The hatchet

"Do what you must Chijioke, I deserve all of it" Arinze muttered to Chijioke's hearing as the wailing continued. He had watched with a broken heart as his brother was carried away.

The tears brimmed in his eyes as Ngozi rolled on the floor and his mother tried to hold her.
They all had heard that she had been pregnant with a child that would have either be his niece or nephew.

His blood went cold and the picture of Olivia's dead body flashed through his mind. He knew he would do worse than Chijioke if tables were turned.
His anger seemed to dissipate into thin air and he once again felt like the bully he had always been.

Iga eri and her unborn child were dead because of him.

Chijioke's knuckles popped as he fisted them, staring dispassionately at Arinze.

He moved closer with tears brimming in his eyes. "I vowed to protect her after Obinna died...." His veins popping out unpleasantly as the pain and anger in him fought to be let loose.

"We never did anything to you! You have always been mean, wicked and so damn vindictive!
My sister did absolutely nothing to you! And neither did her baby!

Exhaling deeply, Chijioke stormed out of the waiting room,leaving Arinze to drown in his guilt. He knew Chijioke also blamed himself

A doctor approached his mother as she struggled with consoling Ngozi,while Nnamdi held his wife as she wailed.

Arinze knew what awaited, the doctor was either there to talk more on organ donations or the morgue.

The tears fell uncontrollably this time and he let them. He wasn't a real man, not the man his father would have wanted.

Onyedikachi's heart beat painfully against his chest as his consciousness came about. The world didn't seem to spin so much as it did before but he knew it was over for him.

He kept his eyes shut even though he knew they should be opened. There was no point looking at the world where Mma was no more.

She was his ray of sunshine and everything seemed bleak without her.
His head throbbed painfully and his heart hurt even more.

He heard the voices he believed came outside of the room as they spoke in hushed tones about the death of a beautiful lady.

Mma had become a story!

How could Obinna have done this? How could God have allowed it? How could his brother and Chijioke be so daft?

He hated the world but he hated himself more

The door opened to reveal Agatha standing together with his mother. Onyedikachi shut his eyes once more as he didn't feel like talking to either of them.

"Onyi..." His mother began tenderly and he angrily cut her off.

"She is dead! Isn't that what you've always wanted! All that hate and anger you harbored towards them has done been of great service, hasn't it?

Have you come to tell me to take heart? Eh gini? I did every damn fucking thing that I could!"

"Onyedikachi biko let me ....." Chidiogo began anew only to be interrupted by her son once more

"I lost my child and my fiance, I think I deserve solitary mother, so please leave"

Agatha exhausted from the strained conversation between the pair, finally spoke up. "Mma is asking for you"

Onyedikachi turned to Agatha angrily "This is not the time to play games please"

"We were as shocked as you are now...But very grateful. And if you had let your mother speak you would have learned the truth much earlier. You should learn to mind your tone.

There was a mistake . A lady was brought in after she was robbed and shot almost the same time Obanma was brought in. The doctor has apologized and your fiance is waiting for you'

"W...here is she?" Onyedikachi enquired with a teary voice. He exhaled deeply as relief washed over his features. Even his mother couldn't help the tears that fell from her eyes.

"I am so sorry Onyi" She declared as she wrapped her hands around her son.

Agatha understood how both mother and son felt. She had been cursing everyone and everything in her path before the doctor came to reveal the information.

Ngozi had been the first one to yell as relief washed over her. They had all practically raced to the room where Obanma was kept. She had been fast asleep but they all took turns to check her heartbeat just to be certain she was truly alive. Ngozi had quickly grabbed her daughter's hands as she wept uncontrollably.

Chidiogo wept beside Ngozi as Ngozi reached out to hold her hands. A tear left Nnamdi's eyes and he hugged his wife deeply.

They were interrupted by Arinze who broke down immediately after he confirmed that Mma was alive. He had followed them closely as they moved away from the waiting room, keeping his distance as he knew he had been the one who had brought such misery.

"How is the baby?"

"Alive" Ngozi had declared amidst tears. "God didn't forsake me after all"

Arinze's guilt still gnawed at his conscience and he hesitated to speak even though his gaze never left Obanma.

"Come and hold her" Ngozi commanded and he gently moved to her bedside and held Obanma's palm, noting the soft beating of her pulse. The rise and fall of her chest as she breathed slowly.

"I need to find Chijioke" He declared abruptly and left the room.

The rest of them stayed in Obanma's room sated from just watching her sleep. Ngozi's hand never left Chidiogo's own while they waited.

And when Chijioke arrived with Kelechi together with Arinze who had found the pair lurking around the hospital.

Arinze withdrew immediately to be with his wife and child while Agatha and Chidiogo opted to find Onyedikachi whom they had forgotten in their excitement.

