Episode 2
Ije's religious code could nt at first be reconciled with d herbalist's suggestion but her strong desire to overcome her problem had outweighed both her loyalty to her religion and her reason. With reluctance had consented to offer d sacrifice. Months later, it become clear to her DAT d oblation was in vain and so also were d herbalist's concoctions DAT she was made to drink.
Then there was d other herbalist who had attributed her problem to d evil machinations of their enemies. The herbalist had boasted DAT he knew the names of these enemies but had refused to disclose them, after collecting money for sacrifice to appease d gods and to battle wit d power of evil. Again nothing had come out of it.
Paper a newspaper vendor called, breaking into Ije's thoughts and bringing her back to d present. 'Madam u want paper?' d vendor was standing in front of her. 'Yes, give me a copy of New Nigerian', Ije said. 'And a copy of Daily Time too', she paid for d papers and d vendor walked away.
As d vendor walked walked away, Ije began to scan d newspapers while she waited for her turn to see the doctor. She was interrupted by a fat woman who came and sat Dwn in d armchair next to hers.
'Good morning,' the woman greeted her.
'Good morning,' Ije replied, lifting up her eyes and resting them on d woman. She has a short neck. She was extravagantly made up and was dressed in a flowered buba and lappa.
'Is ur name Ije?' The fat woman asked.
'Yes,' Ije replied. There was a blank look look on her face as she gazed at d woman whom she did not recognize.
The fat woman noticed Ije's bewilderment. 'I won't blame you for not recognizing me,' she said, smiling. I've grown very fat, fat beyond recognition. But can't u guess?'
Ije's eyes narrowed as she looked at d woman. She tried again to recollect where she had seen her before but drew a blank. She gave up.
Honesty. I can't remember who u are, she said apologetically. 'My memory is lik a sieve these days.'
'You were once at A.C.M. port Harcourt, weren't you?' The fat woman inquired.
Yes.
'And u were in warner house?'
'You're rite,' Ije admitted.
'Remember Beatrice ? The sprinter? I was in class three wen u were in class four, I think'.
Ije's face lit up with recognition. 'Yes, I remember you now,' she said. 'But you were slimmer then.'
'Yes I was,' Beatrice agreed. 'I wish I had not grown so fat. My husband nags me day & night bcos of my obesity. That's d Wrds he use to describe my condition. You live here in Enugu?'
Yes ije replied. And you?
My husband and I ve to CME to Enugu on transfer. We lived in Abakaliki until a few months ago.
I see Ije said, folding her newspapers and putting them away in her handbag.
'Have u been here before?' Beatrice asked
'You mean to his hospital?'
'Yes'
N'o, dis is my 1st time,' Ije explained.
This is my 1st time too, I understand dis Dr Melie is very good.
So I was told.
Are u having trouble too? Beatrice asked.
Yes, Ije replied. She wished she could stop d conversation. She was nt use to discussing her personal problems with outsiders.
But Beatrice was one of those women who confide easily on pple. She told Ije abt her problems. She has been married for eight years without a child. She had been to many gynaecologists and to several herbalists but none has been able to help her.
'My husband is very worried,' Beatrice continued, mopping her face with a handkerchief. She was now sweating profusely even though it was nt hot.
My husband is worried to death,' Beatrice reiterated. 'His parents, relations, his friends, all keep on telling him to get himself another wife to bear him an heir. I'm sure that one of these days he ll heed their advice. He's getting fed up with me.
He flares up at me most of d time no matter what I do'.
She stopped talking bcos she was out if breath.
Ije said nothing. She did not want to discuss her own problems with Beatrice, so she thought it unfair to encourage her to continue discussing hers.
But Beatrice rattled on and on, taking no notice of Ije's silence. She told Ije abt d many quarrels she had with her husband bcos of her childlessness. She talked abt her mother in law pouring abuse on her.
In answer to her question Ije told her that she too had no child although she had been married for years.
Beatrice was genuinely sorry for Ije in spite of her own misfortune.
Jst den a pregnant woman walked into d waiting room. Beatrice went ova to her and they talked for few minutes. Then she came back to resumed her seat beside Ije.
TBC.
