As usual, we went to the end of the plantation to play games. After playing for some time, Ned took me by the right hand and looked directly into my eyes, and said;

If there is one thing you should never forget at the dawn of each day; if there is one thing you should never forget or if there is one thing you should ever Cherish and continue to nurture is the fact that I love you deeply from my heart.

Nothing will change that fact, there is nothing so strong that will break what I have for you, my love for you is till eternity. I love you now, always, and till after death.

Well, I have made a promise to give you this( he dipped his hand into his pocket to bring out a ring). The ring has a symbol of infinity. As he placed it in my hand, he told me to cherish the ring even as I cherish him.

As I tried to express my love to him and also appreciate the gift he gave to me, my brother called Ned from behind. Ned had no other option but to leave me alone while he goes ahead to attend to my brother.

The infinity ring was found by Ned on the plantation as he tried to harvest cucumbers about a year ago. He kept it with him and made a promise to give it to me. On the day he took it home to show his grandmother, she was shocked but she never expressed it to avoid raising any form of suspicion.

Ned's father has given that same ring to his mother as a prove of his eternal love for him. But after he refused to get married to her and accept their son, she threw it away on the night that Ned's father couldn't stand for her not even the little Ned that she was carrying in her arms.

Aunt Lucy watched her in the act after which she rushed to the same spot to get the infinity ring. She searched and searched for the ring that night but she couldn't find it.

Now, after 16 years, her son has found that same ring and is also giving it out to his lover.

*****

I continued staring at the ring on my hand until I heard the sound of voices coming from the direction of our house. I ran at a great speed to check what was happening. When I got there, I met the dead body of my father.

My father has just died of a heart attack. He has kept his life savings in one of the boxes in his office at the front of our house. He returned that afternoon to take part of the money, but when he came, he didn't find anything.

Thus, he sent Ryan to come to fetch Ned so that he can be questioned too. Upon his arrival, he told my father that he has seen my brother collecting money from the box but Ryan has denied it. As they argued about the Money, my poor father slumped and died out of shock.

Ryan automatically became the boss, and this made him do whatever pleases him anytime. He didn't pay the workers, and this made most of them leave except for Ned and about 9 of them.

That was how I lost my Dad. I was left with Ryan; who was carefree. Although, after my Dad was laid to rest, he started giving me little attention which I wasn't comfortable with. Ryan never wanted to see me around Ned, he hated him for reasons that I cannot tell.

Anytime he sees both of us together, he would punish Ned for it.

Since I discovered that he never liked Ned, we changed our meeting point to where the cattle were reared. Ryan tried to find out where our new spot was but he didn't find us until the day he came to check on the cattle.

For the first time in my life, I witnessed how heartless someone will be. Ryan grabbed Ned by his collar and asked him to kneel before him. He gave him several rounds of knocks on his head even as he rain curses on him. He dragged him onto the floor and tied his hand with a long rope which he held as he climbed on one of our horses.

Ryan rode on the horse as Ned was also being dragged on the mud helplessly. I couldn't stand the sight of seeing any human getting that kind of inhumane treatment, not to talk of the one I love and cherished. I shed tears as I ran after the horse my brother rode on just to plead with him.

My tears didn't mean anything to him because he smiled and laughed loudly as he saw me cry, I couldn't take it anymore, so I ran back to the house.

Unknown to us, a wealthy lady has been watching this disheartening act of my brother. She sat in her car and had a good view from her tinted glass window without any attempt to save poor Ned from the wicked hands of my brother.

When I left, Ryan tripled the punishment he gave to Ned. He decided to leave him when he discovered that he was already unconscious. The wealthy lady in the car watched Ryan check if he was still conscious till the time that he loosed the rope from his hand and pushed him by the path of the road. As Ryan walked away, she made arrangements with her driver to carry the poor unconscious boy to the hospital.

That day was the last day I set my eyes on him. I made effort to search for him, but I couldn't find him. His grandmother also searched for him but all our efforts seemed to be abortive. I hated my brother because I thought that he had killed him and thrown his body somewhere.

I waited patiently each day for him to return but he didn't show up after 24 months of waiting for him. There was nothing I could do but move on with my life.

Ryan was friends with the son of a wealthy man that lived close to our plantation, and since the time of Ned's disappearance, he has started showing interest in me but I never wanted him.

I had a belief that no matter how long it took, my eternal lover will return one day, his gift of an infinity ring reminded me of this. I made a promise to myself to wait for him no matter how long it may take and if he doesn't return, we will continue our love story in the other world when I die.

