Esenam walked in to see her parents still in the living-room. They exchanged surprised looks and glanced at the clock hanging on the wall of the living-room almost simultaneously.
“You’re early.” Mrs. Fiagbe stated.
“Yes. Akwasi was not home. I learnt the whole family went to the beach for a picnic,” Esenam explained.
“Well, I think we can have our little girls’ chat then. Let’s go into the garden. We will enjoy some privacy there.” Mrs. Fiagbe said and got to her feet. She took Esenam by the hand and led her to the garden. The garden was Esenam’s favourite part of the house. Somehow, she always felt at peace there.
Recently, she felt close to God any time she was in the garden. She was always amazed about how unique flowers are and how they could lighten up your life just by looking at them. Flowers were just magical and she could spend a lifetime with them without getting bored. They sat on the bench near the roses. Esenam remembered vividly her Dad’s explation on beautiful flowers. He said the most beautiful and scented flowers had thorns teaching mankind that nothing comes easy and one has to suffer to gain something good.
Mrs. Fiagbe patted Esenam on the back and took one of her hands in hers. She stroked it gently.
“You know I’ve never interfered in your social life or anything you do for that matter, practically because your thoughtfulness and comportment had always amazed me. I’ve always respected your decisions and you’ve never given me a reason to do otherwise. I, however, find your break up with Akwasi a little intriguing. I’m sure something rather grave led to your decision. Are you ready to share whatever it is with me?” Esenam sighed sadly and bowed her head. She was not sure if she was ready to tell her mom what happened in Akwasi’s house. She was not sure her Mom would believe her.
“I ….I don’t know how to say this but I’ve come to the realization that I don’t love him enough to marry him. There is this inner feeling I’m getting that he is not the one for me. I don’t know how to explain it to you.” Esenam explained.
“What? You honestly want me to believe that, Esenam?” Mrs. Fiagbe asked with raised eyebrows.
“Yes Mom, for a while, when I was dating him, Akwasi was a perfect gentleman. He always knew what to say, when to say it and how to say it. Later on, I began to feel there was something missing, but I ignored it. And not to mention the fact that he is very self-centred. It was always his way or no way. Just like the way Dad treats you. I’ve always seen the sad look on your face when that happens. Lately Akwasi had become nothing but a torn in my flesh. I’ve seen sides of him I’m not comfortable with. He is too arrogant and very selfish. He doesn’t understand me anymore. All he wants is someone to warm his bed and I can’t do that anymore. He doesn’t love anyone but himself.” Esenam tried to explain.
“And you’ve come to know all that recently? I am your mother, there is something that broke your back. There is something that drove you to take that bold decision. You can trust me, you know! You can’t tell me this is the first time you are seeing him like that. I know about your petty fights, the fallouts and make ups. There is nothing like a perfect relationship, you know. You are two different people from different backgrounds so you shouldn’t expect that things would be smooth between you two all the time.”
“I think the last straw was when he tried to force himself on me. He humiliated me so much, Mom. I begged him and said everything that needed to be said under the sun but he just wouldn’t listen. He tore off my shirt and … It was horrible, Mom. Had it not been the timely intervention of his sister I don’t know what would have happened. I don’t even want to think about it. I hate him for that. I don’t ever want to see him again. He doesn’t deserve my love.” Esenam explained and broke down in tears. Mrs. Fiagbe drew her close and held her consolingly. She was furious at Akwasi and vowed to scratch his eyes out the next time he tried to come near her daughter. She told Esenam she understood her and she knew she felt betrayed and maltreated. She allowed Esenam to get all the pent up sadness out through crying and patted her continuously to show her solidarity.
“Now, about your father, I think you should explain things to him. He would understand you. He’d have a good reason to be mad at Akwasi and that would settle things around here.” Mrs. Fiagbe said when Esenam was calm. Esenam thanked her mom for listening and believing in her. She was not sure her Dad would believe her especially when he thinks the church had turned her into a liar.
“You can always count on me, dear. I know you’ll never make up something like that.”
“Thanks, Mom. You are the best ever and I love you so much.”
“I love you too, dear.”
Can a mother takes side of her daughter against her husband?
