Dedicated to _Modupeolu_

A new head

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Responsibilities maketh a youth full of folly, wise.
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Ooowe!

Mmmm!

Mmmm!

Ooooo!

The howls and moans of a young man cutting palm fruits from a tall palm tree infiltrated the air on that faithful afternoon . His machete slicing through the stalks of the fruits in tandem with his strange sounds.

It was customary for the villagers to harvest their palm fronds the same day for the sake of obtaining palm oil, or simply using the kernel for other industrial purposes like oil extraction and soap making.

Arinze watched intently as the villagers sang and prepared items which they would be using as vessels to carry the fruit home. Large baskets were made available with ropes with which they would be attached to their bicycles

The young man, he could see clearly clad in rags as clothes, with a circular brown rope udo made out of fiber secured firmly on his waist.

Arinze didn't know how he captured all the details as he trod past the people in the farms. He was headed to Okwudili's shop whom he suspected was into his cups. He only wished his clothes which were fixed by the man did not bear the consequences of his drunkenness. Business rarely gave him opportunity to carry out tasks as that and he prayed earnestly that his journey won't be in vain.

The burning sun sent shadows to accompany Arinze on his mission, The pores on his skin, earnestly seeking shades.

It still seemed like a movie to him, the responsibility nature had imposed on him. Watching Olivia grow bigger by the day, his mother purposely leaving tasks that he wasn't prepared for to him such as being the supposed loving and attentive husband to his wife even when he wanted to disappear.

His relatives from Anambra had been shocked when news of his matrimony reached them. The only saving grace he had was the fact that Olivia, just like him had migrated from Enugu to Abia. She was a foreigner. Being responsible for her pregnancy tied his hands

The previous day, deep in the night,he had been woken up by cries for food. He did not quite understand what the emotional reaction for hunger was about but his mother made sure he had been the one to prepare the food his wife requested for.

Being utterly useless in the kitchen, he managed to come up with tea and bread which his wife practically tossed on his shirt for being the opposite of what she wanted,which was porridge yam with smoked fish. How he would have manufactured those without magical powers was a mystery to him.

Arinze had slept to her endless harping about being responsible for her little mobility and the growing child in her belly. The sex had been consensual, the only mistake being the lack of protection. It didn't seem that way to most people, his mother inclusive. They blamed him for recklessness and endangerment of Olivia's life by impregnating her.

His mother had sworn the day Olivia arrived at their house that none of her grandchildren would be bastards which led to their unusual matrimony.

A weeping Olivia led to the altar to marry a remorseful but totally unprepared bachelor.

His mother had completely vacated the two bedroom flat, adjacent to theirs just to make her new daughter in law comfortable. Arinze felt like his life had encountered a coup, his freedom being stripped off him like worthless clothes.

Onyedikachi was the only who showed empathy after his marriage. He was also the one whom he beckoned on whenever Olivia began to throw pregnancy related tantrums. Olivia and Onyedikachi were of the same age and he could tell that his wife did care for his brother, most of the girls did.

She had more meaningful conversations with Onyedikachi, opened up her fears to him but rarely acknowledged his existence except when she wanted something done. He did not dream of consummating his marriage not while his wife was wailing like a cow in labor and his thoughts were centered around running away.

His mother was the only one who seemed extremely happy. Her main concern being the child who was to become an addition to the family. Arinze didn't love his wife, she had been a mere means to satisfy his sexual urges. But he did know she had once been in love with him. He had shattered that love when news of his other paramours began to float around the village. Olivia had ended things with him on the note of him being unfaithful and a swine.

No wonder it revolted the poor girl to share a bedroom with him.

"Onyedikachi says making love with you would help me during delivery" Olivia had professed one night as they prepared to sleep. On the other days they slept so far apart from the bed that he often feared her falling off from the edge of the bed. It got to him that his wife found being with him repulsive.

Arinze had gotten a blanket the next day and began to sleep on the floor to make her comfortable. His plan worked efficiently to his own detriment, his eyes waking up to see her sprawled at the center of the bed, his aching back oblivious to her.

"isi?" Was his response as he looked at her askance. They had been married for three weeks, none of those weeks the idea of consummating their marriage was never brought up and suddenly because Onyedikachi mentioned it, his wife was willing to dance on the bed with him.

"He said because I'm quite young, that I'll be needing lots of pampering and preparation as well for this task"

"Task?" Came Arinze's response mentally pummeling his brother to the ground for bringing up the notion of pampering to his wife. What more pampering would she require?

"Yes, child birth and being a dutiful wife. Which is why I've decided that you shouldn't sleep on the floor anymore. You are only to hold me when I'm feeling cold or when you want to make the task of birthing a child easy"

Arinze's eyes blinked rapidly as he tried to assess his wife's statement. She requested for his blanket which he handed over and crept on to the bed with her.