On the 27th month after Ned's disappearance, Ryan called me to the sitting room to discuss with me. I was being suspicious of him because he hasn't done this since our father died. As I stood up to follow him, a lot of thoughts ran through my brain that I couldn't give answers to.

Immediately I sat down on the chair, he smiled and asked me to come closer to him because he wanted it to be a heart talk. After he said this, a cold sensation ran through my spine.

You don't have to be scared of anything Nora. I won't hurt you. I just wanted to let you know that Donald likes you and he is interested in going into a relationship with you. I have told him to come over to the house by noon so that I can leave you two to yourselves. He wanted to say more but I put him short.

" For the fact that you're older than me doesn't make you make decisions for me, Ryan. I know what I want and I also have a say in whatever happens in my life. You cannot tell me whom to go into a relationship with nor will you force me to go into it.

As I talked to my brother in anger, he stood up and held me by the hands then he drew me closer to himself and said " Nora, you don't know anything about life, you are just 17 and you act as if you know it all. Ned has gone, believe it or not. He won't come back for you, I heard he is in Italy and he is doing great over there with another woman.

Your waiting for him is equivalent to wasting your time and not moving on with your life. If he wanted to come for you, he would have done so, he left you two years ago, this is mid of his third year and he hasn't shown up.

Nora, are you blind? Isn't the handwriting on the wall clear enough for you to see clearly? Well, just like you have said, you have a say in what happens in your life and I can't go against that, but there's one thing I want to let you know and that is this " if Ned has plans to get married to you, he would have come for you before now". He said this and walked away.

There was some sense in what he told me but I found it hard to believe what he said. Ned has promised never to leave me for anything. But he has taken too long to return as my brother has said.

I continued waiting for him while I decided to move on with my life and go out with Donald. Although, Donald was a nice guy but Ned was still the only one I want.

After waiting for another 1 year and I didn't see him show up, I decided to accept Donald's proposal but under some conditions which I tagged as "signs".

Firstly, he would be able to know my favorite spot and know the kind of fish I ate on that spot.

Secondly, on the day he would propose to me, rain would fall on that day. The rain would be meant to usher us into another era. The rain will also wash away the memories I have with Ned; that is if it would do.

Ryan has been waiting for me to accept Donald's proposal so that he can get what he wanted from him.

On one cold evening, he called me outside so that he would ask me why I haven't accepted Donald's proposal. I innocently told him what I was looking out for.

We had barely finished our conversation when Donald drove into our compound. This time, he drove in a new flashy car, I guess it would be one of the latest brands of cars.

He sat close to me and I changed the topic of our conversation, after engaging with them for more than an hour, I left them to go and take my rest.

When I left, my brother and Donald continued in the conversation till it was almost midnight.

Two weeks later, Donald called me in the early hours of the morning and told me that he would love to take me out. As usual, I agreed on the condition that it would not be in a lonely place. I already knew that it would be the garden that is close to his favorite bar. But this time, I was wrong.

For the first time in 6 months, he took me to a place where fried fish were sold. I was shocked and surprised at the same time because I never saw it coming. The only person I told what I was watching out for was my elder brother; who has promised never to let anyone know about it. How come did he know?

Donald didn't know the kind of fish I wanted, so he quickly asked me to collect the one I wanted.

No! This is not the sign I wanted. I took two steps backward, sat on the long wooden chair that was close to me, and then asked him to get one for me. Donald looked at me and walked towards the tray of fishes.

If he can get it right, then he has scored 50% on my test. But does that mean I will agree to him if he gets it right? Well, let's just see what happens.

I sat down and watched him move around like he was looking for what I wanted. I knew that he couldn't get it right. Donald looked at me for some seconds then he looked at the fish that were neatly arranged on the flat tray.

Knowing fully well that he couldn't get it, he returned to plead with me that I should come and get the one I wanted but I insisted that he must be the one to get it for me.

After much deliberation between us, Donald decided to go and collect the one that was right in front of him. Guess what? He didn't get what I wanted. When he came to sit close to me he said

" You don't have to be annoyed with what I gave you, I might not know what you like today but I know that one day, I will get to know it.

Secondly, you don't pass a final judgment on someone because he failed a test that you have given to them unknowingly".

