Recompense

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A problem shared is a problem half solved

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The voice of a wailing child resonated in Nnamdi's house that faithful afternoon. Agatha had been worn out from feeding and tending to her daughter's needs and seemed hesitant to answer to the cry.

Motherhood didn't seem as easy as it appeared but she enjoyed every bit of it. It was something she had dreamed of doing for years. She had been sleeping in her room when the cry broke out and had assumed her mother in law was probably part of the reason the child cried.

The crying stopped momentarily and she quickly relaxed on top of her bed,heaving a long sigh of relief.

Ever since her husband went to the village, she dreaded going into the room where her step son was kept. She had promised Nnamdi that she would take care of his son, but it seemed harder than she imagined it to be.

The last time she watched her mother in law bathing Chukwura, all she could think of was Nnamdi on top of another woman. It seemed as if her imagination had resigned to taunting her with explicit images of her husband pleasuring another woman. She had quickly excused herself immediately, feigning a headache and went to her room to cry.

Forgiveness was quite easy, forgetting wasn't

The little boy who was scarcely older than her daughter was going to be a constant reminder of her husband's infidelity. It was torturous to be reminded daily that Nnamdi had made love to another woman irrespective of the conditions.

She had decided that her mother in law would solely handle her grandson while she took care of Nnamdi's daughter.

Agatha's head had barely touched the pillow before the cry broke out again, this time worse than it had been earlier.

Her daughter made a little cooing sound and she quietly stepped down from the bed as to not wake the sleeping child. She tip toed to her daughter's crib and peered into it. Relief washed over her as soon as she discovered that the baby was still fast asleep. It had been a heavy chore putting the girl to sleep and she wasn't up for another round of coaxing her baby to sleep.

Agatha knew that she had to abate the crying of her step son if she truly dreamed of getting an afternoon nap.

She sauntered to the room where the boy lay and was surprised to see the baby all by himself. She stood by the door still hesitant to walk to his crib.

She quickly withdrew from the room and went in search of her mother in law. She simultaneously checked the other rooms in the house including the kitchen but there were no signs of the elderly woman.

Agatha mustered enough courage and went back into the room where the boy lay. She stood over his crib and he grew quiet immediately. It seemed the little boy had seen her. He had cried for quite a while and his little eyes were still glossy, tears smeared his reddened face and his lips were still quivering.

Agatha had not held the baby since he arrived the house and her hands trembled while reached out to carry him.

Chukwura's little pinkish lips pulled apart in a warm smile and Agatha could feel her heart melting. The little boy had craved human company for a while and she had been too busy playing coward to notice. Guilt tugged at heart as she realized that she had been punishing the innocent boy for a crime he did not commit. It wasn't the little boy's choice to be birthed in such unfair condition.

She looked at the little boy who was still smiling at her and was shocked to find herself smiling down sheepishly at him.

"Are you hungry? Why are you disturbing the whole house?"

He cooed in response and she laughed.

"Your appetite is probably as huge as your father's"

He offered her another one of his cute little smiles and she continued with her one sided conversation.

She laid him down on the cushion beside his bed and he cooed loudly. The boy seemed genuinely happy to see her and she found herself communicating in a weird way with him. She even silently reprimanded herself for not opening her heart to him sooner. She gently peeled off his clothes, checked on his diapers and noticed how soiled it was.

"I see why you're so uncomfortable, I would be if my butt reeked like this" She teased scrunching up her nose in feigned disgust

She prepared a bath for the little boy after cleaning him up. She felt the water with her hands and was satisfied with how lukewarm it was.

She began to wash his body and waited for him to wail like her daughter usually did when she got the same treatment,but was surprised to find him smiling up at her.

"You're a very happy child"

After washing him, she dried him up and applied powder on his body, then sought out to find his clothing.

Agatha scooped Chukwura up, placed him on her laps then began to dress him. She secured his pampers on his waist and chuckled when his little penis shrunk inside. It had been one of the things her sister had told her that showed a baby boy was cold.

