Face off

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Trust, they say is like an egg..
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Obanma tapped her feet unconsciously on the marble floor, her eyes fixed on the elderly men who were practically gawking at her and her family.

Adaugo and Chijioke seemed unaffected by the eyes trained on them, the same as daa Agatha and her husband.

Their mother Ngozi was placed in their middle, Adaugo's hand extending to run her palms from time to time. The news of her mother's recovery spread faster then that of a wild fire ravaging a dry savanna. It seemed as if moles were placed in the hospital to monitor their movements.

Agatha had been surprised to hear from Osisioma one early morning, requesting that her sister who couldn't speak coherent words be made available for a meeting at the Palace. It came as a shock to both her and her sister's children.

Nnamdi completely shot down the idea with rage, pointing out how inconsiderate and inhumane such request appeared to be. The king's orders were law in the village, it took excommunication and confiscation of property to get people in line and such awaited her nephew.

Agatha stared at her sister who lay curled up in a ball at her house. She had insisted on taking her away, a week after her eyes flew open. Simple things like walking, speaking had become a tussle but luckily the doctor had forewarned them of such events.

Agatha blinked back tears as she recalled the incident of her sister's awakening.

How they all left for Abia that afternoon totally unprepared but anxious to see Ngozi awake. Adaugo kept calling them as they journeyed through Enugu requesting to be placed on a video call once they arrived the hospital.

Anxiety ripped through Obanma, her fingers tapping impatiently on her laps, her mind mentally yelling for her uncle to drive faster. Chijioke probably felt the same because he kept running his palms furiously, daa Agatha's eyes were trained on the roads her thoughts running around so many things at the same time.

"Nna m oo, we'll have to stop and get toiletries when we approach the hospital" She chirped in as Nnamdi approached the Imo-Enugu border.

They arrived the hospital a little bit later in the evening, each racing towards their mother's room like a Kenyan sprinter approaching a finish line. Chijioke had almost announced the news a prank when he met his unmoving mother in almost the same condition he had seen her years ago.

Obanma came in gasping loudly and grabbing his palm for support as they progressed closer to her bed. The older pair arrived much more later, still panting but with much expectancy.

"She's not awake" Obanma muttered with disappointment, tears brimming in her eyes.

Agatha assured her that their mother was indeed out of coma as the words the doctor relayed, replayed in her mind over and over again.

Suddenly she began to doubt her mind's accuracy at recalling things.

Obanma slowly reached out and held her mother's hand, tears trailing her hand as she extended it to hold the fragile woman.

A tear fell on her mother's hand and she sought to wipe it away before her mother's other hand clasped hers. Startled, she looked up and caught a pair of hazel-brown eyes staring at her.

Chijioke blinked rapidly expelling the disappointment and doubts that plagued his mind before.

Nnamdi held his wife who had already begun to quake uncontrollably in tears. None remembered to call Adaugo at that instant as they all were genuinely lost in their emotions.

Chijioke and Obanma moved close to their Mother who seemed to only stare and blink at them. They hadn't truly considered how confused she seemed to be.

"Mm..u..m mummy, it is me Chijioke" Came Chijioke's deep voice as the woman gawked at his face, utter confusion dancing in her eyes.

His revelation didn't seem well taken as she shut her eyes, held them tightly together, then slowly allowing her eye lids relax.

She caught wind of Chijioke's face and shook her head violently. Pulling her hands from her children and screaming.

They tried to calm her but she seemed genuinely lost. Nnamdi was the one who fetched the doctors and they in turn administered sedatives which sent her to slumber instantly.

"She is very much overwhelmed with your presence here. I do not think she remembers you but that doesn't mean you shouldn't continue visiting. I'd suggest you do this one at a time, give enough time to properly recollect. I had mentioned the dangers of being in a coma for too long and I fear we have just begun to see them. We'd run some tests on her brain, get her accustomed to being around people and possibly leave her in your care very soon"

Obanma sniffed as soon as the doctor's words came to an end.

"How are we going to call daa?" Chijioke enquired rubbing his eyes furiously. He seemed as disappointed as his younger sister.

"I'll call her myself" Came Nnamdi's reassuring response.

"Can we just wait for a while and watch her sleep?" Obanma sat at the foot of the bed rubbing her mother's feet as her squeaky voice abated the ongoing conversation.

"That's all we've been doing for years! " Chijioke thundered earning gasps and disappointed looks from his family. He rendered a quick apology to them and sought to clear his head away from the room.

"She.. will be fine" Agatha assured the rest. They had slept in a hotel that night and took turns with taking care of her the next week and soon were instructed to take the skeptical and partially mute woman home.