His last words made me scared. What! How come did he know what was in my mind? Could it be that Ryan told him or was he just saying it because of saying sake? All these questions I asked myself but I couldn't get an answer to any until I stepped into my father's house that same evening.

"Hi kid sister, Ryan greeted me but I didn't give him a response. He noticed that I ignored him so he stood up and hurriedly walked behind me before I could go into my room.

" What is it, Nora? He asked me again. This time, I responded to his question harshly

"Everything is wrong! I shouted at the top of my voice,

"What is wrong? He asked in a low and cool voice

"Why did you tell Donald what I told you? How can you betray your sister? Why did you...

"Hold it there Nora. I didn't do anything of what you're thinking, what makes you think that I can betray you? Besides, what are you talking about? I haven't made a sense of all that you're accusing me of.

I was still very angry but I have to finish what I have started. I looked at him again and then I roared like an angry lion " who told Donald the signs I was watching out for?

Nora? Ryan called. I didn't tell him anything. I haven't seen him since he visited us some days ago, the last time he came here was the time that you were also here with us. Did you hear me tell him anything of such?

I don't even have a phone to reach out to him. Where the hell did you get that from? Nora, if there's one thing I will never do to you is to hurt you, you're the only family I have left in this world.

Before our father died, he told me to look after you, and I promised him that I will do that. I will never and can never betray you. Ryan said as he let go of my hands and walked away.

Immediately, I felt cold. I felt that I have betrayed my brother's trust, I felt that I have hurt his feelings. I could hear him sneeze even as he walked away; that means that he was about to shed tears.

I couldn't go after him at that moment, I only went into my room and cried out my eyes. Maybe Donald was meant to be mine since Ned isn't showing up any longer.

Maybe this is the first sign that I have to believe, Nobody except Ned knew what I wanted, but today, Donald has proved to know it.

The next time we went out, he was able to give me the fish I liked. I applauded him for that but what got me amazed was the moment he brought out a ring to propose to me.

It was a sunny day, but everywhere became cool in the evening. He started a conversation that led to the proposal that evening. Although I was expecting it and I wasn't prepared for it that evening.

All of a sudden, Donald went on his knees amid our conversation and said " I'm deeply in love with you and I want you in my life forever. I do, do you?

Shocked beyond what to say, I smiled at him but was undecided yet. The moment he saw me smile, he pushed the ring into my finger. And all of a sudden, rain started falling.

The signs I was watching out for are now a reality before me. It was almost impossible to see that it rains during the dry season. As we got soaked in the rain, I got assured that nature and everything in it were in agreement that he should come into my life.

"May this rain take away the memories of Ned I have Cherished for more than two years, may this unusual rain usher me and Donald into an unusual happiness that will last from now till eternity"? Amen. I muttered to myself.

My together forever journey started the following month. Since my father has gone to the land beyond and my mother hasn't shown up again, Ryan made the whole preparations so fast that to an extent I suspected him for every move he made.

As helpless as I was, there was nothing I could do even if I suspected him. The day finally came; 22nd of March, 2018. I will forever remember this date even after death.

My wedding gown was the best of the best because it was imported from Italy. The designs on it were fabulous and the sight of it drew more attention to me. At exactly 10am I was outside the church, waiting for the priest to give the order that will usher me in.

I took my first three steps in happiness, and as I took the fourth step, I heard my name. The voice sounds so familiar that I was tempted to look at who the caller was, but I couldn't. I marched in without a second thought about who the caller might be.

As I got to the altar, the priest walked forward and read out the wedding vows from his pamphlet. I listened carefully to every word that he uttered and In a few minutes, we were declared husband and wife.

So I became Mrs. Donald Einstein. A three-week honeymoon was declared for the both of us. At first, I was happy that I will be leaving my hometown for Italy but immediately after we got to Italy, everything about me changed.

This wasn't the Nora I used to know. I had feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal. Although I lived with my husband for 3 weeks it wasn't as fun as I planned it to be.

On the day of our departure, my husband felt sick that we couldn't travel that day, he had to make arrangements so that our flight can be rescheduled for the next two days.

However, I couldn't sit and watch my husband in that pitiable condition. I had to invite a nurse to attend to him so that his recovery will be quick.

When the nurse entered our room, she dipped her hand into her bag to bring out her glasses but it wasn't there. She looked around the room to see if she has carelessly dropped it on the floor but yet, she couldn't find it. Then, she handed her car keys to me and said

" Please help me check my car if you would see my glasses there.

" There's no problem about that ma'am. I told her as I hurriedly walked away.

