Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Imara was shocked beyond words as she went through the message over and over again “No! this cannot be from my Tony,” Imara screamed clutching the letter to her chest and weeping profusely. “Impossible, impossible, you can’t give up on me like that, you can’t abandon me like this,” Imara said weeping bitterly. “What’s happening”? Idara asked running out of her flat. Imara couldn’t reply she just handed over the letter to Idara who without reading it knew what the contents were. “Imara take it easy ,” she consoled as they went towards the apartment she shared with Queen. “What’s wrong?” fat Bukki asked. Idara silently passed on Tony’s letter to her “Okay l know – Tony has finally ended the relationship,” Bukki said. “I’m not surprised at all”. Imara ignored them and continued sobbing. “Imara l told you earlier on to get rid of the pregnancy during its fourth month didn’t l?” Queen asked. Imara nodded her head in answer to Queen’s question. “Yes l told you earlier but you were too naïve then or even stubborn and stupid,” Queen paused,” I’m older than you, and more exposed. I know such men they’re always looking for innocent girls”. “Men like Tony never come back for their victims,” fat Bukki added. “But men are really terrible and wicked” Idara began, “so after all that you’ve gone through together the least he can do is to abandon you to fate!” Idara asked “Don’t talk about him like that, l still love him and l’m sure he loves me too but he can’t help it”, Imara argued defensively. “Imara you’re just being foolish,” Queen said in annoyance. “If you like grow up the choice is yours.” Eventually Queen and the girls moved away to prepare themselves for the evening shift. Imara was left alone at last. Thank God they are gone Imara sighed in genuine relief. Ah but why did Tony do this to me at this time that l needed him most, she wondered. To worsen matters he even asked me to commit abortion so you don’t want our baby after all? Imara was perplexed and confused, but fought back the tears l am not crying anymore, she resolved.

I will have the baby then l will see how things turn out from there. Well Mr. Tony Farouk l have heard you, l am moving on with my life. It was fun while it lasted l still love you though but it’s too late for me to have an abortion, Imara concluded within her. Rather than spend the days weeping over her situation and trying to attract sympathy. Imara put Tony’s letter behind her and faced life with a new resolve. More so, as she was now in the ninth month of her pregnancy and knowing that the baby could come out at any time. Queen was the first person to notice Imara’s new disposition and without mincing words she commended her. “I’m happy she’s grown up at last,” Queen remarked to Idara. “She has no choice life must continue and thank God she opened her eyes early” Idara replied. Imara continued to do her chores with the same vigour she had been known for. She would do the laundry, go to the market and cook for Queen. Then two days to the end of the ninth month the baby came. That morning she was at the backyard doing the laundry when she felt a tingling sensation on her thighs. On closer examination Imara discovered where the fluid was coming from, this was followed with a sharp pain as the birth pangs hit her. Imara screamed for help as the labour pains set in. Queen was the first person to reach her. “What’s it? Love “she asked.” My belly,” Imara replied patting her stomach as another sharp pain hit her. She screamed again, they were joined by Idara and Monik what’s wrong with her? “Monik asked. “Oh my God the baby’s coming,” Idara announced.” Girls quickly let’s take to the clinic,” Queen ordered. Monik and Idara supported Imara into Queen’s red BMW and they drove out without delay. The drive took just twenty minutes due to the fact that the road was free. Imara was admitted at the Mother and Baby Maternity Home and clinic, where shortly after the labour spasms came on steadily and thirty minutes later Imara gave birth to a baby boy who was the spitting image of Tony Farouk. Since it was a normal delivery, Imara was brought back to the ward the moment they finished cleaning the baby. Queen and the girls had hovered within the corridor that led to the labour room. They had heard Imara groan and then she had finally delivered some thirty minutes later one of the nurses who had been with Imara in the labour room broke the news to them. “You can relax now, your sister has given birth to a baby boy,” she announced. “God be praised,” Queen said raising her two hands towards the ceiling. “But what of the father, he’s supposed to have been around before now?” the nurse queried. Idara and Monik looked at one another then at Queen. “What’s the matter? Is there anything wrong? “The nurse asked. “Well nothing very serious”, Queen began. “When our sister wakes up later she’ll be in a better position to talk about the father of her baby”. Quietly, the nurse left them and walked away. “Imara’s sleeping right now so let’s go get some provisions for her, we’ll come back later,” Queen said and they all filed out to the car. Much to the amusement of the staff and the other mothers at the clinic, Imara was very fussy and proud of her baby boy. In fact, she amused the nurses who came to the ward to attend to them by always remarking upon how handsome her son was and how he looked like his father. “But l’ve never seen your husband since you gave birth,” the nurse observed that day. “I’ve only been seeing a group of ladies come and go. What’s happening? Where’s the father of your baby?” the nurse asked quietly. Imara’s faced contorted as she began to weep softly. “Don’t cry, we’re here to help you,” the nurse said soothingly.