Nnamdi's mother engaged in more warfare prayers, while Obanma grew happier with every poorly pronounced word their mother spewed. They had gotten pictures of themselves with her, Agatha also showed her some of theirs.

Chijioke tried to hold more conversations with her and often grew upset when she couldn't figure out certain things about her life.

Adaugo's work delayed her coming home but she did have teary sessions of video calls with her family. Her main focus being her mother who did not recognize her. Obanma spoke to her aunt about her graduation, pleading for them to also bring her mother along. For some reason her consciousness made her seem like a normal child and not a mere ward of her relatives.

Everything had carried on progressively, with Chijioke scouting the village often and Adaugo's impending return haunting their minds,until a call summoned them to the Palace.

*********

Onyedikachi and his family arrived shortly, his eyes fixated on the girl seated between her aunt and uncle. He tried as much as possible to keep his gaze from lingering longer but when her eyes sought and locked with his, he couldn't help the smile that tugged his chin. It was quick and almost non-existent. Obanma could only watch and pray that her siblings and relatives didn't see the gesture.

Her eyes fell to the floor once more and she began to tap her feet on the floor even more furiously.

"Onyedikachi looks different" Chijioke muttered to everyone's hearing, his eyes locked on the Onwuegbusi's family like someone who had a score to settle. Arinze had a grin plastered on his face while he led his mother to her seat. He rested on her right hand side while Onyedikachi took the left side. They were all opposite Iheanyị's family, the glares and intense cackling of electricity in the tensed environment made Obanma want to disappear.

Osisioma had instructed that it was the Onwuegbusi's family that had petitioned the king for a judgment against the newly recovered Ngozi.

To Agatha, the simple act was sheer wickedness, they knew her sister was still in a fragile state but she had carefully prepared her argument against whatsoever they all had to say.

"Ịga eri is actually the one who looks as beautiful as the mother, Chijioke has become one ugly toad" Arinze whispered to his brother's hearing,a smirk plastered in his face.

Onyedikachi simply shook his head and looked away. He wasn't prepared for any misunderstanding and was quite surprised when his mother insisted that he came back for a meeting at the king's court.

"Well she has become quite a beauty and it is quite a shame that we can't say the same for Obinna. I do hope she doesn't pick up her mother's whoring abilities" Chidiogo spat bitterly causing her younger son to flinch at the disrespectful comment addressed to Obanma.

"Arinze is one ugly toad, I hope his wife's gene is strong enough to fight the irreparably ugliness he possesses and keeps it from affecting his poor daughter" Chijioke taunted earning a glare from his aunt.

Daa Agatha was never one to encourage a fight or shame people.

Obanma scooted closer to her Daa, then touched her mother's shoulder gently. She was the one going to be on the front line and she was deeply terrified for her, they all were and hoped that the young king saw reason with their pleas.

Onyeze a biawa la The king is coming!

Came an announcement in a pitchy voice that sent everyone to their feet. Startled, Ngozi began to tremble and it took enough reassurance from her family to keep her steady.

Agatha noted the semblance the young king bore to his father. She hoped he was as good as the older one was. The king sat on his throne and suggested that they do the same. His aura bore an austerity that strangely made Agatha wonder if such was characteristic of all kings. The king was very young, he seemed to be in his early thirties and appeared quite handsome.

The title "Eze ndị ọha mma" inscribed on his throne and above it.

The prime Minister was the first person to speak. Making known to all, the presence of whom they stood in. He continued with the traditional greeting after everyone had taken their seats.

The case was brought forth before the king who seemed genuinely lost in his thoughts. Although Agatha had a certainty that his gaze was focused on the young girl beside her. The king cleared his throat promptly, masking how startled he had been.

"ndị ke anyị unu abia la " You are all welcome.

"I remember as a young man how melancholic, I had been when the news of the incident at dee Iheanyị's compound reached my ears. I was particularly eager as a young boy, to hear my father's verdict on the matter but it remained inconclusive as the wife of Iheanyị was terribly ill then and couldn't speak for herself.

I am indeed happy that God's healing hands have been extended to her and she is quite conscious now.

I am also pleased to know that our ndi Obia (visitors) are also doing well." His gaze lingered on Chidigo and her family for a brief moment before he proceeded with his speech.

" A few days ago, a petition was drawn up against Iheanyị's family, the main reason being to deliberate on this matter and pass a final judgment. And while I refuted the matter on grounds of ill-health, it was brought to my notice that Ngozi had awoken from slumber.

