At the time Festus died, my kids were schooling at Nigerian-Turkish International School, along Ahmadu Bello Way, Wuse, Abuja, and I was actively involved with Parents-Teachers’ Association of the school. So, when the school PTA planned a fund raising ceremony, I was asked to take charge of the event organizing committee. I accepted the request and met with my committee to plan. With good support and cooperation the planning went well – except for the part of inviting prominent guests in Wuse and Maitama districts – there, only Chidube Okoli was capable help.
So it was that Chidube and I began working days and nights inviting prominent guests and preparing for the big event. With other logistics adequately cared for by others on the committee, we worked on the invitations.
It was Thursday night, close to midnight, when the venue for the fund raiser was ready for the Friday morning event, Chidube’s eyes and mine met, it was in a spirit of ‘we did it’ and so we went to Chopstix – an all-night restaurant for a late dinner. There, we talked and discovered a lot about each other.
I quickly learned that Chidube is from Umunnachi in Anambra state. He was formerly based in New York and had a son from his white American ex-wife – Ellen, who left him for another man in New York. Chidube’s son now schooled at Nigerian-Turkish International College, Abuja. As we talked, Chidube made no direct mention of his former wife but I soon ascertained that he was bitter – she’d betrayed him!
Next day, the fund raiser was a huge success!
It was as we were preparing our report for the event that Chidube suggested that my girls and I pay him a family visit at his home in Maitama.
“It would be fun for the kids and they’d enjoy it too.” He added.
Of course, my first thought was my rule about no men, but on second thought, I realized that it’d be great fun for all, and Chidube Okoli was safe man to stay with.
The visit had been more fun than anticipated and the group decided to stay the night at his place – a simple family arrangement which gave offense to no one! Chidube seemed anxious to provide food and drinks as we all dined on his special Bigfoot dinning room! It was a happy time.
Later, after the family visit, I realized for the first time that I had been free of the guilt and burden of my husband’s demise. I realized that life must go on – just no men!
Soon, Chidube and I were friends. Our kids had grown to be fast friends as well. We were becoming known as a couple in Wuse II community – though, there was no evidence of intimacy.
One week later, Chidube’s ex-wife – Ellen – returned unannounced to Nigeria, and moved straight into Chidube’s Maitama home, I simply stayed away. I’d heard rumours about discord and quarrel in Chidube’s house after the return and paid them no attention.
Then, after a couple of days, Ellen left again, suddenly and without warning she was gone, and Chidube was free again. . . free to assist me when I was involved in a serious car accident. As I was taken to the hospital, Chidube took my kids and cared for them.
Then, after work, he’d visit me at the hospital. To cover those times when Chidube couldn’t help, Wuse II community provided people and assistance. I was never alone in my hospital room as the community women arranged visiting schedules.
Two weeks later, I was home and some women of the community came to my home and prepared my family meals. But Chidube seemed to keep everything in good order.
It was as two of the community’s more affable women sat at my bedside talking. They covered a wide range of topics before settling on my life. I quickly admitted that I was lonesome and the women offered suggestions. The bolder of the two women was the first to suggest that I marry Chidube. Chidube was a good man and an excellent provider. He was available, except of course, he carried a ‘thing’ about women.
Then, the second woman agreed and I listened to their logic. They pointed out that good men were hard to find and I should grab Chidube – love could come later!
As I thought about the argument, I considered the alternative – I’d still be alone and lonesome. I might eventually become desperate and make a serious mistake again. Then, I thought of Chidube. He was my best friend and good company. Maybe, if I married him, love could come later.
.
.
.
Drop Your Comments
No comments:
Post a Comment