Imara wiped her eyes and told the nurse the entire story of her relationship with Tony and how things had gone sour due to a problem in the office. “But five years is not such a long time,” the nurse said gently. “Yes nurse, l was willing to wait for him to come out so that we can continue our lives together,” Imara paused. “So what happened then?” the nurse asked. “Some weeks ago in reply to my letter, Tony wrote back asking me to forget that he ever existed and he advised that l should get an abortion,” Imara replied “was he drunk when he wrote the letter?” the nurse asked. Imara just kept silent. “How could he ask you to terminate a pregnancy that was in its last stages?” the nurse asked in annoyance. “Ah men of nowadays, very selfish “Before he was arrested, he made provision for the baby,” Imara said interrupting. “Yes? What kind of provision are we talking about?” the nurse asked. “Tony had given me three hundred thousand naira for the baby” she said. “That’s good,” the nurse began. “Right now how much of that money is left And how far will it take you, especially now that he has rejected you?” the nurse asked harshly. “So what do l do now?” Imara asked dejectedly.” Listen my dear if you wish this child well and knowing that you’re not equipped l’d suggest you let us get him adopted, the nurse advised. “God for bids,” Imara said as she began to cry. “Think about it,” the nurse added. Imara remained rooted on the chair as thoughts of her early life flipped past. She’d lost her twin brothers in the orphanage because there was nobody to take care of them. Now the same ugly situation was threatening her baby boy. Why was life so cruel to her? She wondered. If Tony had not gotten into this problem, they would be living as Mr. and Mrs. Farouk and they would be no need to have their baby adopted. Imara was still battling her thoughts when Queen and one of the girls came in to see her. “The latest mother in town,” Monik teased her.” So how’re you today? Queen asked.” We’re fine”, Imara replied dully.” Come on what’s happening? You’re not looking bright?” Queen asked” “Oh nothing really,” Imara replied trying to parry the question.” Baby! You can’t fool me,” Queen said.” Something’s disturbing you better let it out now” “Imara what is it?” Monik asked. “Please tell us” “One of the nurses – “ “did what?” Queen jumped in cutting her off, eyes blazing like a female wrestler. “Calm down and let’s hear her,” Monik said “.. We were talking about the baby and the nurse asked after his father. It was then l told her the whole story and she’d suggested that l allow them adopt him..” Imara trailed off. Queen and Monik kept quiet for awhile, apparently weighing what Imara had just said. Inwardly Queen was glad this suggestion had come from the hospital first. But frankly speaking Imara was not equipped to bring up this baby. “So what do you plan to do?” Queen asked cautiously.” Imara l think you should let them adopt your baby,” Monik suggested Imara ignored her and turned her gaze on Queen.” So what’re you planning to do?” Queen asked a second time.” I don’t know, l’m so confused,” Imara said. This was the moment Queen was waiting for. “No don’t be confused,” she began. “Can’t you see? The nurse is right. You’re not equipped to look after yourself and the baby, so let him go,” Queen concluded. “If you let the hospital adopt your baby, that’d be a big load off your shoulders and you can plan your future very well,” Monik joined. “So with my baby there’s no future for me?” Imara asked.” Yes, Queen replied without delay.

