The fallout of Avarice

Michael a tall,handsome looking young man dressed in a white byc polo over a pair of blue jeans standing over the kitchen carter sipping a cold glass of juice beside him was his mother Mrs Christine beautiful looking woman in her late forties dressed in a short pair of jeans over a tee shirt eating peanuts placed in a plastic plate. They were apparently deep in a conversation with his Mother at the lead. Glanced at her wristwatch for the umpteenth time as she had an appointment to attend that evening... so you have to marry Elizabeth, my son, for that is the only way our family will forever bid poverty a goodbye, Mrs Christine said. Michael looked at his mother in outright shock as though he didn't expect it and in utter surprise, he asked his mom, how on earth do you expect me to get married to a lady of that class and exposure when I barely didn't see the four walls of any higher institution either am I employed at any firm? how is that going to work? Mrs Christine sharply corrected, that you don't have a job or a certificate to qualify does not mean anything to Elizabeth, she is more than equal to the task Michael. what does she do for a living? Michael in further buttress his fears his mom adjusting her chair to come a bit closer to her son said in confidence, she is the owner of a well known company, therefore she is so rich, so connected as well as a great deal of influence. she is the greatest thing that will ever happen to our family if the marriage is a success. Michael looks at his mom for a while without knowing what to say at the moment. The relationship between the two was a bold no one would separate. Being the fourth and the only son of the family how would he disrespect his parents. He knew it would break their heart but his life was involve too, still skeptical and could help but ask his mom again. mom,how do you expect an illiterate like me get married to such an sophisticated Lady as Elizabeth? Mrs Christine bent on convincing him said, All she desires is nothing more or less than bearing a man's name, she literally does not care if you are an illiterate or not. looking at his mom determinedly, I can't marry such a lady am too young and inexperienced to marry such a woman like Elizabeth, all that glisters are not gold mom, can't you understand? moving towards the door leading to the living room, he paused and looked at his mom again, he shook his head and made a move further, then his mom staring hard on him understand what, Michael? are you happy with our penurious circumstances? do you care for this family at all? do you enjoy seeing us suffer? this is a chance to change the situation of this family and you are going to let this opportunity pass on, Mrs Christine said soberly Michael didn't look at his mom, as he wouldn't bare to see her cry but yet was speechless and finally he walked away it is fifteen minute passed two 2:15pm in the afternoon 17 years old Lilian, Michael's younger sister in her Senior class,wearing a long sky blue sleeve and a navy blue Pinner four (printed skirt) and a pair of white stockings in a black Sandal's came back from school, tired and hungry didn't notice her brother in the living room. Rushed into the kitchen after dropping her school bag on the couch close to the door leading to the kitchen. Michael didn't pay attention to her as he was in his own world with his thoughts Michael! Michael!!, Mrs Christine was calling startled, Michael rushed into his mother's room as though something bad had happened, getting to the room he saw his mom sitting down on the bed close to his sick father Mr Daniel aged man in his early sixties, who has been sick for a year from tuberculosis, with tears in her eyes she asked him to sit down on the side chair by the bed Michael! Michael!! how many times did I call you, Mrs Christine raised and showed him two fingers meaning she called twice she continues, wake up from your deep slumber. Michael simply laughed, shaking his head. enquired in amazement, why are you laughing? is anything funny?, asked his mother how do you expect a twenty five year old young man like me to get married to a lady in her early thirties?, Michael asked in confusion. Age is just a number and shouldn't be a barrier, I have told her all she needs to know about you and she's simply crazy to see you in spite of your assumed shortcomings. Mrs Christine paused to allow her words sink in her sons head and had continued solemnly. Take a good look at your father's health, his not improving due to the shortage on his medications. My child listen to me, I want the best for you and our family. our lineage seems to be under a curse and has known nothing expect poverty and hardship despite our efforts. paused again and began to sob in what seemed like self pity, the sobs which broke her sons heart. Later continued in a pathetic voice this curse needs to be broken my child and you are the only one who can break it, we your parents are old and your sisters are married now, it is just you and Lilian I have here now, who will look after Lilian when we are gone? my son God forbid, mom you and dad will be alive to see us rise. Michael said hopefully but God has brought someone who will wipe our tears away his mom said in tears Michael was moved by his mom's tears which he hated so much with everything in him. he was truly