Nadir

The day of Ems’ arrival is here, he was supposed to come in a few days from the time he called but it has taken a month. I didn’t want to see him but Jackie organized a welcome back home luncheon and invited us. Joshua is working today so he couldn’t make it instead he told me he would join us later, of course I am not okay with this but he did point out that the invitation came from my best friend so against my will here I am.

‘You look like you just want the world to swallow you.’ Martha says

I wasn’t shocked when I got here and found her with Peggy, of course Jackie invited all of us.

‘I don’t want to be here.’

She laughs.

‘I have always known you to stand for the truth and always be truthful to your friends but I don’t think you are doing Jackie any favor by keeping this from her.’

Martha is telling the truth but I hate hearing it. I regret ever telling her how much Ems has been on my case.

‘But I think that guy likes you.’

‘Martha.’ I say looking around trying to make sure that it’s just us in the kitchen.

‘Why would you say that?’

‘Did you see how he looked at you when you walked in? it’s like the world had stopped moving.’

‘Girl please.’

‘Plus he asked me where pumpkin was.’ She says this and laughs so hard I have to roll my eyes.

‘Martha this is not funny.’ I say trying to suppress the laughter

‘You know Nandy, this is such a messed up situation and yet so funny. Both you and I can agree that Ems is good looking and yet here is Joshua treating you like a Queen. What if Ems will satisfy all your wildest desires? Just think about it.’

‘We are not having this conversation.’

‘I think we should.’ Ems says walking into the kitchen

I don’t know what cologne he is using but it is overwhelming and makes my head feel light I have to hold on to something.

‘Are you okay?’ He asks worriedly

‘I am pretty sure she just doesn’t want to see you.’ Martha says teasingly

‘I need to puke.’ I say rushing to the nearest bathroom

I get there and place my head in the toilet bowl and puke. I didn’t realise he had followed me until I feel someone holding my hair and I smell the perfume.

‘It’s your perfume.’ I say standing up to wash my mouth.

I am bewildered when he takes off his shirt leaving only his vest on.

‘Emmanuel what are you doing?’

‘Making sure you don’t puke again.’

‘Please wear your shirt.’

‘Not a chance.’

I cover the toilet bowl with the cover and sit on top of it.

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Much better, I don’t know what happened to me.’

‘You are pregnant.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘You are pregnant.’

I stand up and walk around the little bathroom trying to do my calculations. Joshua and I have been having a lot of sex but we have always been using a condom, the one time we suspected that the condom burst I took a safety pill and I doubt it could have let me down.

‘I am a few days late yes but I am not pregnant.’ I say trying to convince myself more than him.

‘Your skin is pale, your waist area is a little bigger and your bosom is fuller.’

‘How did you notice all this?’ I ask. Just yesterday one of my favourite bras felt tighter and I was suspecting it’s some weight gain but he does have a point. My bosom is fuller now.

‘Oh crap.’ I say

‘Congratulations I guess.’

‘Why do you look like that.’

‘A child is a huge change Pumpkin. What are you going to do about it?’

‘I have honestly seen myself pregnant.’ I say with a scared laughter

‘Well you can begin by telling Joshua and hear what he says. I am sure he will be thrilled.’

‘You don’t look thrilled.’

He moves close to me.

‘I really wish we had a chance Nandy, honestly I do. But my brother came on to you first and there is nothing I can do about it.’

‘Plus you are with my best friend.’

‘That.’ He says scratching his head

‘Don’t hurt her Ems.’

‘I wouldn’t do anything that isn’t right.’

I am not sure what that means but I take it he knows better.

I remove my phone and decide to text Joshua.

‘I think I am pregnant.’

‘You are going to do it over text?’ Ems asks immediately I hit the send button

I shrug my shoulders and I find myself handing him my phone when Joshua starts calling. Ems picks up and puts it on speaker.

‘Babe I just got your text.’

‘I honestly think I am.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘I will be once a test is done.’

‘Oh my God I hope it comes out positive.’

‘What?’

‘Of course you will be carrying our child. I am excited babe, we are going to be the best parents in the world. And I need to tell mum to organise our people to come and meet yours.’

‘Babe slow down.’

‘This is good news Nandy. Let me even put this work away, I will make an appointment with my doctor and we can go there right away.’

‘Okay.’

‘Hey.’

‘Yes babe.’

‘I love you and I want this with you.’

‘I love you.’ I respond before cutting the line

‘I guess you have your future set out.’ Ems says

‘Just be happy for me.’

He kisses my forehead

‘My mother will love you.’

‘Thank you.’

..

Kwenje’s Girl

Winnie

🙇🏾‍♀️