Onyedikachi raced out of his room after he pulled apart from his mother. He took a deep breath as he gently pulled the door handle.

He walked in and was greeted by the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. Onyedikachi couldn't hold himself from the tears that fell from his eyes as he raced to her bed.

"Oh God! Mma I thought I had lost you"

He gently placed kisses on her forehead, breathing in her scent like he could never tire of it.

The other occupants of the room left the couple to themselves.

"Onyi you've become quite the cry baby"

Obanma teased with a smile as she reached out to touch his face. She barely felt any pain due to the medication the doctors had given her, but they had warned that when the effects wore off, she'd be in much pain.

"I thought I had lost you....and our baby" he muttered gently carressing her face.

"Our baby'' She repeated testing the weight of the words on her lips

She had never imagined that they would be expecting so soon.

"Mma you are my life, my destiny , my heart . I will never be the same man without you in my life. My life wouldn't be worth living. When they told me you had died, my heart stopped. I couldn't bear it . I love you so much...I love you with my heart, my body and my soul. So please...don't ever think of leaving me"

The tears he had once shed came to her eyes and she let them fall as she kissed him passionately.

When they broke apart, he settled beside her wearing a sheepish smile as he rubbed her belly.

"We are having a baby" She declared once again as his hand settled on her stomach.

He remembered her concerns about marriage to him and his face fell as he realized that Mma would have wanted to wait instead of having a child.

"I'm sorry" He opined on a somber note

"For getting you pregnant, I know you would have wanted to wait"

Obanma chuckled lightly patting his cheek. "Did the accident make you too chivalrous or what? Onyi we made this baby together . You sound like I was injected with your sperm" She held his face in her palm as she whispered "Through copulation"

He couldn't help but laugh as he saw the genuine glint in her eyes. " How on earth was I supposed to survive without you Mma? You are my heart".

"I would have wanted to wait but that can't happen again. So I better enjoy bossing you around for now" Obanma declared as she yawned weakly.

Onyedikachi laughed heartily as he held her hand and placed a kiss on it. "You've been bossing me around since you were born"

"I love you so much Onyedikachi Onwuegbusi" She muttered on his lips . "I don't think I would have survived it, had you taken any bullet today"

Onyedikachi beamed a smile as her eyes fluttered . "Onyi stay here, please" She whispered as sleep slowly took an edge.

He lay content beside her as she snored softly and her breathing evened out. He had thought of the fear of not watching her sleep, how terrified he had been when he realized that her death meant that he couldn't hear her lovely voice again.

His Mma was back into his arms and that was all that mattered.

"We are still getting married aren't we?" She asked suddenly as her eyes fluttered open. Onyi could tell she was fighting to stay awake.

"Of course we are, you just have to heal first"

Obanma smiled with her eyes closed and her hands still in his.

"Obinna said he is coming back and I think I know what he meant. We are having a baby boy"

Onyedikachi placed a chaste kiss on her lips which she received with a smile as she drifted off to sleep again.

Chidiogo came into the room much later to meet his son staring contently at Obanma.

Her heart felt a pang of guilt, pain and joy as she watched her son watching his fiance like a hawk.

Finally getting wind of the woman's presence, Onyedikachi gave her a charming smile as she approached the bed.

"She says we are having a boy"

Chidiogo couldn't help the tears that began to fall anew.

"And we almost lost them today..Chidozie must be so disappointed in me"

Onyedikachi shared in his mother's pain but felt hesitant to stand up.

"I haven't treated her right and I know she must blame me for everything" She continued as Onyedikachi reached out to squeeze her hand.

"You don't know my Mma then..She is the sweetest person ever and though you may not agree, Obanma has been very understanding of your anger. She has only felt regret and most times guilt because of her father's crime. It isn't her cross to bear mother and it shouldn't be theirs not any of them. The villagers still whisper about them and Obinna's death haunts all of them. Now is the time for all of us to heal. You have to forgive them please, for the sake our unborn child"

Chidiogo nodded as she wiped her tears away.

"She is a very brave young woman, and very strong too"

Onyedikachi held Obanma with a knowing smile while his mother patted his hand. "I said some hurtful things to her before the incident. I accused her of getting pregnant deliberately so that you would marry her. I have to apologize for everything."

"I was the one who wanted to get her pregnant so that we would end up together. We love each other very much mother trust me"

Chidiogo smiled as she reconciled within herself how bitter and unfair she had been.

"They have caught Ekene and his father. Actually Ekene reported everything to the police including what happened to Olivia and your father. Apparently he had been blackmailing Ngozi before she lost her memory and he is very psychotic. He found about her affair and helped Osisioma sell Iheanyi's lands.