"So you're as sensitive as your father"

She noticed her breasts get heavier and knew that her baby needed to feed. She took Chukwura along with her as she went to check on her daughter but found her sleeping peacefully.

"I'll have to prepare milk for you" A yawn escaped her lips and she shook her head. She was truly very tired.

Chukwura's eyes stayed on her face and she patted his little cheek.

She was almost at the door when a thought occurred to her. Agatha stepped back and sat on the bed, unhooked her bra and fished out one of her breasts. She took Chukwura who seemed indifferent to what she was doing.

"I don't think it'd taste like your birth mother's, but it is better than milk I've been told". She felt it wasn't fair that the boy's mother had abandoned him.

Secured in the cocoon of her arms, she guided her black nipple into his mouth and waited patiently. She felt he had eyed him for approbation but waved it off as her nerves playing with her.

He suckled on her breast, then began to truly feed like a starved child. Agatha didn't know she had been holding her breath until she exhaled deeply and a chuckle escaped her lips.

The feeding had lasted for quite a while and when Chukwura had eaten enough, he let her nipple slide out of his little mouth. She secured her breast back into her cloth and rubbed his back gently to draw out a belch. It was a sign that most mothers needed to be sure that the food wouldn't be wretched on them.

Chukwura gave a loud belch, followed by random batting of his eyes. She suspected he was sleepy and with the way she yawned she knew she had to retire.

She laid down beside the baby whose eyes still fluttered in a rhythm she found amusing.

"Just sleep, Chukwura ịnụ"

Agatha placed her thumb in his little hand and he covered them, his lips curved into a smile and his eyes finally shut. Agatha rested her head on the pillow and let sleep engulf her.

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Obanma knew from Oluchi's sudden appearance that something terrible had happened but the king's visit also added to her worry.

She had ushered her friend into her room and when she came out to greet the king, he insisted that he would wait until she was done attending to her friend.

Obanma went back into the room and held Oluchi who cried her heart out. She reckoned that the poor girl needed to let out all the turmoil within her through her tears and she did.

"You're okay, you'll be fine" Kept slipping out of Obanma's lips as she tried to assuage her friend's hurt.

After a while Oluchi turned to her and requested for water which she quickly provided.

"What happened?" Obanma's voice came out partly squeaky and hoarse because she had also been drawn to tears.

"My father said he wouldn't pay my fees anymore. He stopped sending me money for food and has even stopped providing for my mother and siblings. For weeks now, Joshua has been the one sending little money for feeding. Eberechukwu also gave me a little but I am just tired of being their burden".

Obanma's heart cringed at the thought of her friend starving. "Why didn't you tell me? I would have helped out too"

"Well a lot has been going on in your family, I didn't feel it was right to add to your burden."

"Oluchi you are my friend, you're just like a sister to me. Your problems are as good as mine." Obanma heaved a sigh accentuated by a deep intake of breath.

"Have you reached out to your father's siblings?"

Oluchi scoffed, letting out a bitter laugh. "They're bad as he is, trust me. My mother's siblings are already helping my mom out with taking care of my siblings and their education. Her business is not moving as good as it used to before. I'm thinking of quitting school, I have to help out somehow"

"Oluchi you won't... It won't come to that. We'll find a way to help you out" Obanma reached out and squeezed her friend's hand who smiled in return.

"Your visitor? Don't tell me he left because of me"

It was at that point that it occurred to Obanma that the king was still waiting outside.

"Chi m oo, he's still outside!"

She scrambled to her feet immediately and Oluchi followed suit.

"Obanma I have to pick Joshua up. He followed me here, I didn't even know he would come. He just texted me and it's all for the best. I'll go get him while you attend to your guest"

Oluchi washed her face in the bathroom and quickly set out on her mission. Obanma found the king standing at the same spot as he was when she met him earlier. He gave her a warm smile after she invited him in.

"Don't tell me I chased your friend away"

"No.. No! She went to pick up another friend." Obanma still found it bothersome that the king knew where she lived and she hadn't even told him. She gestured for him to seat on her bed, her chair harbored most of Kelechi's items and she didn't have the strength to move them.

