MOTHER IN LAW PART 3

I was already asleep when Patrick came back. That was how the first night was wasted. The next episode of my interaction with my new mother was the issue of honeymoon. The following morning was thanksgiving and after service we sat to discuss again. Every spare time she has, it was for discussion. She started from the fact that we should enjoy ourselves and do whatever we wanted to but not wasteful. Where would you like to go for your honeymoon? I tried to be considerate based on the family I’m coming from, and I said South Africa; her countenance changed like; what am I saying? She continued with don’t you listen to news at all……..

I said, although I haven’t finished discussing with Patrick……… then Patrick walked inside. He greeted his mum and said he needs to see me, and that was a saving grace. I told him I don’t like the way mummy used to call me aside to get to know what was happening in our family, and he said I should try as much as possible to make myself unavailable. 

My trip to Bahamas was a wonderful trip. It was a period of sole concentration and appreciation of marriage. I experienced the inception of love as a full grown woman who has to cater for a man. Two weeks of no mummy….. It was fantastic. The driver had come to pick us from the airport on our arrival, and I was surprised mummy didn’t come with him. But she dropped a note that we should come pick her up as we were coming from a friend’s house in Asokoro. What could that mean I thought? Patrick felt the same way and told the driver to drive home, afterwards go and pick mummy. That was my first mistake. 

When mummy arrived, we greeted her and she pulled a bitter face, with responses as cold as that of an Iraqi to an American. She called me aside again and told me not to ever try what happened today again. You cannot be telling my son to disrespect me. I told the driver that you people should come and meet me at a party, but you came home instead. Patrick is my son and he doesn't disobey, please and please don’t bring the spirit of disobedience into this house else …… 

 I wondered what I’ve done wrong, so I apologized enough to make her feel my loyalty to her one more time. I was now to be very careful in my dealings not to bring hatred between myself and my mother in law. The next few weeks saw peace in the house until Patrick went on shore. It was a trip I would have loved to follow, but it was work. I couldn’t even escort him to the airport. Mummy didn’t agree. I had no job then and wasn’t talking about getting one. My job was gossiping with mummy. I knew the family history and everyone who has messed up at a time was exposed to me. 

The next morning, mummy wore her joggers and snickers, and told me we are jogging today. It was a Saturday thus I changed to a sport wear also. The jogging was a show off. We stopped to greet over forty people, with questions that have no relevance to her life. Everyone knew I was her daughter in law. It was two hours and mummy was really tired. To me it was just a walk, but she was to be bed ridden for the next three days. I went to our chalet to shower and sleep. Surprisingly I didn’t hear mummy’s voice. I called the driver when I woke up to take me somewhere. I had friends thus I could still see them. We were hanging out at Yahuza, when mummy called me. Her voice was so wan and sounded like she was dying. I didn’t hear a word but all I could do was rush back home. When I saw her she complained of pains on her legs, and I ordered her to be taken to Kelina hospital immediately. It took mummy two days to talk, and we were in the hospital for six days. She prayed for me every day, and thanked me, saying if not for me, she would have died. Normal pains don’t kill that way I thought.

It was discharge day and also the day Patrick was coming back. I was to be relieved and shown love again. I have gotten a house for us to move into. I was getting tired of staying with my mother in law. 

I couldn’t go with the driver to the airport again, because I was with mummy. Immediately mummy saw Patrick; her sickness started again. She changed her appearance to that of someone that was dying. I was surprised and subsequently was told to excuse the room for her and her son. Mummy told Patrick I wasn’t caring enough; that even though I stayed with her in the hospital, my mind wasn’t there and lots of things. I couldn’t take it any longer because I now saw it was impossible to please this woman. I told Patrick about the house and he agreed. Three days later we were moving into the house. 

Now I can feel peace, no mother in law’s disturbance, no checkmating…… I walked around almost bare most times. My husband and I were about enjoying the liberty marriage gave. We went shopping for the house at the same mall we first met and our bedroom was purple. Living room was cream with little bit of red. The kitchen was sparkling white …..… it was my first home and I needed to build to my satisfaction. 

Seven days without mummy saw me adding weight. The clothes we bought on projection of weight were now becoming my size. The ass was getting bigger and the breast firmer. I now can pass for a madam. We slept most times in the living room after a session of passionate sex.

It was a Sunday morning and we weren’t planning church. The car horn at the gate sounded familiar. Musa opened the gate and I saw the Land cruiser drive in. I opened the door as I knew there was a message from mummy. Patrick woke up and joined me at the balcony and surprisingly two bags were dropped from the booth and sluggishly mummy came out of the back seat. I rushed to hug her like I really missed her. She ended the call and held me closely also. We walked inside together and the next thing was a slight accusation. You people won’t even come and check up on me. Anyway those are my bags; I was lonely so I’ve come to stay a little here …… those words were the heaviest words I’ve heard. There was no opportunity to restrain mummy and I knew I was in for another session of grief.