This became a problem eating deep into the family's bond,dad no longer stays at home,his presence disappears into thin air.Every other aspect in the home fell on mum's shoulder,the provision,care, protection and others relented on her.Dad's commitment to matters of his immediate home we're not so effective.
The change brought a whole lot of burden to us as we have to live without a consistent father.
Mum,are you planning something ? I asked while we were preparing dinner the next day.Something like what ? She replied carelessly like she doesn't know what I was asking about.
You want to pack out ...
Bella,shut up your mouth sometimes,she said,covering my mouth with her right palm.
Where did you get that wrong information from?
You mum. Me ! For real,you now listen to my conversations right... You now find out everything right... Look child,let this information never be heard from any other person,she warned.
But why mum,why do you want to leave us here? Why such a plan ? I asked almost about to cry.
I'm not leaving okay. You are,you are planning to,why hiding it mum? Keep shut now and let's get the food prepared,no more words from you.
What's actually going on, everyone in the house is just changing...
From a peaceful home to a battle field,what's happening...
I was thinking in my room, sitting close to the window and lights off.
I could vividly recall the cool moments we spent as a family together, eating on same table, going out, talking and more memories we had as a family.
But now,its about to get shattered...
A friend of my dad visited the next day when we were back from school.
He knocked and mum went to attend to him.
Oh sir,you are welcome,it's been a while you visited,how's everything?
Well,I'm good as you can see,and glad to be here again,he replied and they both exchanged glances.
Wow congratulations madam, the news reached me yesterday...
Congratulations on what ground sir ? Mum asked anxiously.
The new son born into this family,he said.You can't be serious,a new son born ? By who ?
I'm not joking ma,I received a text from a friend that there's a new son born into this family so I had to suspend my schedules for today to pay this visit.
Sir,it must be a mistake,no new baby is born into this family.
I'm confused,I have to reach out to him right now,he said while putting a call across to his friend who texted him.
The call was on loud speaker,hello James.Hey friend,how you doing?
I'm fine,I just need a little clarity cause there's confusion relating to the text you sent to me yesterday.
Oh,yeah,why the confusion?
Who exactly did you mention just welcomed a new son?
That's Mr Donald,he replied.You're sure about this ?
Yes of course,Mr Donald called me himself to break the news and to pass it to whom it may concern.
Alright,thank you James,he replied and hung up.
Her mind racing, she turned to see the friend's gaze fixed on the ground.
He was trying to salvage the situation,then he awkwardly muttered, "I... I must have got the wrong house".But it was too late. The truth hung in the air like a bad smell.
His statement alone was clear that he is aware Mr Donald has a mistress outside his home.
She felt like she'd been punched in the gut. The embarrassment was suffocating. The thought of that other woman, the one who bore his child, was unbearable.
Sensing the tension, he quickly excused himself, leaving her standing there, frozen in shock.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized the weight of her situation. Her marriage and family. The humiliation burned like acid, and she wondered if she'd ever be able to show her face again.
She lay in bed, replaying the scene with her husband's friend in her head, and the embarrassment washed over her again. She felt like she was drowning in shame and anger.All this while,I was with her, nothing was strange to me anymore,the truth has been revealed,the entire family now knows the trace of changes in the home.
She cried, letting the tears soak her pillow, feeling like she'd lost all dignity.
Mum,it's okay,stop crying,I pleaded while wiping off the tears from her face.
You will never understand the pain daughter,you won't know how painful this got me,she said this on a loud tune that attracted Ivan and Karen to her room.
Our three begged her and made sure we stop her from crying.
But as the tears dried, a spark of determination ignited within her. She sat up, wiped her face, and took a deep breath. She wouldn't let him break her. Not tonight.
Same moment,dad walked in, the scent of another woman's perfume still cling to him, she was ready. So it's true,she said, her voice steady, though her heart was racing.
He tried to sidestep, to minimize, but she wasn't having it.Don't lie to me, she said, her words laced with venom. I know what I saw the other day that I approached you and you turned it to a fight.
He sighed, sat down on the bed.Children, please leave us to discuss,okay...
We left them,but I came back to keep my ears on what they're talking about, standing at the closed room door.
But you did, she cut him off. You hurt me, and you embarrassed me.
What do you want? he asked finally, his voice sounded tired.
I want to know why you did this hurting thing to me, she said, her voice cracking. Why her? Why not me again?
We already had three and we could have more if you desire,why not me again?
Look,woman, there's nothing to be done to reverse it,she has my son and that's it,I can't abandon them,they are part of this family too.
For real Donald,part of this family...
You just called me by my name huh ?
Yes,you deserve it,and I'll let you know that your relationship with whosoever outside ours is null and void.
Be careful of whatever you say,you may get me mad at you again this night.Let's just go to bed, goodnight,he replied and lied on the bed to sleep.
I won't join you here anymore,she said lastly and I quickly got to my room before she walked out of the room and barged the door at him.
The sitting room couch wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to sleep, but she couldn't bring herself to lie in their bed, not with the memories of him and his infidelity lingering in the air. She stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of betrayal, hurt, and anger.
The next day,dad went out very early.Mum's sister visited in the late afternoon,she began to talk more clearly. She talked about all the times she'd stood by him, supported him and this was how he repaid her. By throwing it all away for some other woman.The more she talked about it, the more her anger grew that she was no longer keeping her voice low and calm,I could hear everything from my room.
I'm considering some options. A certified court marriage meant I have legal rights,I would have to seek legal advice from my lawyer, bring a case against maybe even get a hefty settlement.
The thought of taking him to court, of exposing his dirty secrets to the world, was almost satisfying.But what would people say,a wife sued her husband,would that be a good idea... I was thinking this.
Sister,the idea of taking him to court won't be a nice idea.It's rare for a woman to bring legal action against her husband,don't be among the few please.Is it worth fighting for? Hadn't he already broken the trust, the foundation of the relationship? Her sister replied.
I need to talk to someone who could give me a sound advice,to help me figure out my next move. Maybe my lawyer, maybe a trusted friend or his family members. But one thing is certain,i wouldn't stay in this limbo, stuck in a marriage that is already dead,she bitterly said.
You don't have to leave your union for a stranger,stay and watch back how karma would play,sis replied.
My mind is made up. I'll seek legal advice, I deserve better,she said.
Whatever you want to do, remember your children,think of the effect on them.Or better still,call his family for a meeting,let the settlement begin from there,her sis finally said.
Mum's decision isn't a nice one, planning to sue dad should be the wrongest thing,I feel so.
I'll discuss this with Ivan and Karen so we can meet her to talk to her on reviewing her thoughts.