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THE GARDEN

Mum's hold on my arm was strong as she dragged me along with her into her bedroom and the moment she shut the door after her; she let go of my arm. I couldn't help but rub the very spot.

"What is wrong with you!? Do you have any idea what your actions can cause us!?" She ranted in a flare and this was the first time in years that I've seen her this upset with me. She brought her hands to her head.

"This child has killed me." She stated in our dialect before lapsing on the bed. To be honest, I didn't enjoy seeing her like this and I couldn't say a word. No matter what I say now to convince her to accept my decision, she'll never see reason.

She lifted her eyes to me. They'd grown teary. "Can't you say yes for my sake? Please Kasie, for my sake, accept his proposal." She urged, and by this time, her tears rolled down her cheeks. I hurried to her, taking a seat on the bed by her side.

"Mum, don't cry. Please... I don't understand. Why Kamalu? I would say it's a business thing, but he's just another villager. Tell me, what is so special about him."

She sniffed, drifting her eyes elsewhere. "I don't want you to hate this family." She stated, which didn't do my understanding any good. Mum drifted her eyes back to me and took hold of my hand in hers. She held it softly and dearly.

"It might seem like we don't care about you, but we do. This is for your sake and your sisters... All you need to know is, your marriage is not just to tie you down or simply give you away because you're of marriageable age. Something much important is at stake and only you can save us... please, promise me you'll think this over once more and while you do, remember we're all counting on you."

She brought me closer for a warm hug, an act of console. "I'm sorry, things have to be this way."

I didn't know what to say or think anymore. It didn't seem like she simply wanted to marry me off. She isn't telling me something and I could feel it. There was more, and for a reason, she was reluctant to share. My heart felt heavy as a newfound pressure weighed on it. Do I ignore my happiness and accept the proposal, or do I keep fighting for my happiness and risk hurting my family?

A sigh left my lips once more while I stared at the skies that night, seated in the garden. If only the right answer would drop from the sky, then that would be great, but no, nothing is ever that easy.

"Are you okay?"

Immediately, I looked in the voice's direction and there he was, close to a seat. I'd probably been so lost in thoughts that I didn't hear him coming.

I nodded, even though it wasn't true.

"Can I join you?" Cergio asked after much hesitation. I wanted to say no, but I also needed company. Anything to get my mind off the situation I was in.

"Sure." I replied and watched as he had his seat before I looked away. Silence hovered around us for a good while.

"Chidera mentioned you had a suitor today." Suddenly, he interrupted the silence, and I was a little reluctant to look in his direction, especially at the mention of the word, suitor.

The atmosphere was silent once more after I didn't give a reply.

"Did you say yes?" Suddenly, he broke it once more.

"No." I was quick to reply immediately I looked his side and only felt embarrassed right after at how quick I'd been to defend.

"Okay." He replied, and I wasn't sure if there was something for me to say next or simply just walk away. Funny how we'd chatted okay the last time and now it felt awkward. What was different? I wasn't sure.

There was silence once more, longer than the first, that I couldn't stop myself from looking at him. He stared at nothing in particular, like someone lost in thoughts.

"So..." I started, not sure why I did, but I did and his attention was back to me.

"... Who is Cergio? I don't think I know much about you except you're a vegetarian, a pastor, an engineer, one of Eze's close friends, and the accident. I'm sure there's more, right?" Okay, so I'm making conversations. That's not bad. I need anything that'll take my mind off the situation I was in.

A faint smile played on his face, and I felt my heart flutter for a second. I didn't want to disclose the fact that his smallest reaction was getting to me, therefore I drifted my gaze elsewhere for a few seconds.

"I'm an only child to a mother who was a nurse and a father who was a constructor and a pastor."

"Oh." I added with raised brows, and he nodded.

"I'm Hispanic American, third-generation immigrant... apparently living the American dream." He added, finishing with a broader smile.

"Hispanic? That's... that's..."

"Spain. I'm originally from Spain."

"Right." I concluded while nodding continuously like an idiot and when I realised he fixated his gaze on me, and charming smile on his face, did I look anywhere else but him, scared I would embarrass myself a lot more.

"And you?" He asked as he lightly poked my arm with his index finger. Looking in his direction, I couldn't help wearing a silly smile as I bounced a little to the side and back.

"Me?" I repeated, still wearing the same smile, and he nodded. "But, you're in my hometown, my family house. You've met my entire family. I... I don't think there's more to say."

"No, I'm not talking about your family. I mean... who is Kasie, personally?" He elaborated, and for the first few seconds, I stared at him. I'm not sure anyone has asked that, ever.

"Um, okay. I... I'm a microbiologist."

He raised both brows in apparent surprise. "Really?" I nodded and watched as he thought for a second, probably telling himself that he guessed wrong.

"Food microbiologist, actually. I work in a baby food producing company and um..." I wracked my brain for anything more to tell about myself.

"... Yes, I hail from Abia state, but live in Calabar, although I grew up in Lagos for most of my life before my parents migrated to Umuahia, closer to home, to the family business, my dad had said. If you're wondering, we own a brewery. That's the family business and also..." I thought some more, and stared elsewhere, to nothing in particular.

"... My favourite foods are, I'm going to go native on you so..." I told him and watched as his smile broadened before he nodded.

"... I said foods because I don't really think I have a favourite." I added and watched as he nodded once more in accordance.

"They are Oha, Afang and Edikang Ikong soups, palm oil rice made with dried fish, Abacha also known as African salad and roasted plantain eaten with delicious stew and roasted fish." In the end, I let out a sigh. Having spaced out, just thinking about it made me salivate.

His chuckle forced my attention back to him. Silly. I had forgotten for a minute that he was still here. I wonder what expression I'd put on while listing out all that.

"They all sound delicious."

"They are. You should try them or some before you leave Nigeria." I stated in good intentions, but only after I watched his broad smile diminish did I realise what I'd just said. Leave Nigeria, which means I won't get to see him again.

"Will you really be okay if I leave?"

I let out a light and brief laughter, trying to lighten the mood. "Will I be okay? You're... you're going back home to your family, friends, work, and church. That's a good thing... That's, yes... I'll be okay if you get home safely." I lied and wore a smile in the end. In such a short time, I've grown to appreciate his company, our conversations, and even though my feelings towards him were just growing and every fiber in me would love to tie him down... I couldn't. Not only are we worlds apart, I'm slowly drowning in my own problems and it would be selfish of me to drag him down with me.

"Oh, I see." He added as he lowered his eyes from me, rubbing his hands together as well. My smile disappeared. My hands on my lap, I rubbed them together in nervousness and in an act of controlling myself. I should leave. Immediately, I got up to my feet, and he lifted his eyes back to me.

I painted a simple smile back on my face. "Hopefully, I should be able to give you a tour of the village before the holiday ends... before you leave." I mentioned, an attempt at really making it up to him. He flashed a smile, weak and brief, before lightly nodding.

"Good night, Cergio."

"Good night." He replied, and I was glad he did as I walked away, leaving him behind. I drew in a deep breath as I kept going, not looking back. This was for the best. It's always better to clip things at the beginning before it spreads. I don't know what his true intentions are, but... this is the right way, right?