Iya Ibeji

Dear reader, I should not be telling you this, but I hated my husband. No, I love him because he stretches my legs after a long day of carrying his twins around in my belly...but I hate him because I want money, plenty money. 

I have Ugochi and Koko plus my twins coming along but Mide wouldn't find a better job. Life has not been rosy and with the twins on the way, he should make life better for us, abi?

I mean who still farms in 2019?! O ma se o! (It's a pity!)

When he's not at the farm, he's in front of his depleted old computer irritating me with incessant keyboard taps.

Dede, his elder brother visited the today, you had to see how Kikelomo his wife entered my mouth because of her new set of jewellery. Dede is a big trader in Oyo state and Kike, I don't know what she does, and I don't care... But she's the real deal!

“Sims trust me, by the time the twins are here, we will be comfortable,” He told me one night after dinner. We were outdoors and the kids, already asleep. The good thing about times like this is he gets to rub my belly and maybe later...eh! Help me out in other places (coughs!)

“Farming is going places oh. Forget all this now, I'm currently blazing a trail which I know will go well” He continued.

He gave me a playful push when he noticed my indifferent face which Ugo calls 'Mother's straight face'.

Then, he pulled me closer and touched my chin.

“Oya what's going on?” He asked in his sweetest voice. The one I fell for when I agreed for him. 

“Mide I don't know how you think farming will help us. With 2 kids on the way, I don't think it's a responsible choice to make”. 

He glared at me like I was speaking with a forked tongue when I knew exactly what I was saying.

Dear reader, do you see what I'm saying?

An uncomfortable silence occurred, although he moved from rubbing my belly to massaging my left toes. He sha knows how to get me, but I was too 'mad' to appreciate it.

“ You had to see how Kike displayed herself today. It was a crying shame” 

Mide let out his belly laugh, one that lets one see his intestines.

“So it's about Kike? No wonder, you retired before they left claiming that the doctor recommended best rest”

 He said and dramatically put his hands on his waist pushing his back out...I gave a light smile when I realized he was in for one of his tactics.

“I need to rest oh! Ugo make sure they don't run out of wine, I have to be in bed now, the doctor said so”.

I found myself laughing too because I know how dramatic I can be. And that was not me my husband was imitating! I don't talk that way abeg. One thing I love about my husband is his sense of humour, he can make you laugh at your own funeral!

The laughter was quite loud that we had to retire to our house before the landlord comes with his problems.

Mide agreed to prepare my bathwater as compensation for 'the mood' so I sunk into one of the cushions to wait. My attention got stolen when his computer beeped. It was a mail and oh well, his headache not mine. 

“ Mide oh!” I cried out. “Come and see something”.

 It was a message from one 'Izeku and Zara Foundation'.

With the towel hanging loosely on his shoulder, he ran to the computer like a late student. For ordinary message, Nawa!

He sat beside me and opened the message, scrolling through like he was searching for something. I didn't care but my side-eye had to do the work. 

“Thank you, Jesus!” He shouted as he jumped up placing his hands on the head.

“What's going on?” His reply was tilting the screen to face me as he got on phone calls immediately. My husband was too happy for words. 

'... To support farmers and governments in Africa and diaspora that are seeking a sustainable, inclusive agricultural transformation—one that creates economic opportunity, we are pleased to announce to you that Mide's Agro Ltd. has been chosen for...'

My eyes widened when I saw a huge price and I continued scrolling.

'... We will support your innovations that are informed by the unique diversity of crops and livestock you produce and the wide range of soil and climate conditions you encounter. Accept our warm congratulations!

At this point, I knew that God has changed our lives for the better and Kike will not hear word because Simi is about to be the realest deal. 

Benecca's Tales

2021

All rights reserved

Author's Note

'Iya Ibeji' focuses on the "Do Agric, It Pays" theme.

Simi the narrator/main character is justified for her actions because of her pregnancy hormones. I tried to let her not go overboard anyways.

Mide is another character that should be studied too, his resilience and dedication are one we should emulate especially as Africans.

In other words, To have a 'strong head' is necessary.

All characters are virtual and inspired by the ONE 'Cocoa Na Chocolate' Song. 

If you enjoyed the story, do well to share and leave a comment.

Thank you for reading!

Picture Credit: Pinterest.