UNMARRIED... SO? Part 6

 

CLINTON'S POV***

. 

I must have heard wrong, because it seemed I heard the word 'marry' but i was probably glitching. 

I opened my mouth to speak and only one word came out again...

"WHAT?"

"Carol is the daughter of The Basseys here and we have known her since she was a teenager. She would be a perfect fit for you."

I was staring at my dad as he reeled off words from his mouth, hoping that what I heard him say and what my eyes read would be different. 

I got up amd walked away from the living room without as much as another word. 

My mom walked behind me, calling my name but I didn't stop until I got to the kitchen.

"I'm talking to you Chiemelie!" My mom spoke up behind me as I stopped and leaned on the kitchen island. 

"What was that about mom?", I kept my voice steady to keep from yelling.

"Why would you walk out on your father and the visitors like that?"

"Why did I walk out? You seemed to have it all figured and planned out. You don't need me." My voice was shaking at this point. I was livid. 

She tried to touch my arm but I pulled away. 

"Why didn't you tell me I was walking into an ambush, mom?"

"It was your father's idea. He thought it would be best, well -- good for you. You need to settle down and start a family. You are not getting younger, Emelie. You need a wife."

"Are you listening to yourself, mom? Who still picks a wife for their child in 2026???"

"A family that loves you --"

"You mean a family that wants to control you? Don't you get tired of this mom? Don't you get tired of digging your claws into my back and your nose in my affairs"

"You will not speak to your mother in that tone, young man."

Dad spoke up just before mom responded.. 

"Right right.. So I should stand by and watch you control yet another part of my life? Is it not enough that I went to Business School because YOU wanted me to take over your business? Isn't it enough that I HAD to learn to play the piano because the children of all the members in your club played one, even though I sucked at it! Dad.. I am done being a tool to massage your ego. I am done."

I moved to the fridge to pick a bottle of water when I heard Dad speak again. 

"Son, I understand you and where you are coming from, but this is not like that. This is not like that. It's just an introduction and if you two hit it off, then fine. If not, we'll figure out another way."

"WHO IS WE?? why are WE figuring out another way for MY Life? Am I a community project?"

"Oh stop being dramatic, boy. You have a duty to this family! And besides, Carol is a nice girl, educated and respectful --"

"--- and coincidentally the daughter of Mr Bassey who is not only your childhood friend, but a mogul in the oil & gas industry. An industry YOU have been trying to get into for years. Or was that just a coincidence?"

He looked at mom as if asking for intervention. She raised her eyebrows and looked away. 

"Is that all I am to you dad? A duty?"

"You are blowing this out of proportion.. You just need to --"

"I know what you need me to do, dad. You need me to do my duty as a son and marry into their family so that YOU can gain favour. But I know what I need to do right now. I need to get out of here before I say something else I might not be able to take back."

I walked past him and then heard my mom speak to me. 

"Emelie it was only a suggestion."

"The girl you are going to marry' doesn't sound like a suggestion mom. It sounds like a commandment. I'll see you later"

I walked away, past the dining room to the living room where the 'guests' sat. I did not say a word to them while I walked out. 

It is up to dad to give them an explanation, I couldn't care at all. 

I needed a drink! 

I drove out of the compound and went straight home. 

I had completely forgotten I even had a phone until it rang out. 

"Hello Sam, what's up ---- yeah, sorry I won't be coming in today --- sure, please move it till tomorrow.. Or you know what, make that Monday. Today is already Thursday ---- thank you "

I ended the call and saw a few other notifications, but I focused on driving home and dropped the phone. 

Even the busy Lagos roads could not distract me from this sinking feeling. I was tired of living according to my father's playbook. 

My WHOLE LIFE. 

One of the very few decisions I made without his influence was meeting Lulu.

Oluchi. 

Oh my goodness... Oluchi 

Arghh.. This is a whole mess. I can't ruin that. 

I don't know Carol but I'm sure she is not half the woman Oluchi is.

Not to me. 

My father has run my life for over 30 years. 

I'd be damned if I let him run it again.

I drove into my compound and walked inside, silently hoping that I had something to eat in my fridge. 

Great! I have to order in. 

Unlocking my phone revealed messages I hadn't attended to, but there was only one person's message I really wanted to see. 

"Hey you... So I'm off for the whole weekend, and I feel like knocking kayaking off my bucket list. Wanna join?"

I smiled and replied

"Are you asking me on a date...in a boat? Lol."

Her reply came in just as I was concluding my order. 

"Well, it's no boat cruise, but who knows...maybe if you play your cards right, the next one might be on a yacht"

I finished ordering the food and decided to call Oluchi instead of texting her back. 

She answered on the second ring. 

"Define me playing my cards right... Because I have a yacht to earn"

Her laughter was soft and soothing, almost made me forget the tumult in my mind. 

"I guess we'll find out. How are you doing? Have you seen your parents?".

" Yeah, I'm okay. I saw them this evening. They're good and I'm back home."

"Already? Thought you'd spend some time with them."

"Oh well, they had guests so I just excused myself after the necessities. But it's fine, they're back so it means I'll see them. A lot."

I rubbed my temples in despair, glad this conversation was not physical. 

"Aw, you don't sound too happy about that. Family trouble?"

"Er, we all got one of those right?"

"Yea yeah... Anyway, kayaking tomorrow?"

"Definitely...any excuse to spend time with you, I'm taking it. I think I miss you."

Silence. She was probably smiling. She cleared her throat. 

"I guess we'll see tomorrow then, I'll text you the details... "

"That's perfect. Take care of yourself, Oluchi."

Silence again. 

"Hey, you can call me Lulu." 

Hung up. 

I smiled into my phone as the call ended. And suddenly nothing else mattered in the moment as I laid down on the couch waiting for my food. 

The day wasn't totally ruined after all. 

I earned it. I can call her Lulu. 

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