Chapter 19: Chapter 19

The twins

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Narrators pov

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The arrival of the twins brought untold joy to their parents who vowed within themselves to make their marriage work for the sake of their twins.

Amidst tears of joy and kisses, the whole family rejoiced. Anthony's parents were also invited to share in the couple's joy and also to welcome their granddaughters home.

Mrs. Badmus insisted on hosting a welcome home party, no stone was left unturned and the rich and powerful in their circle were invited. To everyone's surprise, she extended the invitation to Anthony's parents without being pressured by her husband.

The day of the party came and went without any problems, everyone commented on how lovely and identical the twins were and paid their compliments to Elena who seemed to glow more.

Anthony and Elena had also moved to the left-wing of the Badmus mansion and settled in as much as they can. Anthony however found it difficult to adjust. They were not given any privacy, Elena's mother came in and left at will and odd hours.

She barged into their room without knocking, Anthony complained to Elena to speak to her mother about it.

"Mum, can you at least knock and wait for a reply before coming into our bedroom," Elena said to her mum the next time she came, thankfully Anthony was not home.

"Why?, I've never knocked before coming into your room. So why should I start now."

Sighing deeply Elena spoke, "Because I'm married and I share this room with Anthony now."

"I knew it was Anthony that put this nonsense idea into your head. Well, tell him I would come and go as I please."

"Please mother, for my sake."

"No!"

"Okay, at least whenever Anthony is around. He needs his privacy too."

Mrs. Badmus looked at her daughter and changed the subject, Elena only prayed she would at least oblige to her request this time.

"Tomorrow is the twins naming ceremony and I have picked lovely names for them." Elena's mum said smiling.

Elena's heart sank, she knew this was trouble. Anthony and she had already picked out names for their daughter.

"I want the first twin to be called Ava Nenye Richard and the Second twin Emma Neche Richard." Anthony had merged the two names himself and Elena had wanted for their twins.

Now her mother was about to cause problems for her.

"We already picked a name mother," Elena said, trying not to show her frustration. The last thing she wanted was another confrontation with Anthony and her mother was making matters worse for her.

"It doesn't matter, you just have to include the names I chose to the ones you already picked. By the way what names have you chosen."

"Emma and Ava," she replied without sparing her a glance. Her mother never approved of any of her decisions and Elena always ended up agreeing to her especially when she growled at her. That was why she avoided eye contact with her.

"What a ridiculous name, nothing African about those names. Anyway, I know it's Anthony that suggested those names and he would choke to death if I disagree with him." She chuckled as she spoke, Elena couldn't help but grin as she wondered at the thoughts that might be running through her mother's mind.

"I want to name them Kemi Olashade and Tope Olawunmi, or do you disapprove."

"No, mother I would put that in mind." All she had to do was try to convince her husband to agree. The sudden cry of one of the twins brought an end to the talk about baby names and Elena carefully scooped the now wailing child and gave her suckle. It amazed her at how her heartfelt so much happiness for the little child that was practically a stranger only a few days ago.

"The twins look so identical, it's difficult to tell them apart." Mrs. Badmus said smiling. The other twin had also woken up and was sitting comfortably in her grandmother's hand

"I have so many plans and activities lined up for them, I can't wait."

Elena only laughed without saying a word. Adjusting her pillows, she rested her back as she was feeling cramped on the sides.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, just a mild backache."

"Where is their nanny? I haven't seen her since I came in."

"She went to take her bath, though she should have been here by now."

"You are not strict with her, that's why she is so clumsy."

Just then the nanny came in with a bottle of water, she had drunk half of the content already.

"You see what I'm saying, Elena. She went to eat, not minding that the twins might wake up." Facing the nanny "And you madam nanny where have you been."

"Mother, I asked her to have something to eat before coming back. And I also wanted some time alone with the twins." Elena defended her nanny. She knew her mother had the potential of making a mountain out of a mole.

"I have to leave now or I will be late for my salon appointment." As Elena's mum stood to leave, she screeched as pain shot through her leg. She had bumped her leg against the table where the baby's toiletries were kept.

"You better put the room to order before I come here again." The tapping of her shoes as she walked away showed the anger she felt and might unleash later.

The nanny shook in fear where she stood though it was no fault of hers, some staff in the mansion had lost their job for things out of their control or simply because Mrs. Badmus was in a bad mood.

The nanny quickly readjusted the table by pushing it closer to the wall, then went to where Elena was and took the sleeping baby from her.

"Thank you, Grace," Elena said and took the other twin from the cradle and gave her breast to suckle. Emma was such a quiet child and rarely cried, she was wide awake but didn't make a sound, unlike Ava who would scream her head out once she woke up.

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That night as Anthony crawled into bed beside his wife, he was surprised to see her still awake. Elena was one of those people that fell asleep once their head hit the bed.

"You are still awake." Anthony stretched himself on the bed as a yawn escaped his mouth. He was so tired and wanted to sleep, however, he knew his wife wanted to talk so he turned to face her.

"I wanted to ask you if it's okay for my mum to name the twins."

"Good night Elena," turning his back on her he went to sleep.

"Anthony please "

But the only sound that came was from the chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs outside their window.

Elena knew that Anthony was not going to engage her in any discussion, especially involving her mum. Taking a deep breath she fluffed her pillows and slept, she would try to talk to him tomorrow. She had to get some rest before the twins began their midnight marathon of crying and eating.