It is the naming ceremony day. Saying that I am the happiest woman alive is definitely not an understatement. Our extra- large compound seemed to have become a market place because everywhere was filled with people. Everyone in Nigeria seemed to have their eyes fixed on Richbel’s Estate as journalists came enmass to capture the event. The large and beautifully crafted events centre in the estate is the venue for the naming. The crafts and art works were inspected by everyone that came. The flowers gave the environment a sweet smell and those who were not flower freaks started developing interest in them.
My native attire dazzled and accentuated my body as I went from one place to another greeting people. It is certain that I would not be able to greet half of the guests but I still went about welcoming people.
My mum was taking care of the baby and Richard has been held down by a group of friends. I saw some of those friends coming with Richard and I smiled. Richard and I had the same costume on and my heart swelled with pride as I gazed at my handsome husband. They took me before I could even protest and placed me beside Richard, with their cameras in hand. I laughed as we both tried to find a wonderful position and style. I ended up standing right in front of Richard. He had his hands on my waist and my hands were placed on his, my back resting on his broad chest. Everyone around joined the friends, bringing their phones and Ipads out and clicking away. We laughed and smiled as flashes of cameras continued to beam.
“How are you feeling today after close to three years of no issue” I heard a journalist say, standing right in front of me. I smiled at the camera as all the journalists gathered round to capture my speech.
“I feel ecstatic. I am so grateful to God for a day like this. I feel I am the happiest person alive. Nothing compares to the joy of being a mother. To my loving husband who stood by me throughout the waiting period, you are the best husband ever. I owe it all to God. Speaking of children, I have to get back to my angel. Chao” I turned back and hurried inside.
The ceremony was very interesting and wonderful. It ended after about two hours. Our pastor was the one that did the naming. My son was giving three names: Roland, Samuel and Promise.
We were asked to dance after the ceremony and we danced and danced. People came around and danced with us. Immediately after the dance, someone stood in front of Richard and i. Richard’s mum was glowing in her native attire and her beauty was evident. How could she not give birth to someone as handsome as Richard? I wondered. Even at fifty, she easily turns heads.
I looked at Richard, reminding him of his promise with my eyes. He smiled. The reconciliation is long overdue. He went forward and hugged his mum tightly. Cheers filled the air, as cameras clicked.
Tears flowed from the eyes of Loretta, as well as Richard. They helped wipe the eyes of each other and held on to each other again. Tears threatened to go down and it flowed down unhindered as I looked at them. She took little Roland from my hands for the first time, beaming with the joy of being a grandmother.
“I am proud of you” I whispered to Richard and he beamed. We both watched as my mother-in- law held Roland with so much love.
Richard’s friends came and took him. It all happened within the twinkling of an eye. Loretta let out a scream and before we knew what was happening, a gun was placed against her head.
“Nobody moves or I’ll blow off this woman’s head along with this thing she is carrying” I heard a familiar voice say. I saw with horror as Oyinade’s face came into view. Richard was moving closer slowly, I saw from the corner of my eyes.
“Don’t you dare move. Don’t dare me. I would blow her head off. I swear” she yelled at Richard. Obviously, she had seen him. A sickening dread covered me. A fear I had never felt before.
“Leave my child out of this Oyin, your problem is with me.” She laughed.
“Really? He is the reason why you won. Tell me something: don’t I have the right to be with the man I love?”
“You don’t have the right to be with another woman’s husband” I said quietly. She laughed.
“Well, I don’t have the time to banter words with you. Since I can’t have Richard, you also would not have the chance to be with him. Bye” My face grew pale.
“No”, I heard Richard yell as he ran towards me. The gun shot echoed, shattering the silence that had once engulfed the air.
To be continued