Osisioma has also been very cooperative too revealing every wicked thing he had committed with that lunatic. They connived to cut Obinna's legs. It was their way of keeping his ghost from attacking them. They had been after Iheanyi because of the pipeline that was discovered on his lands.

Your father came into play because the same land that he was gifted had more. Chidozie was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Roland the man who was duped is not taking it lightly with the pair."

Onyedikachi seemed dumb founded after all his mother had said. "How is Ngozi taking everything?" he enquired with concern

"She seemed fine when the police came to speak to her. She only asked that they release Ekene. The boy was just a victim and did everything to save his mother's life. The police are saying he would serve jail term for arson, but his act of bravery will definitely reduce his sentence."

"And what about his brother?"

"Ekene made sure to keep him out of trouble". Chidiogo paused to hold Obanma's hand which brought a smile to her son's face.

"Will you forgive your brother please nna m? He hasn't been himself he...he is scared of facing you and Obanma"

"I will talk to him later mother, I just haven't gotten over the fact that he would have killed either Chijioke or Mma"

"He thought Olivia had died" Chidiogo whispered

"It doesn't justify his actions mother"

Chidiogo exhaled deeply knowing that Onyedikachi's points were valid. "You both are just like your father and I am truly proud of you. Nna m please let us just forgive inu"

Onyedikachi nodded his eyes fixed on the bandaged area on Mma's chest. "It s Mma he almost killed, not me.He should come see her"

"Olivia has been asking of you...You can visit her while I stay with her" Chidiogo opined. Though hesitant to leave Onyedikachi heeded to his mother's words and walked away. He had also been wanting to see the mother and child.

Chidiogo watched and waited for Obanma to wake before she finally fell asleep on the chair.

Obanma had been the one woke her up and she felt quite awkward being around Chidiogo.

"Have you seen Onyi?" She asked weakly as she felt a sharp pain on her chest.She groaned a little as she tried to sit up while Chidiogo rushed to her aid.

"You shouldn't be moving at all"

"What about my mother or aunt Agatha?" Obanma continued while Chidiogo helped her sit well.

"Your mother is still in the hospital, they went to get things for you. Onyi went to see Olivia few minutes ago"

Obanma stared silently as Chidogo tucked her in. The older woman reached out to hold her hand which she quickly withdrew.

"I'm sorry" She began with a shaky voice

"Things don't have to be smooth between us, everything about your presence here makes it awkward"

"I understand and I know you feel resentment towards me Obanma, and why wouldn't you?I haven't made things easy for you"

The two women sat in silence unable to look at each other's face.

" I don't hate you" Obanma finally declared clearing the air

"Neither do I and I was embarrassed but most especially devastated by the news of this incident.I let hatred consume me and it made forget how you're just as much my child as my two sons." Chidiogo chuckled lightly as tears threatened to fall

"I forgot how Chdiozie and I fed you your first chocolate at 8 months even though Ngozi had objected. The many times I carried you home to your parents after you would come over to play and fall asleep with your brother.I shouldn't have been so vindictive"

Chidiogo wiped the tears but continued weeping uncontrollably.

"You loved him and still love him so much. I can't even imagine how it would feel to lose Onyi. You were hateful because you blamed yourself. I used to blame myself for Obinna's death too, but I learnt to forgive myself. Maybe you should also do that too, you didn't pull the trigger that killed your husband. Unfortunately my father did and you didn't send your husband to his slaughter. You were a good wife to him and most importantly you loved him like no other"

Chidiogo gave Obanma a weak smile with the tears that made her eyes glossy. Obanma also found herself teary yet amused at the fact.

"I've become so emotional" She opined with a laugh

While Chidiogo chuckled so loudly. "Pregnancy does that to you. wait till you get the cravings Oh! those are the worst"

Obanma tried not to laugh hard because of the pain but she couldn't help but enjoy the turn their conversation had taken.

Chidiogo went on and on about her experience with Onyedikachi's pregnancy and Obanma watched on in amusement. She reached out to hold Chidiogo who reciprocated with smile.

The next week was filled with visitation and papa nnukwu had been amongst the people that had come to see both Obanma and Olivia with his great grand child. He had heard from the villager that had come to take care of him as instructed by Chidiogo, the day Obanma was shot and he had made prayers for the young girl.

Arinze had been the only one who stayed away even though Chijioke had encouraged him to come.

Adaugo and her husband Olumide took charge of decorating Obanma's hospital room against her wishes. Even after olumide had gotten Obanma "Surviving a bullet gift" which she termed funny.

Ngozi and Chidiogo with Agatha took their motherly roles very seriously making sure Obanma's clothes were clean and her pills meticulously taken.They also took turns inn giving her baths. They provided her with nutritious meals which she often with Onyedikachi who barely left her side.