” Many single mothers ‘are suffering terribly, go to face book, instagram you’d find them begging men for relationship is that what you want?” she asked. “And you know our society doesn’t care for anybody,” Monik added. “It’s okay, l’ll get the hospital to adopt him,” Imara said finally. “Very good, you’ve just guaranteed the boy’s future,” Queen said happily. Later in the evening Dr. Kris Efarh and the nurse came to see Imara. “Is this the lady?” Dr. Efarh asked. “Yes doctor,” the nurse replied. “So how’re you and the baby” he asked “fine sir,” Imara replied. “My nurse has briefed me on your position…,” he began “I think it’s only fair you allow the baby to be adopted and then you can go back to school.” “Have you thought over our discussion?” the nurse asked. “Yes l did think over it and l discovered that the baby stands a better chance if adopted,” Imara replied. “Very good,” Dr. Efarh said. “We’ll see you then soon.” The following day one of the nurses came to see Imara’s baby. “Your baby’s beautiful,” she observed, “I’m sure you love him very much”. “What difference does it make,” Imara said sadly. “I’m giving him up for adoption.” “But why?” the nurse asked. “I lack the financial capability to take care of both of us,” she replied. “Where’s his father?” the nurse asked curiously. “No father,” Imara told her. “I see but Imara,” the nurse began it’s good to let your baby be adopted. I know plenty of single parents who’re suffering with their babies. The society doesn’t care you know?” The nurse added. “It’s very bad of our government to be so insensitive to single mothers,” Imara said. “I’m just hoping the authorities will move fast, so that we put this behind us.” The nurse looked puzzled,” why do you sound so distant? You’ve never had a baby before the nurse said gently. Imara merely smiled. “No l’ve not. I was referring to my twin brothers who were adopted. They were like my own babies”, she said. The nurse sighed when she realized what Imara was referring to. “But they were your brothers,” she said kindly. “I know that this baby’s my own flesh and blood there’s a lot of difference,” Imara said.” But without a father to support you it’ll amount to punishing the poor child.” “Yes you’re right, the nurse agreed.” Adoption is the best solution right now. They talked some more after which the nurse left her to attend to some of the women in the ward. In the presence of Queen, Imara tearfully signed the adoption papers. Her little baby of three weeks old had a mop of dark curls and lively dark eyes. His babyish temperament made him the toast of the nurses. Next morning, Imara dressed in a long attire gown and accompanied by Dr. Efarh and Queen drove to the other side of town. In her arms she carried her special little bundle of love, her own beautiful baby. There had been a little dramatic scene but Dr. Efarh and Queen had taken care of it by reasoning with Imara. Throughout the drive to the adoption centre Imara said nothing only cuddling her baby very closely as the moments of separation drew closer. At the adoption centre they met the matron and a young woman who it appeared would foster the baby until an appropriate time had passed before legal adoption. The matron looked sympathetically at Imara who still held the child in her arms. “Alright, Imara hand over the baby,” Dr. Efarh said. Imara pretended as if she had not heard. “Imara hand over the baby,” Queen whispered into her ears. Without a word, Imara handed the baby to the matron and sat back. There were tears on her eyes and that of the matron. “It’s all for the best,” She said wiping her eyes. “Shall we go? Dr. Efarh began” Thank you matron, “he said standing up.” Imara cheer up, it’s in the interest of the baby now you can return to school.” The matron walked them to the car. “Goodbye Imara” she called out. “Goodbye matron,” Dr. Efarh and Queen said simultaneously. “Goodbye to you too,” the matron replied as they drove out of the centre.

Imara was discharged two days later from the clinic after Dr Kris Efah had certified her fit , Queen and the girls brought her home. But a week after returning from the clinic, the thought of her baby that she had allowed to be adopted began to weigh down on her. Imara changed radically from the lively and friendly lady to a sulky and bitter lady. Things got worse the following week as Imara withdrew into her shell, becoming so unfriendly that she would pick a quarrel with Queen and the other girls on the slightest provocation. But one Thursday morning, Queen forcefully put an end to her sour moods when she barged into the kitchen that morning to confront her. “Take a look at yourself, you look just like an old woman”, Queen began angrily. “I’m sure Tony is even looking more gorgeous in the prison than you who’s free”.

“Queen, please don’t start with me this morning”. Imara replied defensively. “Why not if I may ask” Queen fired back at her. “Do you expect us to fold our hands and watch you continue like this?”, Queen asked again. “Its non of your business”, imara replied. “Says who? I know what’s eating you up Imara.” Queen said pausing… “Ever since your baby was adopted, you’ve not been youself again. Where’s the sweet Imara we all fell in love with?” Queen queried “Even the other girls are complaining that you seems to be losing grip of yourself”. Queen continued am sure you’re fed up with life and will like me to poison you or you will go back to Dr Efarh and tell him you want your baby back”. While this tirade lasted Imara kept mute. “You’d better get a grip on yourself and change change your attitude fast or else I will be forced to send you back to your Reform center there you will appreciate what you had,” Queen concluded furiously. “Why are you being hard on me?” Imara asked amidst tears …. “You know I’ve just lost all that matters to me in life” Imara said crying. “ so we don’t matter to you after all we have done for you or must you then kill yourself to regain what you lost?” Queen asked. “I’ve hard enough of the long face you’ve been carrying about, grow up life’s short – relax and enjoy life you are still very young”. Queen said caressing her cheek and smiling mischievously, Imara smiled back. “That’s better” Queen complimented “and by the way we’ve been invited to an off-shore party in port Harcourt this weekend so get yourself prepared you are coming with us” she concluded authoritatively and left the kitchen before Imara could question her; while Imara just stood there wondering what she ment by off-shore party. After a while she shrugged off her confusion and returned to her chores. Later in the evening Imara joined the other girls in Queen’s salon to play games and share a couple of drinks. “Hey, look who’s here! I can see you are back to your normal self,” Fat Bukky Observed. “ Yes that’s true ,” Idara began … “the past few weeks has not been too good for you” “but not to worry we understand and we believe with time you will come around and thank God you have, welcome back.” Idara concluded “thanks for your understanding and tolerance I’ll be more careful next time” Imara responded. While their discussion lasted Queen was quiet and focused on the game and her cigarette. “You’ll be fine” they all said to her.