HER PAST

HER FATHER.

Norisa's aunt began to tell her what had happened, flashing back to the very first beginning of everything. Mrs Ukpong sat upright and went on.

As you know, your mother's love story began with your grandfather, a man who was as stubborn as he was charming. He was a man who always thought he knew what was best for those around him, including your mother.

"My dear, your grandfather was a force to be reckoned with," I began, a faraway look in my eyes. "He was a man who always got what he wanted, no matter the cost. And what he wanted was to keep your mother from the man she loved."

I paused, taking a sip of my tea as Norisa leaned in, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"You see, Norisa, your mother fell deeply in love with a man named Ekong . He was kind, handsome, and had a heart of gold. But your grandfather did not approve of him. He thought Ekong was beneath your mother, that he wasn't good enough for her."

I shook my head, remembering the fiery arguments that had taken place between your mother and grandfather.

"Your grandfather was convinced that he knew what was best for your mother, that he could make decisions for her that would ensure her happiness. But the truth was, Norisa, he was blinded by his own pride and prejudices."

As I spoke, Norisa's eyes grew wider, her face a picture of rapt attention.

"He forbade your mother from seeing Ekong, threatened to cut her off from the family if she didn't obey him. But your mother, Norisa, was a strong-willed woman, just like you. She refused to give up on the man she loved, no matter the cost."

I smiled, remembering the fierce determination in your mother's eyes.

"And so, Norisa, your mother and Ekong continued to see each other in secret, stolen moments whenever they could. They knew that your grandfather would never approve, but they didn't care. They were willing to risk everything for their love."

As I finished speaking, Norisa let out a sigh, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Did they get married, Auntie?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, a sly glint in my eye.

“Be rest assured, their love story is one for the ages, full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat."

And with that, I leaned back in my chair, a satisfied smile on my face, knowing that I had piqued Norisa's interest and would have to continue the story another time.Norisa's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, Auntie, tell me more. What happened next?"

I smiled, taking a sip of my tea as I settled back into my chair. "Ah, my dear Norisa, the story only gets more complicated from here. You see, your mother and Ekong’s love was strong, but your grandfather's disapproval was a powerful force to be reckoned with."

I paused, studying Norisa's face as she hung on my every word. "Your mother and Ekong knew that they had to be careful, that they had to keep their love a secret from your grandfather. But as time went on, it became harder and harder to keep their relationship hidden."

Norisa's eyes grew wider as I spoke, her face a picture of rapt attention. "What happened?" she asked, her voice full of suspense.

I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Your mother and Alexander were caught by your grandfather. He was furious, Norisa. He threatened to disown your mother, to cut her off from the family forever."

Norisa's eyes sparkled with tears as she listened, her face a picture of empathy. "What did my mother do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, remembering the fierce determination in your mother's eyes. "Your mother, Norisa, was a strong-willed woman. She refused to give up on Ekong, no matter the cost. She stood up to your grandfather, told him that she would not be dictated to, that she would follow her heart no matter what."

Norisa's eyes grew wider as I spoke, her face a picture of admiration. "I'm so proud of my mother," she said, her voice full of emotion.

I smiled, nodding my head in agreement. "You should be, Norisa. Your mother was a remarkable woman. But the story doesn't end there. Oh no, it gets even more complicated."

Norisa's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "What happened next, Auntie?"

I smiled, taking a sip of my tea as I settled back into my chair. "Ah, my dear Norisa, that's a story for another time. But rest assured, it's a twist that will leave you breathless."

And with that, I leaned back in my chair, a sly glint in my eye, knowing that I had piqued Norisa's interest

and would have to continue the story another time.