Some months later, Euna and her daughter, Oyibo were back at Mama Vicky’s house. This time, they did not come to complain, argue or quarrel but to intimate Mama Vicky on the latest development. Oyibos would-be husband and his people Were being expected soon for the introductory rites.
The only problem this time was that Euna was worried that the distance from Nneri to her daughter's intended marital home was too far. It was not even in the same state though both states spoke the same language and had the same customs. She would have preferred someone from the neighbouring towns and villages but her daughter Oyibo rejected them as she claimed she did not love any of the suitors from within. She had met her husband at Ibadan. He was from Onitsha.

Her aunty Joy had supported the marriage when Moses informed her of his intentions. Joy had however advised him to travel down to Nneri for the marriage negotiation. The first time he visited Nneri, what attracted Euna most was his affluence. This was evident to all. He came in a Mercedes Benz car and was very generous in all he gave to Euna, Ezekwe, Ure and everyone in sight. He also requested that a plot of land be shown to him where he would erect a building for the family. He told them that this was necessitated by the fact that he was well-known and had many prominent personalities as friends. He would not want them to accompany him to Nneri and lack a comfortable place to relax in.

Ezekwe agreed with him but he, however, advised him to come first for the introduction which requires only a few people after which he would be shown a plot of land to build the house he had in mind. Moses agreed and they selected a date. Before he left, he gave Ezekwe a substantial amount of money in order to prepare for the day. Ezekwe was embarrassed by the amount of money he gave to him because it was so much above the amount required for such a visit.

Days after this visit, Moses was still the topic for discussion in the kindred. His wealth and generosity filled many with envy while Euna felt on top of the world as people came and congratulated her. She praised her daughter for her wise choice.

Now at Nkwoma, as she sat with her mother, she narrated all these to Mama Vicky. Mama Vicky was very happy that at last, Euna could wipe her tears and reap the fruit of her labours.

"You see, that was why I kept telling you not to push her. I trusted her and knew she was prudent enough to make a wise choice and now she has proved me right. As for the distance, you said her husband has fleet of cars, didn't you? I don't think that the distance will be a problem. Relax and thank God for his blessing. Remember that I have always told you that your daughters will do for you what many sons may not be able to do. This is just the beginning."

"Mama, I don't know what to say for now. Let me just keep calm and watch out. This is beyond words," She said joyfully

"I must be there when next he visits so that I can see the lucky fellow that has snatched my baby from me" she said, playfully

"Grandma, no one can snatch me from you. We will always be like this she said linking her two forefingers together.

"I know my child, I was only joking" she added with a smile. "So long as you two love each other, I have no objection. What does he do for a living?" she asked.

"He is a businessman, an importer and exporter. He is a business associate of Aunt Joy's husband," she told her.

On the appointed day for the introduction, Moses came with his father, uncle and two other friends. Ezekwe played the perfect host and made sure his guests had a good taste of his hospitality. Moses and his people were very impressed by this and everything went on smoothly. Some of Ezekwe's close kinsmen were also present. After the eating and drinking that followed the formal introduction ceremonies, Moses and his people departed, promising to come back before long to sort out things with Ezekwe.

In the interim, Ezekwe and his kinsmen had deliberated over the issue of Moses building a house for Euna and decided that it would be better to show him a piece of land from among their farmlands within or around the compound. Ezekwe agreed to this in order to maintain the bond of family oneness which he had once shared with his brother, Chikezie. He hoped to retain the bond with his family he left behind.

Few days after the introductory rites, Euna approached Ezekwe one evening and requested that Ezekwe should permit her to clear the land at Uhu Ama in preparation for the erection of the building. Uhu Ama was a plot of land far removed from the rest of the households of Ezekwe and his kinsmen. This land had a border with Umulu, the next village after theirs.

Ezekwe was jolted by her request and he refused outright to grant it. He rather advised her to clear the land adjacent to the house she occupied with her children. Euna vehemently refused and stormed out of the obu in anger. She had a sleepless night and the next morning, Mama Vicky was roused from her sleep by a heavy eyed and weeping Euna. Mama Vicky's heart missed a beat when she saw Euna. Her first suspicion was that someone might have died.

"What is the matter?" she asked, searching her face in fright.
Euna sobbed the more without replying.
"See, Euna, even if someone died, you still have to come out with it. You are killing me by your silence. You know I have advanced in age. Don't give me cause to have a heart attack. Tell me whatever it is," she urged.

Obichi and Nwamaka were also present as they had been woken by Euna. They held unto Mama Vicky and urged her to sit down.

"Grandma, sit down. You know your health doesn't need this type of agitation." Obichi then turned to her mother with an unspoken appeal. "Even if some one died, couldn't you be more tactful. You know she has been ill of late. Why don't you take a hold on yourself and tell us what it is all about?"

Mama Vicky sat down while Euna wiped her tears and also took a seat. Obichi sat beside Mama Vicky while Nwamaka sat down at her feet, caressing her grandmother.

"It is Ezekwe" Euna managed to say in between sobs.

Mama Vicky gave a start when she mentioned Ezekwe.

"Is he dead?" she asked in alarm.

"No. I didn't say he is dead"

"Oh! Thank God for that." Mama Vicky heaved a sigh of relief. "What is it then?" she asked, more calmly than before.

"He refused to give me a piece of land for the building Moses proposed to build for me. I suspected he would do this because he and his wife have never been happy about the turn of events. They thought I and my children would have died all these years. Now it didn't work out as he planned, he is very bitter and is trying to...

"Wait!" Mama Vicky interrupted. "Which Ezekwe are you talking about?" she asked in surprise.

"How many Ezekwes do you know?" Euna snapped in exasperation.

At this point, Obichi hissed and stood up dragging Nwamaka along.
"Come on, let's go and prepare for school or else, we will be late." Both of them left the women. But not without Obichi giving her mother an angry stare.

Euna, my child, calm down and tell me exactly what happened between you and my in-law Ezekwe because for all I know, Ezekwe has been a kind, caring and tolerant man towards you and your children. So I can't imagine he could actually refuse to show you a piece of land after he promised me before I left that he would do that promptly. Tell me what happened to make him change his mind," she said.

Euna eyed her mother angrily and began to sulk. She refused to reply and sat in her seat, crying. It was then about seven in the morning and people were now about. Neighbours who usually called to see Mama Vicky since her ill health started calling to see her.

Euna got up and retired to the backyard where she continued crying. Mama Vicky had several callers among who were her Christian brethren who were returning from morning mass. Failing to see her at her usual seat in the church, they trooped down in numbers to visit her at home. They discussed and sympathised with her and finally prayed for her.

Thanks for reading! Check my blog often for subsequent chapters.

LINKS:

• INTRODUCTION
• CHAPTER 1
• CHAPTER 2
• CHAPTER 3
• CHAPTER 4
• CHAPTER 5
• CHAPTER 6
• CHAPTER 7
• CHAPTER 8
• CHAPTER 9
• CHAPTER 10
• CHAPTER 11