Without further delay, I would like to summon Chidiogo whom I believe is the petitioner to proceed with declaring her intent "

Chidiogo quickly stood up and thanked the king before speaking about the crimes she felt were committed against her family and how Iheanyị's, arrest was not enough as she felt Ngozi had been in league with her husband and had baited her late husband to his death.

Agatha knew her sister couldn't remember what had happened and chose to speak on her behalf when she was called to defense.

Ngozi stood slowly, her hands and feet trembling. Her family feared the relapse such exposure could cause her but had to let the court find out themselves her state of health.

Agatha helped her sister with the words to address the king, which she spoke sounding only partly coherent.

The king noticed this difficulty on Ngozi's part and quickly ordered for her to be seated.

"Chidiogo, do you have an evidence for this grave accusation you've laid?"

Chidiogo shook her head and supported the action with a resounding" no ".

" I believe this woman is in no state to defend herself "The king pointed out appearing handicapped with the current situation.

" Onye eze kaa nkà oo! " Came Agatha's voice as the court grew quiet.

" My sister never baited Chidiogo's husband to his death and even though she cannot recall all due to her slow recuperating rate , I do believe your highness that you would be merciful enough to let us care for her and keep her away from distressing situations as this atleast until she is ready to face this. "

" Asị! asị! lies! Your highness for all I know these people are lying. Who is to say that this woman here is not faking her health condition. "

" I have a copy of her test results onye eze, a brain test was conducted on my sister few days ago and your highness it is quite saddening to tell you that she is no longer the person she was years ago"

Agatha went forth and presented the documents to the prime Minister who handed them Over to the king.

"How do we know the documents are not false?" Came Chidiogo's objection while the king reprimanded her for interruption.

"We will investigate this... It is to my knowledge that the children who were present during that incident are present today. I would like to hear what they have to say"

Onyedikachi and Obanma were summoned and were told to narrate what they had witnessed.

"Young man from what you have said, Obinna's death came as a result of the struggle while your father was deliberately shot by Iheanyị"

"Yes your highness" Came Onyedikachi's troubled voice.

"Was your father properly clothed?"

"No your highness. His clothes were later found beside Iheanyị's backyard after the incident. My father sadly, was only clad in his underwear."

Obanma' s lips trembled as she addressed the king and the court. She strangely felt Onyedikachi had been giving her reassuring looks while she spoke but didn't understand why.

"This young man was the one who brought you to the scene. Is that correct?"

"Obanma nodded swiftly as the king pointed at Onyedikachi.

" Your brother ran ahead of you to stay beside your mother where the bullet hit him"

"Y.. Yes"

"Your mother was clad in just wrapper and seemed to be hysterical when the men battled with the gun?" The king enquired while the prime Minister took more notes.

"Yes"

"Chidozie had gone to offer gifts
to Iheanyị's family, we all know of Iheanyị's stories. How most men had tasted his fist because of his wife. I certainly do have more questions about this matter. From what you have all described, I must confess nothing conclusive can be deduced. Why were Chidozie' s clothes found at the backyard and not in the house were he was supposedly committing adultery with Iheanyị's wife as he had claimed?

Or is this backyard hidden? "

A unanimous" No" came from both parties

"Still you claim your husband was seduced Chidiogo?"

"Yes your highness, that woman is a whore!"

The ruckus that developed with Chidiogo's declaration left the court in a disoriented state. Agatha was certain she had gotten enough from Chidiogo and began to shower her with insults. The older women were almost at it before Chidiogo's sons pulled her back.

Nnamdi tried his possible best to confine his wife to her seat as the meeting progressed.

"Your.. Your.. Highness if I may say something" The heads that turned to face Obanma made her swallow hard as she shakily approached the king.

"Yes... Please do"

"What if my mother was a victim of unwelcome advances? And not the temptress as this.." unsure of how to address Chidiogo owing to the fact that Onyedikachi's eyes were trained on her.

"as Mrs Onwuegbusi suggests.... A day before the incident, Mr Chidozie gave my mother a letter. I do not know the contents but.. It might be that he.. He.. Was"

"Shut up your filthy mouth, you little liar and prostitute. My husband never had any correspondence with your mother, for all I know you all are pathetic liars"
Obanma could see the hatred in Chidiogo's eyes as she defended what she knew of her husband's memory.

"Chidiogo for the last time, maintain decorum! You are standing before the king!" An elder reprimanded, confining her to her seat while she shook violently.

"Did you see Chidozie hand this so letter over to your mother?"

"N..No" The king could sense the hesitancy in Obanma's response and pressed on

"Is there something else?"

"Yes.. Yes, A month ago, Her son Onyedikachi told me he had been the one who handed the letter over to my mother" Obanma slowly looked at her family members whose mouths were hanging open. She dreaded looking at Onyedikachi's face, somehow she felt like she had stabbed him in the back.