"She was quite distraught earlier, I hope she's fine now" He continued hesitant to sit

"She is.. But I'm very surprised to see you here"

"Certainly.. I never expected you to be less than that. E gbuo la m oge ṅna I've spent longer time than I anticipated and it's not even the right time to make this proposal of mine.

I'm so sorry but I had people follow you and that was how I found out about your place. "

Obanma's eyes widened out of shock and she tried so much to compose herself.

The king finally settled down on her bed and it was slightly amusing the way he appeared. She pictured him on his throne and reconciled it with what she saw currently. He still somehow carried his aura of austerity and still appeared quite kingly seated at the edge of her bed.

"I am running out of time and I need a queen urgently. I know you're quite young but I find you very mature and intelligent enough to handle anything. This wasn't what I had in mind when I met you but there's something about you that keeps drawing me to you.

I know this seems too forward but circumstances haven't given me much time to properly woo you as I should. "He exhaled deeply and smiled at Obanma whose mouth still hung open even after he had finished talking.

" I'm offering marriage, I believe we can work on love and happiness if you accept my proposal. Take your time, think about it and let me know what you decide." He slipped a card into her hands and she finally closed her mouth.

"Onyeze... I.. I.. It's" A heavy knock interrupted her stuttering and she gladly welcomed the interruption that saved her from making a fool of herself.

"I think Oluchi is back" She uttered as she approached the door. The king stood up in a deft manner and followed her.

"I have somewhere to be anyways."

Obanma opened the door to see Onyedikachi standing in front of her room. He invited himself in, as Obanma only left the door ajar for him without uttering any word.

The king had a grin plastered on his face that made Onyedikachi's blood boil. He quickly fisted his knuckles and took deep breaths to calm himself. He hated seeing the man there and his smile seemed to infuriate Onyedikachi the more.

"Ah Onyekachi! Ndighi otu.How are you? I'm afraid I can't catch up with you even though I would have loved to."

Onyedikachi's scowl didn't lessen even as he faked the worst smile as a sign of greeting. Onyedikachi! he had almost corrected but held his peace knowing that he would have said more.

"Till next time Mma.. Do think carefully about my proposal. And do not fail to inform me of whatever you need. Noo ke ọma nnu" The king placed a kiss on Obanma's cheek and she offered a smile.

Onyedikachi was tempted to punch the king as he placed his mouth on Obanma's cheek. The man was turning out to be opportunistic and annoying. He hated that he addressed Obanma by Mma it made him think of a familiarity he badly hoped did not exist between them. He hated that he was making offers that he had no inkling about. He badly wanted to scream for him to get out but the man took his sweet time probably to annoy him.

"Onyekachi ọ dịkwa mma, you look pale" The king whispered as he walked past Onyedikachi.

"Onyeze I am fine" He replied tartly

"Ngwanu...do take care" Onyedikachi could tell the man's eyes held a taunting only he could see.

He didn't know he was holding his breath till the door shut and he exhaled deeply.

He had been cowering at the caretaker's place thinking of the right words to apologize with but none came forth. When he stepped out, he saw the king walking into the compound and knew at the spot that he had come to see Obanma.

He felt nature was somehow punishing him for how he behaved at the village but the thought of the King being in Obanma's room almost drove him mad. He had begun to pace around so much that the caretaker grew concerned.

"Oga just go meet am abeg. You resemble person wey wan kill somebody"

Onyedikachi truly did want to impale the king but waited patiently for him to exit. After checking his wristwatch for the umpteenth time he decided he was going to interfere in whatever business the king had with Obanma. He marched angrily to Obanma's room and pounded on the door.

"O bu ngiri? What is it?" Obanma enquired with a frown pulling him out of his thoughts. He knew he deserved every bit of attitude he was receiving from her.

"Can I wash my hands?" The words left swiftly from his lips and he almost slapped himself. He made another attempt to salvage his poor attempt at starting a conversation. "I got these for you". He waited for her to take the items but she never moved an inch and he gently placed them on her reading table.

"Did you come all this way to wash your hands Onyi?"