"Olivia if you want us to make love, you can just say it. We are married, it's not wrong for you to ask such of me." He declared caressing her soft face.

"You are very beautiful" He declared huskily, causing her to stutter.

"Arinze I.. I. Know what you're doing. It doesn't work anymore" She declared pulling away

"It doesn't? So why are you backing away my wife" He replied with a grin that he could tell irritated her.

"Because of your bad breath and don't call me your wife. Olivia is better, you and I know that the both of us abhor the fact that we are married. I should have been writing my aptitude tests by now. My parents decided training me would be worthless with the disgrace I brought upon them and here I am"

Arinze chuckled lightly noting the glint of amusement that danced in her eyes.

"I don't have bad breath and you and I know that you are no disgrace. From the way I see you just snatched yourself an eligible bachelor." His attempt at sarcasm made no sense to his wife and brought little change to her demeanor.

"Did Onyedikachi give you a time table?" He questioned as he rested beside her, securing his hand beneath his chin and staring at an anxious Olivia.

"Time table for what?" Came her grouchy response

"For helping you"

"No... I'll be the one to decide when. For tonight you are only to keep me from feeling cold. I will allow cuddling but no more than that" She commanded lying with her back turned against him.

Arinze wrapped his hand around her while she rested her head on his other hand. Staring into space, her soft snores wafting into the atmosphere. Arinze thought about Olivia as a child for the first time, how vulnerable she appeared. Her parents must have treated her poorly for the ignominy she had brought upon them. She was only 19 and he had ruined her life. An image of his disappointed father plagued his mind and he began to cry.

For the first time he felt completely remorseful for impregnating her. Olivia turned so that she could see him. She had felt his tears on her face and a piteous feeling engulfed her.

She quickly drew his head to her bosom, patting his back like a child while he wept.

"I am sorry for everything" he had muttered quaking with tears.

"It's not entirely your fault, I let you make love to me..."

"You don't understand, I am the older one. I am supposed to be responsible and I just ruined our lives"

"It's okay Arinze, it's not your fault. You could have denied the pregnancy just like most men do. You didn't and that shows that you.. you have a good heart. I may not like the idea of being your wife but it doesn't mean that everything is entirely your fault. Well 80% of it is your fault anyways, you've been after me since childhood and I thought it was because you cared " She reiterated rubbing soothing circles on his back.

She placed a gentle kiss on his temple and a smile appeared on his face. Olivia still cared about him.

Arinze slowly rose to meet her gaze and bestowed the gentlest of kisses on her lips. He hadn't expected a response and when she did, he deepened the kiss, stroking her tongue with his and gently caressing her at the same time.

Olivia bit back a moan that tried to escape her lips, as his hands trailed underneath her nightwear to her stomach. His kisses descended to her neck, sending shocking waves of sensation to her body. His hands proceeded upward and when they almost encased her breast, a loud slap on his cheek sent him reeling off the bed.

"I said.. I'll I'll decide when. But not today Arinze"

Stunned to silence, Arinze climbed back on to the bed angrily and moved to the edge of his side of the bed.

She waited until he fell asleep before muttering an apology for hitting him. Arinze grinned inwardly as her voice came. It was going to be a matter of time before he won her heart over again.

The next day Arinze playfully slapped his brother's head for the instruction he had given his wife.

"I told her the truth" Onyedikachi breathed out in his own defense.

"Yes, you did. Which is why you'll tell her more truths from now on. I've come to realize much to my own disdain that she values your opinion and I do wonder why?"

Onyedikachi swallowed, unable to reveal that he had once told Olivia to leave him.

"You're saying I should be telling her things for your own interest. Why don't you try talking to your wife. You'd be surprised what you'll achieve "

Arinze took Onyedikachi's advice and conversed with Olivia the more, from random things to their dreams even as young parents. They began their relationship from scratch and was truly happy with the girl even though he had become her puppet.

Olivia's pregnancy progressed healthily but her tantrums increased rapidly. The second time he had run to his mother for help worn out and almost in tears. She had quickly stepped in and taken care of his wife. He was surprised when he met Olivia laughing with her.

A loud ruckus in the farm brought Arinze out of his thoughts. The people had begun to gather palmfruits and it had been causing commotion as some people assumed their mates stole theirs.

He arrived Okwudili's shop worn out, his main reason for being stressed was that his wife loved a particular cloth on him.

Okwudili was sober thankfully and began to fish out his belongings. Arinze was called in to check for errors by wearing the cloth which he did. His eyes constantly trailing different fabrics that hung in Okwudili's shop. The endless pieces of different colors that floated the ground. His measuring tape which he decorated his neck with and various sewing machines of varying sizes present.

Arinze gaze didn't falter on the young boy who was a supposed apprentice and wondered if tailoring was the only thing he learnt.

Another noise by a large mob startled both Okwudili and Arinze, disrupting their task.

Okwudili stepped to note that it was the villagers. He quickly stopped one of his friends and asked about the chaos.

