The Sword called Divorce (Episode 2)

              

For the next one week, the home of the Babalolas was choked with tension. Marie avoided her parents as much as possible.  Even ever-joyous Bella sensed the tension and was a bit withdrawn.

                Once, she’d asked Marie what divorce meant; Marie had snapped at her and said: “Go ask Mummy and Daddy!”

                It was an act she instantly regretted. She was mad at the world and even people who didn’t deserve it. What pained her was her powerlessness. There was nothing she could do to stop this insanity going on in her home.

                “Marie, we need to talk about this.” He r mother said, after eight days of silence.

                She  ignored her mother as she stood in her room that evening.

                “I know this is hard but you can’t disrespect your father and I because of it. We raised you better than this.”

                Silence.

                “Marie, please.” Nike was begging now. It was evident her daughter wasn’t budging. “This isn’t the end of the world, honey. We can beat this. We will do what’s best for you.”

                And with stony eyes which Nike hadn’t known her daughter possessed, she asked: “Who’s we?”

                Nike wanted to break down into tears. It killed her to see her daughter look at her that way and talk to her with such coldness.

                “We might not be living together in future, but we are still a family.” She said instead. “Daddy is still your daddy and I’m still your mum and we love you very much.”

                Marie snorted under her breath. She didn’t want to tell her mother that she knew the cause of the divorce.

                She’d eavesdropped on two occasions; well not really eavesdropping since her parents were talking in high whispers.

                “I’m begging you, Nike. Let’s not do this to them. This is between us and we can work it out.” Daddy was saying.

                “You should have thought of that before you put your head between another woman’s skirt.” Her mother had replied sharply. “Not just any woman…a woman I introduced to you! Because I trusted you. I can’t even look at you because it disgusts me when I think of it!”

                Marie could literally hear the bitterness in her voice and she wanted to rush in and…and do what? This was beyond repair. Daddy had cheated and it was disgusting…but Mummy could forgive him.

                She was a Women leader in church and had always advocated for forgiveness among spouses   . Well, it’s time to practice what you preach Mummy.

                “It was a mistake, Nike. It was only once. Please I beg you, don’t do this to us. Forgive me, please.”

                There was no answer, and then Marie heard sniffling. Mummy was sobbing.

                “Nike please.” Her father said again.

                “Just leave me alone.” Mummy had said.

                And Marie heard the creak of the bed as she stood up. The conversation was over.

                She tiptoed to her room and cried her eyes out. She hadn’t told anyone except her best friend that she couldn’t sleep at night. Once she closed her eyes, she saw things. Her sleep was no longer peaceful.

                Her thoughts were permeated with fear. Fear of what she’d become if her parents divorced. Who would she live with? Mummy or Daddy?

                Because of her lack of sleep at night, she found herself dozing off in class. In one week, Marie began to lose weight and become gaunt. The normally boisterous girl became quiet and withdrawn.

               

                Nike had noticed all this and decided to put an end to the grudge Marie held against them.

So far, she wasn’t succeeding.

                “Talk to me, sweetheart.” Nike pleaded again.

                “There’s nothing to say.” Marie replied, still refusing to look at her mother.

                “I’m sorry this is happening…but please baby girl, be strong for my sake. For Bella’s sake.”

                “Oh…now you remember Bella? You’re asking me to be strong…Mum, you’re such a hypocrite.” Her words stung.

                Nike was taken aback. This was not her daughter speaking. It couldn’t be.

Without thinking, she raised her hand and let it connect with her daughter’s cheek A stinging slap intent on chasing away any demon that had possessed her child.

                Marie recoiled, holding her hand to her face with the cold look in her eyes.

                “Don’t you ever talk to me that way, young lady. I’m your mother no matter what you think of me.” Nike’s voice was low and serious.

                “You’re my mother but you’re a liar. You preach love and forgiveness to people but you cannot forgive Daddy!”

                “What are you talking about?” Nike asked, trembling.

                “I know why you’re divorcing Daddy. I’m not stupid.”

                The words echoed in Nike’s ears.

(To be continued…)