not happy about the circumstances of his family and had dreamt of breaking that curse sooner or later. They were 5 children from his parents and he was the only son from four girls, and the fourth child. His older sister's are married and had their own family problems. His father had been a bricklayer who hardly provides for the family. As a result, poverty seemed to have been part of their life's. Michael breaking the silence in the room; please mom, stop crying because you know I hate seeing you in tears, I love you mom and will always do no matter what it cost. happy and cheered by her son's comforting words, she wiped away the tears with the piece of cloth she was holding and felted relaxed. she finally spoke if you don't want to see me in cry, then marry Elizabeth and wipe my tears permanently and remove poverty from our lineage please my son! his father called coughing aloud. yes dad i am here, Michael answered listen to your mother, I don't have much time left..I failed you as a father but I do not want you to do the same to your kids, please my son! don't become the failure I am please my son. he coughed hard this time and continuously,Michael rushed to his father's side trying to ease him, while the mom was now in tears again trying to help her husband Lilian! Lilian!! where is this girl? Michael still calling. yes brother! am here, Lilian answered. get a cup of water for dad! Lilian ran out of the room and was back with a cup of water, Michael took the water from her and give his dad to drink. Lilian took her mom by the hands while they stood a at the corner of the room, trying to calm Mrs Christine. having drank the water, Mr Daniel was feeling better now. They all left the room and allowed him rest. Michael, Lilian and Mrs Christine are now in the living room, Michael was constrained to ask her about the girl she had always showered praises on. mom, you seemed to have easily forgotten about, Amanda whom you have been so crazy about? have you forgotten how deeply we adored each other? how expectant we have all been as regards my getting married to her? sneeringly, who is talking about love here? she's a good girl but that's not what we need boy. I know for sure that you will start loving Elizabeth with time. love is something that develops with time, Mrs Christine answered. it is no going to be easy for me to leave Amanda for any other woman, what will I tell my friends, this is going to be difficult for me mom, in a confused state Michael replied to his mom. you should listen to mom, am tired of walking to school every morning, we barely eat good food, its the left over from super I had this afternoon, and am way behind in school activities, no textbooks. My tuition fees hasn't been completed, Lilian said sadly. so please don't let your pride get in the way of making this family great. (Michael now in rage) will you keep quiet, I don't want to hear a word from you anymore,when elders are talking don't involve yourself do you understand? yes brother, Lilian said resting her head on her mother lap. why are you shouting at her? you want to kill her because she spoke the truth? his mom asked mom I don't like this at all, he muttered Michael you must marry Elizabeth, you can't reject what God has brought to wipe away poverty from this family she concluded as she walked away with Lilian Michael not knowing what else to say, entered the kitchen to eat his lunch of native rice made with palm oil, bad as it seems only a little potion was left so he ate directly from the charcoaled pot on the stove Later that evening, Michael went out to meet with his friends Getting to the bar where his friends watched soccer, he greeted his friends, peter, David, and noel and in return they responded friendly, while the game was on and they were chatting about the game on which team is going to win, Michael's phone rang but Michael kept ignoring the call because it was Amanda calling.. David to Michael in real surprise from where he sat down with him watching the game; why on earth did you not want to pick the call? David asked. I wonder! has Amanda offended you that you now avoid her? Noel joined in. (Readily supported from the other end of the table) peter said you know women like children, and sometimes annoying and equally distracting David asked peter in surprise oh really? how can you tell when you are not married yet or are you keeping your family a secret ? noel who noticed Michael was distracted or rather worried about something, called his attention Michael are you OK? noel asked getting the attention of peter and David Michael takes a deep breath, then speaks quietly. Am OK guys, am fine! you don't look fine, peter chimed in hmm!, am confused guys, my mom wants me to get married to a woman, who is way more older than I am, in her early thirties to be precise! what? exclaimed David hell no, that is hilarious, Noel joins you got to be kidding me, right? asked peter I am not, that's the real deal now. she said we are under a curse which has made poverty a part and parcel of our lineage, she added that the woman is rich and the owner of a well known company here in our country. And when I asked about Amanda she said, she wasn't what we needed. (Michael rubbing his hand on his head looking more confused, then continues.) I can't be with such a woman who obviously is educated and