Uncle Dayo wasn’t having it cool with Rebecca either. He introduced her to a wealthy friend’s son and recommended marriage immediately. Of course he had ulterior motives.
“I’m sorry uncle, but I have someone already, and I love him.” Rebecca objected.
“What do you know about love? You silly girl!” He snapped. “The last time you allowed your stupid love to lead, where did it land you? That foolish Bamidele. I hope he’s not the man you are still waiting for?”
“He’s not Uncle. I have someone else and he wants to marry me.” Rebecca responded calmly. She was fighting the urge to smack her uncle face.
“If you don’t get married to Olumide just consider yourself as an outcast because I’ll cease being your uncle!”
“Ahh ahnn! Daddy Bimpe, why are you taking this so personal? Allow the girl to make her choice. Will you live with them? Abi, is there something special attached to her marriage with Olumide?” Enitan chipped looking at her husband suspiciously. She knew he was up to something.
“Will you keep quiet, woman! You’ve been misleading this brat all these years. I will not allow you to lure her into marrying a nobody. It’s either Olumide or no one else.” He left the sitting room fuming. Rebecca and Enitan looked confused.
“I’m sorry Aunty but I will not do his bidding. I don’t like that Olumide guy.
“Have you met him already?” Aunty Enitan asked looking surprised
“Yes, he’s too proud and pompous; he’s also a womanizer and a drunk.” She complained. “I cannot end up with such a bag of problem. I wonder why uncle wants me to marry him by all means.”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m certain he wants his father to always give him contracts. Don’t bother yourself, his rants won’t last long.” Aunty Enitan assured.
“Aunty, I’ve been bothered lately.”
“What is the matter dear one?” Enitan asked, sounding concerned.
“I’m afraid to tell Timothy I’m not a virgin. The way he carries me high and presents me to everyone around him is too big. I’m ashamed of my past.”
“Has he asked you yet?”
“No.”
“So why are you bothered?”
“What if does, what would I say?”
“Say yes!”
“………but, I’m not. That’s a lie.”
“Then get ready to lose him. No man wants to marry a used lady for your information. You better zip your mouth and use your common sense.” Enitan warned.
“What if he finds out when we consummate our marriage?” Rebecca continued.
“He’ll never find out if you follow my instructions. I’ll give you something that will keep you intact.
“Are you sure about this one aunty?……I’m scared ooh.” Rebecca panicked.
“There’s nothing to be scared of, my mother recommended it to me when I had my second baby. Don’t mention anything about my husband and Bamidele to Timothy. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“I wouldn’t aunty.” Rebecca assured.
“Better!”
Few days later while having a heart to heart conversation, Timothy asked Rebecca a few questions relating to her virginity and past relationships if there were any, but like Aunty Enitan had advised she maintained she was a virgin and Timmy was her first love. Of course he was proud.
“You’re welcome to my humble abode.” Timothy smiled as he offered Rebecca a seat. He had informed his mother she would be visiting, he wanted her to see his ‘wife-to-be’ in person hoping it would make her see things from a different perspective.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she sat gently on a sofa. The house was a sight to behold. “Where’s mummy?” She asked, looking around.
“She’ll be here shortly, I guess she’s praying because Kike already informed her of your arrival.” Timothy responded.
“Is she your sister? I thought you said you’re an only child.” Rebecca asked.
“She’s mommy’s house help, I had to employ her to help mommy with some things……There she comes.” Timothy interjected Immediately as he saw his mother walking down the staircase.
“Good afternoon ma.” Rebecca greeted kneeling.
“Good afternoon young lady, are you Rebecca?” Mrs. Bukola asked, looking at her disdainfully.
“Yes ma. I’m sorry I can’t help it, but you have a very beautiful house.” Rebecca replied courteously.
“Thank you. I’m sure you’ve never lived in a place like this. Kike! get juice for Timothy’s guest please.” She continued, as she kept smiling mischievously.
“Please sit Becca,” Timothy said smiling calmly as he held her hands.
“So tell me who’s daughter are you and where are you from? My son has told me a lot about you, but I’d love to hear from the horse’s mouth. She stared at her son before throwing the bombshell.
“I’m……” Rebecca started before she was rudely interrupted by Mrs. Bukola.
“Timmy tell Kike to also bring some food. Your guest looks malnourished. Haven’t you noticed?” Mrs. Bukola said not minding the embarrassed look on Rebecca’s face.
“Don’t mind my mother, she likes to play.” Timothy said, trying to ease the tension his mother was building. He felt uneasy on his sit.
“I’m Rebecca Davidson from Ondo state. My parents are late but I live with my uncle and his family. His name is Mr Dayo Davidson.”
“And what does your uncle do for a living…..A bus driver I suppose.”
“He’s not a bus driver! He’s an Architect.” For the first time Rebecca felt proud of her uncle.
“You can serve the food over here Kike darling, the dining table is for my important guests.” Mrs Bukola smirked as she saw Kike placing the food on the dining. Rebecca swallowed hard. She disliked Mrs. Bukola’s attitude. To make things worse, Timmy was tongue tied.
Rebecca ate slowly as she couldn’t swallow properly. The food didn’t taste good either. Timmy kept smiling to pacify her, he knew his mother was mean, but he didn’t expect her to be unkind to his wife-to-be because they had discussed before her arrival.
“Kemi’s Father called in, he wants to know when the marriage rites will begin. You have kept the young lady waiting for too long, you know.” Mrs. Bukola started, she looked over at Rebecca who kept picking her food slowly.
“I should be on my way already. Thanks for having me.” Rebecca announced as she picked her bag and headed out. She had had enough of Timothy’s mother already. Timothy followed behind immediately pleading.
“I’m sorry about my mother, please don’t think about anything she said.” Timothy pleaded as they were outside.
“I don’t want to have this conversation Timothy! I just want to go home.” Rebecca replied rudely.
“Okay, how about this weekend I want to take you out.”
“Take who out? Please go and prepare for your wedding with Kemi and leave me alone. I’ve had enough nonsense in one day.”
“Don’t let that bother you please. I have nothing to do with Kemi and I never will. God told me you’re my wife.”
“Then let him tell me too!” Rebecca shouted as she hopped into a tricycle and commanded the rider to zoom off. She wept bitterly throughout the ride as she felt humiliated.
“That wasn’t right mom, how could you treat my wife like a piece of rag.” Timothy was stern with his mother.
“You better stop day-dreaming young man. Kemi is your wife and you can’t stop it. I rebuke every evil spirit that wants to destroy your destiny in Jesus name!”
“I will not marry Kemi! If you want to marry her for yourself, then go ahead for all I care. I have spoken to her father already and I have officially called off the relationship with her. So what’s your fuss?”
“Whatever you do isn’t my concern! She’s your wife and you cannot stop it. Kike, Come and take these plates quickly! Wash them and make sure you start serving the dogs with it.” She walked out immediately in a bid to end the conversation with her son.
Exactly a year after the hassle with Timothy’s mother and Uncle Dayo, their wedding date was fixed. Wedding cards were printed, and the preparation for the wedding was on top gear. The day finally came and Timothy and Rebecca were joined together as Man and wife. Mrs Bukola’s fuss and Uncle Dayo’s rants couldn’t stop it. Rebecca was officially a part of the Deola’s family.