Climbing down the stairs seems like an unending journey. " I guess that's why the nurse asked me to get her glasses for her. After walking sluggishly for about ten minutes, I got to where her car was parked, opened the car, and searched for the keys with my eyes until I found it. I quickly put it inside my pocket so that I can shut the door but just then a pamphlet flew from the car.

I bent down to pick it up and glance through the contents before I keep it. The heading reads; " Nora's Wine". I read through and discovered that it was a launching event of the wine.

It looks amazing to see that my name was on a pamphlet, I smiled broadly as if I was the owner of the brand. I peeped through the glasses to see if there were other pamphlets in the car so that I could keep the one in my hand. When I checked there were others, so I decided to take this one.

I got to my room upstairs to give the nurse her glasses, so that I can read the contents of "Nora's wine".

I sat on the chair that was adjacent to the bed that my husband lay for me to examine him as the doctor also did.

When what she was doing became boring to me, I decided to read the contents of the pamphlet. I hadn't read up to the last sentence of it when my eyes became watery. I don't know if I should allow the tears to flow or if I should hide them because of the presence of those that were in the room.

I pretended to develop a sudden cough which I used as an excuse to leave the room.

" Mr. Ned will be officially laughing his wine "Nora's wine this weekend". These few words continued to ring in my head as tears flowed ceaselessly from my eyes.

Is Ned alive or could it be that this is another Ned, if it is another Ned, why did he decide to use my name as the brand name of the wine? I have to find out who this Ned is. I told myself as I wiped my tears with the edge of my shirt.

Two days later, we traveled back home. The first person I went to visit was my elder brother, I just wanted to say hi to him. The main reason I went there was to see Aunt Lucy. Thank goodness that he wasn't at home, I guess he would be at one of his gambling spots again.

I passed by my father's grave to say hi to him too and to let him know what I have been up to lately, as I narrated my story to an unseen creature whose presence I was sure of, tears flowed again but I didn't mind because I was with my dad.

Thirty minutes later, I was at Aunt Lucy's home. Nothing has changed about her. She was the same as she was some years ago, immediately she saw me coming to her apartment, she rushed down to embrace me.

" How have you been my child? She asked me.

" I have been fine grandma, how have you been? I asked in return.

" I have been fine but incomplete without your presence in the plantation, your brother doesn't pay me again but before your father died, I promised him that I will work for him till I get off age.

" That's amazing mum, thank you so much for your kind gesture. Mum, please I want us to talk before my brother returns.

Ned's grandmother looked at my face again, she saw that I was worried and at the same time serious about what I was saying. She held me by my right hand and then we walked in.

To cut the long story short, I told her what happened during my honeymoon and how I saw the pamphlet. " Mum, I want you to tell me the truth, is Ned still alive? I asked amid tears.

She looked at me for some seconds and drew me closer into her arms. " To be sincere with you my dear child, I haven't heard from him since the incident that took him away occurred but I have the feeling that he hasn't died. I know that my son will come back for me even if it takes tens of years for him to return.

Aunt Lucy didn't say what I wanted to hear, it seems she wasn't sure if he was still alive or dead. I decided not to raise the topic again, and after some series of discussions, I took my leave.

It was just a day to the weekend, and I have already known the venue for the launching of the wine. The problem I had was the excuse I will tell my husband so that he can permit me to leave. After much deliberation, I decided to take the risk of leaving without telling him.

The following day is the day I have long waited for, I ensured that I got everything ready that my husband will need for that day before I left with the excuse that I was visiting my brother at the plantation. Immediately I got out of the gate that looked like that of a prison, I turned off my phone.

Straightway to the bus station to book a ticket, not minding the outcome of what I am doing. After a couple of minutes, I arrived at the event center.

The decorations were superb, and those around were people of a high class. I went to where the mask was, collected mine, wore it, and entered the hall.

Amazing! I almost screamed. I didn't know anyone that I will hang out with so I just stood on a table with my hands on top of it. Anyone that passes by could notice my shiny ring. The ring on my finger made most men walk past me.

It was only a well-built man that dared to approach me.

" Good evening beautiful lady. He greeted.

" Good evening sir, I responded.

" Are you alone? He asked me again

" Yes sir, I responded again.

" How about that, is it fake or real? He asked as he pointed to my ring.

" It's real, I answered back with a faint smile

" Then where is he? He asked me as he looked around and tried to come closer.