He hated that he didn't know the right words to say. Obanma on the other hand could see how nervous he appeared. Onyedikachi looked like a petulant child with the way he constantly wiped his hands on trousers

"You've not been taking my calls. I was worried and I also came to apologize for what I said back in the village.

I was upset and I passed that to you. You didn't deserve the way I spoke to you and I was a coward for not running after you immediately to right things. "

He seemed quite expectant as he searched her face for an expression that showed his words meant something. She seemed indifferent to his confession and only nodded.

" Wash your hands Onyi then leave."Obanma didn't know why her anger rose once more. She had been slightly happy to see him but his words reminded her of how bad she felt after their encounter.

He stepped into the bathroom and washed his hands. Then came out looking worse than he had appeared earlier.

"Obanma I am truly sorry for what I did. It was immature to bring up the past and I was insensitive and stupid. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, knowing how things had been between your brother and mine. I would do anything, anything at all to earn your forgiveness. "

His words had slowly begun to melt her anger but she didn't know why she craved to see him plead more and probably suffer a little. It was quite girlish and immature.

Onyedikachi stepped closer to where she stood and caressed her face. She held herself from looking at him because she wanted to hide how badly she had wanted him to touch her. Obanma didn't trust her eyes not to give her away and kept them trained on her feet.

A knock sounded on her door and she quickly withdrew.

"It must be Oluchi and Joshua"

He didn't know who they were but was certain it was his cue to leave.

The pair made their way to the door and he quickly pulled her into an embrace. Obanma kept her hands from caressing him as they wanted to but he seemed sated from the slightly stiff hug he had gotten from her. She could tell with the way he relaxed when their bodies met. He then whispered into her ears.

"Be kind to me Mma, please do forgive me"

Onyedikachi pulled away then opened the door to see not just Joshua but Oluchi and Kelechi too. Kelechi greeted him as well as the others while Joshua rushed in to pull Obanma into a bear hug.

Later at night while they all conversed, they emptied all the boxes of chocolate Obanma had received from Onyi. His numerous gifts lay on her bed and she truly appreciated the gesture.

"You are such a girl!" Kelechi taunted as she recounted what had transpired between she and Onyedikachi. Oluchi and Joshua had been quite surprised because they knew the story that surrounded Obanma's family and Onyedikachi's but were quite supportive of her decision.

Please oo whatever you do, don't let handsome pocket go. He's the number one candidate of this room".Kelechi added in an amusing tone

They all croaked with throaty laughter including Joshua who Obanma was afraid still bore feelings for her. She had noticed slight changes between Oluchi and him, then suspected the pair had something going on.

"You're only saying this because of the goodies" Obanma had retorted in her defense

Obanma pulled Kelechi apart much later before they slept and thanked her for accommodating her friends. Kelechi only teased her and claimed another box of chocolate as her reward.

Kelechi soon joined the other two who were sleeping in the room and Obanma's stare lingered on Oluchi who appeared thinner. Her friend had been truly suffering for long and she had no idea about it. It made her feel terribly sad.

She picked up her phone and dialed Onyedikachi's number. His voice sounded huskier than usual and she suspected she had woken him from sleep.

"You said you'd do anything to earn my forgiveness. There is one thing I want you to do for me"

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Hello everyone!

How are we doing?

I figured I owed you all an update after being AWOL for a while.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Today I found out that wet nurses dated back to the olden days in Igbo land and it inspired Agatha's part with Chukwura.

Who else is pleased with the blossoming relationship between those two?

It seems the King is a contender we shouldn't take lightly! He's offering a ring ladies!

I've found myself slightly rooting for more chapters to be about him😂😂😂.

Kelechi's character was built upon one of my very close friends Ahaiwe Onyeka . She's one accommodating human being who happened to also be my roommate at a certain point in school.

She taught me the importance of putting one's self in other people's shoes.

Nothing really beats being a good person and offering help to those in need and sometimes it is better to share our problems to the right people instead of bearing it all by ourselves.

Remember to vote, comment and share❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Lastly @maramartha is one determined person. 😂😂😂I just wanted to say that.

Michelle