Something To Live For

On One Condition

Phil took his time to make a decision. Meanwhile, Binta waited patiently at the other end.

"Uhmm" he said, clearing his throat.

"I will marry you... On one condition" he said, pausing to give Binta some time to consider and ponder over his unknown request or condition.

Binta didn't waste time agreeing. She had wanted to hear those words for as long as she could remember. Her insides screamed with happiness that she couldn't contain anymore.

She beamed and laughed as hard as she could as she nodded her head in agreement, forgetting she was on a call and Phil couldn't see her reaction.

"Why are you laughing?" Phil asked, obviously irritated.

"I'm... I'm sorry, my love. I mean yes. I agree." She replied without hesitation.

She had not bothered to think about what Phil's silly condition would be. She had so much faith in him but in herself mostly. She knew there was no condition greater than having him finally saying 'Yes' to her. She had finally won the game. Although she knew there was no way Phil wouldn't have agreed with her, she felt a sense of accomplishment. She was completely overwhelmed with joy at the moment and let all her worries fade.

"So what's your condition dear?" She asked. Joy, pride and arrogance, all evident in her voice at the moment.

Not minding her tone, Phil replied indifferently. " I want you to let Cynthia stay and take care of the baby."

Binta was stupefied. No! She couldn't believe she had already agreed to this. She couldn't tolerate another woman in her home trying to compete with her to get the attention of her husband. She was so angry at herself, she felt like thrashing about.

Phil, on the other hand, was very happy. She was a fool after all. She had agreed to his condition without asking what it was first. He had come up with the idea a few minutes before her call came in, but he wasn't sure if he would be able to pull the stunt. Since he loved Cynthia but couldn't be with her but Binta instead, he had immediately come up with this plan. At least, he'd get to see Cynthia every day.

"Hello!... Are you there?" Phil asked, suddenly panicking. He thought Binta had cut the call on him when she responded.

"But... But I could take care of the baby too."

" I don't think so. For starters ,you've never been married and therefore have no experience in this matter," Phil argued.

"Yeah. Whatever." She shrugged when she realized Phil was right.

She had reasoned Cynthia stood no chance against her. She would never let them get close. Besides, she had her reins around Phil's neck.

*****************

The shrill cry of Scarlett brought him to his feet. Running around her cot without an idea of what to do next, he swore.

He tried carrying her in his arms, rocking and singing her a lullaby, but it didn't help at all. Frustrated, he sat down, laying her down beside him. He thought of calling Cynthia but decided to call Binta, who wanted to marry him at all costs instead.

Some minutes later, Binta was at his place. Picking up Scarlett, she tried feeding her some water.

"She doesn't drink water yet," he said.

"Would you teach me the job of a mother?" She countered.

"Maybe," he said with a shrug of the shoulders before adding, "You're not a mother yet, but I'm a father, her father."

Totally short of words, she made an 'o' shape with her mouth before she retorted.

"Oh you're her father! What am I then? I'm not a mother yet, but I'll soon be her mother. And as a woman, I know more about raising kids than you do, whether I have experience or not," she retorted.

They continued arguing, drowning out the cry of the baby. Cynthia had come back from the market but neither of them had taken notice of her. She rushed to where Binta had lain Scarlett aside. Taking the baby in her arms, she rocked and crooned to her. Almost instantly, the crying stopped. Only then did Phil and Binta recognize the presence of another person in the room.

"She needs a change of diapers" Cynthia said, walking out, leaving them stunned.

"No wonder she smelt awful. I thought she wasn't well taken care of." Binta muttered under her breath.

Phil, who had heard what she said, looked at her as lines creased the brows on his forehead and asked, "What did you say?"

"Nothing. I was only muttering to myself" she answered.

" You can't take care of my daughter. You're not fit to be her mother." Phil fired back.

"But we agreed to let Cynthia stay and take care of her. "

Cynthia, who had just walked back into the room, was astonished. Why was Mr. Phil telling Binta she couldn't be a mother to his child? And Binta, what did she mean by that?

"What... What do you mean?" She stammered.

Phil, embarrassed and annoyed with himself, tried apologizing. He hadn't planned to break the news that way. " Uhmm... I'm sorry I hadn't mentioned it earlier."

" We're getting married" Binta spoke up, coming out with it as straight as possible. Not mincing words, she continued. "I agree I can't take care of the baby. That's why we both agreed to let you stay till the baby is two".

" I...I can't stay. I can't stay here", Cynthia stammered. Holding back the tears which were threatening to flow in heavy torrents, she walked out of the room with Scarlett in her arms. Phil tried rushing out after her but was stopped by Binta. "She had no other choice. Just let her be."

"Take your filthy hands off me", Phil said angrily. Throwing her hands off his shoulders, he went after Cynthia and Scarlett.