I noticed he was coming closer to me, I quickly took two steps backward and said " he's at home. I replied but I maintained my Space. I tried to look at him if he was the guy that usually comes around to disturb me, but he wasn't the one.

" Don't you think you have another intention? How can you come here alone and everyone has someone with them? I can sense that you have a plan.

" Please sir, I mean no disrespect for you. Can you just go away and stop questioning me? How can you just walk up to me and start asking me all sorts of questions.

" Go away? Why will a married woman come to search for the lover that she has betrayed? He asked me and walked away in haste.

Ned! I muttered.

Was I sure if what I just saw? Was it a dream or was it reality that was playing right in front of me? I decided not to conclude yet because I really can't tell if it was Ned, besides, his mask was covering his face.

I knew I was deceiving myself again. My heart knows that it was Ned I just had a conversation with, but I don't want to believe it. Suddenly, tears dropped from my eyes. I ran into the restroom to put myself together before I came out to Join others to party.

Soonest the master of the ceremony stepped on the podium to officially welcome Mr. Ned that everyone was waiting for.

" We have all been gathered here for the official launching of the Nora's wine that is proudly brought to us by Mr. Ned. By now, I want to believe that everyone has had the taste of the Nora's wine.

Yessssss. The crowd cheered as they accompanied their response with an applause.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present the face behind the Nora's wine; Mr. Ned.

The shout and cheer from the crowd made this moment the most wonderful moment in the event.

Ned walked on to the stage as he waved at the audience. " Good evening everyone, he started. First of all I want to appreciate everyone of you that is here, it's not easy for someone to leave all that he has just to attend this opening event of my wine.

Nora's wine is a dream that has come true. I had this vision for a very long time but time and the condition I have been through didn't permit me to pursue my dreams.

Although, everything was not in my favor but I never gave up, I patiently played my cards and waited for this day to come. Today, my dream has come true.

As he tried to continue, they was shout of congratulations and cheering from the crowd. Nora's wine is a result of my hardwork, determination and my consistency to make my dreams come true. I want to use this medium, to encourage everyone out there that there's. O limit to what you can do. When the time is right everything is fall into pleasant places.

But everything to fall into places, you have to take power into your hands to fulfill that dream in you. And I want to assure you that as you consistently pursue, one day you will reach the sky. Ned said this and handed the microphone over to the master of ceremony.

" But his mask is still on, why don't he remove his mask so that we can see his face, I thought silently within me.

As he was about to leave the stage, he turned , took about 4 steps forward and unveiled himself. The moment I saw his face, I prayed that the ground should open up so that I can jump Into it and end it all. The person right in front of me is my eternal lover.

The one I have promised to love till eternity, from the look of things here, he hasn't gotten another lady. I guess he has been waiting for me all these years he was away but I couldn't wait for him.

I could not hold myself anymore, I ran outside to let the world that I have failed. I have betrayed the trust of the one who lived me the most. I was so bitter inside of me and I could do anything stupid.

A taxi immediately parked in front of me and I jumped into it. I headed straight to the plantation to meet the devil called Ryan. I arrived at the plantation, and for the first time since I returned from the honey moon, I discovered that the plantation was almost turning to a forest, as I took a step into our house, my eyes caught the image of my father.

I went closer to look at it, Ryan has made a portrait of him and has kept it in his favourite sitting position outside the house. I walked closer to the portrait and bent, I used my hands to walk through the portrait as tears flowed ceaselessly from my eyes.

" I wish I can join you in the place that you are, I Know you are resting and I would love to rest also. I can't face the world and tell them what I have just done. I have committed an unforgivable crime against my other half.

I was too impatient to wait for him, I was so senseless to believe every lie that I was told. My elder brother told me all sorts of lies so that I can believe that Ned has left me. Three years is a long time but that was too short for me to jump into conclusion.

My life was mine and I have a say in what happens in my life but I was so foolish to realize this. I don't have anyone to pass the blame to. I just have myself to blame. Please be by my side Dad because at this point, I am just so unfortunate that this is reality, but I wish this was a nightmare.

" It's no nightmare kid sister, Ryan said from behind me. You have a good life,Even if Ned is alive, that doesn't mean that you have made a mistake. I never wanted you to be with him because I never liked him. I decided to tell you that he was no one since he wasn't coming for you.

If he had truly loved you, he would have looked for an opportunity to come in search of you or even sent a message across that he is still very much alive. I thought he died after the torture I have to him. He wanted to say more but I immediately grabbed him by his collar.

