EAGLE FROM THE RUBBLE: CHAPTER 17

geniusvic (54)in #story • 8 years ago

Two days had passed without Ezekwe speaking to either of the women. He allowed neither Euna nor Ure to leave the compound and refused to entertain any visitors from outside except his uncles and some elders. Ezekwe and his son, Chinedu made sure they complied. On the third day, Chinedu left early in the morning on his motorbike and before noon, returned with Mama Vicky.

Euna was surprised to see her mother as Mama Vicky seldom visits them these days due to her arthritis and old age. They exchanged pleasantries and then Ezekwe shepherded her into his obu. He now summoned Ure and Euna. On their arrival Ezekwe cleared his throat.

"My in-law, it is a pity that I had to drag you to this place today in spite of your ailing health. I am really sorry. But as the saying goes, the frog does not run in the daytime for nothing" he tried to apologise.

"My in-law Ezekwe, you know that you can never call me and I fail to answer except I was dead and buried" she replied.

"Well, it is said that after chasing away the kite, the hen should be reprimanded for venturing too far into the bush. Not that I cannot settle this myself, but I wanted you to be around. Three days ago, I was with Chinedu at Uhu when Nkeiru ran to me and told me that Ure and Euna were quarrelling and that Euna had called 'eleeha' for her." Mama Vicky was startled.
"Though I had a hard time convincing the women that it was a mistake and paying a fine on behalf of Euna, in the end, I succeeded in dispersing them. Ever since I was born in this family, no such thing has ever happened and I find it really embarrassing. That is why I called you here, so that you yourself can ask them what transpired between them and proffer solution. I am really tired and disgusted with these constant quarrels."

Mama Vicky heard from both women. She tried as much as possible to settle the matter for them. She was also vocal in condemning her daughter's attitude towards Ezekwe and his family. Finally, after a long time of deliberation and appeals, the warring parties appeared to have been appeased and she was taken back to Nkwoma.

The aftermath of this quarrel was that Euna's ego was somehow deflated and her pomposity lessened. Though she stopped further nasty comments about Ure and her children, she was however, very reflective about the entire incident. It opened her eyes to the realities on ground and made her more determined in finding a solution.

"Oyibo, do you know that although you are now married that this is still your father's house?" Euna asked her daughter who stared at her blankly. "You must have to take a keen interest in the welfare of this family."

"Mama, why don't you go ahead and say what it is rather than going round and round in circles? I don't believe you summoned me here to remind me about my responsibilities towards this family," she said becoming irritated.

When she received her mother's summons to come home, she was apprehensive. She wondered what must have happened again after her quarrel with Ure of which she was duly informed about. And here she was now with her mother and for over an hour, she had failed to make neither head nor tail of what she was saying.

"Oyibo, I have been thinking. I think you should tell your husband to get a wife for me. I want him to get a wife for me so that she can beget children that will succeed your father".

Oyibo eyed her thoughtfully before replying.
"You want my husband to marry a wife for you?? she asked and continued without waiting for a reply.
"And you will be her husband, I guess," she said finally

"Please I am serious about this issue. What happens when you all get married and leave? When I finally die who will live in this house and who will answer your father's name?" she asked making frantic efforts to convince her.

"Are you still a member of the C.W.O.?" Oyibo asked.

"Yes" she answered without blinking.

"And what do they say about what you are suggesting?" Oyibo asked.

"Let's be realistic and forget about this C.W.O. stuff for now," she bluntly replied.

"Do you hear yourself speak?" she said, staring at her in disbelief. "My husband and I will soon be inducted as members of the Knight of the Church. So, what you are saying is not possible. I can't support such a thing, it is against the church's teaching" she concluded.

Euna became annoyed.
"What then is the need of building this house when there will be nobody to live in it, nobody to answer your father's name?" she asked, angrily.

"Mama, if your idea of preserving my father's
name is getting a woman to live here as a prostitute, count me out," she said with a note of finality.

"Well, if you won't do it, I will get one for myself," she said.

"What? If you try it, you will know the type of daughter you have in me. Why is it that you have vowed never to have peace in your life?" she scolded.
"Each time, you are either in one form of trouble or the other. If you desperately need a child, go and adopt one. I can help you do that"

"God forbid!" she snapped.
"What do you mean by that? I thought you wanted a child? I mean, you just said so yourself" she asked, surprised

"You want to make me the laughing stock of the whole village. Going to adopt a total stranger whose parentage I do not know? God forbid!" Euna said.

"The wife you want to marry, will you be able to account for the parentage of the children she bears?" she asked.

"But at least, I will know their mother" Euna replied.

"Anyway, that's the only option. You either take it or leave it," Oyibo concluded.

Days after this discussion, Euna was still at loss as to what to do. Of recent she had come to respect her daughter, Oyibo, and her views too. She dared not go against her wish. She then focused her attention on her daughters, Obichi, Nkechinyere and Natachinyem.

Obichi was already having suitors and would soon be getting married. Nkechinyere was too involved in church activities to accept such a proposal. She was contemplating becoming a nun. Euna knew she dared not include Natachinyem in her plans. She was too self-willed to be controlled or influenced. This was the confusion she was battling with when news got to her that her mother was seriously ill. She left immediately for Nkwoma.

Mama Vicky had been sickly for some time but this time she was in serious pain yet she refused to be taken to the hospital. Surrounding her bed were Obichi, Nwamaka and other relatives. Mama Vicky's other children who were sojourning in the cities had also been informed to come home.

"Grandma, remember you promised me you will be there to attend my wedding. So what are you trying to do?" Obichi asked, tearfully.

"My child, just be happy, that is all that matters. As you can see, in spite of my pains, I am still happy. So let no one grieve for me," she said. She turned and rested her look on Nwamaka who had never stopped crying since Mama Vicky's condition deteriorated.

"Amaka my child, you are a source of pride to me. Be strong always." She looked intently at her and added "God will be with you."

"Grandma please stop talking like this," she said, crying the more. Nwamaka was gently led out of the room by some of their relatives and before long, Mama Vicky passed on.