exposed to so many things of life. but there is nothing wrong with that, she is so exposed and must know what is trending. if you are not interested in the lady, i will meet your mom to please introduce me to such a golden prospect which I have been dreaming all my along. (To Michael in all sincerity)indeed, Amanda has all it takes to be a good wife, but will being a good wife put food on your table or do you intend to remain a pauper all your life? Peter asked sipping his beer David chimed in, true talk my friend! ( to Michael) if I were you, I will not hesitate for a second to get married to that lady. I often wonder why breadfruit falls for those that do not value it. Don't mind them my dear, for they are both Materialistically minded. do you desire to end up like a slave or a maid in your own house ? is that your wish ? noel asked (David to noel sarcastically) that is your problem, you are so barbaric that I wonder which planet you come from. I would rather be a maid in my own house in order to be rich than to be a master of my house without any food on the table. you have said it all, my friend. Bravo! peter sharply admitted with him (shrugged a trifle resignedly on seeing that David and peter were hell bent on flooring his argument, to Michael) I have told you my mind, its now left for you to decide. Remember today, don't forget! appreciatively Michael responded, I have heard all of you.(in conclusion) I will think about it, I am deeply appreciative of your individual contributions. they all smiled and cheered to their glass of beer. Michael in his house later that evening, his phone began to ring, it was his older sister, Ruth the first child of his parents hello! sister Ruth how are you doing? she asked didn't wait for him to respond, she continued mom has told me how you have refused to marry that lady, because of Amanda and age gap. the woman whom I found for you? Do you want this opportunity to pass our by? Michael trying to speak Ruth sharply interrupted him you are going to marry Elizabeth, you can't start disrespecting me now.. why in the name of baby Jesus will you not allow me to marry the girl I love..? Michael asked soberly because she is not good for you, we want the best for you and your future matters to us, Ruth answered without hesitation how do you know that this will give me happiness? you are blind for the desire of material things, Michael said trying to control his rising temper can a hungry man sleep soundly with his two eyes closed? a hungry man will never have peace of mind. so anymore advising you otherwise is trying to fool you into believing him, don't worry I will speak to Elizabeth on your behalf concerning a job for you and I know she won't decline any of my heart desires. she concluded I will be by the house tomorrow don't make me wait for you, do you understand?.. yes sister,I will be there Michael dropped the phone and went to shower, shortly after he came out of the bathroom, he heard a knock on the door. Getting to the door,he opened it and there Amanda stood looking at him. come in dear, he said as Amanda walked in Amanda, a fair skinned beautiful looking girl in her early twenties dressed in a silk pink gown designed with roses at her knee and a pair of golden Sandal's sitting on the bed wearing a long face. why haven't you been taking my calls? what's going on? she asked, am sorry, I was busy please forgive me. Michael knowing she can't be mad at him for long said why trying to pacify her. I miss you, he continued letting her blush for awhile. walking towards her, he sat on the bed and kissed her softly on the lips. I miss you B!, grabbing his shirt and kissed him too so tell me, how was your day? tell me everything you did today, Michael said they kept talking until, Michael was carried away by just looking at Amanda, he had thrown all cares and scruples to the wind with the intent to enjoy that very moment he was with Amanda to the fullest. Michael later arose from the bed, after they had both exhausted themselves from love making, and staggered into the bathroom to ease himself. As he walked back into the room, Amanda was awake already. hope you enjoyed last night? Amanda asked as he lay back on the bed. of course,I over enjoyed it that I can't find words to qualify it, he said kissing her on the cheek. I cherish every moment I have spent with you till this day. Amanda was so happy to hear him say that, she hugged him warmly and got off the bed to prepare for the day. Michael looking at his wall clock, got up hurriedly and dashed to the bathroom leaving Amanda to wonder . is everything alright she asked , I have to meet my sister at home, a family meeting i guess he said while having a bath . oh, that's alright.. hurry up! Amanda is in the kitchen,making noodles and boiled egg...Michael was getting ready to leave the house but he was stopped by Amanda who is insisting he eats before leaving,he agrees and waited patiently for the food.. its ready, let us eat! she said dropping the plate full of noodles, two boiled eggs and two sachet of water. After a short prayer of grace before meal, they ate quietly. Amanda finally broke the silence, thank you dear, thank God, Michael responded, dropping his fork into the plate, Amanda picked it up and went to the kitchen to do the dishes. set to leave, they both bid goodbye and went separate ways.