I don't wanna care if you're my elder brother or not, I don't want to.care if you're the only family I have. I just want to tell you that you should stay away from me. You're a devil, not even a devil but the devil himself, you are capable of taking someone's life and misleading people.

Ryan,. listen and listen very well. Don't you ever, I mean ever in your entire life call me your sister. You're not my brother and I can never be your sister. I said this and ran out with tears.

I never knew that the moment I left, Ryan called my husband and informed him of what was happening. When I got to our compound, I thought he wouldn't meet me outside but I was so surprised to see him sitted outside.

" Where the hell are you coming from? He asked me in anger. Since I got married to him, I have never seen him in this manner. I made him believe I was scared, on his own part, he became sensitive to call himself to order.

" My darling, he started again. I'm so sorry for using that tone with you. I was already missing you. Where have you been, I woke up and discovered that I was the only one in the house. Did you attend Ned's official opening of Nora's wine?

Immediately I heard his question, I became frozen. What the heck? How come did he know about this? Nobody Except myself knew where I was going to, I can't recall saying anything of such to my brother.

Actually, Ned invited me for his official launching of his wine but I told him that I wasn't fine and we just returned from our honeymoon. i told him but I just stood like an image looking at my husband. I could not tell if he knew I was telling him the truth or not. But what I was sure of was that, nobody knew where I went to. Could it be that he has been talking to Ned? Because this was the only way he could have known that Ned was lauching his wine.

When he realized that I was becoming scared of him. He smiled and moved closer to me. " I know you can't lie to me, I trust you more than anything on this earth but the only thing I will beg you of is that you should never think of cheating on me. Is that okay with you? He asked me as he pushed me closer to his chest.

" Yes, that's fine. I responded with fear. I forced myself out of his arms and went into the bathroom to have a quick bath of which I meant not to have, as I poured the water on my face, and as it ran slowly to my feet, I remembered the day I said yes to my husband.

As I wept, I noticed that the door opened slowly. Immediately I started pouring more water on myself again because he had come to check why I was taking longer than I ought to.

" Are you fine? He managed to ask me

" Yes, I'm good. Why? I asked him.

" Nothing, it's just that I came to check on you. I've been waiting for you to be by my side but you've been taking so long to come out. As the wonderful husband that I am, I thought of coming to check on you.

" O! I exclaimed loudly. I'll soon be done, I managed to say with a shaky voice. I prayed silently so that he wouldn't come closer to check if I was weeping.

When I was done bathing, I walked sluggishly into the room to put on my night wears. Meanwhile, my husband went outside while I was bathing and it seems that he was so much engaged in a serious conversation with someone.

I walked closer to the window to eavesdrop on the conversation but I didn't hear a word from him, he was so sensitive to notice my presence that he took several steps farther so that I wouldn't hear him.

" Do I even care about whoever he's talking to?" I asked myself as I slumped on my bed. He should do whatever he likes, it's non of my business.

The following morning, I woke up but was surprised to see that my husband has gone out. " What the heck! Where could he have gone to so early. I walked briskly into the sitting room to check if he was there but he wasn't, I busied myself with the house chores so that I can ask any one that comes out of their rooms if they have seen him gone out.

We lived in the family house. Donald's Dad was a rich man so he had built a house where his entire family can live. We live under the same roof with his father and mother, his sister and their grandmother. Sometimes, Grandma's sister comes to the house to visit but I haven't seen her before. I've only heard about her but hope to see her one day. When everyone was up, I asked if anyone has seen my husband but none agreed to have seen him, I kept cool and waited for him to return.

Desmond never returned to the house until it was evening. When I asked him about his whereabouts, the only words that came from him were " I went to attend to an important issue"

" Is that why you have refused to take my calls since morning?" I asked him.

" Yes, I've been in a series of meeting that's why I wasn't able to answer you. I'm sorry about that.

I looked at him, smiled and walked away " it's fine, I told him as I shut the door.

Few weeks after I met with Ned, my mood changed. My husband noticed this and I guess that he has already knew what was running through my head.

The fact that I was already married was the part the pained me most. Since marriage was for eternity I had no other option than to stick to Desmond. I found it difficult to accept the bitter truth. However, I made a promise to myself to love my husband in other to forget about my eternal lover. I knew that it will be difficult but there was nothing to do to change the situation.