Nnamdi brought with him her little cousin and Chukwura whom his real father had thought it wise for him to visit the people that nursed him as a baby.

Eberechi, Kelechi, Oluchi and Joshua were not left out.

And many times Obanma made sure to send her brother on erands that involved having Eberechi by his side. She knew of her friend's crush on her elder brother and hoped a spark would surface between the two even though she was wary of her brother's womanizing ways.

All his grumbling were meted with Obanma's emotional blackmail. She insisted he owed her for taking a bullet for him.

Olivia and Arinze showed up to see Obanma with their baby much later. And while Olivia seemed bubbly as always Arinze was withdrawn.

Obanma requested to hold the baby who cooed with a smile.

Obanma called for Arinze whom she held with a smile. She watched how glossy his eyes had gotten and how his guilt seemed to dissipate.

"Thank you i ga eri" He had whispered to her hearing as his wife also thanked her.

"He hadn't known what to say to Obanma about his actions and she seemed to know that he had been dying inside.

They were interrupted by the Ukaegbu's who also came bearing gifts. Obiukwu and her husband with all of her children made the room seem too small. Obanma was thrilled to see Chukwuebuka and Chukwuemeka who teased her incessantly of being a woman made of steel.

Obanma was also happy to see Mr. Obidike and his wife together with Chioma and her husband who came with his famous barbeque chicken. Their daughter Judith seemed nice but shy ,another young man who Obiukwu introduced as her younger brother Tobe, was also quiet through out the banter. Mrs. Obioma and Ngozi had a pending conversation and they tried to keep the tension between them minute because of Obanma.

Obanma felt so loved as she watched everyone that came to visit.

"We have to get you a bigger room here" Onyedikachi whispered into her ears as he placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

Obanma couldn't help but stare with love at Onyedikachi, he was indeed everything she longed for.

And when she reached out to hold her hand, he whispered once again into her ears "Reminds me of a baby who wanted to seduce me"

"I was being kind to you, I am your destiny after all"

"Obanma might have to open a store with all these gifts you people are bringing her" Agatha teased as she helped keep the items aside

"And who dropped this half eaten chocolate?" Chidiogo asked with amusement

"That would be my daughter Obiukwu, she hates sharing" Mrs. Obiukwu declared laughing as hard as everyone as the little girl tried to hide under the bed as her name was mentioned.

Obanma muttered a "thank you" regardless

"Has anyone noticed how Onyedikachi looks at Obanma how Uncle Chukwudi used to look at his chicken" Chukwuebuka teased while those who understood the joke laughed heartily and the others explained.

"I still feel hurt about how he stole you from us" Chukwuemeka added and Onyedikachi couldn't help but laugh

"We are related" Obanma noted to the twins feigning a heart break.

"sadly It is true " the boys declared at once.

"And Onyi looks at me like I am a gem, his gem" Obanma added placing a kiss on Onyedikachi's lips.

Onyedikachi gave her the brightest smiles as he claimed her lips in the most passionate kiss.

"Somebody should tell this Cock that his bride price can be refunded" Chijioke declared breaking the couple apart while the others laughed heartily as Ngozi reprimanded his son.

"Stop calling your brother inlaw a cock Chi"

"I'd gladly be a cock for the love of my life" Onyedikachi declared laughing.

"After all it is typical for Mma's brothers to ruin a romantic mood"

"I love you so much,my rove" Obanma declared with a smile

"I love you more omalicham"

**********

The two ghosts unseen by the happy family, bade them farewell as they walked hand in hand away from the hospital.

Obinna and Chidozie seemed fulfilled as they parted ways, each free to finally rest as they longed for.

"Bili ka m bili" Chidozie had spoken as they approached cross roads.

Maybe the humans couldn't see them but the trees could and so they whished happily in the early evening breeze, even though their leaves had begun to color a sign of the dry season approaching. The birds chirped loudly and the dogs around barked with vigour

Chidozie found his grave in the compound while Obinna chose the Achicha tree where the mad man dwelled.

"Goodbye my friend" The old man had saluted as Obinna walked into the tree never to be seen again.

"Bili ka m bili" He muttered to himself cackling loudly

"The price has been paid" he continued, scratching his lice infested hair

"Take me instead the old man pleaded, let us find Chinyelum. A life for a life to bury the hatchet. But no! he cried,take me he said" He continued as he laughed hysterically while walking around the bush where the parrot sang.

"Chinyelum" he called the bird and continued in his soliloquy.

Hello Everyone

How are we?

An epilogue is still coming up later but this is the end of this story.

I hope to do more justice with the Epilogue and I hope you guys enjoyed this story as much as i enjoyed writing it.

THE E𝔑𝔇