Obanma slowly went to her seat, her eyes focused on her feet.

The king summoned Onyedikachi who felt betrayed and disappointed in himself for revealing such to Obanma. The hurt was evident on his mother's face and Arinze was fuming.

"Is this true?"

Onyedikachi suddenly became tongue-tied, it felt like the same situation with Ekene years ago.

"Young man, we are all waiting"

Onyedikachi kept his eyes on the king his heart filled with rage as he coldly spoke the truth.

"Yes"

Neither Onyedikachi nor Obanma paid attention to all that was said till the end of the meeting.

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Agatha and her family stayed back at the village in search of the supposed letter while Nnamdi went away.

Obanma had been scolded that day by all including Chijioke who had angrily threatened to break Onyedikachi's head if she ever spoke to him again. Obanma wasn't worried about their threats because somehow she had salvaged what was remaining of her mother's reputation at the cost of what would have been a forbidden friendship. Adaugo had been the only one who was silent. She had barely contributed and only cared about their mother's welfare.

"I could see the way he was looking at you at the Palace. Obanma better stay away from him, he is no better than his stupid brother. Why would you even be talking to him in the first place? Have you learned nothing!" Chijioke thundered

Deep down she wanted to apologize to Onyedikachi. He was the one who was harmed not her. They had instructed her to leave. Daa did not hide her disappointment with the lies she had told.

" Onyedikachi wasn't the only one staring at her " Agatha opined with concern laced in her voice.

"Daa I know, Should we worried about him?"

"I hope not Chijioke. I really hope not"

Their mother had not helped in anyway when they enquired about the letter. It became quite exasperating to tear the house upside down for no reason.

Arinze had ended up bursting open his brother's lips as they arrived home that day. His mother's tears had driven Arinze to pummeling him to the ground.

"You embarrassed us there! Why would you tell her such in the first place! Why not our mother you bastard! Now everyone thinks our late father to be a adulterer"

Arinze dove his fists to his brother's stomach who ended up rolling on the floor.

"What is with you and that brat! Why do you constantly put this family in danger because of her! You are a big fool! Did you see how she stood up for her family? "
Arinze yelled attempting to throw another punch before his mother came in between them. Arinze angrily walked away

"Onyedikachi I am deeply disappointed in you" Came his mother's voice as she stepped away from him. Her words sliced his heart and he genuinely felt like crying. He hadn't done such in years.

Onyedikachi made his way to his room with his bruised face, regretting ever attempting to rebuild a friendship with Obanma.

She had made it quite clear that his friendship wasn't welcomed.

The remainder of his stay in his house was heartbreaking, his family wouldn't speak to him. His mother ended up crying more every night. The next day he prepared his things to leave. He bade his mother farewell, Arinze hadn't been around and he felt their relationship was strained. It required distance for him to heal properly.

Fate wanted to mock him because he had also run into Obanma at the junction where he was supposed to board a bike.

He ignored her and waited for the motorcyclists that seemed hesitant to come.

She seemed sad and he tried to ignore the concern he felt for her all of a sudden. He summoned the rage that consumed him days before as she approached him. She noted the scars on his face and his lips. The fact that she felt she had contributed to those scars tore her heart.

"Onyi.... Listen you don't have to say anything. And I don't think, I would have done otherwise if I had that same opportunity. My mother's reputation has been on the line for years and I did something I thought could help. I am sorry for hurting you. It was not my intention in any way. I am sorry " She quickly walked away after her apology.

Onyedikachi seemed unmoved by her words but still called out to her.

" Obanma.. I think your suggestion was certainly the best. I don't intend to ever speak to you again "

She gave him a forced smile accentuated by a nod before continuing her journey. A motorcyclist approached Onyedikachi and he quickly got on it, but just as he was about to move she fell.

Obanma began to convulse once again and while people gathered around her, he was once more faced with yet another difficult decision. He begrudgingly commanded the bike man to take him to where she lay and carried her away, claiming that she was his sister as the crowd grew suspicious.

While he stared at her unconscious and shaky body he couldn't help but wonder if fate enjoyed having his back against walls. One thing was certain to him, he couldn't let Obinna have her,he had vowed as a child not to and intended to keep his word.

Hello Everyone!!

This chapter is quite long and to be honest I don't believe it came out the way I expected it to.

I do hope you enjoyed it and remember to do the usual.

Do you think Obanma was wrong by revealing what Onyedikachi told her to the court.

Was Onyedikachi wrong for saying the truth even when it meant harming his family?