Just 4 months Into our marriage, I woke up to meet a very hot argument in the house. My husband was so mad at what was being discussed. I had no idea of what they were discussing so I had to wait for him to come into the room to tell me what the subject of argument was about.

When he finally came in, I asked him to tell me what the issue was.

" Most times, I wonder if my head uses his sense of reasoning ,Donald started harshly. I made an attempt to tell him that those harsh words weren't meant to used on his father but he shut me up with just a scaring look.

He wants to bring his other son to the house.

Other son? I asked in disbelief

" Yes, he has a son with another woman.

" Wait, wait, wait I don't get it yet. Your dad has a mistress? Is that it?

" Yes babe. He has a mistress but they're no longer together. He left her to get married to my mother and after so many years, they met, I think they reconciled and the issue of the pregnancy she had back then was raised. That's when she opened up to him that she had a son for him.

What? I shouted in surprise.

" To worsen the case, he wants to bring him to our house. He's planning a grand welcome for him, he wants to officially introduce him to his friends and clients. I don't want to hate my Dad and he shouldn't make me to hate him because if I do, that will be for eternity.

" I understand how you feel dear, but you just have to relax your mind. I think you shouldn't bother about if he's going to change his mind or not because from the way you're sounding, it's as if, he is not bent on changing his mind.

" Is that all you have to say? He asked in a very high and angry tone. As he shouted, I never knew that the other persons in the house heard his voice. Immediately I heard footsteps like that of those running towards our room.

" Open the door!

" Open the door! They shouted simultaneously

I went to open the door, but it was sparkle; my sister-in-law and her mother.

" What's happening? I asked since I was confused about their sudden appearance.

" Come outside first! Mother screamed but I felt reluctant to come out since I was still trying to figure out what was happening. As I looked confused and non chalant about coming out, sparkle walked with speed to where I was standing in the room, and pulled me out. I felt a sharp pain in my elbow region. Oouuch! I screamed as she continued pulling me. She pulled me out but walked into the room.

I tried to enquire if anything was wrong from my mother in-law but she was mute, all of a sudden tears filled her eyes and she walked away. ' what are they not telling me?" I asked my self in confusion. The door to the room was still locked, so there was practically no way for me to go into the room nor hear anything that was Said. I decided to place my eyes very close to the door to listen.

After listening to their argument for more than 30 minutes, I burst into an uncontrollable tears. My husband came out of the room but he angrily walked past me. When sparkle came out of the room, she was in tears too. I boldly stood up to ask her some questions about the authencity of what i heard.

" Sparkle, I want you to make me believe that what I heard from you and your brother is a lie. Sparkle kept mute as she used her right hand to hold her mouth so that she won't burst into tears to worsen the situation. she held my hand and we walked into the room. I was prepared to hear the worst from her at the moment.

" Nora, before i will tell you if it's a yes or a no, i would love to tell you how everything happened and what led to what you saw today or what you heard. Firstly and most importantly, i am not Desmond's blood sister. I am an aunt to him. I am a step sister to his mother. Please don't ask me how, i know you might be wondering how it happened but that's a story for another day.

Desmond had a sister like every other person but she died when they were still kids. it happened that they had an arguement one day they were playing, Desmond who was so hot tempered decided to fight his sister back since the case was settled in favour of his sister. He went into their room, peeled a banana and dropped the peel carelessly on the floor, he made sure that it was positioned on a place where his sister would walk past.

Unfortunately for her, she came running, then she fell as a result of the banana peel that was on the floor, her head torn and blood was gushing out like a running tap, she was rushed to the hospital but she couldn't make it.

When we returned home that day, we told Desmond about what had hapened to his sister and immediately, it was as if his brain shifted from it's position. He started shouting " there's blood on my hand! This he shouted severally. At first we were scared, so we had to take him to the hospital too so that we can also avoid any form of complication, it was then we discovered that what happened to his sister has affected his brain.

Since then till now, Desmond has not been the same again. At times, he acts as if he's about to run mad and sometimes he acts strange, that was the reason we ran to your aid when we heard him screaming.

My eyes were already teary by now. It has been made clear to me that i have married a man that is partially crazy. What a world? i asked myself quietly. Does Ryan know abut this before he pushed me into this? will i continue to live like this till death do us apart? What if we have a family tomorrow, how are we going to handle the kids? All these thoughts ran through my head as i lost myself in the arms of Sparkle, waiting for her to keep cool so that we can have further discussions about it because it hasn't made sense to me yet.