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Wanda Arrington Akorede
Category:
Romance
Publisher: BookSurge LLC
ISBN-10: 0970924704
Type: Fiction
Pages: 258
What would you do if you, an American woman met, fell in love with and married a Nigerian man; and then once he’s moved you off to Nigeria, found out he is already married to a woman there? Not only that, but also you find out you are carrying his child!
In a remarkable debut novel – dramatic, eloquent, and wholly original – Wanda Arrington Akorede fuses a story that tests modern sensibility with the drama and reality of today’s African culture. She vividly brings to life the characters: two women, and one man who is eventually forced to make an agonizing and fateful choice.
I had just finished helping Joseph, the steward, dry the dishes and put them away.
"Is there anything else you require tonight?" he asked.
I told him no and went to join Ajoke and Taju Jr. watching television. I asked Joseph if he wanted to join us. As we were walking into the den, the doorbell rang. I wondered who it could be at this time of night, because the family would not return until tomorrow. Joseph opened the door and there stood a strange man, a Nigerian, tall, well dressed, and attractive, who spoke to Joseph. He appeared to be familiar with the steward. Suddenly, he pushed the door open and walked past Joseph, stopping when he saw me.
"Sir, wait! Wait! You can't come inside!" the steward shouted.
I was startled by the stranger's abrupt entrance into the house and asked the man,
"May I help you?" Before he could answer, Joseph rushed into the room. "I am sorry, Madame, but he pushed his way inside."
I felt myself becoming perturbed at the nerve of this man and asked him,
"Are you looking for Bisi and Taju?" I stood there facing the stranger in my blue cotton caftan, my long, brown hair hanging loose, and my eyes flashing... He just stood there, as if in shock, looking at me, shaking his head as if in disbelief. Ajoke came running into the room calling,
"Aunt Janice, are you coming?" Suddenly the stranger found his voice saying,
"You are Janice Adegoke, Olu's second wife?" I did not acknowledge him, and he looked as if he could not believe it. I then smiled a welcome smile,
"Oh, are you a friend of Femi's?" I asked. The stranger answered,
"No, umm, yes, I am Segun Shodeye,"
he introduced himself. I was thinking Olu never mentioned him. I walked towards him, extending my hand to shake his, when he stepped back. Joseph stepped towards him quickly, asking,
" May I help you, sir?"
"No, no thank you. I want to speak to Mrs. Adegoke, alone." I was curious as to who he was and what he wanted to talk to me about, so I invited him to come inside and have a seat. I was cautious though, since he refused to shake my hand. I thought that it was probably another one of their customs; after all, handshaking is an American tradition. I led him to the living room and asked Ajoke to return to Taju Jr., promising to join them shortly. "Please sit down, Mr. Shodeye," I politely offered. Segun said curtly, "I prefer to stand." "As you wish," I said, sitting down on the couch. I began the conversation carefully, unsure of what he wanted.
"If you are not a friend of my husband, then you must be related to Taju."
He eyed me arrogantly and said,
"No, I am not; in fact, I am Omolola's brother."
He was quiet then, as if judging my reaction to hisannouncement.
"Omolola? I don't think I know her,"
I replied, while thinking ... then it came to me as I repeated the name, "Oh my God! Lola! You are the brother of the woman Femi was to marry!" I exclaimed. Segun looked at me, and then decided to finish the job.
He was very cunning with the way he started, as if thinking; now it is time to push in the dagger." What do you mean 'was' to marry? He was already married to my sister before he went to America. They have been married for three years."
I was stunned by the words that came from his mouth. I felt like I had been hit. I rose up and stood at the back of the couch, as if trying to shield myself from further abuse. I took a deep breath and when I found my voice; my words were filled with anger. "What do you mean 'he was married before he came to America'?"
My voice was shaking with emotion; my face became flushed, with my nostrils flaring. The tall man stepped back, gauging my reaction to his words. He watched me warily, unsure of what I would do next. "I felt you should know the truth about everything."
"The truth," I said sarcastically, "What truth? That my husband is married to another woman, when he is married to me?!"
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