"It's Raphael's wife. She has done the worst! O lere utu dị ya mụta ọkụ, n'ihi la ọ hụrụ ya la elu iko ya. She set her husband's penis on fire because she caught him on top of his mistress."

Okwudili flinched as the words hit his ears, he knew that a severe punishment would be waiting for the woman.

Arinze did find the situation amusing but kept his opinion to himself. It wasn't long before a young boy ran into Okwudili's shop panting.

" Bro Arinze!! Your mother said I should tell you that your wife is in labor. They are headed to the clinic now"

Arinze gathered his belongings on Okwudili's chair and set out with the young boy. They got to the junction where he boarded a bike and zoomed off to the hospital. It was the day his life changed forever, the day his beautiful daughter was born.

Adannaya became a motivation for him and he ran his father's business with deft skills leading to the expansion they were handling.

A little hand tapped Arinze's shoulder, the same action was carried out again before he jerked up.

His little daughter laughed hysterically at his action and he quickly scooped her into his arms.

"I yiri nna gị noo, You look like your father"

She giggled as he threw her up and caught her mid air, requesting for more whenever he stopped.

"Daddy grandmama"

"Oh grandmama, did she tell you anything?"

His daughter rambled in a language that he didn't understand and he quickly placed her on his shoulders, availing his head for her little hands to pat on. While he sought out his mother.

Deep down, Arinze was truly grateful for being forced to take responsibility for his actions. It had taught him lessons that mere words if advice wouldn't have. He had successfully become the head of the family which he was truly meant to be.

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Dede! Dede!

Came the piercing scream from Obanma as she attacked Chijioke with bear hugs, jumping on top of him.

Chijioke laughed as he twirled her around. It had been quite long and he had missed his little sister so much. Daa Agatha ran out of the house accompanied by Nnamdi and his mother,all giving him hugs one after the other.

Obanma retrieved his travel bag and moved it into the house while the rest led Chijioke into their home.

They prayed immediately for his safe return and Daa Agatha served her nephew her well prepared vegetable soup which she garnished with enough meat and fish.

"Daa I have missed this" Chijioke beamed excitedly as he chewed on the items and food.

"Don't worry nwoke ọma, before you go I'll make sure to stock you with plenty food."

They sat and discussed extensively after his meal. Chijioke told them so many things that had been going on in Lagos, revealing certain secrets to everyone including Adaugo's boyfriend and soon to be fiancé.

"They are plenty, but she loves that Olumide guy" He whispered after he made Agatha swear never to enquire the truth from Adaugo.

Nnamdi knew who they spoke about because Adaugo had told him before.

"A Yoruba man? Maka gịnị kwanu!! Are there no fine young Igbo men there!" Agatha thundered

Chijioke gave no answer in respect to that and Agatha angrily stormed off. Obanma made no sound as she eaves dropped on their conversations wondering why her aunt had acted the way she did.

" Your sister went to see your father "Nnamdi began pouring two glasses of drinks for both he and Chijioke.

" Maka gịnị!! " Came his angry response

" Why not? He's her father. Your father too. I think you and your elder sister should visit him sometime "

" I don't think I can and neither will Adaugo that I'm sure of. It is because of that man that our mother has been in that hospital for years. Honestly uncle I'd rather we didn't talk about my father. "

Chijioke moved closer to his uncle, his voice turning low as he whispered.

" I'm going back to the village. I'm going to enquire about my father's lands. I have a business idea and have even seen possible investors and all I need is space,enough space"

"You mean to sell your father's lands?"

"Mba! I mean to develop them, that's part of the reason I came back."

"I think you should talk to your Daa about it, she'll know better"

"Ehe Chijioke, Olumide is the one coming to marry her okwaya?"

Chijioke nodded and Nnamdi laughed hysterically.

"Your aunty is going to bury me alive"

Obanma came into the light and pestered her brother about the gifts he had supposedly gotten her and the pair went into the room to unveil them.

Agatha barged almost immediately, tears streaming from her eyes accompanied by a radiant smile.

"My Adanne is awake! The doctor just called me, where are they?"

She didn't give her husband much time to react but simply ran into the room in search of her niece and nephew.

The screams that emanated from their room, told Nnamdi that they had heard the news. He quickly picked up his phone and dialed Adaugo's number with a smile.

Hello Everyone!

How are we doing? Hope we are taking necessary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in our various places.

The cases in Nigeria are increasingly rapidly and we do pray for quicker recovery rates and an end to this plague.

This chapter was based on a request and I hope it gave us an idea of how Arinze's life went after the incident of impregnating Olivia.

Ngozi is now awake! There are lots of questions that woman needs to answer, don't you agree?

Who else is eager to meet Olumide? Seems Agatha is not too thrilled with her niece's choice.

Thank you for constantly voting, reading and commenting.

Stay safe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Michelle