Things went wrong on Eniola's fourth birthday.
For me, it's sour.
My father had left me alone in the house.
Despite Eniola's efforts, I refused to accompany them.
The doorbell rang, and it was a knock.
“Who's there?” Before I opened the door, I inquired.
I noticed a chubby man with a potbelly. A brocade Agbada smiles at me from within.
“Good afternoon, sir,” I said as I flexed my knees.
He should be in his early fifties at this point.
"How are you doing?" He smiled once more.
“Fine,” I said, frowning.
“Does Mr. Benson, your father, happen to be around?” he asked.
“He went out,” I said.
“All right, tell him Chief came if he comes back.”
Ola Badmus had come to look for him, he explained before leaving the room.
I shut the door behind me.
What is this person's name again? Of course, I am aware.
What is the name of David's father, Chief Ola Badmus?
Is that what he wants? What store did Baami buy this time? A new acquaintance?
Hmmn. I lay down lightly on the mat and fell asleep.
“Mummy…mummy!” Eniola jolted me awake from my beauty snooze
“Are you back, little cutie?” I got out of bed and sat up.
“Welcome.” I gave them a warm welcome.
An envelope was delivered to me by my father.
“The postman stated it was for Tejumola,” says my father.
I gave him a perplexed look and opened the lovely flower-encrusted card, with an envelope
It was torn out:
MY DARLING, I MISS YOU.
When I looked up at my father, he had noticed the face devoid of expression
I took out the letter and began reading it.
It was David who apologized for not responding sooner or keeping in touch that he was on his way. He said he'd be back next week, that he missed me, and that he e.t.c., e.t.c., e.t.c.,
I snarled aloud, tore the letter in half, and gathered up the pieces.
I have a card and an envelope, and I'm going to throw them in the trash.
They were thrown.
I stormed into my room, furious.
Rubbish! Under my breath, I murmured something.
After destroying my career... He was missing me and so, what's the point? I suppose he wanted to go on where he came to a halt. I hissed aloud once more.
“Teju?”
My father was holding the torn paper when I turned around.
“Does he look like Eniola's father?” He inquired.
I remained deafeningly silent. He let out a sigh.
“Sit down, Teju, and let's talk.” he started
“You see, you have to tell me... you’re getting married in a week...”
I leapt to my feet, grasping my right hand on my chest.
“Married? Who is it that you are referring to? “To whom is Baami addressed?” my tone of voice was almost deafeningly quiet
“I've already made plans; you won't be able to join us.”
He paused. “Sit at home like this...,” he said.
He said, "You see...errm, that man who came seeking for me, he is your soon-to-be husband."
“Baami? Ola Badmus, Chief? An elderly man sufficient to be my father? “That's a prank Right?” my lips trembled.
“Teju, this isn't a joke; you're getting married.”
I got up to leave.
“Please don't do this to me, Baami; it hurts, It aches, Baami.”
I was on my hands and knees.
“Does it hurt? Hmn? When you dragged my name across the page, hurled sand of shame at my face in the mud
Didn't you notice how upset I was? Did you think about how you shamed me?
“How did I feel?” he said before shooting back at me. He got out of my room.
I let forth a heartfelt scream.
My father, this can't be happening to me.
This is something you can't do to me.
“I'm sorry, Mummy.” Eniola wrapped her small arms in a circle all around me.
I wrapped my arms around her and we both sobbed.